Forbush Bird Club 2005 Trip Reports

The following are highlights of selected field trips of the Forbush Bird Club, listed in reverse chronological order:
11/20/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Salisbury and Plum Island
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Salisbury and Plum Island on Sunday, November 20, 2005. It was led by Paul Meleski with 6 members attending. Although it was clear and sunny, it was rather cool, especially on the beach. The winds ranged from calm to up to 15 mph depending on our location. Highlights were a REDHEAD, EURASIAN WIGEON and SAW-WHET OWL. One of our teenage members had 4 Life Birds. The following 61 species were noted: 
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Eurasian Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Eider
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
American Coot
Purple Sandpiper
Dunlin
Sanderling
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Blue Jay
American Crow
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

Further details from Paul Meleski: 

1);Red-throated  Loon                                  Salisbury/Plum Island
2);Common  Loon                                      "
     "
3);Horned  Grebe                                        Plum Island-Emerson
4);Pied Billed  Grebe                                   Cherry Hill Res
5);Red-necked  Grebe                                 4 at Parking lot 1-Plum
6);Northern  Gannet                                    Salisbury/Plum Island
                                                     including 1 just off the
                                                           beach feeding
7);Great  Cormorant                                    1 at
                                                       Salisbury-Merrimac River Dike
8);Double-crested  Cormorant                     Newburyport  Harbor Seawall
9);Great Blue  Heron                                   Cherry Hill Reservoir
10);Mute  Swan                                            Salt Pannes Plum
11);Canada  Goose                                      Plum/Cherry Hill Res
12);Mallard                                                 "
         "
13);American Black  Duck                        Plum/Salisbury/Newburyport Harbor
14);Gadwall                                                Plum
15);Green-winged  Teal                                 Salt Pans/Bill
                                                      Forward/Newburyport
                                                        Harbor/Cherry Hill

