Forbush Bird Club 2006 Trip Reports

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

Eight members of the Forbush Bird Club visited Salisbury and Plum Island on Nov 19th. Weather was cloudy with temps in the mid 40's. Winds were light at 5-10mph. 60 species were observed. The trip was led by Paul Meleski and had the following highlights: a female Northern Shoveler, 15 Red-necked Grebe, a very late Green Heron, a very close look of an adult Bald Eagle, 2 Peregine Falcon, a Northern Shrike, an Orange-crowned Warbler, great looks of an "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow, and approx. 300 Snow Bunting. In addition, many of the trip participants decided to extend the trip to Odiorne State Park in Rye, NH to view an adult Fork-tailed Flycatcher which was reported the previous day, and continued for trip day. The following species were recorded:

Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Green Heron
Great Blue Heron
Mute Swan
Canada Goose
Brant
Mallard
American Black Duck
Gadwall
Green-winged Teal
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Common Eider
White-winged Scoter
Surf Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Greater Yellowlegs (4)
Dunlin (100)
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Northern Shrike
Blue Jay
American Crow
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Orange-crowned Warbler
American Tree Sparrow
"Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Snow Bunting
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

(trip report from Paul Meleski).

11/12/06 -- Forbush Bird Club trip to Northboro /Westboro

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Saturday morning, November 12th, to the Northboro /Westboro area in heavy fog, drizzle, and eventually rain. The temperature ranged from 50-57 degrees. Ann Boover led the walk and four club members attended. Thirty eight species were noted.

Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Mute Swan
Canada Geese
Wood Duck,
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck,
Bufflehead
Ruddy Duck
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Cedar Waxwing
European Starling
Northern Cardinal
Eastern Towhee, 1
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird,
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

(trip report from Ann Boover).

11/05/06 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Quabbin Reservoir's Gate 35 on Sunday, November 5, 2006. It was led by Tom Pirro and attended by 7 members. The weather was cold initially in the low 30's but with the calm air and subsequent rising temperartures into the 50's, it became very comfortable for early November, enabling the group to stay out most of the day. Highlights were close looks at Horned Grebes, Common Loons, Bald Eagles (one with a large fish and another that flew overhead)) and Red-breasted Mergansers. There also was a Pluvalis Plover (either Black-bellied or American Golden) that was unidentifiable even after a long study. The following 35 species were observed:

American Black Duck 3
Mallard 2
Bufflehead 8
Common Merganser 6
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Common Loon 15
Horned Grebe 8
Red-necked Grebe 3
Bald Eagle 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 125
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 20
Tutfed Titmouse 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Brown Creeper 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 15
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 2
Cedar Waxwing 12
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Song Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 100
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 2
American Goldfinch 2

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/29/06 -- Wachusett Reservoir and Vicinity

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip today, Sunday, October 29, 2006 in West Boylston, Boylston , Sterling and Clinton at Wachusett Reservoir's Gates 25, 26, 36 and 39 and also at Thomas Basin and Coachlace Pond. Francis X. McMenemy led 11 members who braved very windy conditions. Temperatures ranged from high 40's to low 59's, winds were at least 20 mph most of the time with gusts that rocked our cars, caused whitecaps and even sprays on the water. It was partly cloudy at first but when it became mostly cloudy, there were some sprinkles and even snowflakes. The following 20 species were observed:

Mallard 16
Greater Scaup 28 (2 at Thomas Basin, 26 at Coachlace)
Bufflehead 1 F
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 16 (near 140 between Gates 25 & 26)
Ruddy Duck 1 (Coachlace)
Common Loon 4 (2 from Gate 25, 2 South Bay)
Double-crested Cormorant 19 (6 Gate 25, 13 South Bay)
Great Blue Heron 1
Ring-billed Gull 23
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Song Sparrow 2

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/22/06 -- Brookfields and Charlton

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip in the Brookfields and at Orlando Pond in Charlton on Sunday, October 22, 2006 with Rodney Jenkins leading 10 members on a clear and cold day. Some of the highlights of these 44 species seen were Northern Pintail, Ruddy Duck, Osprey, Northern Harrier and Eastern Bluebird:

