Forbush Bird Club 2004 Trip Reports


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

11/21/04 -- Salisbury/Plum Island Forbush Bird Club trip
The Forbush Bird Club trip to Salisbry and environs was made today November 21. Temperatures remained in the 40' s throughout the day, and clouds dominated the sky, but the rain held off all day with only a couple of sporadic points of drizzle. Also nice was absolutely no wind and the ocean a sea of glass. 4 members enjoyed the following birds:
Red-throated Loon: 4 (including 1 at Cherry Hill Reservoir);
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe (8 off parkig lot 1);
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Mute Swan
Snow Goose (3 at Bill Forward Pool);
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Gadwall
Green-winged Teal
American Wigeon (1 female trailing a group of Gadwall at the Salt Pannes);
Northern Pintail
Ring-necked Duck
Common Eider
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Surf Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Black-bellied Plover
Sanderling
Dunlin
Purple Sandpiper (3 birds at end of Salisbury jetty);
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Snowy Owl (1 looking north from Hellcat dike);
Blue Jay
American Crow
European Starling
Black-capped Chickadee
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1 at Sandy Point Reservation);
Northern Mockingbird
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Snow Bunting (a specatuclar group of ~200 birds flew over our heads at Sandy
Point, set down on the beach briefly and continued on their way);.  We also had
6 flyovers at Salisbury.
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
American Goldfinch

53 Species
(trip report from Paul Meleski).

10/31/04 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity
The Forbush Bird Clubs waterfowl trip to Wachusett Reservoir was held today Sunday, October 31, 2004. The unusually warm weather and the colorful foliage was enjoyed by nine club members. The number of individuals of the nine species of ducks was lower than normal. The flock of Greater Scaup that has normally been seen at the Waushacum lakes has disappeared this year. The highlight of the trip was the four sightings of Bald Eagles. The four sightings were most likely of the same two adult Bald Eagles. One of the eagles was seen eating a meal on the nesting platform that was built, by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, in a pine tree on Cemetery Island.
Canada Goose 25
Mute Swan 2
American Black Duck 20
Mallard 10
Ring-necked Duck 25
Greater Scaup 1 (female);
Black Scoter 2 (female);
Common Goldeneye 2
Hooded Merganser 2 (1 pr.);
Common Loon 8
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Horned Grebe 3
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Bald Eagle 2 (adult);
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Killdeer 1
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 15
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin
Song Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Fran McMenemy).

10/24/04 -- Lake Quaboag and Brookfields
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Brookfield and Charlton on Sunday, October 24, 2004. In spite of the weather being rather cold in the mid 40's, it didn't feel it because the air was still. It became more windy by mid-morning. Rodney Jenkins led 13 members in stops at Lake Quaboag, South Pond, Slab City and Orlando's Farm. No Bald Eagles were seen nor were there any of the usual Ruddy Ducks at the farm pond in Charlton. Highlights among the following 45 species seen were the 2 species of Grebes, Horned and Red-necked at the lake and 2 Black-bellied Plovers at the farm:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan 1
American Black Duck 10
Mallard ~ 400
Green-winged Teal 5
Ring-necked Duck 10
HORNED GREBE 2
RED-NECKED GREBE 2
Great Blue Heron 4
OSPREY 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER 2
Killdeer 15
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
EASTERN PHOEBE 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird 8
American Robin
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Savannah Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird 100's in large flying flocks
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/3/04 -- Winimusset Meadows, New Braintree
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, October 3, 2004 in New Braintree in the Winimusset Meadows area and at the farm fields on Wine Road. Rodney Jenkins led the trip attended by 12 members on a cool but comfortable, sunny and calm day with temperatures that ranged from 45 to 60. Highlights among the 57 species observed were: a Merlin, American Pipits, an Eastern Wood-Pewee and large numbers of sparrows.
Canada Goose 105
Wood Duck 5
Mallard 18
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 6
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
MERLIN 1
Virginia Rail 1
Sora 1
Killdeer 18
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 8
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE 1
Eastern Phoebe 13
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 8
American Robin
Gray Catbird 5
European Starling
AMERICAN PIPIT 49
Cedar Waxwing 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 12
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting 3
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 102
Field Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 75
Song Sparrow 55
Lincon's Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 130
White-throated Sparrow 40
Bobolink 2
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Rusty Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 6
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/19/04 -- Bolton Flats Trip
On Sunday, September 19, 2004, the Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Bolton Flats, which was led by Eric Salmela with 8 members attending. The weather was excellent, with temperatures starting in the low 50's and reaching into the mid 60's. The sky was clear with a few puffy white clouds appearing as the air warmed. There were variable winds up to 15 mph. Highlights were a Solitary Sandpiper, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and a Lincoln's Sparrow. The following 35 species were observed:
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Killdeer
Solitary Sandpiper
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 6
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Warbling Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Indigo Bunting
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

