Forbush Bird Club 2011 Trip Reports


The following are highlights of the field trips of the Forbush Bird Club, listed in reverse chronological order:

11/13/11 -- Salisbury and vicinity
Leader: Paul Meleski. Observers: 7 Weather: Sunny all day. Winds calm in morning increasing to 15-20 mph by afternoon. Temperatures in 50's. Highlights: Barnacle Goose at Artichoke Reservoir, large numbers of Ruddy Duck on Cherry Hill Reservoir, a late Great Egret, large movement of Red-throated Loon and all 3 Scoters, and nice numbers of Snow Buntings. Visited Slisbury State Reservation, Artichoke and Cherry Hill Reservoirs, Joppa Flats and Plum Island. 66 species.
Species list and notes:

Canada Goose
Barnacle Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Common Eider
Ruddy Duck
Northern Gannet
Red-throated Loon: nice movement of birds all day
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret-a late bird
Northern Harrier
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
American Coot
Black-bellied Plover-single bird
Greater Yellowlegs
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
American Pipit
Snow Bunting:  2-3 pretty big flocks
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Paul Meleski fide Jean Holm).

11/6/11 -- Northboro/Westboro Area
The weather was sunny for the November 6 trip to Northboro and Westboro area ponds and conservation areas led by Laura Lane. Temperatures were a brisk 27 degrees at the start but warmed to 55 degrees by noon. 15 members and friends attended. Highlights included a Long-tailed Duck at Solomon Pond, a late Killdeer at Bartlett Pond, a Bald Eagle at Lake Chauncey and a late Common Yellowthroat at Lake Chauncey. Details of the 36 Species recorded:
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Canada Goose 138
Mute Swan 6
Mallard 10
Ring-necked Duck 1
Long-tailed Duck 1
Ruddy Duck 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
American Coot 3
Killdeer 1
Herring Gull 4
Mourning Dove 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 3
Black Capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 8
American Robin 12
Northern Mockingbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Tree Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 6
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird (large flock)
Common Grackle 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 7
(trip report from Laura Lane).

10/23/11 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity
The Forbush Bird Club had a great trip around the Wachusett Reservoir IBA, with 11 Members attending. Locations included: River Road, Sterling Peat, West Waushacum Pond, The Quag, the Rail Trail in Sterling, Reservoir Gates 36, 37, 39, and 28, and Coachlace Pond in Clinton.
Trip List:

Wood Duck (6) The Quag and Sterling Rail Trail
American Wigeon (4)  2 pairs. The Quag and Gate 39.
American Black Duck (1) Sterling Rail Trail
Mallard (47)
Surf Scoter (12) One flock from Gate 39.
White-winged Scoter (1) Female from Gate 39.
Black Scoter (76) One skittish flock from Gate 28.
Common Merganser (22) Flock of 17 from Gate 39, 5 more from Gate 28.
Ruddy Duck (4) West Waushacum Pond
Common Loon (27)
Horned Grebe (11) Gates 36, 37, 39, and 28.
Red-necked Grebe (3) 1 juvenile from Gate 36. 2 basic from Gate 28.
Double-crested Cormorant (43)
Great Blue Heron (4)
Turkey Vulture (8)
Bald Eagle (3) Adults
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3)
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Ring-billed Gull (260) Main roost from Gate 28.
Rock Pigeon (6)
Mourning Dove (6)
Belted Kingfisher (1)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2)
Downy Woodpecker (6)
Hairy Woodpecker (2)
Northern Flicker (2)
Blue Jay (22)
American Crow (37)
Black-capped Chickadee (26)
Tufted Titmouse (6)
White-breasted Nuthatch (3)
Brown Creeper (1)
Carolina Wren (2)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (6)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4)
Hermit Thrush (1)
American Robin (17)
Northern Mockingbird (1)
European Starling (5)
Cedar Waxwing (21)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (66) Present at every stop.
Song Sparrow (19)
Swamp Sparrow (2)
White-throated Sparrow (6)
Dark-eyed Junco (14)
Northern Cardinal (1)
Red-winged Blackbird (30)
American Goldfinch (2)
House Sparrow (5)
(trip report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/21/11 -- Lookout Rock, Uxbridge (Saw-whet Owl banding)
Leader:  Strickland Wheelock, Beth Milke and crew.  
Observers: 13 members and friends of the Forbush Bird Club.  
Weather: Clear, calm and starry with temps in the 50's. 

Highlights: One Saw-whet Owl, (#1014-50529, a hatch year
female), was banded after 9 PM, the third of the season.  The owls are
appearing a bit later this year due to the prolonged spell of warm, rainy
weather. There was a flying squirrel in the net early on.
(trip report from Beth Milke).

10/16/11 -- Lake Quaboag and vicinity
There were 8 observers on the trip led by Rodney Jenkins. Weather was Partly cloudy, breezy, 45-55 degrees. There were 47 species. Highlights were: White-fronted Goose at Orlandos, Ruddy ducks, Am. Coot flock, White-crowned Sparrows and Rusty Blackbirds.
D.C Cormorant 1
Great Blue heron 1
Canada Goose 80
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE 1
Wood Duck 5
Black Duck 12
Mallard 120
Ring-necked Duck 120
RUDDY DUCK 38
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2-3
Sharp-shinned hawk 1
Red- Tailed hawk 3
Wild Turkey 6
AMERICAN COOT 45
Ring-billed Gull 560
Herring Gull 1
Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Dove 25
Mourning Dove 12
Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
YELLOW_BELLIED SAPSUCKER 1
Flicker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Phoebe 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 15
Crow 25
C Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Eastern Bluebird 6
Robin 6 only!
Starling 12
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 25
Swamp Sparrow 55
White-throated Sparrow 45
WHIT-CROWNED SPARROW 2
Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 22
RUSTY BLACKBIRD 8
House Finch 4
Goldfinch 12
House Sparrow 6
(trip report from Rodney Jenkins fide Jean Holm).

