Forbush Bird Club 2007 Trip Reports

The following are highlights of selected field trips of the Forbush Bird Club, listed in reverse chronological order:
11/18/07 -- Salisbury and vicinity
Trip Leader: Paul Meleski.
Observers: 6.
Weather: sunny with light winds temps in low-mid 40's.
Highlights: Cattle Egret, Eurasian Wigeon, Redhead, American Golden Plover, Purple Sandpiper, Northern Shrike and Snow Bunting. Forbush members enjoyed the following 61 species of birds: 
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Red-necked Grebe
Horned Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Northern Gannet
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Cattle Egret
Canada Goose
Snow Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Gadwall
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Eurasian Wigeon
Green-winged Teal
Redhead
Common Eider
Long-tailed Duck
White-winged Scoter
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Black-bellied Plover
American Golden Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Purple Sandpiper
Dunlin
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
Rock Pigeon
Northern Shrike
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Northern Cardinal
American Tree Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
Common Redpoll
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Paul Meleski).

11/4/07 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
Nine Members of the Forbush Bird Club walked the approx. 5 mile round trip from Gate 35 on Old North Dana Road along the eastern edge of North Quabbin Reservoir between 8AM and 1PM. The start was cool and calm, but the temperature rose nicely and so did the wind to a stiff 15MPH NW under mostly sunny skies. Land birding was poor but we did well on Common Loons, Red-necked and Horned Grebes, a few Buffleheads and a nice single female Ruddy Duck. We saw Bald Eagles perched and in flight (4 adults and 1 Juvenile). Most dramatic, was an adult that caught a large fish and had to swim the catch into shore. We watched for 5+ minutes as the eagle slowly "stroked" toward an island to haul out the 2 foot fish. It was soon joined by another adult and youngster trying to edge their way to a free meal. I have a few distant and grainy images on my blog. Another highlight was a distant Black-bellied Plover seen both feeding on a distant island and in flight. 
Here is the list, broken down by towns (New Salem in Franklin County and
Petersham in Worcester County).

New Salem section:

American Black Duck (2)
Mallard (2)
Common Loon (2)
Bald Eagle (3)
Red-tailed Hawk (2)
Downy Woodpecker (1)
 Blue Jay (14)
American Crow (4)
Common Raven (2)
Black-capped Chickadee (7)
Tufted Titmouse (4)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (1)
American Robin (1)
American Goldfinch (2)


Petersham section:

Bufflehead (2)
Common Merganser (1)
Ruddy Duck (1)
Common Loon (5)
Horned Grebe (4)
Red-necked Grebe (5)
Bald Eagle (4) (I think there were 5 combined total),
Black-bellied Plover (1)
Ring-billed Gull (15)
Pileated Woodpecker (1)
American Crow (37)
Blue Jay (12)
Common Raven (2)
Black-capped Chickadee (4)
Tufted Titmouse (8)
White-breasted Nuthatch (3)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (1)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (2)
White-throated Sparrow (1)
Dark-eyed Junco (20)
American Goldfinch (17)
(trip report from Tom Pirro).