Canada Goose 240
Wood Duck 1 drake
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 220
Northern Pintail 1 or 2
Scaup Species 2
Ruddy Duck 15
Great Blue Heron 3
Osprey 1
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 300
Herring Gull 2
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Eastern Bluebird 8
American Robin 100
Gray Catbird 1
European Starling
American Pipit 14
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Chipping Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 12
Song Sparrow 40
Swamp Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 28
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
House Finch
American Goldfinch 25

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/8/06 -- New Braintree

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip in New Braintree this morning, October 8, 2006. It was very foggy the first 2 hours and only in the 30's at the start. The sun finally warmed the calm air to the low 60's. We enjoyed this beautiful town with many farms once we were able to see the hills and valleys clearly after the ground fog lifted. Many grazing cows and horses were observed and also a Red Fox. Forbush Fellow and former club president Rodney Jenkins led the trip. The highlights were the sighting of a female Northern Bobwhite with 6 to 8 surviving young as well as Lincoln's and White-crowned Sparrows. The following 44 species were observed by the 12 members attending:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck 1
Hooded Merganser
Great Blue Heron 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
NORTHERN BOBWHITE 10 (1 F, ~8 young, 1 road kill); 
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 5
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush 5
American Robin
Gray Catbird 4
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 75
Yellow-rumped Warbler 26
Palm Warbler 11
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 31
Field Sparrow 3
Savannah Sparrow 90
Song Sparrow 107
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 113
White-throated Sparrow 66
White-crowned Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 13
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 3
House Finch
American Goldfinch

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/17/06 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Bolton Flats

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Bolton Flats on Sunday, September 17, 2006 with 5 members participating and long-time member Eric Salmela leading. It was a quiet morning bird-wise but pleasant with temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees. There was a very slight occasional NW breeze of zero to 5 mph. The following 29 species were observed:

Canada Goose
Double-crested Cormorant
Northern Harrier
Killdeer
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Warbling Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Marsh Wren
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

9/9/06 -- Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at Mass Audubon's Wildlife Sanctuary at Wachusett Meadow in Princeton. The trip was led by Joan Zumpfe with assistance from Peg Knowlton and a total of 10 participants. The early morning fog and coolness gave way to sunny skies, calm air and temperatures in the mid 70's. A Praying Mantis was observed as well as several Monarch Butterflies. Peg provided us with delicious refreshments at trip's end at her picnic table which gave us a chance to enjoy watching several hummingbirds. We could even hear their call. There was an unusual sighting of a robin that was pale, the color of a Clay-colored Robin but with some vague white splotching. It was seen in the woods across from Peg's home. The following 42 species were seen:

Wood Duck 9
Mallard 2
Hooddd Merganser 1 F
Wild Turkey 6 (seen on Goodnow Road before the trip)
Great Blue Heron 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Northern Goshawk 1 immature
Mourning Dove 6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Wood Pewee 1
Eastern Phoebe 9
Warbling Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
American Robin 2
Gray Catbird 12
European Starling 9
Cedar Waxwing 12
Nashville Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 6
American Redstart 1
Common Yellowthroat 3
Eastern Towhee 2
Chipping Sparrow 8
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Common Grackle 2
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 5

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

8/12/06 -- Leicester/Worcester

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on August 12, 2006 on route 56 in Leicester, at the Leicester Landfill and on Mulberry Street behind the Worcester Airport which caused some inquiries from airport security. Trip leader was club member Delores Price, who is also a member of the Massachusetts Butterfly Association. Delores was assisted by birders Chris Ellison, Alan Marble and Francis McMenemy. The 17 particpants enjoyed a beautiful day with a bright blue sky and a cool, refreshing breeze. The following species were also seen by Chris Ellison before the official start of the trip: Canada Goose; Great Blue Heron; Northern Flicker; Eastern Phoebe; Eastern Kingbird; House Wren; Blue-winged Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Eastern Towhee; Red-winged Blackbird; Common Grackle; Baltimore Oriole 1 F.
The following 22 bird species were observed during the trip:

Turkey Vulture 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1
American Kestrel 5
Morning Dove 8
Downy Woodpecker 1
American Crow 6
Tree Swallow 8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 1
American Robin 1
Gray Catbird 1
European Starling ~ 20
Cedar Waxwing 5
American Redstart 1
Savannah Sparrow 12
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Bobolink 7
Eastern Meadowlark 4
American Goldfinch ~ 11

