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/)

More photos of the Nine-Acre Corner Glossy Ibises

Hello everybody! I would like to share some more absolutely gorgeous photos of the 10 Glossy Ibises that have been seen at the southwest fields of Nine-Acre Corner near the country club (the name of the golf course slips my mind) in Concord, MA. This set of 9 photos were taken by Dale J. Martin of Massapoag Pond Photography on Monday, April 19th.

Here is the link of the Glossy Ibis photos and here is the business address of Massapoag Pond Photography:

Massapoag Pond Photography

1070 Lancaster Ave.

Lunenburg, MA 01462

dale@massapoag.org

Dale had shared the link to his photos of the ibises via email, for we had gotten in contact thanks to the posts on Massbird. I gave him directions so he could get on these lovely waders and he shared the amazing results of his prowess as a photographer!

Enjoy everybody and happy birding!!

eBird Report - Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA, 4/20/10

After having done a little bit more yard work at home, I accompanied my brother and his good friend Ciaran O'Dwyer for a little nature walk to Grassy Pond Conservation Land in Acton, the main parking area located right off Nagog Hill Road. The parking lot will be on your left if you are coming from Acton via Route 27. It was my 3rd time being there and my first time in the spring. Fairly quiet until coming upon Grassy Pond itself. The highlight of this little excursion of course was seeing 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS chasing each other just above the surface of the pond for several minutes. At first I thought perhaps Bank Swallows, but no breast band or contrasting. They were dark brown above and pale brown below, especially around the chest to throat. I had also thought juvenile Tree Swallow, but again, no stark contrasting. So, I had myself a pair of Northern Rough-wings, a lifer for me! I had honestly did not expect to see much on this little trek, for it was nice just being out and about and seeing what lovely avian friends were around the vicinity! I hope others had a chance to get out and enjoy this fine day! Happy birding to all!!!


Location:     Grassy Pond Conservation Land, Acton, MA
Observation date:     4/20/10
Number of species:     15

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     4
Red-shouldered Hawk - Buteo lineatus     1 (Soaring fairly high up over pond)
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     1
Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon     1 (Off to the left amongst dead trees in marshy area of pond)
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus     2 (Excellent views of male checking out dead trees on left from platform over pond)
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     2
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     2
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx serripennis     2 (Skimming surface of Grassy Pond chasing each other)
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     4
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     2
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     5
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     7
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula     5
American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     5

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


Here is some general info from the Acton Conservation Commission for Grassy Pond Conservation Land

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Project FeederWatch Posters (.pdfs)

Hello again everybody! I received a newsletter email from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology today and via one of its links, I came across 3 awesome .pdfs of posters of birds featured in their Project FeederWatch program. One is of a poster of the Hummingbirds of North America, the others are posters of Eastern and Western Feeder Birds. Here are images of all 3:

And here is the link to download the FeederWatch posters for free: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/FreeDownloads.htm

Just wanted to pass along the awesomeness!

Invasive Plants - Early Detection

The text and information below is from an email I received from Laura Mattei to all volunteers of SVT. I thought it would be beneficial to share this information as any and all help is needed. Sadly, I cannot attend any of the training dates due to other volunteering obligations (Wildlife Care every Saturday for Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, MA). FYI, Laura Mattei is the Director of Stewardship for Sudbury Valley Trustees.

Framingham -  New England Wild Flower Society is seeking volunteers to help with the Sudbury-Assabet-Concord River Watershed Cooperative Invasive Species Management Association (CISMA)’s EARLY DETECTION INVASIVE PLANT SURVEYS.

The goal of the project is to develop a prioritized list of invasive plant populations for management by means of documentation, mapping, and control of early detection invasives plants that are just starting to enter the Sudbury-Assabet-Concord (SUASCO) River watershed area.

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN STOPPING THESE INVASIVE SPECIES BEFORE THEY BECOME WIDESPREAD AND UNCONTROLLABLE!

Volunteers receive one day of training in early detection invasive surveys, then are assigned to survey for the target species. The training sessions run from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and include a powerpoint presentation on the early detection species with a discussion of their identification, habitats, impacts, and control.  The rest of the morning includes a discussion of survey and documentation methods, locations, use of GPS, and how/where to report findings.  The afternoon training is primarily in the field, doing practice surveys and documentation. CISMA plans to start controlling some of the populations within this field season.