16);American  Wigeon                                  Salt Pans
17);Eurasian  Wigeon                                  2-  Salt Pans
18);Northern  Pintail                                  alt  Pans/Bill Forward
19);Northern  Shoveler                                  2-Newburyport Harbor
20);Redhead                                        13 (9 m,4f); Cherry Hill Res
21);Ring-necked  Duck                                 Cherry Hill Res
22);Greater  Scaup                                      1  Bill Forward
23);Common  Eider                                     Salisbury/Plum
24);Black  Scoter                                         Emerson
25);White-winged  Scoter                              Emerson
26);Surf  Scoter                                           Emerson
27);Long-tailed  Duck                                   Newburyport Harbor
28);Bufflehead                                            Newburyport Harbor
29);Common  Merganser                             Cherry Hill Res
30);Red-breasted  Merganser                       Salisbury/Emerson
31);Ruddy  Duck                     BillForward/Newburyport Harbor/Cherry Hill Res
32);Northern  Harrier                                   Plum
33);Sharp-shinned  Hawk                             Plum-Lot 1
34);American  Coot                                 ill  Forward/Cherry Hill Res
35);Purple  Sandpiper                                 2-Emerson
36);Sanderling                                     Newburyport Harbor/Emerson
37);Dunlin                                                Newburyport Harbor
38);Bonaparte's  Gull                                  ~20 birds off Emerson
39);Ring-billed  Gull                                   Throughout
40);Herring  Gull                                          "            "
41);Great Black-backed  Gull                       "            "
42);Rock  Pigeon                                       "             "
43);Mourning  Dove                                    Plum
44);Northern Saw-whet  Owl                     just off boardwalk in
                                    Hellcat-fantastic views just  below eyelevel
45);Blue  Jay                                           Lot 1-Plum
46);American  Crow                                 Throughout
47);Horned  Lark                                      5  flyover-Sandy Point
48);Tree  Swallow                                     1 Sandy Point
49);Barn  Swallow                                    1 Sandy Point
50);Northern  Mockingbird                        Salisbury/Sandy  Point
51);European  Starling                              Lot 1
52);American Tree  Sparrow                      Sandy Point
53);Savannah  Sparrow                             Lot 1
54);Song  Sparrow                                  Plum
55);White-throated  Sparrow                    Sandy  Point
56);Northern  Cardinal                             Sandy  Point
57);American  Goldfinch                           Throughout
58);House  Sparrow                                "             "
10/30/05 -- Wachusett Reservoir and Vicinity Trip
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at Wachusett Reservoir and other nearby locations. The trip was led by Francis X. McMenemy with 11 members and 1 guest attending. It was sunny and dry with temperatures in the 60's but there were occasional strong winds which caused white caps on the reservoir and made searching for waterfowl difficult. Highlights were Ruddy Ducks, a Red-breasted Merganser and both Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. The following 26 species were observed: 
Mallard
Scaup species 4
Red-breasted Merganser 1 F
Ruddy Duck 17
Common Loon 6
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 2
American Kestrel 1
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
American Robin 1
Gray Catbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 12
Savannah Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/2/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip, New Braintree
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip in New Braintree on Sunday, October 2, 2005. Rodney Jenkins led 10 club members from Winimussett Meadows and to several other sites. Along the way, we observed horses, a goat farm, a sheep farm and a venison farm with many deer of varying ages. The scenery was beautiful.The weather was cool in the mid 40's at first with fog, but this gave way to blue skies with a few wispy clouds and temperatures in the 70's. Several layers of clothing were molted. The air was perfectly calm - allowing for good listening. Highlights were: 2 Bald Eagles, a Virginia Rail, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 45 American Pipits, 100's of Sparrows including 11 Lincoln's. The following 56 species were observed: 
Canada Goose 50
Wood Duck 1
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Bald Eagle 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Virginia Rail 1
Herring Gull 4
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 6
Pileated Woodpecker 1
EMPIDONAX sp. 1
Eastern Phoebe 23
Blue-headed Vireo 4
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8
Eastern Bluebird 3
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin
Gray Catbird 5
European Starling
American Pipit 45
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler 65
Pine Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 6
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 144
Field Sparrow 4
Savannah Sparrow 44
Song Sparrow 99
Lincoln's Sparrow 11
Swamp Sparrow 148
White-throated Sparrow 21
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Indigo Bunting 2
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Common Grackle 1
Purple Finch 4
House Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/18/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Bolton Flats
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, September 18, 2005 at Bolton Flats. It was a crystal clear morning with temperatures starting in the low 60's and warming quickly to the high 70's. The air was calm and dry. The 6 members led by Francis X. McMenemy, who filled in for Eric Salmela, enjoyed the following 28 species: 
Mallard 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 8
Warbling Vireo 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch (migrant)
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Gray Catbird 12
Cedar Waxwing 3
Yellow Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 3
Black-and-White Warbler 2
Swamp Sparrow 4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/11/05 -- Forbush trip to Plum Island
8 Forbush members were treated to a wonderful day at Plum Island. Temperatures were in the low 80's with beautiful blue skies and a light breeze. Highlights included a Northern Shoveler and Ruff at Bill Forward Pool, wonderful looks at 3 Whimbrel on the dike overlooking North Pool, and an American Golden Plover at the Salt Pannes. Many familiar faces from Central Mass were also seen (John Liller, Tom and Kathy Mongeon, Dan Berard) along with these birds: 
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Black-bellied Plover
American Golden-Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Whimbrel
Sanderling
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Dunlin
Stilt Sandpiper
Ruff
Short-billed Dowitcher
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Sallow
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Eastern Towhee
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

56 species observed
(trip report from Paul Meleski).

9/3/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Wachusett Meadows
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Wachusett Meadow's Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary on Saturday, September 3, 2005. Joan Zumpfe led 11 members who enjoyed a picture-perfect day with a blue sky and a slight refreshing breeze. Temperatures were cool initially in the low 60's but warmed up to the high 70's. Highlights included a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a Great Crested Flycatcher and 6 warbler species. A porcupine and a white-tailed deer were also spotted. The abundant patch of Bottled Gentian was especially enjoyed. Peg Knowlton heard a Common Loon before the trip began. Peg treated the group to delicious refreshments at the end of the trip and a welcome rest at her picnic table. The following 47 species were observed: 
Wood Duck 8
American Black Duck
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 5
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 11
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Eastern Bluebird 2
Veery 1
American Robin
Gray Catbird 13
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 36
Nashville Warbler 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 7
Black-throated Green Warbler 3
Pine Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Scarlet Tanager 3
Chipping Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Common Grackle
Purple Finch 1
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

8/21/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Plum Island
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Plum Island on August 21, 2005. It was led by First Vice-President Ann Boover and attended by 14 members. It was humid and overcast at first with brief sprinkles which eventually were replaced by sunshine. It was calm and temperatures ranged from the 70's to the low 80's. Highlights were an American Bittern and a Baird's Sandpiper. The swarms of gathering Tree Swallows were also impressive. The following 51 species were noted: 
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Double-crested Cormorant
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
American Kestrel
Black-bellied Plover
Semi-palmated Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Willet
Spotted Sandpiper
Semi-palmated Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Tern
Mourning Dove
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
American Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Eastern Towhee
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Jumpfe).

