Forbush Bird Club 2009 Trip Reports
The following are highlights of selected field trips of the Forbush Bird Club, listed in reverse chronological order:
Members enjoyed these 67 species: Canada Goose Mute Swan Gadwall American Wigeon American Black Duck Mallard Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck Wild Turkey Red-throated Loon Common Loon Red-necked Grebe Horned Grebe Northern Gannet Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Northern Harrier Cooper's Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Black-bellied Plover Greater Yellowlegs Sanderling White-rumped Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper Dunlin Wilson's Snipe Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Great Horned Owl Blue Jay American Crow Horned Lark Black-capped Chickadee Eastern Bluebird American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling American Pipit Cedar Waxwing American Tree Sparrow Lark Sparrow Song Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Snow Bunting Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird American Goldfinch House Sparrow(trip report from Paul Meleski).
For previous sightings, see
Trip Reports 2008
Trip leader: Laura Lane
Eleven birders came out on a sunny November Sunday to bird local ponds and
conservation areas in the Northborough and Westborough area. The
temperatures were a chilly 46 degrees at the start, but warmed up to a balmy
68 degrees by the end of the trip. It was a lovely day to be out birding!
Species seen: 35
Canada Goose
Wood Duck-3
Gadwall-1
American Black Duck-1
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck-1
Hooded Merganser-4
Pied-billed Grebe-1
Great Blue Heron-3
Red-tailed Hawk-3
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher-2
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird-4
American Robin
Grey Catbird-1
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
American Tree Sparrow
Field Sparrow-1
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Laura Lane)
A group of 7 members and 2 guests participated in a 6.5 mile walk at gate
35, along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir. Weather was
pleasant, in the 50's with a NW wind of 5-10 MPH, under mostly sunny skies.
Participants enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes,
2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable
species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of
Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American
Crows passed.
A complete list and numbers of species seen and/or heard are listed below.
Species: 37
American Black Duck 3
Mallard 2
White-winged Scoter 1
Bufflehead 3
Common Merganser 10
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Common Loon 14
Horned Grebe 7
Bald Eagle 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk 17
Black-bellied Plover 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Dunlin 2
Bonaparte's Gull 2
Ring-billed Gull 30
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 192
Black-capped Chickadee 18
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
American Robin 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 63
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 68
American Goldfinch 8
(trip report submitted by Tom Pirro)
Trip leader: Kevin Bourinot
Notes: Main body of the reservoir and ponds throughout the IBA including
Sterling Peat, Coachlace Pond, The Quag, and E. Waushacum Pond.
Weather Conditions: 55-60°F, Light Winds
Number of species: 44
Members: 16
Canada Goose (1)
Mute Swan (1)
Wood Duck (8)
American Black Duck (1)
Mallard (23)
Ring-necked Duck (7)
Greater Scaup (35)
Lesser Scaup (4)
Hooded Merganser (2)
Common Merganser (8)
Ruddy Duck (5)
Common Loon (14)
Pied-billed Grebe (1)
Horned Grebe (1)
Double-crested Cormorant (21)
Great Blue Heron (5)
Turkey Vulture (4)
Bald Eagle (4)
Northern Harrier (1)
Cooper's Hawk (2)
Red-tailed Hawk (6)
Ring-billed Gull (64)
Mourning Dove (4)
Belted Kingfisher (3)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)
Downy Woodpecker (5)
Northern Flicker (1)
Blue Jay (40)
American Crow (25)
Black-capped Chickadee (32)
Tufted Titmouse (2)
White-breasted Nuthatch (6)
Brown Creeper (1)
Carolina Wren (2)
Eastern Bluebird (1)
American Robin (25)
Cedar Waxwing (2)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (5)
Song Sparrow (1)
White-throated Sparrow (3)
Dark-eyed Junco (2)
Northern Cardinal (1)
Red-winged Blackbird (4)
American Goldfinch (23)
(report submitted by Kevin Bourinot)
Trip leader: Rodney Jenkins
The weather was rainy and cold in the 40's with N.E. Winds 5-15 MPH. There
were 3 observers and 40 species.