10/27/07 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, October 27, 2007 at Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity in the towns of Boylston, West Boylston, Clinton and Sterling. Trip Leader was Francis X. McMenemy and 17 members attended. It was a very pretty day with colorful foliage, a sunny sky and crisp fresh air. The temperatures in the mid 60's occasionally felt colder due to a 10 to 20 mph NW wind. Some highlights were a Palm Warbler, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Ducks and an adult Bald Eagle. The following 30 species were observed: 
  Canada Goose 14
  Mute Swan 1
  Mallard 5
  Greater Scaup 26
  White-winged Scoter 1 drake
  Long-tailed Duck 25
  Common Merganser 40
  Ruddy Duck 2
  Common Loon 7
  Double-crested Cormorant 12
  Great Blue Heron 2
  Turkey Vulture 2
  Bald Eagle 1
  Northern Harrier 1
  Cooper's Hawk 1
  Ring-billed Gull 10
  Rock Pigeon
  Mourning Dove
  Belted Kingfisher
  Red-bellied Woodpecker
  Downy Woodpecker
  Blue Jay
  American Crow
  Black-capped Chickadee
  Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
  American Robin
  European Starling
  Palm Warbler
  Yellow-rumped Warbler
  American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/21/07 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield, and vicinity
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, October 21, 2007 at Lake Quaboag, Brookfield and vicinity. The Trip Leader was Rodney Jenkins and there were 10 Observers. It was Sunny with a light S.W. Wind. The temperature ranged from 48 to 65 degrees. The following 62 species were observed: 
Canada Goose (16)
Wood Duck (2)
American Black Duck (4)
Mallard (16)
Ring-necked Duck (13)
Greater Scaup (3)
White-winged Scoter (2)
Pied-billed Grebe (1)
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove (18)
Great Blue Heron (3)
Turkey Vulture (5)
Osprey (1)
Bald Eagle (1)
Northern Harrier (1)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2)
Northern Goshawk (1)
Red-tailed Hawk (2)
Golden Eagle (1 Immature)
Ring-billed Gull (1)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)
Downy Woodpecker (3)
Hairy Woodpecker (1)
Northern Flicker (7)
Pileated Woodpecker (2)
Eastern Pheobe (2)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven (1)
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)
White-breasted Nuthatch (3)
Carolina Wren (2)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (1)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6)
Eastern Bluebird (11)
Hermit Thrush (1)
American Robin
European Starling
American Pipit (22)
Cedar Waxwing (6)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (7)
Palm Warbler (3)
Chipping Sparrow (4)
Field Sparrow (3)
Savannah Sparrow (31)
Fox Sparrow (2)
Song Sparrow (71)
Lincoln's Sparrow (2)
Swamp Sparrow (18)
White-throated Sparrow (137)
White-Crowned Sparrow (9)
Dark-eyed Junco (101)
Northern Cardinal (5)
Red-winged Blackbird (15)
Rusty Blackbird (3)
Common Grackle (10)
Purple Finch (6)
House Finch (4)
American Goldfinch (36)
House Sparrow (6)
(trip report from Rodney Jenkins).

10/7/07 -- Winimusset Meadows Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Winimusset Meadows Wildlife Management Area in New Braintree on October 07, 2007 with 13 members attending and former Club President Rodney Jenkins leading. It was cloudy most of the morning and in the mid 60's at first. When the wind shifted and came from the north it felt much cooler requiring additional clothing to be put on. The following 62 bird species were observed as well as many unshorn sheep, enormous adult pigs, sleek horses and various breeds of cows; cornfields, pumpkins waiting to be harvested and beautifully colored trees. 
  