8/6/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Birds and Butterflies Trip, Leicester
The Forbush Bird Club held a Birds and Butterflies Trip in Leicester on Saturday, August 6, 2005 in the vicinity of the Worcester Airport and at the town's landfill. Delores Price led 21 participants who were members of the Bird Club and/or the Massachusetts Butterfly Club. The weather was ideal with very little wind, little humidity and skies that were mostly sunny. The temperatures ranged from high 60's to low 80's. There were 20 species of butterflies and 22 species of birds observed. These lists are as follows: 
  BUTTERFLIES

  Black Swallowtail 18

  Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 5

  Spicebush Swallowtail 1

  Clouded Sulphur 17

  Cabbage White 7

  Orange Sulphur 12

  Eastern Tailed-Blue 25
Summer Azure 1

  Great Spangled Fritillary 1

  Pearl Crescent 68

  Viceroy 7

  Appalachian Brown 1

  Common Ringlet 17

  Common Wood Nymph 49

  Silver-spotted Skipper 15

  Least Skipper 12

  Peck^Òs Skipper 2

  Tawny-edged Skipper 1

  Little Glassywing 1

  Dun Skipper 8

  BIRDS

  American Goldfinch

  Barn Swallow

  European Starling

  American Robin

  Red-tailed Hawk 3

  Northern Mockingbird 2

Bobolink 1

  Tree Swallow

  Killdeer 1

  Savannah Sparrow 3

  Eastern Kingbird 1

  Cedar Waxwing 5

  Wild Turkey 5

  Turkey Vulture 1

  American Crow

  Song Sparrow 4

  Hooded Merganser 2

  Blue Jay

  Brown-headed Cowbird

  Chipping Sparrow 1

  House Wren 1

  Mourning Dove

  Delores wishes to thank all the participants for their assistance in
  searching for butterflies and for making the trip so  enjoyable.
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

7/27/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Institute Park/Salisbury Pond, Worcester
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at dusk to Institute Park / Salisbury Pond on July 27, 2005 for the purpose of observing Black-crowned Night Herons. Bob Aiello and 5 others attended during threatening conditions that gave way to a light shower. Lightning flashes to the North were also seen. Visibility was poor with some fog. In spite of all this, 2 adult BCNH were found. The following were reported by Bob: 
Mallard 12
American Black Duck 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 Adults
Herring Gull 1
Mourning Dove
Northern Mockingbird 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Gray Catbird 1
Song Sparrow 5
Red-winged Blackbird 2
(trip report from Joan Jumpfe).

7/3/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip, Wachusett Reservoir
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, July 3, 2005 from Gate 35 in Sterling to Tahonto Point. The goal was to view the breeding Common Loon pair that had nested on Wood Island and their chicks that hatched on July 1st and 2nd. Francis X. McMenemy led 16 members on a perfectly beautiful cloudless and calm day. The temperatures ranged from the high 60's to the low 80's. The following 42 species were observed: 
Ruffed Grouse 2
Common Loon 4 (2A, 2Y) the 2 chicks were being fed by their parents
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Mourning Dove 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 8
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Wood Pewee 3
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Red-eyed Vireo 10
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch 8
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
Veery 2
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 8
American Robin
Gray Catbird 6
Cedar Waxwing 10
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 6
Pine Warbler 6
Prairie Warbler 1
Ovenbird 11
Common Yellowthroat 6
Scarlet Tanager 4
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 9
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Baltimore Oriole 6
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

6/5/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Barre Falls/Rutland State Park
16 observers spent the morning at Barre Falls/Rutland State Park and points in between. Weather was warm(70's & 80's), sunny and very little wind, ideal birding weather for a change. 63 avian species and others were observed including 2 state listed species of turtle.