Canada Goose (38)
Wood Duck (3)
American Black Duck (18)
Mallard (480)
Hooded Merganser (3)
Double-crested Cormorant (7)
Great Blue Heron (3)
Northern Harrier (1)
Cooper's Hawk (1)
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Ring-billed Gull (300)
Herring Gull (1)
Great Black-backed Gull (1)
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove (3)
Belted Kingfisher (1)
Downey Woodpecker (1)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee (8)
Tufted Titmouse (2)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4)
Hermit Thrush (1)
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird (1)
Cedar Waxwing (50)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (4)
Field Sparrow (2)
Savannah Sparrow (7)
Song Sparrow (55)
Lincoln's Sparrow (1)
Swamp Sparrow (48)
White-throated Sparrow (182)
White-crowned Sparrow (1)
Dark-eyed Junco (1)
Northern Cardinal (3)
Red-winged Blackbird (8)
American Goldfinch (2)
House Sparrow (6)
(report from Rodney Jenkins, fide Joan Gallagher)
Trip leader: Rodney Jenkins
The weather was a sunny 45 to 55 degrees. There were 9 observers and 49
species.
Canada Goose (18)
Wood Duck (3)
Turkey Vulture (4)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2)
Red-tailed Hawk (2)
Killdeer (4)
Rock Pigeon (4)
Mourning Dove (15)
Eastern Screech-Owl (1)
Barred Owl (1)
Belted Kingfisher (1)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1)
Downy Woodpecker (3)
Hairy Woodpecker (2)
Northern Flicker (13)
Pileated Woodpecker (2)
Eastern Phoebe (5)
Blue-headed Vireo (2)
Blue Jay (26)
American Crow (125)
Common Raven (1)
Black-capped Chickadee (6)
Tufted Titmouse (1)
White-breasted Nuthatch (3)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3)
Eastern Bluebird (2)
Hermit Thrush (1)
American Robin (20)
Gray Catbird (2)
European Starling
American Pipit (62)
Cedar Waxwing (12)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (31)
Blackpoll Warbler (1)
Chipping Sparrow (100+)
Field Sparrow (1)
Savannah Sparrow (39)
Song Sparrow (36)
Lincoln's Sparrow (2)
Swamp Sparrow (21)
White-throated Sparrow (2)
White-crowned Sparrow (2)
Northern Cardinal (2)
Indigo Bunting (1)
Bobolink (1)
Red-winged Blackbird (19)
House Finch (25)
American Goldfinch (4)
House Sparrow (6)
(report from Rodney Jenkins, fide Joan Gallagher)
Trip leader: Kevin Bourinot
The weather was sunny and hot with temperatures starting out around 55
degrees to a high of 77 degrees. There were 5 observers and 44 species.
Canada Goose (1)
Wood Duck (6)
American Black Duck (1)
Mallard (4)
Double-crested Cormorant (2)
Turkey Vulture (7)
Osprey (1)
Northern Harrier (1)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3)
Cooper's Hawk (2)
Red-tailed Hawk (3)
Killdeer (1)
Greater Yellowlegs (1)
Least Sandpiper (7)
Rock Pigeon (4)
Mourning Dove (8)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4)
Belted Kingfisher (1)
Downy Woodpecker (5)
Northern Flicker (2)
Willow Flycatcher (1)
Eastern Phoebe (8)
Warbling Vireo (11)
Blue Jay (15)
American Crow (14)
Black-capped Chickadee (10)
White-breasted Nuthatch (2)
Marsh Wren (2)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2)
American Robin (5)
Gray Catbird (10)
Northern Mockingbird (1)
European Starling (3)
Cedar Waxwing (10)
Northern Parula (1)
Yellow Warbler (4)
Blackpoll Warbler (3)
Common Yellowthroat (5)
Savannah Sparrow (4)
Song Sparrow (24)
Swamp Sparrow (13)
Northern Cardinal (1)
Red-winged Blackbird (55)
American Goldfinch (20)
(report submitted by Kevin Bourinot)
John Shea led a group of 9 Club members on a trip to Plum Island. It started
out a little cool in the 50's but warmed to the low 70's. The Swallows put
on a great show; it's hard to say how many but it was in the thousands.