  Great Blue Heron 1
  Turkey Vulture 18
  Canada Goose 246
  Wood Duck 24
  Mallard 2
  BLUE-WINGED TEAL 1
  Green-winged Teal 7
  Hooded Merganser 68 seen flying
  Osprey 5
  Northern Harrier 2
  Sharp-shinned Hawk 7
  Cooper's Hawk 3
  Red-tailed Hawk 3
  American Kestrel 1
  VIRGINIA RAIL 1
  Killdeer 30
  American Woodcock 1
  Ring-billed Gull 30
  Rock Pigeon
  Mourning Dove
  Belted Kingfisher 1
  Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
  Downy Woodpecker 1
  Hairy Woodpecker 2
  Northern Flicker 13
  Pileated Woodpecker 1
  Eastern Phoebe 11
  Blue-headed Vireo 5
  Blue Jay (very Numerous)
  American Crow
  COMMON RAVEN 1
  Black-capped Chickadee
  Tufted Titmouse
  White-breasted Nuthatch
  Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
  American Robin
  Gray Catbird 3
  European Starling
  AMERICAN PIPIT 60
  Cedar Waxwing 60
  Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
  Black-throated Green Warbler 1
  Pine Warbler 1
  Palm Warbler 3
  Common Yellowthroat 7
  Chipping Sparrow 114
  Field Sparrow 6
  Savannah Sparrow 45
  Song Sparrow 25
  Lincoln Sparrow 3
  Swamp Sparrow 65
  White-throated Sparrow 45
  White-crowned Sparrow 7
  Dark-eyed Junco 11
  Northern Cardinal
  Indigo Bunting 1
  Bobolink 2
  Red-winged Blackbird 80
  Common Grackle 3
  Purple Finch 34
  House Finch
  American Goldfinch 25
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/16/07 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Bolton Flats. Eric Salmela was the trip leader for the 5 members attending. The temperature had dropped to the high 30's overnight but we were very comfortable due to the calm air and the warm bright sun. The sky was a clear and bright blue. We all especially enjoyed an extended view of a Question Mark butterfly as it sat on a leaf with its wings spread out. The following 32 bird species were also enjoyed: 
  Great Blue Heron
  Turkey Vulture
  Northern Harrier
  Sharp-shinned Hawk
  Cooper's Hawk
  Red-tailed Hawk
  Mourning Dove
  Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  Downy Woodpecker
  Northern Flicker
  Eastern Phoebe
  Warbling Vireo
  Red-eyed Vireo
  Blue Jay
  American Crow
  Black-capped Chickadee
  Tufted Titmouse
  White-breasted Nuthatch
  American Robin
  Gray Catbird
  Northern Mockingbird
  European Starling
  Yellow-rumped Warbler
  American Redstart
  Common Yellowthroat
  Savannah Sparrow
  Song Sparrow
  Lincoln Sparrow
  Swamp Sparrow
  Indigo Bunting
  Common Grackle
  American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/9/07 -- Plum Island
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to the Parker River National Wildlife Sanctuary on Plum Island on Sunday, September 9, 2007. John Shea had a successful debut as our trip leader and there were 7 of us attending. Even though the weather often looked ominous, the rain held off till noon and that was only for a brief shower. Temperatures were only in the 60's and the easterly 10 to 15 mph wind was quite chilly. There were many shorebirds that we were able to study closely. We observed the following 51 species: 
  Common Loon
  Pied-billed Grebe
  Double-crested Cormorant
  Great Blue Heron
  Great Egret
  Snowy Egret
  Canada Goose
  Gadwall
  American Black Duck
  Mallard
  Blue-winged Teal
  Northern Pintail
  Green-winged Teal
  Osprey
  Northern Harrier
  Merlin
  Peregrine Falcon
  Black-bellied Plover
  Semipalmated Plover
  Killdeer
  Greater Yellowlegs
  Lesser Yellowlegs
  Spotted Sandpiper
  Whimbrel
  Hudsonian Godwit
  Semipalmated Sandpiper
  Western Sandpiper
  Least Sandpiper
  White-rumped Sandpiper
  Baird's Sandpiper
  Dunlin
  Dowitcher species
  Ring-billed Gull
  Herring Gull
  Lesser Black-backed Gull
  Great Black-backed Gull
  Mourning Dove
  Downy Woodpecker
  Eastern Phoebe
  Blue Jay
  American Crow
  Tree Swallow
  Barn Swallow
  Black-capped Chickadee
  American Robin
  Gray Catbird
  Northern Mockingbird
  Cedar Waxwing
  Yellow Warbler
  Eastern Towhee
  American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/8/07 -- Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary, Princeton
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Massachusetts Audubon's Wildlife Sanctuary Wachusett Meadow in Princeton on Saturday, September 8, 2007. It was a very warm day in the 80's with a warm breeze and a partly cloudy sky. Designated trip leader Joan Zumpfe observed the area around the headquarters and was assisted by Barton Kamp who led the other 7 members attending on several trails.Highlights included migrating warblers and raptors as well as many Monarch butterflies. The following 40 species were noted: 
  Great Blue Heron
  Green Heron
  Turkey Vulture
  Wood Duck
  Mallard
  Hooded Merganser
  Cooper's Hawk
  Northern Goshawk (being chased by Crows)
  American Kestrel
  Merlin (also being chased by Crows)
  Wild Turkey (seen in Sterling on route 140 in Sterling)
  Mourning Dove
  Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  Belted Kingfisher
  Downy Woodpecker
  Hairy Woodpecker
  Least Flycatcher
  Eastern Phoebe
  Eastern Kingbird
  Red-eyed Vireo
  Blue Jay
  American Crow
  Common Raven
  Black-capped Chickadee
  Tufted Titmouse
  Red-breasted Nuthatch
  White-breasted Nuthatch
  American Robin
  European Starling
  Cedar Waxwing
  Magnolia Warbler (hatching year)
  Black-throated Blue Warbler female
  Yellow-rumped Warbler
  Black-throated Green Warbler
  Eastern Towhee
  Northern Cardinal
  Rose-breasted Grosbeak (young male)
  Common Grackle
  American Goldfinch
  House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