The following butterflies were enjoyed by all:

Black Swallowtail 4
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 1
Spicebush Swallowtail 3
Cabbage White 4
Clouded Sulphur 4
Orange Sulphur 7
Eastern Tailed-Blue 10
Great Spangled Fritillary 3
Pearl Crescent 20
Mourning Cloak 1
Red-spotted Purple/White Admiral 1
Viceroy 4
Common Ringlet 33
Common Wood Nymph 13
Monarch 10
Silver-spotted Skipper 10
Least Skipper 19
Pecks Skipper 1
Tawny-edged Skipper 1

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

7/26/06 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Institute Park, Worcester

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at dusk on July 26, 2006 at Institute Park (Salisbury Pond) in Worcester. The main focus of the trip led by Bob Aiello with 19 participants, was to observe Black-crowned Night Herons. We were rewarded with a very obliging adult male Black-crowned Night Heron. He was well seen long before darkness set in. The weather was wonderful, a little warm in the low 80's with some humidity but no threat of thunderstorms as in recent years and no pesky mosquitoes. The following 23 bird species were also enjoyed:

Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON 1 adult male
Spotted Sandpiper 1 seen near the spillway and on
                  the shore near some mallards
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Downy Woodpecker 2 (1 adult and 1 young going in
                    and out of their holes in a tree
                    near the pond)
Northern Flicker
Eastern Kingbird at least 2
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

7/2/06 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Wachusett Reservoir

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Wachusett Reservoir on July 2, 2006. Trip leader Francis X. McMenemy guided 10 members to Tahonto Point, by way of Gate 35 in Sterling, to observe a mated pair of Common Loons and their chick near their Wood Island nesting site. The adults were seen feeding the one offspring. An additional adult Common Loon was seen by Crescent Island in Sterling.The weather was mostly sunny initially, but clouds built up and caused a sudden but brief downpour just as the group returned to their cars after the long walk. There was a 15 mph SW wind. The sun re-appeared and the trip extended to Gates 27 and 28. The following 46 bird species were noted:

Common Loon 4 (3 A, 1 young)
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Mourning Dove 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood - Pewee 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Eastern Kingbird 4
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 7
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 11
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
House Wren 1
Veery 2
Hermit Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 5
American Robin 8
Gray Catbird 6
Cedar Waxwing 12
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
Yellow Warbler 4
Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
Prairie Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 4
American Redstart 1
Ovenbird 9
Common Yellowthroat 2
Scarlet Tanager 3
Chipping Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Baltimore Oriole 6
American Goldfinch 10

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

6/4/06 -- Barre Falls Dam Barre

In an abbreviated Forbush Bird Clud walk, 5 observers recorded the folowing species in the Barre Falls Dam area on Sunday: Great blue(1); Canada goose(1); Mallard(2); Broad-winged(1); Ruffed grouse(1); Wild turkey(1); Spotted sandpiper(1); Mourning dove(5); Hairy Woodpecker(1); Pileated woodpecker(1); E wood-pewee(3); Least flycatcher(6); E phoebe(2); E kingbird(1); Tree swallow(4); N rough-winged(1); Barn swallow(1); Blue jay(several); A crow(several); Chickadee(1); Brown creeper(1); Veery(1); Wood thrush(1); A robin(many); catbird(3); Cedar waxwing(2); starling(several); Blue-headed vireo(2); Red-eyed vireo(2); Blue-winged warbler(5); Yellow warbler(2); Chestnut-sided warbler(4); Black-throated blue(2); Yellow-rumped(2); Black-throated green(4); Pine warbler(6); Prairie warbler(2); Black-and-white(3); redstart(4); Ovenbird(several); Common yellowthroat(3); Scarlet tanager(2); cardinal(1); Rose-breasted grosbeak(2); towee(3); Chipping sparrow(3); Field sparrow(1); Song sparrow(several); White-throated sparrow(1); grackle(2); Cowbird(several); Baltimore oriole(1); goldfinch(2); Enroute home: 1 adult black bear crossing route 68 at the Hubbardston/Princeton line. (report from Dick Knowlton).