Other highlights were 2 Peregrine Falcons chasing peeps at Stage Island,
Buff Breasted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Pectoral Sandpiper and Piping Plover. A
total of 55 birds were seen.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Common Eider
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Northern Harrier
Cooper's Hawk
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Black-bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Piping Plover
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Whimbrel
Sanderling
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Morning Dove
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Marsh Wren
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(report submitted by John Shea)
Trip Leader: Ed Banks
Weather: Clear in the 70's.
Participants: 16
Species: 51
Canada Goose
Common Eider
Cory's Shearwater
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Showy Egret
Northern Harrier
Black-bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Piping Plover
American Oystercatcher
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Willet
Whimbrel
Hudsonian Godwit
Marbled Godwit
Ruddy Turnstone
Red Knot
Sanderling
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Dunlin
Short-billed Dowitcher
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Least Tern
Roseate Tern
Common Tern
Forster's Tern
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Grey Catbird
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
(trip report submitted by Ed Banks)
Eight Forbush Members enjoyed a pleasant evening stroll around All Faiths
Cemetery in Worcester/Auburn. It was overcast and the temperature was in the
70's. The trip started at 7 p.m. and was over by 8:15 p.m. The trip was
co-led by Francis McMenemy and Alan Marble. Although we did not spot any
Night Herons on the edges of Leesville Pond, the following 23 species of
birds were seen or heard:
Mute Swan 2
Wood Duck 7
Mallard 25
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 1
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 3
Chimney Swift 15
Eastern Kingbird 3
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 30
Gray Catbird 3
Cedar Waxwing 20
Chipping Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 5
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 2
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 5
(trip report submitted by Alan Marble)
Leader Dolores Price was assisted by Alan Marble. The weather was sunny and hot
with a high around 85 degrees. There were 17 participants. The following
29 species of birds were seen or heard:
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
American crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
White- breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
American Goldfinch
(bird list submitted by Alan Marble)
The trip turned out to be more
productive for species of birds than butterflies, but we all enjoyed the
following 20 species of butterflies:
Black Swallowtail 1
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 10
Spicebush Swallowtail 2
Cabbage White 7
Clouded Sulphur 20
Orange Sulphur 6
American Copper 2
Summer Azure 1
Great Spangled Fritillary 14
Pearl Crescent 16
Question Mark 2
Viceroy 1
Little Wood Satyr 2
Common Wood Nymph 12
Monarch 2
Silver-spotted Skipper 35
European Skipper 1
Dun Skipper 4
Eastern Tailed-Blue 10
Northern Broken Dash 3
Here are photos taken by Joan Gallagher of
club members walking along the road and
a butterfly seen on the trip.
(butterfly list submitted by Dolores Price)
Location: IBA - Wachusett Reservoir
Observation date: 7/5/09
Notes: Forbush Bird Club (11 birders, leader: Francis McMenemy & Co-leader
Kevin Bourinot)
Number of species: 51
Canada Goose
Common Loon (no young or nests seen)
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle (2 young on the nest, 1 adult)
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Spotted Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
(trip report submitted by Kevin Bourinot)
Observers:16
Weather:Partly cloudy
Temp:55-70 68
Species seen or heard:
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downey Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report submitted by Dick & Peg Knowlton).
16 Forbush Bird Club members enjoyed a beautiful day of birding at
South Quabbin Park; we
started at 7:00 A.M. and ended at 2:00 P.M. Temps were 50 up to mid 70's by
the end. 68 bird species were seen. Highlights were Common Loon, Bald
Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher
(found by Fran), Yellow-Throated Vireo and many Orioles.