8/14/07 -- South Beach, Chatham 
Leader: Ed Banks        -  20 Observers
Highlights: Curlew Sandpiper, American Pipit, Marbled Godwit, Little Blue
Heron
A co-sponsored birding trip to South Beach in Chatham with the
Forbush and Cape Cod Bird Clubs on Tuesday produced the following:
Canada Goose - 10
Black Scoter - 1
Common Eider - 3
Double-crested Cormorant - 26
Snowy Egret - 2
Little Blue Heron - 1
Osprey - 1
Black-bellied Plover - 2000+
Semipalmated Plover - 1500+
Piping Plover - 9
American Oystercatcher - 22
Greater Yellowleg - 200+
Lesser Yellowleg - 6
Willet -Eastern 200+ , Western - 14
Whimbrel - 20
Hudsonian Godwit - 56
Marbled Godwit - 2
Ruddy Turnstone - 150+
Red Knot - 800+
Sanderling - 900+
Semipalmated Sandpiper - 1500+
Least Sandpiper - 60+
White-rumped Sandpiper - 32
Dunlin - 4
Short-billed Dowitcher - 1400+
Long-billed Dowitcher - 3
Lauging Gull - 80+
Herring Gull - 100+
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1
Great Black-backed Gull - 200+
Roseate Tern - 1
Common Tern - 2000+
Forsters Tern - 1
Least Tern - 10
Mourning Dove - 2
Am Crow - 20
Tree Swallow - 10
Barn Swallow - 30+
American Pipit - 1
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow - 3
Northern cardinal - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 4
American Goldfinch - 3
Curlew Sandpiper - 1
(trip report from Ed Banks).

8/4/07 -- Route 56 Overlook, Leicester
Dolores Price led seventeen participants on a joint Forbush Bird Club / Massachusetts Butterfly Club trip to the fields on the Route 56 side of Worcester Airport from 9 AM to Noon on August 4, 2007. The weather was fair, with temperatures rising from 74 to 80 degrees. Twenty species of butterflies were found. Thanks to Dave Grant for recording the birds observed. 
Wild Turkey (7)
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk (1)
American Kestrel (2)
Mourning Dove
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow (many)
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Savannah Sparrow
Indigo Bunting (2)
Bobolink (22)
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch (9)
(submitted by Donna Schilling)

7/25/07 -- Night Heron Walk (Institute Park, Worcester)
A group of 15 observers attended on a very warm summer evening. 
Highlights:
  Breeding Swans with young

Other Birds:
  Mallard
  Great Blue Heron
  Killdeer
  Least Sandpiper
  Mourning Dove
  Chimney Swift
  Downy Woodpecker
  Eastern Kingbird
  American Robin
  Gray Catbird
  Cedar Waxwing
  Song Sparrow
  American Goldfinch

Lowlights:
  First time in 17 years - no Black-Crowned Night-Heron seen.
Trip Leader: Bob Aiello
(report from Bob Aiello).

6/16/07 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard
This Saturday, June 16, I led a Forbush trip to Oxbow NWR in Harvard, with 8 participants. At the start of the walk, it was mostly cloudy and 60 degrees F. Here is a list of 53 species that we saw and heard. 
Canada Goose
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Alder Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Veery
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Our most interesting sighting was a pair of waxwings building a nest. (trip report from Jeffrey Roth).

6/3/07 -- Rutland State Park and Barre Falls Dam
Forbush Bird Club trip report: 
Trip Leaders:          Dick and Peg Knowlton
Observers:               12
Weather:                  Cool and overcast
Species recorded:   66


Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Broad-Winged Hawk (pair)
Mourning Dove
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Alder Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Blue-Headed Vereo
Warbling Vireo
Red-Eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-Winged Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Verry
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler                   
Black-and-White Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-Throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-Headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Dick Knowlton)

5/24/07 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Bolton Flats from 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. on May 24, 2007, under fair skies with temperatures in the high-70's. Barton Kamp led 8 club members on this annual walk in search of Whip-poor-wills and Common Nighthawks. Two distant Whip-poor-wills were heard at about 9:30 p.m., after some participants had left. Everyone enjoyed watching a handsome Leopard Frog and hearing a Beaver tail-slapping. 
30 species were observed:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
American Woodcock
Eastern Screech Owl
Barred Owl
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (2);
WHIP-POOR-WILL (2);
Chimney Swift
Downy Woodpecker
Willow Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
House Wren
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-Sided Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Baltimore Oriole
(report from Donna Schilling fide Joan Gallagher).