5/25/06 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Bolton Flats from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on May 25, 2006. Barton Kamp led 8 club members on this annual walk in search of Whip-poor-wills and Common Nighthawks. Donna Schilling provided this report. The trip was successful and an added highlight was the viewing of the planet Jupiter and its four moons seen with astonishing clarity through spotting scopes. The following 23 species were found:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Great Blue Heron
Spotted Sandpiper
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (5)
WHIP-POOR-WILL (4)
Chimney Swift
Warbling Vireo
Tree Swallow
Veery
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/21/06 -- Leicester

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip in Leicester along Mulberry and Sylvester Streets near the Worcester Airport. The 7 participants attending were led by Susan (Sachs) LaBree on a sunny but cool morning. The following 60 species were observed:

Canada Goose 5
Mallard 6
Ruffed Grouse 2
Wild Turkey 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 3
Tree Swallow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
House Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 2 (pair)
Veery 2
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 3
American Robin 8
Gray Catbird 6
European Starling 3
Blue-winged Warbler 6
Yellow Warbler 5
Chestnut-sided Warbler 7
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 2
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 3
American Redstart 2
Ovenbird 6
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 10
Canada Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 3
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 3
Field Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Bobolink 8
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Common Grackle 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Baltimore Oriole 5
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 2

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/20/06 -- Westminster, Princeton and Gardner

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Saturday, May 20, 2006 in Westminster (Mt. Wachusett), Princeton (Paradise Pond) and Gardner (High Ridge). The sun was bright at first but gave way to mostly cloudy skies. It ranged from the mid 40's to the high 50's. Occasionally, there was a 10 to 15 mph WSW wind. The 10 club members led by Francis X. McMenemy observed the following 71 species:

Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 7
Common Loon 2 A (near nesting island at Paradise Pond)
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 11
Broad-winged Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 3
Mourning Dove 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Least Flycatcher 3
Eastern Phoebe 4
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 13
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 6
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow 1
Barn Swallow
CLIFF SWALLOW 1
Black-capped Chickadee 22
Tufted Titmouse 9
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Brown Creeper 1
House Wren 1
WINTER WREN 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Veery 4
Wood Thrush 6
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 2
European Starling
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 7
Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
Black-throated Blue Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 3
Black-and-white Warbler 14
American Redstart 5
Ovenbird 13
Northern Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 17
WILSON'S WARBLER 2
Scarlet Tanager 4
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 11
Song Sparrow 10
Swamp Sparrow 4
DARK-EYED JUNCO 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6
INDIGO BUNTING 4
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
BALTIMORE ORIOLE 12
Purple Finch 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 3

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/7/06 -- Forbush Trip to Quabbin Reservoir

The Forbush Bird Club held its annual spring trip at Quabbin Reservoir on Sunday, May 7, 2006. Trip Leader Francis X. McMenemy acquired a permit from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to travel by car from Gates 43 to 35. The club has enjoyed this privilege for many years. There were 11 members who took advantage of this excursion on a beautiful day that started in the low 40's and warmed up to the high 60's by mid-afternoon. There were strong breezes by the shoreline but it was calmer in most other locations. Highlights included a Porcupine resting in a tree that appeared to have a facial injury. Also, 15 species of warblers were singing. They included Nashville, Blackburnian and Magnolia. There were Winter Wrens, a Bald Eagle, a pair of Broad-winged Hawks and a Northern Goshawk. The following 70 species were observed:

Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 2
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 4
Hodded Merganser 3
Common Merganser 1 drake
Ruffed Grouse 1
Common Loon 6
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 8
Bald Eagle 1
Northern Goshawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Ring-billed Gull 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Least Flycatcher 19
Eastern Phoebe 5
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 3
Blue-headed Vireo 7
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 34
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
Brown Creeper 1
Winter Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Eastern Bluebird 1
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 8
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 6
Gray Catbird 1
Nashville Warbler 4
Yellow Warbler 13
Chestnut-sided Warbler 11
Magnolia Warbler 3
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Yelloow-rumped Warbler 27
Black-throated Green Warbler 26
Blackburnian Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 9
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 16
American Redstart 1
Ovenbird 16
Northern Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Eastern Towhee 25
Chipping Sparrow 22
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 9
Baltimore Oriole 6
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 8