After the training session, volunteers are assigned to specific sites in their hometowns (and further afield, if they prefer) to look for the invasive plant species listed below.  CISMA plans to survey in each of the watershed’s 36 towns.

To volunteer for the training and survey work, please contact Ted Elliman, Vegetation Management Coordinator for New England Wild Flower Society at telliman@newenglandwild.org, or by phone at 508-877-7630 x 3203. 

Four CISMA training dates have been set. Volunteers can choose any one of the sessions. They are: 

• Saturday, May 15 - Southborough Fire Station, 21 Main Street Southborough, 01772  Saturday, May 22 - Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury 01776
• Sunday, May 23 - Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, 01730
• Saturday June 5 - Bolton Town Library, 738 Main Street, Bolton 01740

The eleven early detection species that are the targets of the CISMA survey, taken from the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group list, are:

• Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)
• Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
• Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)
• Kudzu (Pureraria montana)
• Mile-a-minute vine (Polygonum perfoliatum)
• Reed mannagrass (Glyceria maxima)
• Tansy ragwort/ stinking willie (Senecio jacobaea)
• Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa)
• Great yellowcress (Rorippa amphibia)
• Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
• Parrot-feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)

This is an extremely important project for the 36 towns which comprise the Sudbury-Assabet-Concord River watershed area. It is most important that these invasive plants populations be documented, then removed to protect our native plant populations and their habitats.

All volunteers under 18 must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. Send us an email for a copy.

Some thoughts about birding....

I have only been seriously bird watching for a few years now, many many thanks to my good friend Kirk Marshall for turning me into a monster (or bird nerd). I have absolutely loved every moment of it, but I guess what irks me a little bit, at least from my own perceptions, is that some people just do it to get a target bird and thats it.

Believe me, I want to see every bird in the world if I had the means and time to do so (sadly I do not), but for me, when I am out birding, I'm not only out there to see the target bird that Kirk and/or I have identified pursuing via Massbird or through some other avenue of communication. I am out there to become enveloped by Nature's grandeur, taking in all the sights and sounds, the whole atmosphere, soaking up the entire experience. (Hence my love for such places as Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson, NH and Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Harvard, MA)

Yeah, I do get disappointed if I miss a target bird (and I admittedly sometimes do not let myself be calmed by my environs)....failed on getting to see the Tufted Duck in Wayland on the Sudbury River and also the Eurasian Green-winged Teal at Nine-Acre Corner that were both seen in late winter of this year, but most of the time, I am just happy to be outside. Even if I see one or many common birds, I soak it up, try to watch their antics, their behaviours (the soaring flight of a Red-tailed Hawk, the acrobatics of a Black-capped Chickadee) and I am always amazed by some of my favorite common birds (the bright gold and cute chatterings of an American Goldfinch, the laughing call and mannerisms of a White-breasted Nuthatch).

I know many people share and feel and love the same way that I do about birds, wildlife and nature in general, but I wish everybody could. Take stock in what a wonderful planet we live on, with all the landscapes and gorgeous wildlife that call it home. That is why it is so important that we take the time to enjoy every moment of it and do what we can to help preserve, maintain and help thrive what hasn't been developed by the destructive tendencies of mankind. For I know we have been falling down a deep trench for a while now and its going to be a while before most everyone truly appreciates what we have and what needs to be done to ensure the health of our planet.

So, when next you find yourself in the mesmerizing gaze of Nature's sweet beauty, please, take a moment, inhale deeply, sense acutely and just take it all in, because it is these moments in time when life is at its sweetest, its very best!!!

Glossy Ibis in Concord | Sudbury Valley Trustees

I wanted to share some photos of the very same Glossy Ibis Kirk and myself observed today at Nine-Acre Corner in Concord, MA. This link sends you to the Sudbury Valley Trustees Nature Sightings section of their website that features any and all sightings of Glossy Ibis, and many many other wonderful wildlife! This particular set of photos were taken by Ron McAdow on the 12th of April, 2010! Enjoy!

Glossy Ibis in Concord | Sudbury Valley Trustees

Forest Society : Press Releases - 50 acres added to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge

This information was originally posted on NH Birds by David Govatski, but I thought I would share this all with you because Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson, NH is a very dear place to me....and oh yeah, it kicks some serious ass!!