10/9/11 -- New Braintree and vicinity
Leader: Rodney Jenkins   
8 observers
Weather: Sunny low 50’s to start mid 70’s at end.
Species: 49

Great Blue Heron 3
Wood Duck 19
Mallard 1
Coopers’s Hawk 2
Red-Tailed hawk 2
Kestral 1
Rock Dove 1
Morning Dove 24
Screech Owl 1 (by leader before everyone’s arrival)
Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Flicker 5
Pileated Woodpecker 1 (Heard)
Phoebe 2
Blue-headed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 20
Crow 12
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 6
Robin 50
Catbird 3
Starling 9
AMERICAN PIPIT 1
Cedar Waxwing 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 30+
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 35
Savannah Sparrow 50+
Song Sparrow 35+
LINCOLN’S SPARROW 3
Swamp Sparrow 35
White-throated Sparrow 40
WHITE-CROWNED SPAROW 6
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Cardinal 4
INDIGO BUNTING 2
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Rusty Blackbird 1 (fly-bye, leader only)
Purple Finch 1
Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow 4
(trip report from Rodney Jenkins).

9/25/11 -- Bolton Flats/Pine Hill Road, Lancaster
The Forbush Bird Club had a great trip to Bolton Flats and Pine Hill Road in Lancaster this morning, led by Kevin Bourinot, with 16 participants. The recent rainfall made the trip through Bolton Flats only possible with knee boots. The parking lot off route 117 was barely accessible and we could not proceed beyond the "T" in the trail. The highlights were the NELSON'S SPARROW spotted by Paul Meleski, Sora, Virginia Rail, Lincoln's Sparrow, Vesper Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrow at Pine Hill Road. The huge number of Swamp Sparrows was also a highlight, but expected at Bolton Flats.
Bolton Flats
52 species

Canada Goose  (37)
Wood Duck  (19)
Mallard  (26)
Green-winged Teal  (20
Great Blue Heron  (3)
Turkey Vulture  (1)
Osprey  (1)
Northern Harrier  (1)
Red-shouldered Hawk  (1)
Red-tailed Hawk  (1)
American Kestrel  (2)
Virginia Rail  (1)
Sora  (2)
Rock Pigeon  (36)
Mourning Dove  (6)
Belted Kingfisher  (2)
Red-bellied Woodpecker  (2)
Downy Woodpecker  (4)
Northern Flicker  (4)
Eastern Phoebe  (7)
Eastern Kingbird  (1)
Warbling Vireo  (1)
Red-eyed Vireo  (1)
Blue Jay  (12)
American Crow  (4)
Black-capped Chickadee  (4)
Tufted Titmouse  (5)
White-breasted Nuthatch  (1)
Marsh Wren  (3)
American Robin  (53)
Gray Catbird  (9)
Northern Mockingbird  (1)
European Starling  (11)
Cedar Waxwing  (11)
Common Yellowthroat  (14)
Northern Parula  (1)
Chestnut-sided Warbler  (1)
Yellow-rumped Warbler  (7)
Chipping Sparrow  (5)
Savannah Sparrow  (1)

NELSON'S SPARROW  (1)  Bird first spotted by Paul Meleski. Perched for
over a minute in a small tree on the left of the trail, about 20 yards
south of "the T". Awarded the majority of the group with excellent
views. Took off a short distance to the North in the cattails.

Song Sparrow  (36)
Lincoln's Sparrow  (1)
Swamp Sparrow  (112)
White-throated Sparrow  (8)
Scarlet Tanager  (1)
Northern Cardinal  (8)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  (1)
Indigo Bunting  (2)
Red-winged Blackbird  (92)
Brown-headed Cowbird  (3)
American Goldfinch  (16)


Pine Hill Road, Lancaster
15 Species

Cooper's Hawk  (1)
Red-tailed Hawk  (1)
Eastern Phoebe  (1)
Blue Jay  (11)
American Crow  (21)
Tufted Titmouse  (3)
American Robin  (8)
Gray Catbird  (5)
Brown Thrasher (1)
Cedar Waxwing  (11)
Prairie Warbler  (1)
Eastern Towhee  (2)
Field Sparrow  (3)
Vesper Sparrow  (2)
Grasshopper Sparrow  (1)
(trip report from Kevin Bourinot).

9/3/11 --Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton
Joan Gallagher led 10 Forbush Bird Club members on a trip to Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanactuary. The weather was clear and sunny with a temperature around 65 degrees to start ending with a high of 79 degrees. Highlights were: Immature Hooded Merganser, a freshly feathered and beautifully colored Red-tailed Hawk , two American Kestrels (M), Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds not only at feeders but at several locations on the sanctuary, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireos.
Species:  36

Wood Duck  
Hooded Merganser   
Turkey Vulture  
Red-tailed Hawk  
American Kestrel  
Mourning Dove  
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird  
Belted Kingfisher  
Northern Flicker  
Eastern Wood-pewee  
Eastern Phoebe  
Blue-headed Vireo  
Philadelphia Vireo  
Red-eyed Vireo  
Blue Jay  
American Crow  
Black-capped Chickadee  
Tufted Titmouse  
Red-breasted Nuthatch  
White-breasted Nuthatch  
House Wren  
Eastern Bluebird  
American  Robin  
Grey Catbird  
European Starling  
Cedar Waxwing  
American Redstart  
Common Yellowthroat  
Chipping Sparrow  
Song Sparrow  
Swamp Sparrow  
Northern Cardinal  
Common Grackle  
House Finch  
American Goldfinch  
House Sparrow 
(trip report submitted by Joan Gallagher)

8/17/11 -- Leesville Pond
John Shea lead 20 members on a trip to Leesville Pond to look for Black-crowned Night Heron. Some highlights were Green Heron, Wood Duck, Coopers Hawk, Red tailed Hawk, Common Night Hawk and a Northern Oriole. We saw 24 species but sadly no Night Heron.
Great Blue Heron 3
Green Heron 1
Canada Geese 4
Mute Swan 2
Wood Duck 5
Black Duck 1
Mallard Duck 46
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Rock Dove 4
Morning Dove 2
Common Night Hawk 20
Chimney Swift 6
Downy Woodpecker 1
N. Flicker 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue Jay 4
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Robin 82
N. Mockingbird 2
Cedar Waxwing 12
Northern Oriole 1
House Finch 15
House Sparrow 5
(trip report from John Shea fide Jean Holm).