5/20/07 -- Sylvester Street (near Worcester Airport), Leicester 
 
 Leader:  Susan LaBree.  Observers:  8
 Weather:  Cloudy, cool - sprinkling by end of trip.
 Species:  50

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS TRIP IN 2008 WILL BE ON SATURDAY MAY 3, 2008

 Ruffed Grouse  1
 Wild Turkey   2
 Double-crested Cormorant   1
 Turkey Vulture  1
 Broad-winged Hawk  1
 Red-tailed Hawk 1
 Mourning Dove 8
 Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
 Downy Woodpecker  3
 Eastern Phoebe  3
 Blue-headed Vireo  1
 Red-eyed Vireo  3
 Blue Jay   5
 American Crow  12
 Tree Swallow  12
 Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4
 Black-capped Chickadee  8
 Tufted Titmouse  6
 White-breasted Nuthatch 2
 House Wren  1
 Winter Wren  1
 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
 Hermit Thrush  1
 Wood Thrush  1
 American Robin 5
 Gray Catbird  4
 Blue-winged Warbler  3
 Yellow Warbler 4
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
 Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Pine Warbler  3
 Palm Warbler  1
 Black-and-White Warbler  4
 American Redstart  2
 Ovenbird  8
 Common Yellowthroat  4
 Scarlet Tanager 3
 Eastern Towhee 1
 Chipping Sparrow  6
 Savannah Sparrow  2
 Song Sparrow  5
 Northern Cardinal  4
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
 Bobolink  6
 Red-winged Blackbird  4
 Common Grackle 6
 Brown-headed Cowbird  4
 Baltimore Oriole  4
 American Goldfinch  4
(trip report from Susan LaBree).

5/19/07 -- Princeton and Gardner
No Report - Trip was canceled because of heavy rain. (submitted by Francis McMenemy).

5/13/07 -- Mt Auburn, Forbush Bird Club
This morning I led a group of four Forbush Bird Club members around Mt Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. We had a great morning with nice weather, nice foliage (except when it got in the way of the birds), nice company (our group and all others present) and some nice sightings. We started around 7:30 and ended just before 11 and recorded 91 species. Here are some photo highlights:
Cape May Warbler (male)
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Northern Parula
Swainson's Thrush
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (this guy earned himself a standing ovation: most people were already standing but still...) 
Here is the total list:

Canada Goose - 2
Mute Swan - 1
Mallard - 3
Common Loon - 1 (migrating adult);
Double-crested Cormorant - 3 (flyover);
Great Blue Heron - 2 (flyovers);
Turkey Vulture - 3
Red-tailed Hawk - 4
Killdeer - 1 (Halycon);
Ring-billed Gull - 5+ (flyovers);
Herring Gull - 1 (flyover);
Great Black-backed Gull - 3 (flyovers);
Rock Pigeon - 7
Mourning Dove - 15+
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 (seen well by several groups);
Chimney Swift - 10+
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 5 (4m1f);
Belted Kingfisher - 1f (flyover);
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Downy Woodpecker - 5+
Hairy Woodpecker - 1f
Northern Flicker ~ 5
Willow Flycatcher - 1 (Dry Dell);
Least Flycatcher - 8
Eastern Phoebe - 5
Great Crested Flycatcher - 1
Eastern Kingbird - 1
Yellow-throated Vireo - 1 (Dell);
Blue-headed Vireo - 2
Warbling Vireo - 7
Red-eyed Vireo - 1
Blue Jay - 20+
American Crow - 2
Tree Swallow ~ 10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 5
Barn Swallow - 2
Black-capped Chickadee ~ 8
Tufted Titmouse - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch ~ 5
Brown Creeper - 1
Carolina Wren - 3
House Wren - 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 2
Veery - 2
Swainson's Thrush - 3
Hermit Thrush - 1
Wood Thrush - 1
American Robin - 30+ (several nests);
Gray Catbird - 5+
Northern Mockingbird - 1
Brown Thrasher - 1
European Starling - 2
Blue-winged Warbler - 1
Nashville Warbler - 7
Northern Parula - 20+
Yellow Warbler - 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 2
Magnolia Warbler - 10+
Cape may Warbler - 2 m/f (both Indian Ridge);
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 20+
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 50+ (we started to block them out after an hour);
Black-throated Green Warbler - 10+
Blackburnian Warbler - 2 (one was in the same bino view as a male tanager);
Pine Warbler - 5+
Prairie Warbler - 2
Palm Warbler - 1
Blackpoll Warbler - 6
Black-and-white Warbler - 15+
American Redstart - 8 (1f);
Ovenbird - 10+ (nice looks at one low on a crab apple tree);
Common Yellowthroat - 1
Wilson's Warbler - 1 (eye level views at Spectacle: pun not intended but
appreciated);
Canada Warbler - 5+
Scarlet Tanager - 3
Eastern Towhee - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 20+
Field Sparrow - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
White-throated Sparrow - 1
Northern Cardinal - 10+
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 3
Indigo Bunting - 3
Red-winged Blackbird - 20+
Common Grackle - 15+
Brown-headed Cowbird - 20+
Orchard Oriole - 2 (parking circle and near Spectacle);
Baltimore Oriole - 18+
Purple Finch - 2
House Finch - 1
American Goldfinch - 5+
House Sparrow ~ 10
Not many butterflies around but we saw: Cabbage White ~ 5; Clouded Sulphur - 1; Red Admiral - 1; Mourning Cloak - 1. And several Photuris fire flies. (trip report from Dan Berard).