8/28/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip at Wachusett Meadow
The Forbush bird Club held a trip to Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton on Saturday, August 28, 2004. Joan Zumpfe led the trip attended by 9 members on another picture-perfect day with no wind and warm temperatures. At the end of the trip, Peg Knowlton treated us to delicious refreshments at her large picnic table, which we enjoyed while watching Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in her and Dick's bird-friendly yard. The following 40 bird species were noted:
Wood Duck 9
Wild Turkey 4
Great Blue Heron 4
Green Heron 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 6
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Eastern Wood Pewee 5
Eastern Phoebe 12
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 2
American Crow
Barn Swallow 8
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin (1 juvenile among them);
Gray Catbird 11
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 10
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 3
American Redstart 2 F
Common Yellowthroat 3
Sacrlet Tanager 1 F
Chipping Sparrow 7
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

8/22/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Plum Island and Vicinity
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Plum Island on Sunday, August 22, 2004. Francis X. McMenemy substituted as leader for Ralph Richards and led the trip attended by 7 members on a picture perfect day. The sky was blue and virtually cloudless, the air was dry, there was no wind and temperatures were in the 70's. The following species were enjoyed:
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
LITTLE BLUE HERON  (photo by Bruce deGraaf)
Black-crowned Night Heron
GLOSSY IBIS
Mute Swan
Canada Goose
Green-winged Teal
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Gadwall
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
KING RAIL
SORA
Black-bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper 4 (Scotland Road)
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Tern
BLACK TERN
Mourning Dove
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow (thousands)
Barn Swallow
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Carolina Wren
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
European Starling
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

8/17/04 -- South Beach, Chatham
Forbush Bird Club Trip Report

Location:  South Beach, Chatham         Leader:  Ed Banks
Weather: Clear, 65° - 75°                       Participants: 15

Highlights: Lark Sparrow, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Parasitic Jaeger,
               Black Tern, Black Skimmer
Perfect weather and great birds (over 50,000!) make for a fantastic
trip!
Common Loon             2
Wilson^Òs Storm-Petrel  20+
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Common Eider            30+
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Black -bellied Plover           1000's
Semipalmated Plover     1000's
Piping Plover
American Oystercatcher  26
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Willet
Whimbrel                        12
Hudsonian Godwit                41
Ruddy Turnstone         100's
Red Knot                        1000's
Sanderling                      1000's
Semipalmated Sandpiper  1000's
Western Sandpiper               1
Least Sandpiper         100's
White-rumped Sandpiper  20+
Pectoral Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher  100's
Parasitic Jaeger                4
Laughing Gull                   100's
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull                    1000's
Great Black-backed Gull 1000's
Roseate Tern
Common Tern             10,000+
Forster^Òs Tern
Least Tern
Black Tern
Black Skimmer           14 (5 juv);
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Downey Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Eastern Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Gray Catbied
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Cardinal
Lark Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Houe Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Ed Banks).

8/7/04 -- Worcester Airport vicinity, Leicester
The Forbush Bird Club held a "Birds and Butterflies" field trip on Saturday, August 7, 2004 from behind the Worcester Airport in Leicester (route 56); and Mulberry Street. Dolores Price ,who led the trip attended by 11 members and friends, has submitted the following butterfly report which is followed by the bird sightings report compiled by Wendy Miller.The weather was just wonderful and picture-perfect. There were some puffy white clouds against a bright blue sky and an occasional refreshing cool breeze.
 The MBC and Forbush Bird Club members had some wonderful sightings on the  fieldtrip in Leicester behind the Worcester Airport Saturday. It was sunny  in Leicester and in the 70's I'd say. There were 11 participants, (both Club  presidents included-thanks Carl and Joan!); The silver-bordered fritillary  and hairstreaks (striped and banded); were new sightings for this yearly  trip. Also Carl, Janice, and Elaine were new participants! Here is the list:   
Black Swallowtail 6 
Tiger Swallowtail 1 
Spicebush Swallowtail 1 
Cabbage White 3 
Clouded sulphur 7 
Orange Sulphur 4 
American copper 1 
Banded hairstreak 1 
Striped hairstreak 1 
Hairstreak species 1 (too worn); 
Eastern tailed blue 7 
Great Spangled fritillary 4 
Silver-bordered Fritillary 1 
Pearl crescent 22 
Viceroy 1 
Common ringlet 21 
Common wood-nymph 36 
Silver-spotted skipper 40 + 
Least skipper 4 
Northern Broken Dash 4 
Dun Skipper 5 
 
(butterfly report by Dolores Price).