7/24/11 -- Leicester Birds and Butterflies Trip
Today there were a total of 14 participants on the Birds and Butterflies trip in Leicester, with leaders Dolores Price and Alan Marble. T he weather was quite cloudy with the temperature in the mid 70's and very humid.
  • Butterflies: We were delighted to find 16 species of butterflies during the three hours, despite the overcast skies and a few moments of drizzle. The last species of the day was a Monarch which was observed to be resting in the middle of route 56 near the first parking area.
    Black Swallowtail
    Cabbage White
    Clouded Sulphur
    Orange Sulphur
    Eastern Tailed-Blue
    Summer Azure
    *Variegated Fritillary*
    Pearl Crescent
    American Lady
    Viceroy
    Common Wood Nymph
    Monarch
    Dun Skipper
    Common Sootywing
    Least Skipper
    Silver-spotted Skipper
    
  • Bird highlights: American Kestrel, Solitary Sandpiper, Yellow-throated Vireo, Indigo Bunting and Eastern Meadowlark, 32 species total.
    Wild Turkey
    Green Heron
    American Kestrel
    Solitary Sandpiper
    Mourning Dove
    Chimney Swift
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird
    Northern Flicker
    Eastern Kingbird
    Yellow-throated Vireo
    Red-eyed Vireo
    American Crow
    Tree Swallow
    Barn Swallow
    White- Breasted Nuthatch
    House Wren
    Wood Thrush
    American Robin
    Gray Catbird
    Blue-winged Warbler
    Common Yellowthroat
    Eastern Towhee
    Chipping Sparrow
    Savannah Sparrow
    Song-Sparrow
    Northern Cardinal
    Indigo Bunting
    Red-winged Blackbird
    Eastern Meadowlark
    Brown-headed Cowbird
    American Goldfinch
    House Sparrow
    
    (trip report from Dolores Price and Alan Marble, fide Jean Holm).

  • 7/10/11 -- Wachusett Reservoir
    The Forbush Birb Club had a great morning trip to the Wachusett Reservoir area this morning. We started off by hiking into gate 35 to Prescott Cove and Wood Island. We all got excellent looks at a pair of Common Loons with 2 young chicks. Then, it was off to South Bay where we located another pair with 2 chicks. The trip ended with a short walk through Clinton Landfill.
    Details:
    
    Participants: 13
    Weather: Clear skies, Upper 70's, Low 80's
    Total Species: 59
    
    
    Mute Swan  (1)
    Mallard  (2)
    Wild Turkey  (2)
    Common Loon  (10); Excellent views of 2 pairs each with 2 young. South
    Bay and Prescott Cove. Also, 2 lone adults.
    Double-crested Cormorant  (26)
    Great Blue Heron  (6)
    Turkey Vulture  (3)
    Bald Eagle  (1) adult
    Red-tailed Hawk  (5)
    Killdeer  (6) 3 young
    Spotted Sandpiper  (9)
    Ring-billed Gull  (36)
    Mourning Dove (5)
    Chimney Swift  (8)
    Belted Kingfisher (2)
    Red-bellied Woodpecker  (2)
    Downy Woodpecker  (6)
    Hairy Woodpecker  (1)
    Eastern Wood-Pewee  (8)
    Least Flycatcher  (2)
    Eastern Phoebe  (2)
    Eastern Kingbird  (6)
    Warbling Vireo  (2)
    Red-eyed Vireo  (21)
    Blue Jay  (17)
    American Crow  (25)
    Tree Swallow  (39)
    Bank Swallow  (7)
    Barn Swallow  (7)
    Black-capped Chickadee  (15)
    White-breasted Nuthatch  (5)
    House Wren  (2)
    Veery  (2)
    Hermit Thrush  (5)
    Wood Thrush  (3)
    American Robin  (32)
    Gray Catbird  (9)
    Northern Mockingbird  (1)
    Brown Thrasher  (1) Landfill
    European Starling  (8)
    Cedar Waxwing  (18)
    Yellow Warbler  (8)
    Pine Warbler  (6)
    Ovenbird  (3)
    Common Yellowthroat  (5)
    Eastern Towhee  (6)
    Chipping Sparrow  (2)
    Field Sparrow  (7) Landfill
    Savannah Sparrow  (1) Landfill
    Song Sparrow  (21)
    Scarlet Tanager  (4)
    Northern Cardinal  (4)
    Indigo Bunting  (7) Landfill
    Red-winged Blackbird  (5)
    Common Grackle  (16)
    Brown-headed Cowbird  (1)
    Baltimore Oriole  (3)
    American Goldfinch  (28)
    House Sparrow  (2)
    
    (trip report from Kevin Bourinot)

    6/28/11 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary breeding bird census -- 2011
    On Sunday June 18th, 18 Forbush BC members and friends conducted the 46th annual breeding bird census at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Conditions were less than ideal, resulting in low overall numbers. However, in spite of the conditions there were some interesting sightings and surprisingly the establishment of 4 new record highs. Indigo bunting, Chipping sparrow and Red-winged blackbird all exceeded their previous records by 1 bird. Pine warblers (11) more than doubled their previous high of 5 which was recorded in'08, the year of the last census. Most significant, however, the return of the Prairie warbler after a 14 year absence. The Brown Hill management project must be having an impact. Also of interest the recording of a Willow flycatcher, only the 7th record for the survey and a Red-bellied woodpecker for the 4th time. There were no new species recorded this year. Some noteable misses included Hooded merg, several resident raptors due to weather, Warbling vireo, Winter wren and both waterthrushes. Also Nashville and Magnolia warbler, probably a sign of evolving habitats.
  • Many thanks to: Alan Marble, Mike Bellows, Sharon Hoey, Rich Welch, Jean & Don Holm, Paul Meleski, Tom Pirro, John Williams, Chuck Caron, Joe Choiniere, David Brown, Dave Grant, Joan Gallagher, Tom Manders, Fran McMenemy(and for the donuts) and Peg Knowlton.
    70 species       757 individuals
    