Forest Society : Press Releases

Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Grows

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assisted by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, recently culminated an acquisition that began in 2003 to add an important new 50-acre parcel to the Pondicherry Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

The owner, Robert Tucker, was delighted to offer this land in Jefferson to the Refuge, where it would fill in a gap in the southeastern portion of the refuge in Jefferson, NH, between other Refuge land and property held by the Audubon Society of New Hampshire that extends to pristine Cherry Pond.
With 2,000 feet of frontage on both sides of Slide Brook, where it forms a broad wetland, the new Tucker addition protects valuable wetland habitat that adds depth and variety to the adjacent Refuge and Audubon lands. The area supports a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, bear, frogs, turtles, and 131 breeding species of birds that include warblers, flycatchers, and woodpeckers. The area is open to recreational activities including hunting and fishing in Slide and Mill Brooks, where eastern brook trout can be found.
“The Forest Society was pleased to facilitate this project in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Forest Society President/Forester Jane Difley. “This is the most recent example of the success that can be realized through the collaborative efforts of public and private land conservation organizations.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge Supervisor Janet Kennedy said this event illustrates the importance of partnerships and collaborations. “These acquisitions allow us to protect the connectivity of habitat for wildlife, and with so many of our conservation partnerships we do them together to achieve mutually beneficial conservation goals.”
Silvio Conte Refuge Manager Andrew French praised the assistance of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. “This tract of land is another piece of the puzzle we’re trying to assemble,” he said. “Without the critical assistance of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, it might not have happened.”
This success was made possible by generous donors to the Forest Society, who pushed the funding effort over the goal line, and by the willingness of the Forest Society to step in at a critical moment to keep the land available while the Refuge completed its funding and due diligence processes. This type of cooperation between government agencies and private, non-profit, land trusts are a hallmark of New Hampshire’s conservation successes.
The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve the abundance and diversity of native plants and animals and their habitats in the 7.2 million acre Connecticut River watershed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Long been known for its rich, diverse assemblage of wildlife, particularly birds, the Pondicherry Division includes Cherry and Little Cherry Ponds and the surrounding complex of wetlands and swamps located in Jefferson and Whitefield New Hampshire.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/.
Founded in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is the state’s oldest and largest non-profit land conservation organization. Supported by 10,000 families and businesses, the Forest Society’s mission is to perpetuate the state’s forests by promoting land conservation and sustainable forestry. For more information, visit www.forestsociety.org.

Great Meadows NWR (Concord), Oxbow NWR, Nine-Acres Corner - 04/18/2010

The weather may not have been ideal (annoyingly light, intermittent rain showers for most of the day) for heading outside, but it wasn't too awful either, so here are the highlights of todays expedition with my good friend Kirk Marshall!

It started off, before meeting up with Kirk at Great Meadows by 8 am, by seeing a pair of COMMON LOONS on Nagog Pond near the Littleton/Acton border while driving east on 119/2A. This pair, at the time this morning, was drifting along with about a half-dozen RING-NECKED DUCKS. And yes, I had good looks because I had been stuck at the traffic light there to go into Nagog Park.

While at Great Meadows, Kirk and myself got upon 2 AMERICAN COOTS, both on the Lower Pool side of the dike, milling amongst the dead reeds nearest the dike. We also saw a handful of GREAT BLUE HERONS, a pair of MUTE SWANS, and about a half-dozen WOOD DUCKS, a few of which were perched on top of the wood ducks boxes. A few DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS also had the same idea. Strewn throughout the entire area was a myriad of COMMON GRACKLES, TREE SWALLOWS AND RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, many of the male Red-wings displaying! We also lucked upon a MERLIN flying overhead the Lower Pool as well! And yes, there was a large contingent of CANADA GEESE....oh well! But I find the most amusing thing there was this one Great Blue. We'd get within 5-10 feet of it on the dike trail, then it would fly off, but only to just a little ways down the dike trail in front of us. So, we'd come upon him again, and he would fly off again farther down the dike. After the 3rd time, he decided to stand his ground as we walked past him. I guess he liked that dike much too much!