The following 27 bird species were observed:
Turkey Vulture 1
Northern Harrier 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 7 (kettling);
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 2
Killdeer 2
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Eastern Kingbird 3
American Crow
Tree Swallow 12
Barn Swallow 50+
Black-capped Chickadee 2
House Wren 1
Veery 1
American Robin
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 4
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Eastern Meadowlark 2
American Goldfinch 15
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Jumpfe).

7/28/04 -- Salisbury Pond, Worcester
The Forbush Bird Club held an evening bird walk at Salisbury Pond (Institute Park) on July 28, 2004. Bob Aiello led 3 members in a search for herons, specifically Black-crowned Night Herons. The weather was in the mid 60's and overcast. The following 28 species were either seen or heard:
Canada Goose 56
Wood Duck 1 drake
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 64
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 1
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 ( 1 adult, 1 sub-adult)
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Tree Swallow 1
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin
Gray Catbird 3
Northern Mockingbird 3 (2 adults being chased by 1 young)
Yellow Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

7/3/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip, Wachusett Reservoir
On July 3, 2004, the Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Wachusett Reservoir. Francis X. McMenemy led 14 club members into Gates 35 in Sterling and 38 in Clinton as well as along route 140 in Boylston. The main theme of the trip was to observe Common Loon nesting sites and a Cooper's Hawk nest with young in it. The temperatures ranged from the low 60's to the high 70's. Bruce deGraaf obtained these digital photos of the target species during the trip:
Loon family -- these chicks hatched June 28-29, on the raft in Clinton
Loon feeding chick -- the same family as above
Cooper's Hawk -- one of the three young Cooper's Hawks in a nest near the reservoir in Clinton
Loon on nest -- incubating loon in South Bay (same one previously photographed by Bob Ricci)
It was a beautiful morning with low humidity, a clear blue sky and little wind. The following 44 bird species were enjoyed as well as a Red-spotted Admiral butterfly in Boylston:
Canada Goose

Common Loon 5 (2A with 2 young at Gate 38 and 1 adult still incubating 2 eggs
at South Bay on route 140 in Boylston)

Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Cooper's Hawk 2 (young in a nest within Gate 38, possibly 2 more not seen)

Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Ring-billed Gull 1
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker 3
Eastern Wood Pewee 2
Eastern Kingbird 1
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin
Gray Catbird 2
Cedar Waxwing 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Red-eyed Vireo 6
Yellow Warbler 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 4
Ovenbird 2
Common Yellowthroat 4
Scarlet Tanager 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 5
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 2
American Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow 1
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

6/6/04 -- Barre Falls/Rutland State Park/Ware Watershed
On Sunday 6/6 8 members of the Forbush Bird Club spent the morning birding the Barre Falls/Rutland State Park/Ware Watershed area. The weather wasn't great but could have been worse; mostly cloudy with a few moderate showers. A total of 68 species were recorded as follows.
>Great blue heron
>American bittern(heard)
>Canada goose
>Wood duck (3 ducklings)
>Turkey vulture
>Red-tailed hawk
>Killdeer
>Mourning dove
>Chimney swift
>Ruby-throated hummer
>Belted kingfisher
>Downey woodpecker
>Hairy woodpecker
>Northern flicker
>Eastern wood-pewee
>Alder flycatcher
>Willow flycatcher
>Least flycatcher
>Eastern phoebe
>Eastern kingbird
>Tree swallow
>Barn swallow
>Blue jay
>American crow
>Common Raven
>Black-capped chickadee
>Tufted titmouse
>Red-breasted nuthatch
>White-breasted nuthatch
>Brown creeper
>Eastern bluebird
>Veery
>Hermit thrush
>Wood thrush
>American robin
>Gray catbird
>Cedar waxwing
>European starling
>Blue-headed vireo
>Yellow-throated vireo
>Red-eyed vireo
>Blue-winged warbler
>Yellow warbler
>Chestnut-sided warbler
>Yellow-rumped warbler
>Black-thoated green warbler
>Pine warbler
>Prairie warbler
>Black-and-White warbler
>American redstart
>Ovenbird
>Northern waterthrush
>Common yellowthroat
>Scarlet tanager
>Rose-breasted grosbeak
>Indigo bunting
>Eastern towhee
>Chipping sparrow
>Song sparrow
>Swamp sparrow
>White-throated sparrow
>Bobolink
>Red-winged blackbird
>Common grackle
>Brown-headed cowbird
>Baltimore oriole
>Purple finch
>American goldfinch
An additional treat was 3 red fox kits lounging on the rocks at the base of the dam at Barre Falls. (report from Peg Knowlton).