    Canada geese   8
    Wood duck 12    (including 7 chicks)
    Mallard   1
    Ruffed grouse  1
    Great blue heron  3
    Red-shouldered hawk  2 (1 adult w/1 fledgling)
    Broad-winged hawk  1  (recorded Monday AM by team finishing area "B")
    Mourning dove   3
    Barred owl   1
    Ruby-throated hummingbird   3
    Belted kingfisher   1
    Red-bellied woodpecker   1  (equals previous highs) (4th time recorded)
    Yellow-bellied sapsucker   7
    Downy woodpecker   5
    Hairy woodpecker   4
    Northern flicker   3
    Eastern wood-pewee   16
    WILLOW FLYCATCHER   1  (7TH TIME RECORDED)
    Least flycatcher   1
    Eastern phoebe   2
    Great crested flycatcher   5
    Eastern kingbird   2
    Blue-headed vireo   5
    Red-eyed vireo   45
    Blue jay   8
    American crow   13
    Tree swallow   10
    Barn swallow   11
    Black-capped chickadee   38
    Tufted titmouse   14
    Red-breasted nuthatch    1   (recorded Monday AM area "B")
    White-breasted nuthatch   10
    Brown creeper   6
    House wren   6
    Eastern bluebird   2  (1 entering natural cavity with food)
    Veery   14
    Hermit thrush   8
    Wood thrush   7
    American robin   28
    Gray catbird   26
    Northern Mockingbird   1
    European starling   2
    Blue-winged warbler   1
    Yellow warbler   8
    Chestnut-sided warbler   8
    Black-throated blue warbler   5
    Yellow-rumped warbler   2
    Black-throated green warbler   11
    Blackburnian warbler   6   ( 5 recorded Monday AM  area "B")
    PINE WARBLER   11  (NEW HIGH)  ( 7 recorded Monday AM  area "B")
    PRAIRIE WARBLER   3   (1ST RECORD SINCE 1997)
    Black and white warbler   6
    American redstart    5
    Ovenbird   67
    Common yellowthroat   47
    Scarlet tanager   13
    Eastern towhee   15
    CHIPPING SPARROW   19  (NEW HIGH)
    Song sparrow   24
    Swamp sparrow   9
    Northern cardinal   4
    Rose-breasted grosbeak   1   (recorded Monday AM area "B")
    INDIGO BUNTING   3   (NEW HIGH)
    Bobolink   3
    RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD   73   (NEW HIGH)
    Common grackle   29
    Brown-headed cowbird   8
    Baltimore oriole   1
    American goldfinch   22
    House sparrow   15
    
    WEATHER:  SHOWERS- MODERATE AT TIMES     TEMP:  47-55 F    WIND:  LIGHT
    
    OBSERVERS:  18
    
    NOTE:  3 OBSERVERS SURVEYED AREA "B" MONDAY AM.   WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY
    EARLY TO SHOWERS    TEMP: 55-65 F   WIND: MODERATE & GUSTY
     Significant observations noted
    
    (trip report submitted by Dick Knowlton).

  • 6/5/11 -- Barre Falls Dam (Ware River Watershed--IBA)
    There were 11 attendees on the Forbush Bird Club trip to Barre Falls Dam, in the Ware River Watershed IBA. Number of species recorded was 65.
    Detailed list:
    
    Wild Turkey     1
    Great Blue Heron     3
    Turkey Vulture     1
    Red-shouldered Hawk     1
    Mourning Dove     5
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
    Belted Kingfisher     1
    Downy Woodpecker     1
    Hairy Woodpecker     1
    Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)     1
    Pileated Woodpecker     1
    Eastern Wood-Pewee     5
    Willow Flycatcher     1
    Least Flycatcher     1
    Eastern Phoebe     3
    Great Crested Flycatcher     1
    Eastern Kingbird     1
    Blue-headed Vireo     2
    Warbling Vireo     1
    Red-eyed Vireo     26
    Blue Jay     2
    American Crow     1
    Common Raven     1
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow     1
    Tree Swallow     7
    Barn Swallow     1
    Black-capped Chickadee     7
    Tufted Titmouse     1
    Red-breasted Nuthatch     1
    Brown Creeper     1
    Eastern Bluebird     2
    Veery     3
    Hermit Thrush     2
    Wood Thrush     3
    Gray Catbird     12
    Cedar Waxwing     11
    Blue-winged Warbler     2
    Yellow Warbler     5
    Chestnut-sided Warbler     11
    Magnolia Warbler     2
    Black-throated Blue Warbler     1
    Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     4
    Black-throated Green Warbler     2
    Pine Warbler     4
    Black-and-white Warbler     4
    American Redstart     8
    Ovenbird     15
    Northern Waterthrush     1
    Common Yellowthroat     7
    Eastern Towhee     6
    Chipping Sparrow     4
    Savannah Sparrow     1
    Song Sparrow     5
    Swamp Sparrow     1
    Scarlet Tanager     3
    Northern Cardinal     2
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak     2
    Indigo Bunting     2
    Bobolink     4
    Red-winged Blackbird     4
    Common Grackle     3
    Brown-headed Cowbird     3
    Baltimore Oriole     8
    Purple Finch     3
    American Goldfinch     3
    
    (trip report from Dick Knowlton).

    6/4/11 -- Quabbin Park and McLaughlin Fish Hatchery
    Paul Meleski led a morning trip to Quabbin Park on June 4, with 8 Club Attendees. Special notes among the 70 species recorded were: Bald Eagle observed with 2 about to fledge, young still in nest. Hooded Merg observed with 10 young. Homing/Racing Pigeon (banded legs) also observed at Goodenough Dike.
    Details:
    
    Canada Goose     16
    Hooded Merganser     11
    Common Merganser     1
    Wild Turkey     7
    Common Loon     1
    Double-crested Cormorant     4
    Great Blue Heron     4
    Turkey Vulture     1
    Bald Eagle     5
    Red-shouldered Hawk     1
    Broad-winged Hawk     1
    Red-tailed Hawk     2
    Killdeer 2
    Mourning Dove     2
    Chimney Swift     4
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird     2
    Belted Kingfisher     1
    Red-bellied Woodpecker     2
    Downy Woodpecker     2
    Hairy Woodpecker     2
    Pileated Woodpecker     2
    Eastern Wood-Pewee     6
    Least Flycatcher     1
    Eastern Phoebe     4
    Great Crested Flycatcher     1
    Eastern Kingbird     3
    Yellow-throated Vireo     3
    Blue-headed Vireo     2
    Red-eyed Vireo     42
    Blue Jay     3
    American Crow     17
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow     1
    Tree Swallow     12
    Barn Swallow     7
    Black-capped Chickadee     4
    Tufted Titmouse     2
    Red-breasted Nuthatch     1
    White-breasted Nuthatch     2
    Eastern Bluebird 1
    House Wren     1
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     2
    Wood Thrush     2
    American Robin     23
    Gray Catbird     9
    Brown Thrasher     1
    Cedar Waxwing     5
    Yellow Warbler     8
    Chestnut-sided Warbler     13
    Black-throated Blue Warbler     2
    Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)     4
    Blackburnian Warbler     2
    Pine Warbler     5
    Prairie Warbler     2
    Black-and-white Warbler     5
    American Redstart     22
    Ovenbird     8
    Common Yellowthroat     5
    Eastern Towhee     2
    Chipping Sparrow    15
    Song Sparrow     3
    Scarlet Tanager     8
    Northern Cardinal    3
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak     1
    Indigo Bunting     1
    Red-winged Blackbird     5
    Common Grackle     2
    Brown-headed Cowbird     13
    Baltimore Oriole     6
    House Finch     4
    American Goldfinch     8
    
    (trip report from Paul Meleski).