Next stop was Oxbow, and it was fairly quiet today, compared to earlier last week. Saw a few WOOD DUCKS and MALLARDS and TREE SWALLOWS, as well as other commonly found birds this time of year, but the highlight from what we saw was the lone PALM WARBLER we observed along the Turnpike Trail. A BELTED KINGFISHER also graced us with its crazed chatterings while walking back along Tank Road.

Our last stop was to check out Nine-Acres Corner for the GLOSSY IBISES, and we were not disappointed. They are in the same southwest quadrant of the area, all 10 of them, along with a few KILLDEER and GREAT BLUE HERONS. Had some seriously great looks at the ibises due to the sun finally shining, making their glossy, purple-hued/iridescent feathers glitter! Also was able to see them in flight as they moved from one flooded area to the next!

All in all, a very nice day to be out and about for the both of us! Happy birding to all!!

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 - 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!!

eBird Report - Littleton Heron Rookery, 4/6/10 - Red-headed Woodpecker - NO; GHO, Ospreys, Great Blues - YES

Location:     Littleton Heron Rookery
Observation date:     4/6/10
Notes:     The Red-headed Woodpecker reported yesterday by Mark Rosenstein was not observed early this afternoon, though it is still possible it might be in the area nonetheless. Others who venture out this way might have better luck (hopefully).

Here is some copied, paraphrased text from Mark Rosenstein's post on Massbird from yesterday:

Take Route 2 west to exit 41 "Newtown Rd" toward Acton/Littleton, left on Central St, right on Littlefield Rd, continue as it becomes Depot Rd near junction of Littleton Rd (which is a Dead End street) until you reach the railroad crossing.

Park at the side of the road, but beware that these railroad tracks are active with several trains a day (Fitchburg MBTA Commuter Rail Line). Walk to the right along the tracks about 3 tenths of a mile.  Look for a trail off to the right with a bunch of trashed appliances at the start. Also note at this "trailhead" that there are AT&T signs posted. Take this a couple of hundred yards to the edge of the swamp. Do wear some waterproof boots that you don't mind getting a little mucked up when walking down this pathway to the edge of the swamp. 

There are nests forward and to the right.  The Great Horned Owl nest is in front of you (along with some of the other Great Blue Heron nests.)  The Ospreys are to the far right.  The Red-Headed Woodpecker was investigating trees along the left side of the swamp.

Number of species:     13

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     5
Wood Duck - Aix sponsa     6 (in along marsh areas next to railroad tracks)
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     4 (same as "Ooo-eek" Ducks)
Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias     6 (some in nests, some loping around main marsh)
Osprey - Pandion haliaetus     2 (at end of path, look to far right)
Great Horned Owl - Bubo virginianus     1 (straight ahead, slightly to the right of 2 occupied heron nests)
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     2
Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus     1
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     2
Tree Swallow - Tachycineta bicolor     10 (flitting and swooping throughout; numbers are conservative)
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     9
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     X (everywhere)
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula     X (everywhere)

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

Red-shouldered Hawk at Memorial Forest in Sudbury! (03/18/10)

Just a quick little note here folks! While assisting Sudbury Valley Trustees with installing a bench that sits atop the boardwalk that spans Cranberry Brook, Dan and myself were graced with the presence of a beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk! This lovely buteo was soaring overhead, just above the treeline over the marsh area around us. It was flying in tight cirlces, giving its characteristic "kee-yer" call quite often. Sibley and Peterson weren't kidding when they stated that the Red-shouldered is very vocal! A lifer for me, and had great looks at it for about 7 minutes or so. Also, at least 3 Red-breasted Nuthatches were heard calling back and forth to each other. Sadly, I could not get on them amongst all those tall pines there. Happy birding everyone!

Barrow's Goldeneye, Assabet River, Maynard - YES! (03/10/10)

After getting done with my day volunteering at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, I decided to try my luck with seeing the reported male and female Barrow's in Maynard. I wasn't expecting too much, considering my recent luck, or lack thereof, in trying to view the Tufted Duck in Sudbury/Wayland and the Eurasian Green-winged Teal in Concord. However, I guess 3rd time out in trying to find a rare duck is the charm. Both the male and female Barrow's are indeed on the Assabet River in behind the reddish/brick colored building that is right near the junction of 62 and 117 in Maynard. For added info, one of the companies that calls that building home is V Nanoptek.