5/27/04 -- Bolton Flats Whip-poor-will / Goatsucker Trip
On a cool (low 60's), calm and partly cloudy Thursday evening May 27th, 8 members of the Forbush Bird Club were led by Bart Kamp on an American Woodcock/ Goatsucker bird walk in Bolton that began at the red barn off rte. 110 at Bolton Flats. The following 40 species were observed:
> Canada Goose 2
> Wood Duck 50
> American Black Duck 2
> Mallard 4
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Green Heron 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 1
> AMERICAN WOODCOCK 4
> Mourning Dove 4
> COMMON NIGHTHAWK 20
> WHIP-POOR-WILL 2
> Belted Kingfisher 1
> Downy Woodpecker 1
> Great Crested Flycatcher 1
> Eastern Kingbird 2
> Red-eyed Vireo 2
> American Crow
> Tree Swallow 15
> Black-capped Chickadee
> Tufted Titmouse
> Veery 2
> Wood Thrush 1
> American Robin
> Gray Catbird 4
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling
> Cedar Waxwing 10
> Yellow Warbler 8
> Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
> Common Yellowthroat 6
> Eastern Towhee 2
> Chipping Sparrow 3
> Savannah Sparrow 5
> Song Sparrow 7
> Northern Cardinal 1
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
> Red-winged Blackbird 10
> Common Grackle 2
> Baltimore Oriole 2
> American Goldfinch 2
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe and Bart Kamp).

5/16/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip, Westminster/Princeton/Gardner
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, 2004 in Westminster, Princeton and Gardner. Francis X. McMenemy led 10 members on a calm but overcast day which inluded some occasional sunshine and 2 light showers. The temperatures were in the 60's and the damp air held many Black Flies and Mosquitoes. The following 73 bird species were observed:
Canada Goose 8
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 12
Green-winged Teal 3 D
Ruffed Grouse 1
Common Loon 2 (a pair at Paradise Pond seen protecting the island where the
nested last year from Canada Geese)
AMERICAN BITTERN 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 1
VIRGINIA RAIL 1
Killdeer 5
Mourning Dove
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO 3
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 2
Downy Woddpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
PILEATED WOODPECKER 3
Eastern Phoebe 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
ALDER FLYCATCHER 1
Eastern Kingbird 4
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 15
Blue Jay
American Crow
COMMON RAVEN 1
Tree Swallow 22
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4
Bank Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 12
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 1
WINTER WREN 1
Hermit Thrush 4
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin
Gray Catbird 3
European Starling
Northern Parula 1
Yellow Warbler 8
Chestnut-sided Warbler 7
Black-throated Blue Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped warbler 6
Black-throated Green Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 7
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-whitw Warbler 9
American Redstart 4
Ovenbird 10
Northern Waterthrush 1
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yelowthroat 10
Scarlet Tanager 10
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 8
Field Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 11
Swamp Sparrow 6
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6
INDIGO BUNTING 3
Bobolink 6
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole 3
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/9/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip, Shrewsbury
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, May 9, 2004 in the town of Shrewsbury with 9 attending. Mike Bellows was our leader. The trip began at 7:00 a.m. with cloudy skies, and raw feeling air in the mid 40's. Many wished they had brought mittens. There was an occasional breeze that was chilling. It began to rain at 10:00 a.m., just as we were headed to Mike's home where his wife Nancy had prepared her "Annual Continental Breakfast" for us. Her homemade Scones and Muffins along with hot coffee were very welcomed after being in the cold. Nancy and Mike's hospitality is very much appreciated. The following 44 species were observed:
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 6
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1 (seen first followed by nearby Spotted offering an
opportunity for comparison)
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 1 nest was seen
Eastern Kingbird 2
Warbling Vireo 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 8
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 2 (pair) going to a nest box
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling
Yellow Warbler 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Chipping Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 1
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole 3
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/8/04 -- Buck Hill, Spencer
On Saturday, May 08, 2004, Susan Sachs led 12 members of the Forbush Bird Club on a trip to Buck Hill, Spencer. The weather was cool, even though there was sun. The high thin clouds and NW 10 to 15 mph winds caused the temperatures in the 40's to feel quite chilly. Bird song was low but it was a good day for seeing raptors. The following 61 species were observed:
Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 2 (pair)
Mallard 2
Ruffed Grouse 2
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1 sub-adult
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 6
Warbling Vireo 4
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 3
Tree Swallow 16
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 14
Tufted Titmouse 7
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 8
Gray Catbird 2
European Starling 5
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 16
Black-throated Green Warbler 10
Black-and-white Warbler 5
American Redstart 1
Ovenbird 24
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Scarlet Tanager 4
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Baltimore Oriole 6
American Goldfinch 7
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/2/04 -- Forbush Bird Club trip, Oxford and vicinity
Paul Meleski led a trip in the Oxford area with 14 Club members participating. The rain held off, and the group was treated to a vigorous hike through the Hodges Village Dam area. Complete trip list:
Common Loon 1 (flyover)
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 3
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 4
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Ruffed Grouse 2
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Rock Pigeon 10
Mourning Dove 6
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 5
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 4
Blue-headed Vireo 3
Warbling Vireo 1
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 1
Common Raven 2
Tree Swallow 18
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 13
Bank Swallow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Brown Creeper 6
House Wren 3
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 8
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
European Sarling 12
Blue-winged Warbler 2 (Pierpont Meadow, Dudley);
Yellow Warbler 6
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 5
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Ovenbird 4
Northern Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 6
Field Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 14
Common Grackle 16
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Baltimore Oriole 1
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 12
House Sparrow 6
Other non-bird highlights included a watersnake. There were 62 Species, identified on the trip. (report from Paul Meleski).