    5/28/11 -- Millbury/Sutton Area
    There were 17 participants on the field trip led by Alan Marble. The weather was overcast at the start and became sunny later on. It was hot and humid with the temperature ending in the mid 80s. Highlights of the trip were: Great Blue Herons on nest with young, Green Herons, Osprey on nest, Red-tailed Hawks on nest with young, a Pileated Woodpecker in and out of a nest hole and 3 singing Grasshopper Sparrows.
    Here is a list of the 63 species seen or heard:
    
    Canada Goose
    Wood Duck
    Mallard
    Double-crested Cormorant
    Great Blue Heron
    Green Heron
    Turkey Vulture
    Osprey
    Red-shouldered hawk
    Broad-winged Hawk
    Red-tailed Hawk
    Herring Gull
    Rock Pigeon
    Mourning Dove
    Chimney swift
    Red-bellied Woodpecker
    Downy Woodpecker
    Northern Flicker
    Pileated Woodpecker
    Eastern Wood-Pewee
    Eastern Phoebe
    Great Crested Flycatcher
    Eastern Kingbird
    Warbling Vireo
    Red-eyed Vireo
    Blue Jay
    American Crow
    Common Raven
    Tree Swallow
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow
    Barn Swallow
    Black-capped Chickadee
    Tufted Titmouse
    White-breasted Nuthatch
    Carolina Wren
    Eastern Bluebird
    American Robin
    Gray Catbird
    Northern Mockingbird
    Brown Thrasher
    European Starling
    Cedar Waxwing
    Yellow Warbler
    Prairie Warbler
    Black-and-white Warbler
    American Redstart
    Common Yellowthroat
    Eastern Towhee
    Chipping Sparrow
    Field Sparrow
    Savannah Sparrow
    Grasshopper Sparrow
    Song Sparrow
    Scarlet Tanager
    Northern Cardinal
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak
    Indigo Bunting
    Red-winged Blackbird
    Common Grackle
    Brown-headed Cowbird
    Baltimore Oriole
    American Goldfinch
    House Sparrow
    
    (report submitted by Alan Marble).

    5/22/11 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard
     Overcast, calm, cool in the 50's
      
     17 trip participants
      
     Leader: Alan Marble
      
     Trip highlights: Yellow-throated Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Magnolia Warbler, 
      Blackpoll Warbler, Northern Waterthrush,Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanagers and 
      Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
      
     The complete list of 63 species:
      
     Canada Goose
     Wood duck
     Mallard
     Ruffed Grouse
     Great Blue Heron
     Rock Pigeon
     Mourning Dove
     Chimney Swift
     Ruby-throated Hummingbird
     Belted Kingfisher
     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
     Barn Swallow
     Black-capped Chickadee
     Tufted Titmouse
     Red-breasted Nuthatch
     White-breasted Nuthatch
     Brown Creeper
     Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
     Eastern Bluebird
     Veery
     Wood Thrush
     American Robin
     Gray Catbird
     Cedar Waxwing
     Blue-winged Warbler
     Northern Parula
     Yellow Warbler
     Chestnut-sided Warbler
     Magnolia Warbler
     Black-throated Green Warbler
     Blackpoll Warbler
     Black-and-white Warbler
     American Redstart
     Ovenbird
     Northern Waterthrush
     Common Yellowthroat
     Canada Warbler
     Savannah Sparrow
     Song Sparrow
     Swamp Sparrow
     Scarlet Tanager
     Northern Cardinal
     Rose-breasted Grosbeak
     Bobolink
     Red-winged Blackbird
     Common Grackle
     Brown-headed Cowbird
     Baltimore Oriole
     American Goldfinch
    
    (trip report submitted by Alan Marble).

    5/15/11 -- Buck Hill, Spencer
    Leader:  Susan LaBree
    Participants:  2
    Site:  Buck Hill, Spencer
    Species:  51
    weather: Heavy Rain predicted
    
    Birds:
    
    Canada goose
    Double crested Cormorant
    Great Blue Heron
    Mourning Dove
    Red-bellied Woodpecker
    Downy Woodpecker
    Hairy Woodpecker
    Yellow shafted Flicker
    E. Wood Peewee
    Eastern Phoebe
    Great-crested Flycatcher
    Blue-headed Vireo
    Red Eyed Vireo
    Warbling Vireo
    Blue Jay
    American Crow
    Tree Swallow
    Black-capped Chickadee
    Tufted Titmouse
    White-breasted Nuthatch
    Blue-grey Gnatcatcher
    Veery
    Hermit Thrush
    Wood Thrush
    American Robin
    Gray Catbird
    European Starling
    Blue-winged Warbler
    Yellow Warbler
    Chestnut-sided Warbler
    Magnolia Warbler
    Black-throated Blue Warbler
    Yellow-rumped Warbler
    Black-throated Green Warbler
    Pine Warbler
    Black and White Warbler
    Ovenbird
    Common Yellowthroat
    Eastern Towhee
    Chipping Sparrow
    Song  Sparrow
    Scarlet Tanager
    Northern Cardinal
    Rose breasted Grosbeak
    Red-winged Blackbird
    Common Grackle
    Brown-headed Cowbird
    Baltimore Oriole
    House Finch
    American Goldfinch
    House sparrow **
    
    (trip report from Susan LaBree, fide Jean Holm).