I came from the east, taking 117 west. Take the first entrance you see into that office building on your left and drive all the way in behind the building. For reference, a Mobil gas station is directly opposite the office building at that intersection. There is a small path at the far right corner of the parking lot in back leading to that dammed section of the Assabet. For real excellent, up-close looks, you will need a spotting scope, for the 2 Barrow's seem to like to hang out by the bend along the right-hand shore as you are looking out onto the Assabet. However, the ducks were close enough that I could definitely tell with my 10x50 Nikon binocs that they were indeed the Barrow's in question. The white crescent near the base off the bill on the drake is readily visible from such a distance with binocs. Oh, I almost forgot, the time I observed the Barrow's was from 12:55 to 1:15 pm, and they had been seen earlier in the day around 8 am by John and Audrey of Wayland.

Good luck and happy birding to those who venture out to see these beautiful diving ducks!

Location:     Assabet River, junction of 62 & 117, Maynard, MA
Observation date:     3/10/10
Notes:     The male and female Barrow's have been reported since yesterday via Massbird.org. Besides my observation, they were also seen this morning by fellow birders. For real good looks, one will need a spotting scope, but these 2 diving ducks can still be readily identified with binocs (I use 10x50 Nikons).
Number of species:     2

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     5
Barrow's Goldeneye - Bucephala islandica     2

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

Cape Ann, North Shore and Miscellaneous - American Bald Eagles & Harlequin Ducks

What a most gorgeous day to be outside today, getting some fresh air whilst looking for whatever birds we could find! I met up with my good friend Kirk Marshall today in Burlington early enough around 7:30 am. We then made a go of it for a fair portion of the day, first stopping in Newburyport and Amesbury, then heading southward to the Gloucester area and finally in the Rockport area. After dropping Kirk off back in Burlington around 4 pm, I made a quick stop in Concord at Great Meadows NWR. Here are some highlights of what we observed. If I forget anything, I am sure Kirk will post an addendum to this message!

Cashman Park, Newburyport: Here we tried first to spy ourselves an American Bald Eagle or Great Cormorant, but no luck. However, it was nice to hear and see a Northern Mockingbird calling. About a half-dozen Common Goldeneyes were also seen. Other than that, not much to mention.

Deer Island, Amesbury: Our second stop in looking for eagles. Here, after about 10 minutes, we were rewarded with an adult American Bald Eagle first coming in over the Merrimack along the tree tops, then riding the thermals in giant soaring circles, heading downstream of the Merrimack from there. Amusing to me was a Red-tailed Hawk shadowing this Baldy, riding the thermals as well and staying within about 50 feet or so below the Bald Eagle.

Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester: Observed a few White-winged Scoters and Surf Scoters here, as well as a couple of Common Loons...I believe a few Common Eiders as well. Fellow birders that were there had reported seeing Purple Sandpipers around, but we could not get on them.

Cathedral Ledge, Andrews Point & Halibut Point, Rockport: I will start off with saying that we saw nothing off of Halibut Point, nothing that we could see anyhow. Andrews Point and Cathedral Ledge were more rewarding, with a total of about 40+ Harlequin Ducks spotted between the 2 locations. I believe we observed about 4 Common Loons, a mating pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, and about a total of 20+ Common Eiders. Song Sparrows were certainly very abundant amongst the residential area there near both Andrews and Cathedral.

Great Meadows NWR, Concord: I came here to try and see if that Eurasian Green-winged Teal was still hanging around, but again as with 9-Acre Corner off of 117 in Concord, no luck. However, about 10Common Mergansers, 3 Red-winged Blackbirds and 1 American Bald Eagle were seen. This eagle was best seen through a scope from the observation tower overlooking the Upper Pool. From the tower overlooking the Upper Pool, look across to the far side near the Concord River amongst the trees. Well, that is where myself and a number of other birders observed him. The eagle could be anywhere else around Great Meadows come tomorrow. A very nice gentleman allowed me to observe this eagle through his scope. You could still make the eagle out with binocs, but obviously not anywhere near as good as with a scope. Oh, I almost forget to mention, while driving to Great Meadows along Route 62 heading west, just before you cross into Concord from Bedford, I estimate a flock of about 40 or so Common Grackles flew over my car. Largest group of grackles I have seen so far this year.