5/12/07 -- Tower Hill Botanic Garden
On Saturday, May 12, 2007, Jim & Kathie Hogan led the Forbush Bird Club on a walk at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden (THBG) in Boylston, Ma. Between 6 AM and 10:30 AM the 13 club members recorded 43 species. The day began cool and mostly overcast reducing both insects and warblers. By 9 AM the sun broke through, but was accompanied by a steady light breeze. The species highlights of the day were abundant male and female Baltimore orioles, male and female Scarlet tanagers, excellent views of a perching Ovenbird and a Great crested flycatcher. Throughout the day club members enjoyed several encounters with 7 Wild turkeys. The walk ended with a great sighting of a flying Pileated woodpecker. 

Forbush Bird Club Tower Hill walk.  5.12.07  6 - 10:30 AM.
Leaders: Jim & Kathie Hogan

Trip List

Great blue heron (1)
Canada geese (2)
Sharp-shinned hawk (1)
Red-tailed hawk (2)
Broad-winged hawk (1)
Wild turkey (7)
Rock pigeon (1)
Mourning dove (a)
Chimney swift (2)
Ruby-throated hummingbird (2)
Pileated woodpecker (1)
Great-crested flycatcher (2)
Eastern phoebe (2)
Tree swallow (a)
Blue jay (a)
American crow (a)
Black-capped chickadee (a)
Tufted titmouse (2)
House wren (3)
Gray catbird (5)
American robin (a)
Eastern bluebird (3)
Hermit thrush (1)
Blue-headed vireo (1)
Warbling vireo (1)
Black & white warbler (1)
Yellow warbler (1)
Black-throated green warbler (2)
Pine warbler  (1)
Ovenbird (a)
House sparrow (2)
Red-winged blackbird (a)
Baltimore oriole (a)
Common grackle (a)
Brown-headed cowbird (2)
Scarlet tanager (2)
Northern cardinal (5)
Rose-breasted grosbeak (a)
Purple finch (2)
House finch (a)
American goldfinch (a)
Chipping sparrow (a)
Song sparrow (a)
(submitted by Joan Gallagher).

5/6/07 -- Quabbin Reservoir auto trip
Eight (8) Forbush Bird Club members attended the annual "drive through" in the east Quabbin watershed, lead by Tom Pirro. Cool/windy conditions made hearing and finding birds somewhat difficult, at times, but none the less it was a very enjoyable sunny day. Highlights included a long distance look at a single Black Vulture, good numbers of singing Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a nesting Cooper's Hawk, many Common Loons and 12 species of Wood Warblers for a total of 69 species. 
Canada Goose 6
Wood Duck 6
Mallard 4
Hooded Merganser 4
Common Merganser 7
Ruffed Grouse 2
Wild Turkey 1
Common Loon 14
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 2
Black Vulture 1 Seen from Grave's Landing
Turkey Vulture 12
Bald Eagle 1
Cooper's Hawk 1 Calling from potential nesting sight
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Ring-billed Gull 12
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5
Downy Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Least Flycatcher 5
Eastern Phoebe 5
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue-headed Vireo 21
Blue Jay 15
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Tree Swallow 64
Barn Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 32
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Brown Creeper 5
House Wren 1
Winter Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 26
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 5
American Robin 26
Gray Catbird 1
Cedar Waxwing 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 34
Black-throated Green Warbler 12
Blackburnian Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 25
Prairie Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 8
Black-and-white Warbler 12
American Redstart 4
Ovenbird 8
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 15
Chipping Sparrow 31
Song Sparrow 7
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 9
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 16
Purple Finch 8
American Goldfinch 19
(submitted by Joan Gallagher fide Tom Pirro).