Complete list:
Wood Duck
Wild Turkey
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Great Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Pileated Woodpecker
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Blue- gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
America Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(report submitted by John Shea)
Seventeen Forbush members enjoyed a morning field trip to the
Millbury/Sutton area on Saturday,
May 30th. The weather was sunny with temperatures in the 70s. Highlights of
the 56 species were:
2 Grasshopper Sparrows, 2 Eastern Meadowlarks, a Willow Flycatcher, 3
Prairie Warblers and
3 Indigo Buntings. The trip leader was Alan Marble.
Here is the complete species list:
Wood Duck 6
Mallard 10
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Killdeer 1
Rock Pigeon 8
Mourning Dove 10
Chimney Swift 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Willow Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Eastern Kingbird 1
Warbling Vireo 3
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 6
Tree Swallow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
Veery 2
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 3
European Starling 6
Cedar Waxwing 12
Yellow Warbler 6
Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
Prairie warbler 3
American Redstart 4
Ovenbird 3
Common Yellowthroat 3
Scarlet Tanager 2
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 3
Grasshopper Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 3
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Common Grackle 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 6
American Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow 4
(trip report submitted by Alan Marble)
Seventeen Forbush Members and friends enjoyed a morning walk at the Oxbow
National Wildlife on Saturday May 23, 2009. The skies were overcast with a
temperature of about 60 degrees. Highlights of the 61 species seen or heard
were: Ruffed Grouse, Alder and Willow Flycatchers, Yellow-throated Vireo,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The trip
was co-led by Fran McMenemy and Alan Marble.
Here is the full list of species:
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Ruffed Grouse
Wild Turkey
Great Blue 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
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
(report submitted by Alan Marble)
On Thursday evening May 21, 2009, 16 observers joined leader Barton Kamp.
It was clear and breezy. Temperatures were in the upper 60's. Highlights
at Bolton Flats were a pair of Orchard Orioles, and highlights at the WMA
were 2 Nighthawks, 6 Whip-poor-wills, 3 Woodcocks and a singing Vesper Sparrow.
The following 25 species were seen or heard at both places:
Canada Goose
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Virginia Rail
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Least Sandpiper
American Woodcock
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl
Common Nighthawk
Whip-poor-will
Eastern Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Orchard Oriole
American Goldfinch
(trip report submitted by Bart Kamp)
Forbush Bird Club
Date: May 17, 2009
Leader: Susan LaBree
Participants: 7
Site: Buck Hill, Spencer
Species: 49
Weather: Intermittent rain, very cloudy, cool 55 degrees
Canada Goose 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 12
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 2
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 3
American Robin 3
Gray Catbird 2
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Northern Parula 1
Yellow Warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 6
Magnolia Warbler 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Black-throated Green Warbler 9
Pine Warbler 5
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-White Warbler 2
American Redstart 2
Ovenbird 12
Common Yellowthroat 4
Scarlet Tanager 5
Chipping Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Baltimore Oriole 5
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 4
House sparrow 2
(report submitted by Susan LaBree)
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip in Princeton at and around Mount Wachusett
on May 16, 2009. Francis X. McMenemy was trip leader and 14 members
participated. The weather was partly cloudy and cool, in the low 50's, at
the start but quickly warmed up to the mid 70's as the sunshine increased.
Everyone was delighted to see and hear 16 species of warblers as well as a
Winter Wren, Pine Siskins and a Black-billed Cuckoo among the following 60
species. A Tiger Swallowtail sipping nectar from a lilac bush also provided
a lovely sight.
Common Loon 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 4
Black-billed Cuckoo 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 2Red-eyed Vireo 10
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 5
Common Raven 1
Tree Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 10
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
Winter Wren 1
Veery 1
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 5
European Starling 6
Northern Parula 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 7
Magnolia Warbler 3
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Black-throated Green Warbler 12
Blackburnian Warbler 2
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
American Redstart 10
Ovenbird 12
Northern Waterthrush 2
Common Yellowthroat 4
Wilson's Warbler 1
Canada Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 3
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 10
Song Sparrow 4
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 2
Pine Siskin 8
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 1
(trip report submitted by Joan Zumpfe)
Location: Mt. Auburn Cemetery--IBA
Date: 5/10/09
Notes: Forbush Bird Club Mount Auburn Trip. Joined by sixteen members
as well as many other birders throughout the day.