    5/14/11 -- Forbush Princeton Trip
    Leader Fran McMenemy led 11 club members on a trip around Mt. Wachusett.
    48 Species
    
    Canada Goose
    Common Loon
    Double-crested Cormorant
    Great Blue Heron
    Turkey Vulture
    Broad-winged Hawk
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird
    Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
    Downy Woodpecker
    Eastern Phoebe
    Great Crested Flycatcher
    Warbling Vireo
    Red-eyed Vireo
    Blue Jay
    American Crow
    Common Raven
    Tree Swallow
    Barn Swallow
    Black-capped Chickadee
    Tufted Titmouse
    Winter Wren
    Eastern Bluebird
    Hermit Thrush
    American Robin
    Gray Catbird
    European Starling
    Chestnut-sided Warbler
    Black-throated Blue Warbler
    Black-throated Green Warbler
    Black-and-white Warbler
    Ovenbird
    Northern Waterthrush
    Common Yellowthroat
    Canada Warbler
    Eastern Towhee
    Chipping Sparrow
    Song Sparrow
    Dark-eyed Junco
    Scarlet Tanager
    Northern Cardinal
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak
    Indigo Bunting
    Bobolink
    Brown-headed Cowbird
    Baltimore Oriole
    Purple Finch
    American Goldfinch
    House Sparrow
    
    (trip report from Fran McMenemy).

    5/8/11 -- Forbush Trip to Mt Auburn Cemetery
    Leader: Dan Berard 
    
    12 participants
    
    Species Total = 88
    
    
    Canada Goose  5
    Mallard  4
    Wild Turkey  1
    Common Loon  1 flyover
    Double-crested Cormorant  1
    Great Blue Heron  1
    Turkey Vulture  3
    Coopers Hawk  2
    Red-tailed Hawk  4
    Killdeer  1
    Spotted Sandpiper  1
    Ring-billed Gull  3
    Herring Gull  9
    Great Black-backed Gull  1
    Rock Pigeon  6
    Mourning Dove  10
    Great Horned Owl  3
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
    Belted Kingfisher  1
    Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
    Northern Flicker  5
    Downy Woodpecker  6
    Least Flycatcher  1
    Great Crested Flycatcher  4
    Eastern Kingbird  2
    Yellow-throated Vireo  1
    Blue-headed Vireo  5
    Warbling Vireo  3
    Blue Jay  7
    American Crow  4
    Tree Swallow  2
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow  5
    Barn Swallow  1
    Tufted Titmouse  2
    Black-capped Chickadee  12
    White-breasted Nuthatch  5
    Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
    House Wren  2
    Carolina Wren  2
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
    Wood Thrush  3
    Veery  1
    Swainsons Thrush  1
    Hermit Thrush  1
    American Robin  15
    Gray Catbird  18
    Northern Mockingbird  1
    Brown Thrasher  1
    European Starling  12
    Cedar Waxwing  1
    Blue-winged Warbler  1
    Nashville Warbler  2
    Northern Parula  20
    Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
    Cape May Warbler  2
    Magnolia Warbler  3
    Yellow-rumped Warbler  30
    Black-and-white Warbler  12
    Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
    Blackburnian Warbler  4
    Black-throated Green Warbler  5
    Prairie Warbler  1
    Bay-breasted Warbler  2
    Blackpoll Warbler  1
    Palm Warbler  3
    Yellow Warbler  5
    Ovenbird  3
    Northern Waterthrush  1
    Common Yellowthroat  2
    American Redstart  8
    Scarlet Tanager  3
    Eastern Towhee  1
    Chipping Sparrow  20
    Lincolns Sparrow  1
    Song Sparrow  8
    White-throated Sparrow  7
    White-crowned Sparrow  1
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
    Northern Cardinal  8
    Indigo Bunting  2
    Red-winged Blackbird  8
    Common Grackle  6
    Brown-headed Cowbird  5
    Orchard Oriole  3
    Baltimore Oriole  12
    House Finch  6
    American Goldfinch  8
    House Sparrow - 10
    
    (trip report from Dan Berard).

    5/7/11 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
    Start 7:00 AM
    Leader: Paul Meleski.  Observers 6.  Weather.  Temperature in the Mid-60's,
    winds calm.  Sunny for most of the trip, except for passing thundershower at
    very end of trip. Highlights:  Scarlet Tanager, Great Crested Flycatcher,
    Red-eyed Vireo, Common Raven, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
    10 species of warblers, Osprey, and Double-crested Cormorant kettling high
    above our heads.
    
    *Species Number reported*
    
    Canada Goose   8
    Wood Duck    6
    Mallard   4
    Hooded Merganser        1
    Double-crested Cormorant   11
    Great Blue Heron   3
    Green Heron  1
    Turkey Vulture    1
    Osprey   1
    Red-tailed Hawk  1
    Spotted Sandpiper  2
    Mourning Dove    4
    Chimney Swift    4
    Red-bellied Woodpecker   3
    Downy Woodpecker   2
    Hairy Woodpecker  1
    Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)   4
    Eastern Phoebe  1
    Great Crested Flycatcher    4
    Eastern Kingbird    3
    Yellow-throated Vireo   2
    Warbling Vireo   6
    Red-eyed Vireo   1
    Blue Jay    4
    American Crow   3
    Common Raven   1
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow   2
    Tree Swallow     8
    Black-capped Chickadee               6
    Tufted Titmouse    4
    White-breasted Nuthatch    4
    Brown Creeper 3
    House Wren    1
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher   2
    Eastern Bluebird   4
    American Robin    10
    Gray Catbird    8
    Northern Parula   2
    Yellow Warbler 8
    Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  12
    Pine Warbler   4
    Prairie Warbler  3
    Black-and-white Warbler   2
    American Redstart  2
    Ovenbird   4
    Common Yellowthroat  5
    Eastern Towhee   2
    Chipping Sparrow  6
    Song Sparrow    6
    Swamp Sparrow   2
    Scarlet Tanager 1
    Northern Cardinal   4
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak    3
    Red-winged Blackbird    18
    Common Grackle    12
    Brown-headed Cowbird    6
    Baltimore Oriole    2
    American Goldfinch    4
    
    (trip report from Paul Meleski, fide Jean Holm).

    5/1/11 -- Quabbin Auto Trip
    11 Forbush Club members enjoyed perfect spring weather for the club's annual auto trip in the former townships of Greenwich and Dana, along the east side of the Quabbin. Avian highlights, among 71 species, included 2 Red-breasted mergansers, 4 Horned Grebes in breeding plumage, 6 Common Loons, 5 Bald Eagles, 6 Pileated Woodpeckers and 14 species of wood warblers. Quabbin specialties such a lunch on Dana Common, secluded beaver ponds, Common Loons and 5 Bald Eagles, including two Imm. eagles that made a dramatic pin-wheeling descent with locked talons, were treasured by club members. Two porcupines, feeding high in maple trees were also favorites.  
    A completed list of birds species seen and/or heard is attached.
     