5/5/07 -- Buck Hill, Spencer 
Leader:  Susan LaBree.  Observers:  11
Weather:  Sunny, cool early, seasonable by the end of the trip.
Species:  39

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS TRIP IN 2008 WILL BE ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2008

Canada Goose  2
Ruffed Grouse  2
Turkey Vulture  5
Broad-winged Hawk  4
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  4
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Pileated Woodpecker  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue-headed Vireo  6
Blue Jay   12
American Crow  5
Tree Swallow  22
Black-capped Chickadee  10
Tufted Titmouse  8
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  3
Brown Creeper  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin  2
Northern Parula  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  22
Black-throated Green Warbler  12
Pine Warbler  5
Palm Warbler  5
Black and White Warbler  6
Ovenbird  4
Common Yellowthroat  1
Chipping Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  14
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird   6
Common Grackle  7
Brown-headed Cowbird  4
American Goldfinch  4
(trip report from Susan LeBree)

4/29/07 -- Forbush Hodges Village Dam ACE walk
14 Forbush Bird club members enjoyed the following birds at Hodges Village ACE in Oxford. The weather was comfortable, rising into the upper 50's, and there was no rain or signifigant wind. 
Mute Swan (pair); 
Canada Goose
Wood Duck (including 2 f in nest boxes); 
Mallard
American Black Duck (pr); 
Hooded Merganser (pr); 
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); 
Cooper's Hawk (1); 
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Ruffed Grouse (3);  (1 drumming); 
SANDHILL CRANE (2); : Joan Zumpfe managed to see these flyovers flying W-E
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull (flyover); 
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift (2); 
Belted Kingfisher (pr); 
Northern Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker (1 heard calling); 
Eastern Phoebe (pair investingating nest site); 

Eastern Kingbird (1); 
Blue-headed Vireo (1); 
Warbling Vireo (1); 
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven (pr flying together); 
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (1 small colony at gravelpit, 1 colony at dam
spillway); 
Barn Swallow
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
Brown Creeper
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowed Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird (2 pair at nest boxes); 
American Robin
Brown Thrasher (3); 
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler (1); 
Black-throated Green Warbler (2 singing); 
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler (4); 
Yellow Warbler (2); 
Northern Waterthrush  (2 singing); 
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco ( pr); 
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

66 Species
Water from River still unusually high with some trails and bridges still flooded. ACE have had to hold water back to prevent flooding downstream. (trip report from Paul Meleski).

4/28/07 -- Westboro Wildlife area, Westboro
Forbush Bird Club Trip to Westboro Wildlife area on 4/28/07. Ann Boover led 14 participants from both the Forbush Bird Club and the Westboro Land Trust. The day started out cool, overcast and damp but by midday turned sunny and warm. 48 species of birds were noted including: 
Great Blue Heron;
Turkey Vulture;
Canada Goose;
Wood Duck;
Mallard;
Greater Scaup;
Hooded Merganser;
Red-tailed Hawk;
American Kestrel;
Killdeer;
Ring-billed Gull;
Herring Gull;
Great Black-backed Gull;
Mourning Dove;
Belted Kingfisher;
Red-bellied Woodpecker;
Downy Woodpecker;
Hairy Woodpecker;
Northern Flicker;
Eastern Phoebe;
Blue Jay;
American Crow;
Tree Swallow;
Black-capped Chickadee;
Tufted Titmouse;
Red-breasted Nuthatch;
White-breasted Nuthatch;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet;
Eastern Bluebird;
American Robin;
Brown Thrasher;
Northern Mockingbird;
Pine Warbler;
Palm Warbler;
Common Yellowthroat;
Eastern Towhee;
Chipping Sparrow;
Savannah Sparrow;
Song Sparrow;
Swamp Sparrow;
White-throated Sparrow;
Northern Cardinal;
Red-winged Blackbird;
Common Grackle;
Brown-headed Cowbird;
House Finch;
American Goldfinch;
House Sparrow;
(trip report from Ann Boover).