Complete trip list: Great blue heron 3, Mallard 1, Turkey 1, Red-tailed hawk 3, Mourning dove 2, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO 2 (pair), BARRED OWL 1, Ruby-throated hummer 4, Hairy woodpecker 1, Eastern wood- pewee 3, Alder Flycatcher 4,(possible willow ?), Least flycatcher 4, Eastern Phoebe 3, Great crested flycatcher 1, Eastern kingbird 5, Tree swallows numerous, Northern rough-winged swallow 3, barn swallow 1, Blue jay 4, American crow 4, Black-capped chickadee 8, Tufted titmouse 1, Red-breasted nuthatch 1, White-breasted nuthatch 1, Brown creeper 2, Veery 2, Wood thrush 1, Robin many, Gray catbird 5, Cedar Waxwing 11, Starling 4, Blue-headed vireo 2, Warbling vireo 3, Red-eyed vireo 17, Blue-winged warbler 4, Yellow warbler 9, Chestnut-sided warbler 5+, Magnolia warbler 1, Yellow-rumped warbler 5, Black-throated green warbler 6, Pine warbler 3, Prairie warbler 5, Black and white warbler 2, American redstart 2, Ovenbird 10, Common yellowthroat 6, Scarlet tanager 1, Northern Cardinal 1, Rose-breasted grosbeak 2, Eastern towhee 5, Chipping sparrow 8, Song sparrow 6, Swamp sparrow 2, White-throated sparrow 1, Bobolink 3, Red-winged blackbird 5, Eastern Meadowlark 1, Common grackle2, Brown-headed cowbird 3, Baltimore oriole 1, Purple finch 1, House finch 1, American goldfinch 3. Total species : 63

Other sightings of interest: Swamp pinks, Canadian mayflowers, Star flowers, Cinquefoil, Bluets, American lady and numerous Eastern tiger swallowtails, wood satyr. However it was Herps that stole the show today. 2 state listed species: BOX TURTLE and WOOD TURTLE and 2 very very large snappers. Reports on the listed species will be filed with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program at Mass Fish and Wildlife. (report from Peg and Dick Knowlton).

5/27/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Bolton Flats
The Forbush Bird Club held the annual Goatsucker Walk on the evening of Friday, May 27, 2005 at Bolton Flats. The 8 members attending the trip led by Barton Kamp were successful in seeing and hearing Whip-poor-wills and Common Nighthawks. The following 33 species were observed: 
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Doble-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Mourning Dove
Whip-poor-will 5
Common Nighthawk 30
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Common Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Gray Catbird
American Robin
Veery
CEDAR WAXWING 66
Warbling Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(report from Bart Kamp, fide Joan Zumpfe).