Well, there you have it. A good day of birding and a great day just to be outdoors! Good luck and happy birding to all!

eBird Report - Hartwell Family Memorial Preserve, Hartwell Ave., Littleton, MA, 3/6/10

Location:     Hartwell Family Memorial Preserve, Hartwell Ave., Littleton, MA
Observation date:     3/6/10
Notes:     I just had to get out on this gorgeous fair weather day! So, I decided to take my first stroll of the year around the Hartwell Preserve, which is just down the street from my home. As figured, numerous BC Chickadees and Titmice were seen and heard. The Red-wings and the Grackle was seen around the wetland are that encompasses Beaver Brook. The Sharpie was seen flying over the fields that are located nearby. And please note, the Barred Owl was heard giving its characteristic grouping of hoots 3 times. It is heard almost daily, (for like I stated earlier, our home is fairly close to the Preserve) but I am never able to get on it. If anyone is curious as to directions to the Hartwell Preserve, please feel free to email me! (Here is a web address for those who desire a little background information on the Preserve: http://www.littletonconservationtrust.org/guide/hartwell/hartwell.html) Good birding to all!
Number of species:     15

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     4
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     3 (fly-over around Beaver Brook)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - Accipiter striatus     1 (over fields near Beaver Brook)
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     3
Barred Owl - Strix varia     1 (judging from location of hooting, seems near Proctor Hill)
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     2
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     3
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     X
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     X
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     4
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     6
Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     2
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     3 (Beaver Brook area)
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula     1 (Beaver Brook area)

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 - 83 Hartwell Avenue, Littleton, MA 01460 , 3/5/10 - Very vocal Carolina Wrens!

Location:     83 Hartwell Avenue, Littleton, MA 01460
Observation date:     3/5/10
Notes:     Definitely the first time I have seen 2 Carolina Wrens on our property at the same time! Always a pleasure! The 4 House Finches (2 m, 2 f) have been the first ones I have seen since December. All in all a fairly active morning at our home in Littleton.
Number of species:     17

Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     3
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     3
Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus     3
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     3
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     7
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     6
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     3
Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus     2
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     4
Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia     1
White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis     2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) - Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis     3
Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     2
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     3
House Finch - Carpodacus mexicanus     4
American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     1

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

eBird Report - Gorham Middle High School, Gorham, NH , 2/13/10 - Bohemian & Cedar Waxwings

Location:     Gorham Middle High School, Gorham, NH
Observation date:     2/13/10
Notes:     Kirk Marshall and myself made yet another weekend of northern New England birding, this time our focus being the Bohemian Waxwings located just out in front of the Gorham Middle High School. They were creating quite a sweet racket with their burry call quality! About a half-dozen Cedar Waxwings decided to mingle with the Bohemians, all of the Waxwings at one time or another flying back and forth between the trees in front of the school and the crabapple trees closer to the roadside (Route 16). The House Sparrows were also nearby there. The numerous Goldies were observed in Milan across from the junction of Chickwolnepy Road and East River Road. Our goal on Chickwolnepy Road was to try and see Evening Grosbeaks, but alas, to no avail. On our way back to 93, we stopped off in the White Mountain Nat'l. Forest along Trudeau Road and that is where we observed the 5 Ravens and the multitude of BC Chickadees. A good day of birding with of course the focus and highlight being the Bohemians!! Oh, and thanks to Naomi Levesque of Berlin, NH for the posts on NH Birds!
Number of species:     6

Common Raven - Corvus corax     5 (Trudeau Rd, WMNF, Twin Mountain, NH)
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     X (Trudeau Rd)
Bohemian Waxwing - Bombycilla garrulus     30
Cedar Waxwing - Bombycilla cedrorum     6
American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     X (Chickwolnepy Rd, Milan, NH)
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus     4

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

eBird Report - 83 Hartwell Avenue, Littleton, MA 01460, 3/3/10: Red-wings = Sign of Spring!

Location:     83 Hartwell Avenue, Littleton, MA 01460
Observation date:     3/3/10
Notes:     After having come home to a raucous of varying bird calls (most notably the flock of Red-wings), I decided to spend some time observing all the feeders as well as the property itself around the house. I am so very excited to hear/see Red-wings....a true sign that spring is close-at-hand!
Number of species:     12

Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus     1
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     1
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     6
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     4
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     1
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) - Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis     3
Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     2
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     26
American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     1

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