4/1/07 -- Bolton Flats and Wachusett Reservoir
Temp. 28 - 55 deg., clear and calm, twelve participants, 52 species were observed. Conditions at the flats were much dryer than normal for this time of year. The small amounts of water that were in the fields were covered by a thin layer of ice. There was not a single duck seen as we walk in the length of the access road. There were some Killdeer and a half dozen Wilson Snipe around the frozen pools. As we walked back out, a flock of ducks, consisting of about a dozen Mallards and several Green-winged Teal, flew out of the center of the weed cover field. While we were wondering what had flush the ducks, some one saw a Coyote running in the weeds. A snipe was also heard winnowing over head. Across from the parking lot on Rt. 117 a Red-tailed Hawk was seen on the ground with a fresh kill. 
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Wild Turkey
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Wilson's Snipe
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Golden-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Pine Warbler
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Francis McMenemy).

3/25/07 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Brookfields
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, March 25, 2007 in the towns of Brookfield, West Brookfield and Warren. Lake Quaboag was still mostly ice-covered except near the East Brookfield River. Rodney Jenkins led 8 members from the Lake to Slab City, Brookfield Station, Lake Wickaboag, Warren and West Brookfield Station. It was calm, cloudy and cool with temperatures ranging from 34* F to 44* F. Highlights included 295 Ring-necked Ducks, 7 American Wigeon, a pair of Greater Scaup, 3 Bald Eagles (one of which had a radio transmitter on its back), 2 Eastern Phoebes and 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler. The major non-avian highlight was a BOBCAT sauntering through a field near Coy Brook in West Brookfield. The following 45 species were observed: 
Canada Goose 82
Wood Duck 11
American Wigeon 7
American Black Duck 7
Mallard 14
Ring-necked Duck 295
Greater Scaup 2
Hooded Merganser 25
Common Merganser 11
Great Blue Heron 4
Bald Eagle 3
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 69
Herring Gull 2
Rock Dove 6
Mourning Dove 28
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 19
American Crow 28
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 16
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
;Brown Creeper 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 53
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
American Tree Sparrow 2
Fox Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 9
White-throated Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 16
Norther Cardinal 17
Red-winged Blackbird 67
Common Grackle 84
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 12
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/18/07 -- Salisbury/Plum Island
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Salisbury Beach and Plum Island in Newburyport on Sunday, March 18, 2007. Only one other birder joined trip leader Ann Boover. The trip followed a severe snow storm that ended less than 24 hours before. It was a cold and windy day that barely reached the mid 30's when the sun made an appearance. The ice-covered trees were worth seeing after the long drive from central Mass as they gave Ann the feeling she was in an Ice Palace. Highlights were Brant, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Horned Grebe, Horned Lark and Snow Bunting. The following 46 species were observed: 
Canada Goose
Brant 21
Gadwall 6
American Wigeon 2
American Black Duck
Mallard
Common Eider
White-winged Scoter;Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Wild Turkey 2
Common Loon
Horned Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 4 (an adult perched over Ann's car and watched her)
Northern Harrier 3
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk 1 (spectacular looks at it hovering overhead)
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Blue Jay

American Crow
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Snow Bunting 7
Red-winged Blackbird (hundreds)
Common Grackle (hundreds)
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe, fide Ann Boover).

1/1/07 -- Worcester
The Forbush Bird Club held a shortened trip on New Year's Day, 2007 that began at noon and ended at 3:00 p.m. Weather conditions were nasty (raw and wet). Precipitation varied from mist to drizzle and finally rain with fog diminishing visibility at many stops. Temperatures ranged from the mid 30's to the low 40's. Three members joined Francis X. McMenemy who substituted as leader due to scheduled leader Joan Zumpfe's absence. This report was prepared from notes provided by Fran and Alan Marble. Highlights were the Northern Pintails and Redheads. The following 23 species were observed: 
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 45
Northern Pintail 3
Green-winged Teal 3
Redhead 3 ( 1 drake, 2 female)
Greater Scaup 1 (1st year male)
Hooded Merganser 9
Great Blue Heron 3
Ring-billed Gull 30
Herring Gull 3
Rock Pigeon
Downy Woodpecker 1
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee 5
American Robin 1
European Starling 30
American Tree Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 12
White-throated Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 15
House Sparrow 2
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

For previous sightings, see Trip Reports 2006