    Species	Number reported				
    Canada Goose	16				
    Wood Duck	5				
    American Black Duck	2				
    Mallard	4				
    Green-winged Teal (American)	7				
    Hooded Merganser	4				
    Red-breasted Merganser	2				
    Common Merganser	1				
    Ruffed Grouse	3				
    Common Loon	6				
    Horned Grebe	4				
    Double-crested Cormorant	1				
    Great Blue Heron	3				
    Turkey Vulture	12				
    Bald Eagle	5				
    Northern Harrier	1				
    Broad-winged Hawk	2				
    Red-tailed Hawk	1				
    Merlin	1				
    Ring-billed Gull	3				
    Mourning Dove	4				
    Red-bellied Woodpecker	1				
    Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	13				
    Downy Woodpecker	2				
    Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)	3				
    Pileated Woodpecker	6				
    Least Flycatcher	5				
    Eastern Phoebe	3				
    Eastern Kingbird	2				
    Blue-headed Vireo	6				
    Blue Jay	12				
    American Crow	14				
    Tree Swallow	53				
    Black-capped Chickadee	12				
    Tufted Titmouse	4				
    Red-breasted Nuthatch	3				
    White-breasted Nuthatch	3				
    Brown Creeper	3				
    House Wren	1				
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher	4				
    Ruby-crowned Kinglet	1				
    American Robin	15				
    Gray Catbird	3				
    Northern Parula	1				
    Yellow Warbler	6				
    Chestnut-sided Warbler	10				
    Magnolia Warbler	1				
    Black-throated Blue Warbler	12				
    Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)	40				
    Black-throated Green Warbler	10				
    Blackburnian Warbler	3				
    Pine Warbler	42				
    Palm Warbler (Yellow)	3				
    Black-and-white Warbler	10				
    American Redstart	3				
    Ovenbird	15				
    Common Yellowthroat	6				
    Eastern Towhee	39				
    Chipping Sparrow	26				
    Song Sparrow	6				
    Swamp Sparrow	3				
    White-throated Sparrow	10				
    Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)	6				
    Scarlet Tanager	1				
    Northern Cardinal	2				
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak	3				
    Red-winged Blackbird	12				
    Common Grackle	10				
    Brown-headed Cowbird	16				
    Purple Finch	2				
    American Goldfinch	4				
    
    (trip report from Tom Pirro).

    4/30/11 -- Sylvester St/Worc Airport
    Leader:        Susan LaBree 	
    Site:          Sylvester St/Worc Airport
    Weather:       Sunny, cool.	
    Date:          April 30, 2011
    Participants:  11
    Species:       62
    	
    Great Blue Heron	3
    Little Green Heron	1
    Canada Goose		2
    Mallard			5
    Common Merganser	2
    Turkey Vulture		1
    Red-tailed Hawk		1
    Merlin			1
    Am Kestrel		2
    Wild Turkey 		2
    Double-crested Cormorant	1
    Killdeer		1
    Mourning Dove		3
    Red-bellied Woodpecker	1
    Downy Woodpecker	3
    Hairy Woodpecker	1
    Flicker, Northern	2
    Eastern Phoebe		3
    Tree Swallow		11
    Blue Jay		9
    Raven			2
    American Crow		3
    Black-capped Chickadee	12
    Tufted Titmouse		6
    White-breasted Nuthatch	2
    Red-breasted Nuthatch	1
    Brown creeper		1
    House wren		1
    Ruby-crowned Kinglet	3
    American Robin		12
    Gray Catbird		3
    Mocking bird		1
    Brown Thrasher		2
    European Starling	4
    Blue-headed Vireo	4
    Blue-winged Warbler	3
    Blue-winged Warbler	5
    Magnolia Warbler	2
    Yellow warbler		2
    Chestnut-sided Warbler	2
    Yellow-rumped Warbler	20
    Black-throated Green Warbler	3
    Black-throated Blue Warbler	2
    Pine Warbler		5
    Palm Warbler		1
    Black & White Warbler	4
    Red start		1
    Ovenbird		10
    Common Yellowthroat	3
    Northern Cardinal	2
    Rose-breasted Grosbeak	3
    Eastern Towhee		2
    Chipping Sparrow	7
    Savannah Sparrow	2
    Song Sparrow		3
    White-throated Sparrow	8
    Red-winged Blackbird	10
    Eastern Meadowlark	3
    Common Grackle		10
    Brown-headed Cowbird	8
    American Goldfinch	6
    Purple Finch		1
    
    (trip report from Susan LaBree).

    4/8/11 -- Evening Woodcock Walk, Westborough
    Trip leader Laura Lane led 7 other members on an evening walk at the Westborough Wildlife Management Area behind Mass. Wildlife Headquarters. There was a damp chill in the air, but no rain this year. The temperature was in the high 40's. Both ponds in the area had active Beavers. The Woodcocks performed their aerial displays on schedule at dusk.
    Number of species: 16
    
    Canada Goose
    Wood Duck 4
    Mallard
    Wild Turkey 1
    Great Blue Heron 1
    American Kestrel 1
    American Woodcock
    Mourning Dove 1
    Eastern Phoebe 1
    Eastern Bluebird 2
    American Robin
    Song Sparrow
    White-throated Sparrow
    Red-winged Blackbird
    Common Grackle
    House Sparrow
    
    (report submitted by trip leader Laura Lane).