Several participants 'ticked' some lifers.
Number of species: 87
Canada Goose 4
Mute Swan 1
Mallard 3
Common Merganser 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Ring-billed Gull 4
Herring Gull (American) 2
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 7
Mourning Dove 23
Great Horned Owl 2
Chimney Swift 7
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
Least Flycatcher 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 4
Eastern Kingbird 5
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 4
Warbling Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1
House Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 20
Gray Catbird 5
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 9
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 5
Northern Parula 20
Yellow Warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 5
Magnolia Warbler 7
Cape May Warbler 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 14
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 50
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Blackburnian Warbler 3
Prairie Warbler 2
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 2
Bay-breasted Warbler 1
Blackpoll Warbler 3
Black-and-white Warbler 11
American Redstart 12
Ovenbird 3
Northern Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
Wilson's Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 20
Song Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 9
Northern Cardinal 5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 20
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Orchard Oriole 5
Baltimore Oriole 12
House Finch 2
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch 5
House Sparrow 10
Here are some
trip photos. (trip report submitted by Dan Bernard)
We had a nice turnout of 14 members (in 5 cars) to tour east Quabbin
Reservoir from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Weather conditions were cool (upper
40's) and overcast, and the rain held off until late afternoon.
Highlights included several Common loons, a Bald Eagle pair (on nest with at
least 1 chick), a Merlin which remained perched for 30 minutes, 14 species
of Wood Warblers, nice looks at Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole and
Wood Thrush to name a few).
Canada Goose...9
Wood Duck ...8
Mallard ...5
Ring-necked Duck ...2
Hooded Merganser ...5
Common Merganser ...3
Ruffed Grouse ...1
Wild Turkey ...2
Common Loon ...11
Red-necked Grebe ...1
Great Blue Heron ...1
Turkey Vulture ...1
Bald Eagle ...3
Merlin ...1
Solitary Sandpiper ...1
Ring-billed Gull ...1
Mourning Dove ...2
Barred Owl ...1
Belted Kingfisher ...1
Red-bellied Woodpecker ...1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ...7
Downy Woodpecker ...1
Hairy Woodpecker ...2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) ....1
Pileated Woodpecker ...4
Least Flycatcher ...3
Eastern Phoebe ...4
Great Crested Flycatcher ...1
Eastern Kingbird ...2
Yellow-throated Vireo ...1
Blue-headed Vireo ...10
Warbling Vireo ...1
Blue Jay ...2
American Crow ...7
Common Raven...2
Tree Swallow ...20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow ...3
Barn Swallow ...1
Black-capped Chickadee ...3
Red-breasted Nuthatch ...2
Brown Creeper...3
Winter Wren ...2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet ...1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ...4
Veery ...1
Wood Thrush ...7
American Robin... 12
Gray Catbird ...7
Nashville Warbler ...3
Northern Parula ...1
Yellow Warbler ...6
Chestnut-sided Warbler ...12
Black-throated Blue Warbler ...5
Yellow-rumped Warbler ...19
Black-throated Green Warbler ...10
Blackburnian Warbler ...6
Pine Warbler ...10
Black-and-white Warbler ...9
American Redstart ...2
Ovenbird ...18
Louisiana Waterthrush ...2
Common Yellowthroat ...2
Scarlet Tanager ...3
Eastern Towhee ...21
Chipping Sparrow ...16
Song Sparrow ...3
Swamp Sparrow ...2
White-throated Sparrow ...4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak... 6
Red-winged Blackbird ...10
Common Grackle ...15
Brown-headed Cowbird ...12
Baltimore Oriole ...6
Purple Finch ...3
Pine Siskin ...4
American Goldfinch ...10
I have another write-up and photos on my
blog
.
(report submitted by Tom Pirro)
Forbush Bird Club
Date: May 2, 2009
Leader: Susan LaBree
Participants: 8
Site: Sylvester St/Worc Airport
Species: 59
Weather: Partly cloudy, cool.