5/21/06 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Tower Hill, Boylston
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on May 21, 2005 at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston. James Hogan led 14 members on a cloudy and cool morning with temperatures ranging from the mid 40's to the low 50's. A 10 to 15 mph breeze from the east made it feel colder. Highlights of the following 50 species observed were: Broad-winged Hawk, Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Bluebird and Indigo Bunting. 
Mallard 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Warbling Vireo 4
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow 7
Barn Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Eastern Bluebird 1 M
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 2
Cedar Waxwing 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 4
Ovenbird 5
Common Yellowthroat 2
Scarlet Tanager 1
Chipping Sparrow 8
Song Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indogo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 2
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow 3
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/15/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Westminster and Princeton
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Westminster and Princeton on May 15, 2005. Francis X. McMenemy led the 9 members who attended on a cool and cloudy day. At mid-morning the weather gave way to a surprise downpour that required the trip to forego the usual stop at High Ridge in Gardner. The rain let up briefly to allow a stop at Paradise Pond to check on the progress of the Common Loons being seen there. The following 59 species were observed: 
Canada Goose 4
Hooded Merganser 1 F
Common Loon 2 Adults, both seen in the water but also seen investigating last
year's nest site
Great Blue Heron 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Eastern Wood Peweee 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Blue-headed Vireo 4
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 3
Veery 1
Winter Wren 1
Hermit Thrush 4
American Robin
European Starling
Yellow Warbler 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Black-throated Blue warbler 3
Black-throated Green Warbler 6
Pine Warbler 4
Black-and-white Warbler 3
American Redstart 1
Ovenbird 12
Common Yellowthroat 1
Scarlet Tanager 4
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Baltimore Oriole 2
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/7/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Buck Hill, Spencer
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Buck Hill in Spencer on May 7, 2005. Unfortunately for the 5 members and the trip leader Susan Sachs who hoped for a break in the weather, it was too rainy to continue and the trip had to be cancelled. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/30/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Quabbin Reservoir
The Forbush Bird Club held a car trip from Gate 43 to Gate 35 at Quabbin Reservoir on Saturday, April 30, 2005. It was cool, in the mid 40's, calm and cloudy at the start of the trip at 7 a.m. Occasional sprinkles and mist started at mid-morning and gradually gave way to a light rain by mid-day. Heavier rain around 1 p.m., which caused foggy conditions over the water, forced the trip to end earlier than planned. On the way to the meeting, there was a dead beaver in the middle of Greenwich Road near the brook that runs under the road. At the end of the trip it was gone. The trip leader was Francis X. McMenemy and 12 members attended. Also seen were white violets, myrtle and marsh marigolds. A porcupine was seen walking along the road near the West Branch of Fever Brook. The highlights were the nesting Barred Owl and the very white immature Bald Eagle. The following 45 species were enjoyed in spite of the gloomy weather: 
Canada Goose 1
Wood Duck 3
Mallard 1
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Wild Turkey 2  (single individuals);
Common Loon 7
Bald Eagle 1 immature, 2nd year
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Barred Owl 1 (seen in its nesting hole);
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue-headed Vireo 7
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 6
Common Raven 1
Tree Swallow ~ 50
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 4
Brown Creeper 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
American Robin 8
Yellow Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 10
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 13
Chipping Sparrow 25
Field Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 6
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 2
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/3/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Bolton Flats and Vicinity Trip
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, April 3, 2005 at Bolton Flats and vicinity. Francis X. McMenemy was trip leader for 5 members. In spite of dire forcasts for rain showers, it never rained. The day started out cloudy in the mid-40's with occasional breezes and changed to partly cloudy skies with more steady breezes that felt nippy at times. The Barnacle Goose and the BarnaclexCanada Goose that had been seen at the Flats from Tuesday till Friday this past week were not seen. The highlights were the great variety of ducks, Wilson's Snipe and American Pipit. The following 40 species were observed: 
Canada Goose
Mute Swan 1 (flying);
Wood Duck 16
AMERICAN WIGEON 2 (pair);
American Black Duck
Mallard
NORTHERN SHOVELER 2 (pair);
NORTHERN PINTAIL 3 (2drake, 1 female);
Green-winged Teal 28
Ring-necked Duck 14
Hooded Merganser 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 6
Red-tailed Hawk 8
Killdeer 3
WILSON'S SNIPE 10
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow 12
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling
AMERICAN PIPIT
Cedar Waxwing 40
American Tree Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe);.

3/26/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Brookfields Trip
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip in the Brookfields. Rodney Jenkins met 11 club members at Lake Quaboag, and from there we went to Slab City, Coy Brook, Brookfield Station, Wickaboag Pond and West Brookfield Station. The locations mentioned were about 90% frozen. The weather was very calm and comfortable in the mid-40's. The highlight involved observing the adult pair of Bald Eagles arranging their new nest. Other highlights were the large numbers of Ring-necked Ducks and Common Mergansers, and a Northern Harrier on Route 9. The following 37 species were seen: 
Canada Goose
Wood Duck 3
American Black Duck 8
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck 90
Hooded Merganser 28
Common Merganser 80
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 2
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow 3
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird 3
American Robin
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

1/1/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip, Worcester and Shrewsbury
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on New Year's Day afternoon in Worcester and Shrewsbury. There were 8 members attending with Joan Zumpfe leading and helped by Fran McMenemy and John Shea. John spotted the Peregrines and guided us to the Shovelers. It was sunny and in the high 40's with occasional wind gusts. Highlights were 2 Peregrine Falcons, a Great Cormorant, a Red-breated Merganser and 3 Northern Shovelers. The following 25 species were enjoyed: 
Canada Goose 255
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 112
Northern Shoveler 3
Ring-necked Duck 9
Common Goldeneye ~ 50
Hooded Merganser 26
Common Merganser 2 D
Red-breasted Merganser 1 F
Common Loon 1
Great Cormorant 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Peregrine Falcon 2
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon ~ 500
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
American Tree Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 2
Also, European Starling (~ 100) seen on signs on Rte. 290, but after the trip at 4:15 p.m., near Wyman Gordon. Along Creeper Hill Road, there were thousands, apparently planning on roosting there. (trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

For previous sightings, see Trip Reports 2004