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/6/06 -- Buck Hill, Spencer

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on May 6, 2006 at Buck Hill in Spencer. Susan (Sachs) LaBree led 13 participants on a comfortable and sunny to partly cloudy day to look for spring migrants. This trip is often held a week later but fortunately it wasn't, for it would have been cancelled due to heavy rains. The following 48 species were observed:

Canada Goose 2
Mallard 4
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Mourning Dove 2
Chimney Swift 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 4
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 12
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 4
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 3
European Starling 1
Northern Parula Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Black-throated Green warbler 8
Pine Warbler 2
Black-and-white Warbler 3
Ovenbird 12
Common Yellowthroat 2
Scarlet Tanager 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Baltimore Oriole 5
American Goldfinch 4

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe)

4/30/06 -- Forbush Bird Club Hodges Village Birdwalk

11 Forbush members enjoyed a wonderful day in the field at Hodges Village Dam ACE. Sunny skies, light winds picking up in the late morning, with temps in the 50's. Members enjoyed the following:

Canada Goose                                  6
Wood Duck                                     5
Mallard                                       3
Hooded Merganser                              2 (pr)
Great Blue Heron                              2
Green Heron                                   1
Turkey Vulture                                1
Cooper's Hawk                                 2
Red-tailed Hawk                               4
Virginia Rail                                 1
Killdeer                                      3
Greater Yellowlegs                            1
Solitary Sandpiper                            1
Chimney Swift                                 4
Belted Kingfisher                             4 (3 migrating in single
group)
Downy Woodpecker                              3
Northern Flicker                              3
Eastern Phoebe                                3
Blue-headed Vireo                             1
Warbling Vireo                                1
Blue Jay                                      8
American Crow                                 4
Common Raven                                  1 
Tree Swallow                                 19
Northern Rough-winged Swallow        10 (8 back at cement spillway nesting
                                        site, excavated burrow at sandpit)
Barn Swallow                                  1
Black-capped Chickadee                        4
Tufted Titmouse                               6
White-breasted Nuthatch                       2 (pr)
Brown Creeper                                 1
Carolina Wren                                 1
House Wren                                    1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher                         1
American Robin                               10
Gray Catbird                                  1
European Starling                             6
Yellow-rumped Warbler                        40
Pine Warbler                                  4
Black-and-white Warbler                       1
Palm Warbler                                 16
Northern Waterthrush                          2
Eastern Towhee                                3
Chipping Sparrow                              4
Field Sparrow                                 1
Song Sparrow                                  6
Swamp Sparrow                                 1
White-throated Sparrow                        1
Northern Cardinal                             6
Red-winged Blackbird                         18
Common Grackle                               22
Brown-headed Cowbird                          4
House Finch                                   1
American Goldfinch                           11
House Sparrow  

54 Species

(trip report from Paul Meleski).

4/29/06 -- Forbush trip to Westborough/Northborough

From 7 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., ten Forbush Bird Club members including trip leader Ann Boover observed 51 species of birds at locations in Westborough and Northborough. The morning was sunny and breezy, with the temperature ranging from 40 to the high of 56. The trip list of birds is as follows:

Canada Goose
Mute Swan, 1
Wood Duck, 4
Mallard, 9
Great Blue Heron, 1
Turkey Vulture, 3
Cooper's Hawk, 1
Red-tailed Hawk, 3
American Kestrel, 2
Killdeer, 2
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift, 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1
Downy Woodpecker, 7
Hairy Woodpecker, 1
Northern Flicker, 3
Eastern Phoebe, 2
Warbling Vireo, 1
Blue Jay, 2
American Crow
FISH CROW, 2
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird, 2
American Robin
Gray Catbird, 1
Northern Mockingbird, 1
Brown Thrasher, 1
European Starling
Yellow Warbler, 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2
Black-throated Green 1
Pine Warbler, 3
Eastern Towhee, 1
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow, 1
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow, 5
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark, 1
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

(trip report from Ann Boover).