    4/3/11 -- Bolton Flats and vicinity
    John Shea led 13 members on a trip to Bolton Flats with stops at Dexter Drumlin, Couch Lace Pond and Sterling Peat. It was in the low 30's at the start warming to the mid 40's by the end of the trip. Some highlights were a Double-crested Cormorant, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, over 100 Ring-neck Duck at Sterling Peat, Killdeer, Common Snipe, Phoebe, Tree Swallow and a Field Sparrow. We saw a total of 44 bird species.
    Complete list:
    
    Canada Goose
    Wood Duck
    American Black Duck
    Mallard
    Blue-winged Teal
    Northern Pintail
    Green-winged Teal
    Ring-necked Duck
    Greater Scaup
    Bufflehead
    Common Goldeneye
    Hooded Merganser
    Double-crested Cormorant
    Great Blue Heron
    Turkey Vulture
    Red-tailed Hawk
    Killdeer
    Common Snipe
    Ring-billed Gull
    Rock Pigeon
    Mourning Dove
    Belted Kingfisher
    Red-bellied Woodpecker
    Downy Woodpecker
    Eastern Phoebe
    Blue Jay
    American Crow
    Tree Swallow
    Black-capped Chickadee
    White-breasted Nuthatch
    Carolina Wren
    Eastern Bluebird
    American Robin
    Northern Mockingbird
    European Starling
    Field Sparrow
    Song Sparrow
    Dark-eyed Junco
    Northern Cardinal
    Red-winged Blackbird
    Common Grackle
    Brown-headed Cowbird
    House Finch
    American Goldfinch
    
    (Submitted by trip leader John Shea)

    3/27/11 -- Lake Quaboag and vicinity
    Leader Rodney Jenkins and 11 observers attended a Forbush Bird Club trip to Lake Quaboag and vicinity. The weather was sunny with 19 to 30 degree temperatures and a northwest wind 10-15 mph. Highlights were Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-shouldered Hawk, Iceland Gull (at Orlando's in Charlton), Tree Swallow and Rusty Blackbird.
    total 44 Species:
    
    Canada Goose 55
    Wood Duck 21
    American Black Duck 8
    Mallard 85
    Green-winged Teal 42
    Ring-necked Duck 142
    Bufflehead 6
    Hooded Merganser 28
    Common Merganser 42
    Pied-billed Grebe 1
    Horned Grebe 1
    Great Blue Heron 5
    Bald Eagle 1 (adult)
    Red-shouldered Hawk 1
    Red-tailed Hawk 3
    Ring-billed Gull 300+
    Herring Gull 8
    Iceland Gull 2
    Black-backed Gull 1
    Rock Pigeon 6
    Mourning Dove 5
    Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
    Downy Woodpecker 1
    Blue Jay 6
    American Crow 15
    Tree Swallow 5
    Black-capped Chickadee 10
    Tufted Titmouse 4
    White-breasted Nuthatch 2
    Carolina Wren 1
    Eastern Bluebird 3
    American Robin 50+
    Northern Mockingbird 1
    European Starling 50
    Song Sparrow 4
    Dark-eyed Junco 2
    Northern Cardinal 4
    Red-winged Blackbird 100+
    Rusty Blackbird 2
    Common Grackle 25
    Brown-headed Cowbird 1
    House Finch 4
    American Goldfinch 1
    House Sparrow 6
    
    (trip report from Rodney Jenkins)

    2/12/11 -- Cape Ann trip
    Leader Alan Marble and nine other members attended the trip to Cape Ann. The temperatures ranged from the mid 20's to low 30's with a breezy SW wind. Highlights of the day were a King Eider, Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Duck, 2 Peregrine Falcons, 3 Sanderlings, a large flock of Purple Sandpipers, 2 Iceland Gulls and 2 Black Guillemots. The complete list of the 34 species:
    Canada Goose
    Mute Swan
    Gadwall
    American Black Duck
    Mallard
    King Eider
    Common Eider
    Harlequin Duck
    Surf Scoter
    White-winged Scoter
    American Scoter
    Long-tailed Duck
    Bufflehead
    Common Goldeneye
    Red-breasted Merganser
    Common Loon
    Horned Grebe
    Red-necked Grebe
    Great Cormorant
    Peregrine Falcon
    Sanderling
    Purple Sandpiper
    Ring-billed Gull
    Herring Gull
    Iceland Gull
    Great Black-backed Gull
    Black Guillemot
    Rock Pigeon
    Mourning Dove
    American Crow
    Black-capped Chickadee
    White-throated Sparrow
    Northern Cardinal
    House Sparrow
    
    (trip report from Alan Marble).

    1/1/11 -- Worcester area New Year's trip
    The Forbush Bird Club held its New Year's Day bird trip in Worcester and Shrewsbury on 1/1/11. It was a windless, unseasonably warm day in the low to mid 50's and was partly cloudy. There was some snow cover left from a storm 5 days before. December, 2010 was very cold and had caused most bodies of water to be frozen, but a thaw from the last couple of days had opened or partially opened some places. There were 18 club members attending the trip led by Joan Zumpfe. Highlights included a flock of Snow Buntings at Worcester Airport that provided an aerial display but never accommodated us by landing in view and a female Merlin that was perched in a tree along the back road at Notre Dame Cemetery. It gave us extended looks. In addition to these sightings we saw a Direct Air airplane fly out of the Worcester Airport, a CSX train from the cemetery and the Life Flight helicopter leave UMASS Memorial Hospital. Mike Bellows continued his annual tradition of sharing his wife Nancy's culinary talents by offering us her beautifully shaped and decorated as well as delicious holiday cookies. We observed these 38 species:
    Canada Goose 256
    Mute Swan 7
    American Black Duck 2
    Mallard 38
    Ring-necked Duck 6 (Lake Quinsigamond)
    Hooded Merganser 21
    Common Merganser 1 F (Lake Quinsigamond)
    Great Blue Heron 2
    Bald Eagle 1 Adult (Notre Dame Cemetery)
    Cooper's Hawk 1 
    Red-tailed Hawk 2
    Merlin 1 F (Notre Dame Cemetery)
    Peregrine Falcon 1 (perched on an aerial near Webster Square)
    Ring-billed Gull 36 (1 reddish/orange tag # 545)
    Rock Pigeon 45
    Mourning Dove 3
    Belted Kingfisher 2 
    Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
    Downy Woodpecker 4
    Hairy Woodpecker 2
    Blue Jay 9
    American Crow 114
    Horned Lark 2
    Black-capped Chickadee 1
    Tufted Titmouse 1
    White-breasted Nuthatch 1
    Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
    Eastern Bluebird 2
    American Robin 6
    Northern Mockingbird 1
    European Starling 63
    Cedar Waxwing 2
    American Tree Sparrow 11
    Song Sparrow 1
    Dark-eyed Junco 10
    Snow Bunting ~ 50
    Northern Cardinal 1
    House Sparrow 3
    
    (trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

    For previous sightings, see Trip Reports 2010