Canada Goose 3
Mallard 3
Ruffed Grouse 1
Wild Turkey 2
Great Blue Heron 3
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 1
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Creasted Flycatcher 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 20
Barn Swallow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 2
House Wren 2
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 2
European Starling 6
Blue-winged Warbler 3
Yellow warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 3
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Ovenbird 3
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 4
Field Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Bobolink 6
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Eastern Meadowlark 4
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Baltimore Oriole 2
Purple Finch 1
Pine Siskin 3
American Goldfinch 4
(report submitted by Susan LaBree)
Leader: Paul Meleski. Observers 16. Weather : Sunny, mid 80's, light wind.
Highlights: Green Heron, Osprey, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Common
Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Waterthrush, and Pine Siskin. Species: 61.
Species:
Canada Goose - 8
Mute Swan - 1
Wood Duck - 12
Mallard - 4
Green-winged Teal - 1
Hooded Merganser - 1
Great Blue Heron - 3
Green Heron - 2
Turkey Vulture - 3
Osprey - 1, attempting to build a nest
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
Broad-winged Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 2
Killdeer - 2
Greater Yellowlegs - 1
Mourning Dove - 6
Belted Kingfisher - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 4
Hairy Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker - 3
Eastern Phoebe - 3
Eastern Kingbird - 1
Blue-headed Vireo - 1
Warbling Vireo - 2
Blue Jay - 5
American Crow - 6
Common Raven - 1
Tree Swallow - 14
Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 9
Black-capped Chickadee - 4, including a pair excavating a nest
Tufted Titmouse - 4
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Brown Creeper - 3
Carolina Wren - 2
House Wren - 2
Eastern Bluebird - 3
Hermit Thrush - 1
American Robin - 8
Brown Thrasher - 1
European Starling - 6
Yellow Warbler - 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 6
Pine Warbler - 8, including birds gathering nesting material
Palm Warbler - 2
Black-and-white Warbler - 2
Northern Waterthrush - 1
Eastern Towhee -2
Chipping Sparrow - 6
Song Sparrow - 4
Swamp Sparrow - 4
White-throated Sparrow - 3
Northern Cardinal - 4
Red-winged Blackbird - 14
Common Grackle - 16
Brown-headed Cowbird - 4
Purple Finch - 2
House Finch - 2
Pine Siskin - 4
American Goldfinch - 4
House Sparrow - 2
The leader also reports a Chimney Swift flying over his house as he
was finishing up some yard work.
(trip report submitted by Paul Meleski)
It was drizzly, but we had about 6 people. When it got dark we heard a
number of Woodcock peenting and performing their flight dance. Here is the
list of the 12 Species recorded:
Canada Goose 1
Mute Swan 1
Ring-necked Duck 8
Great Blue Heron 2
American Woodcock
Eastern Screech Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Pine Warbler 2
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
(report submitted by Laura Lane)
Fran McMenemy and John Shea co-lead 14 members on a trip to Bolton Flats.
The temperature at the start was 42 degrees with a good wind to make it feel
rather cold. Highlights were Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, Snipe
and a Purple Finch. We saw 27 Species of birds.
Complete list:
Canada Geese
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Red-tail Hawk
Killdeer
Common Snipe
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red- breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
American Robin
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Purple Finch
(trip report submitted by John Shea)
The list of 42 species follows:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Great Cormorant
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Purple Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Iceland Gull
Glaucous Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Razorbill
Black Guillemot
Rock Pigeon
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Song Sparrow
Snow Bunting
House Sparrow
(report submitted by Alan Marble)
Canada Goose 110
Mute Swan 2 (adults at Institute Pond)
Wood Duck 3 (at the Diversion Tunnel in Auburn near the Worcester Line)
American Black Duck 12
Mallard 90
Hooded Merganser 9
Common Merganser 8
Great Blue Heron 2
Bald Eagle 3 (2 adults and 1 immature)
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Peregrine Falcon 1
Ring-billed Gull 75
Herring Gull 6
ICELAND GULL 1
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 220
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 18
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 3
American Robin 60
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 200
Cedar Waxwing 8
Song Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe)