5/1/04 -- Forbush Bird Club trip to Quabbin Reservoir
On May 1, 2004, the Forbush Bird Club held a trip through several gates at Quabbin Reservoir. Francis X. McMenemy led 8 members on this 36th annual trip when the club is given access by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (formerly the MDC) to drive through several gates. We began from Gate 43A on a cool, mid 50's, but calm, morning and proceeded to Gate 43, Town Corners, Dana Common, Skinner Hill, Graves Landing, Whitney Hill Road, on toward the East Branch of Fever Brook and then to the West Branch of Fever Brook and exited from Gate 35 at 3 p.m., at which time the temperatures had reached at least the mid 70's. It was a perfectly beautiful day with high, thin clouds. Visibility was hazy across the reservoir by mid-afternoon, making it somewhat difficult to get clear views of the nesting Bald Eagle as we were exiting Gate 35. In addition to the following 68 bird species we observed Eatern Gray Squirrels, Red Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks, deer and moose tracks, Colt's Foot and Cinquefoil wildflowers and Spring Azure butterflies:
Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 2 (pair)
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 5
BLACK SCOTER 1 Drake
Hooded Merganser 2 (pair)
Common Merganser 1 Female
Ruffed Grouse 4
Common Loon 2 (pair) very close looks in sunlight
Great Blue Heron 1 (on a nest)
Turkey Vulture 4
Bald Eagle 1 (on a nest)
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 5
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Killdeer 2
Least Sandpiper 1
Rock Pigeon 4
Mourning Dove 7
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Least Flycatcher 14
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Blue-headed Vireo 7
Blue Jay 21
American Crow 2
COMMON RAVEN 1
Tree Swallow 43
Black-capped Chickadee 23
Tufted Titmouse 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 2
House Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 6
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 12
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 16
Black-throated Green Warbler 23
Blackburnian Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 20
Prairie Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 18
Ovenbird 13
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 7
Eastern Towhee 21
Chipping Sparrow 36
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 8
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 2 excellent close looks
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 1 male
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 8
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/24/04 -- Forbush Bird Club trip, Westboro
The Forbush Bird Club held a club trip on Saturday, April 24, 2004, the anniversary of Edward Howe Forbush's birthday. Ann Boover led 10 club members in the town of Westborough where he is buried. The trip began at Mass Wildlife Headquarters and proceeded to both Lake Chauncys and the Westborough State Hospital grounds as well as a sanctuary near Technology Drive. The weather was in the 40's at the start but warmed to the 60's with breezes developing in mid-morning. There were at least 6 Brown Thrashers and 5 American Kestrels seen. Several Kestrels were hanging around a nest box at the State Hospital grounds. The following 48 species were found:
Great Blue Heron

Canada Goose

Mallard
Green-winged Teal

Wood Duck

Ring-necked Duck

Bufflehead

Killdeer

Great Black-backed Gull

Turkey Vulture

Accipiter (species?)