4/7/06 -- Woodcock Walk at Mass Wildlife

From 6-8 pm at Westborough Wildlife area, one participant, Ann Boover, braved the rainy, damp evening in search of American Woodcock. The rain slowed to a drizzle and the evening turned out to be quite lovely. The spring peepers were active. The magical displaying of the American Woodcock was exhilarating. The following 16 species were observed:

Great Blue Heron, 1
Canada Goose
Wild Turkey, 5 (in the parking area)
Killdeer, 2
American Woodcock, 35+/-
Belted Kingfisher, 1
Northern Flicker, 1
Tree Swallows
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebirds, 2 (on box)
American Robins
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
        ----
A poem written while waiting

              Spring
         muddy, damp,
  croaking, peenting, pulsating,
Woodcocks falling through air.
              Evening.
                        -AB

(trip report from Ann Boover).

4/2/06 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday morning, April 2, 2006. The weather was cool, in the low 40's. There was a NW wind that was gusty up to 15 mph making it real chilly at times. Conditions have been so dry since March, that there was little waterfowl activity at the Flats. Francis X. McMenemy led 10 members from Bolton Flats, to Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge and Wachusett Reservoir. Highlights included the Common Snipe at Bolton and The Bald Eagles at the Reservoir. Both adult eagles were seen on the nest from Gate 39. We walked into Gate 8 and had an excellent view of one parent eagle sitting in the nest. The following 32 species were observed:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck 1
Mallard
Common Goldeneye 1 (Clinton)
Common Merganser 1 (Clinton)
Great Blue Heron 1
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Common Snipe 3 (Bolton)
Killdeer 4
Ring-billed Gull 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1 (Clinton)
Eastern Phoebe 2
Tree Swallow 1
Mourning Dove
American Crow
Blue Jay
Carolina Wren 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Eastern Bluebird 1 m
Song Sparrow ~ 24
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/25/06 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip in the Brookfields

The Forbush Bird Club held a trip starting from Lake Quaboag, to Slab City, Coy Brook, Brookfield Station, West Brookfield, Lake Wicaboag, Warren and Spencer. Rodney Jenkins was trip leader with 12 members attending. It was cloudy and cool in the mid 30's to low 40's with a 10 to 15 mph East wind. The following 47 species were observed:

Canada Goose 83
Mute Swan 1
Wood Duck 3
Gadwall 2
American Black Duck 32
Mallard 70
Green-winged Teal 3
Ring-necked Duck 3
Greater Scaup 2
Lesser Scaup 7
Bufflehead 16
Common Goldeneye 6
Hooded Merganser 22
Common Merganser 114
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
RED-NECKED GREBE 2
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Killdeer 3
Ring-billed Gull 31
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 400+
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling
Song Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 100
Common Grackle 75
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/19/06 -- Forbush Trip to Salisbury/Plum Island

The following is the list of birds observed on the Forbush Bird Club's Trip to Salisbury/Newburyport and Plum Island areas on Sunday, March 19,2006 from 8:00- 1:30. There were 11 participants, with Ann Boover the trip leader. 50 species were noted.

Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Turkey Vulture
Canada Goose
Brant
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Greater Scaup
Common Eider
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Piping Plover
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Snowy Owl, 2
American Crow
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
House Sparrow

(trip report from Ann Boover).

1/1/06 -- Forbush Bird Club New Year's Day Trip, Worcester/Shrewsbury

The Forbush Bird Club held its annual New Year's Day trip on Sunday, January 1, 2006 within the city of Worcester and the town of Shrewsbury. Only 5 members attended after an overnight snowstorm. The air was calm, The sky was mostly overcast and temperatures were in the low 30's. Highlights were a drake Northern Pintail at Notre Dame Cemetery, an adult Peregrine Falcon in downtown Worcester and Redheads at Regatta Point on Lake Quinsigamond. The following 30 species started our 2006 local lists:

Canada Goose 8
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail 1
Green-winged Teal 1
Redhead 3 (1 D, 2 F)
Ring-necked Duck 2
Scaup Species 1
Common Goldeneye 4
Hooded Merganser 12
Common Merganser 2
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Coot 1
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon ~ 200
Mourning Dove 10
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 14
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling
Northern Cardinal 1
American Goldfinch

(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

For previous sightings, see Trip Reports 2005