Broad-winged Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

American Kestrel

Rock Dove

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swift

Northern Flicker

Downy Woodpecker

Eastern Phoebe

Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow

Blue Jay
American Crow

Black-capped Chickadee

White-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Cedar Waxwing

European Starling

Pine Warbler

Palm Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Cardinal

Savannah Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Eastern Meadowlark

Red-winged Blackbird
Brown headed Cowbird

Common Grackle

House Sparrow

American Goldfinch

House Finch
(trip report from Ann Boover, submitted by Joan Zumpfe).

4/4/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Bolton Flats and Delaney WMA
Francis X. McMenemy led his annual spring trip to Bolton Flats, Delaney Wildlife Management Area and some additional stops between. Even though temperatures were only in the high 30's, we were comfortable because there was no wind. The forecasted rain held off till 9 a.m., which gave us time to study the many birds at the Flats. We didn't attempt to walk in but pulled off rte. 117 and observed from there. There was some fog in the distance which made counting difficult and the ducks and gulls moved around quite a bit, also. Some of our counts will match Mark Lynch and Sheila Carroll's previously posted counts because they were also at this pulloff most of the time we were. Highlights of the 41 species observed were Glossy Ibis, Wilson's Snipe, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon and Barrow's Goldeneye: (The first number is from Bolton and the second from Delaney)
Great Blue Heron 18 (17 on nests) less than Mark and Sheila, probably due to
poor visibility due to rain

GLOSSY IBIS 1, 0
Canada Goose 280, 0
Wood Duck 16, 4
American Wigeon 10, 0
American Black Duck ~64, 0
Mallard ~285
Northern Pintail 4 (2 pair), 0
Green-winged Teal 84, 0
Ring-necked Duck 114, 67
Bufflehead 0, 3
Common Goldeneye 0, 10
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE 0, 1
Red-tailed Hawk 0, 4
Killdeer 4, 0
Wilson's Snipe 12, 0
Ring-billed Gull ~585
Herring Gull ~25
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher 1, 0
Hairy Woodpecker 1, 0
Northern Flicker 0, 1
Eastern Phoebe 5, 0
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow 0, 40
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird 2, 0
European Starling
Pine Warbler 1 (heard in Bolton on the way to Delaney)
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe, club President).

1/1/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip New Year's Day 2004
Beginning at noon, on New Year's Day 2004, 8 members of the Forbush Bird Club were led by Joan Zumpfe to several sites primarily in the city of Worcester. Occasionally the westerly winds felt quite cold with temperatures in the high 30's, but the partly cloudy day was quite pleasant in sheltered areas. We were unsuccessful in our attemts to find the Peregrine Falcon downtown. The greatest number and variety of waterfowl were at Lake Qunisigamond. The following 25 species were observed:
Great Blue Heron 2
Mute Swan 4
Canada Goose ~ 120
American Black Duck
Mallard
Lesser Scaup 1 F
Common Goldeneye ~ 33
Bufflehead 2 F
Hooded Merganser 47
Common Merganser 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 3
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco 1
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/27/04 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip , Brookfields, Spencer & Warren
The Forbush Bird Club was led by Francis X. McMenemy (who filled in for Rodney Jenkins); on a trip through the Brookfields, Spencer Meadows and Warren. There was some drizzle at the start and thick fog over Lake Quaboag which prevented seeing the Bald Eagle nest until the end of the trip, when the fog lifted. The rain soon stopped and the overcast skies gave way to some sunshine by trip's end. There was absolutely no wind and temperatures in the low 50's made for a pleasant morning, much nicer than expected according to the forecast. There were 10 of us who enjoyed the following 41 species:
Great Blue Heron 2
Canada Goose 19
Wood Duck 6 (4D, 2F);
Green-winged Teal 3
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail 1 D
American Wigeon 4 (2 pairs);
Ring-necked Duck 20
Greater Scaup 6 (4D, 2F);
Common Goldeneye 3
Hodded Merganser 26
Common Merganser 34
Turkey Vulture 3
Bald Eagle 3 (2 in Warren, 1 imm., 1 A);,
             (1 on nest at Lake Quaboag);
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 5
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 7
Tree Swallow 27
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse 3
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin
European Starling
Northern Cardinal 6
Song Sparrow 9
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

For previous sightings, see Trip Reports 2003