Forbush Bird Club 2008 Trip Reports
The following are highlights of selected field trips of the Forbush Bird Club, listed in reverse chronological order:
Red-throated Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Northern Gannet Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Mute Swan Snow Goose Canada Goose Mallard American Black Duck Gadwall Green-winged Teal American Wigeon Northern Pintail Common Eider Black Scoter White-winged Scoter Surf Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser Hooded Merganser Northern Harrier Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Black-bellied Plover Sanderling Dunlin Bonaparte's Gull Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Iceland Gull Great Black-backed Gull Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Blue Jay American Crow Horned Lark Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch American Robin European Starling American Pipit Yellow-rumped Warbler Blackpoll Warbler American Tree Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Snow Bunting Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow(submitted by Paul Meleski).
Here is a link to a
gallery of photos that were taken by Bruce deGraaf
on the Mt Auburn trip.
(trip report from Dan Berard).
Highlights included a Barred Owl nest with newly hatched downy white Owlets,
peeking out the nest cavity, near Gate 44, great looks at Louisiana
Waterthrush inside gate 45, hundreds of swallows (95% Tree) migrating north
over the "big water". Pileated Woodpeckers were vocal, we tallied 7 (all
identified by call or drumming) at various points between gates 43 and 35 as
well as a nice wave of ~150 Yellow-rumped Warblers along the shoreline of
the Reservoir.
Two pairs of adult Bald Eagles toward the day's end was fitting conclusion
to the trip. Once again, we express our gratitude to the DCR for the
privilege of allowing us to drive the back roads of Quabbin.
For previous sightings, see
Trip Reports 2007
Leader: Laura Lane
Observers: 8
Weather: After several days of rain, trip day dawned cloudy, but showed some
promise of clearing. We experience some light drizzle at one stop, but the day
cleared. It was sunny, but cool with light winds that increased at the end of the
morning.
Species: 41
Bird List:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck 3
Mallard
Green-winged Teal 3
Hooded Merganser 4
Common Loon 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Horned Grebe 3
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Merlin 1
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin
Grey Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling
American Pipit ~20
Cedar Waxwing
American Tree Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Laura Lane)
Six Members of the Forbush Bird Club attended the 1.5 mile Gate 35 walk into Quabbin
Reservoir. Highlights included nice views of at least 4 Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered
Hawk, Horned Grebes, Common Loons, Snow Bunting and Pine Siskins.
One member arrived early and had a very nice look at a Bull Moose not
far from the starting point of the trip.
Complete trip list:
American Black Duck 2
Bufflehead 14
Common Merganser 9
Common Loon 11
Horned Grebe 6
Red-necked Grebe 1
Bald Eagle 4
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Ring-billed Gull 15
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 13
American Crow 210
Common Raven 4
Black-capped Chickadee 18
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Winter Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8
Eastern Bluebird 1
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 8
Snow Bunting 34
Northern Cardinal 2
Pine Siskin 20
American Goldfinch 5
(trip report from Tom Pirro)
An afternoon Forbush Bird Club trip on October 26th was attended by
16 members of the FBC and
one guest from England. The weather was unusually warm and calm for late
October. Thirty-nine species were seen. The trip list included:
Canada Goose 25
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 2
Greater Scaup 29
Black Scoter 3 (female)
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 70
Common Loon 10
Horned Grebe 5
Double-crested Cormorant 20
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 30
Herring Gull 2
Mourning Dove 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 10
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 2
European Starling 6
American Pipit 4
Cedar Waxwing 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 5
Chipping Sparrow 20
Song Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 20
Northern Cardinal 1
American Goldfinch 4
(trip report from Francis McMenemy)
On Sunday morning, October 19th, 12 observers joined trip leader Rodney Jenkins in
birding Lake Quaboag and vicinity. It was sunny and cool, temperatures ranged
around 45 to 50 degrees. Highlights: Gadwall, Red-breasted Merganser, 14 Ruddy
Ducks, Great Cormorant, 15 American Pipits and 40 Pine Siskins. 55 species were
recorded.
Canada Goose - 382
Mute Swan - 2
Wood Duck - 2
Gadwall - 3
American Black Duck - 31
Mallard - 656
Green-winged Teal - 1
Ring-necked Duck - 18
Red-breasted Merganser - 1
Ruddy Duck - 14
Great Cormorant - 1
Great Blue Heron - 1
Great Egret - 1
Turkey Vulture - 6
Osprey - 1
Bald Eagle (immature) - 2
Sharp-Shinned Hawk - 5
Coopers Hawk - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 6
Merlin - 1
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Downey Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker - 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2
Eastern Bluebird - 4
Hermit Thrush - 2
American Robin
European Starling
American Pipit - 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1
Blackpoll Warbler - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 1
Savannah Sparrow - 6
Song Sparrow - 15
Swamp Sparrow - 30
White-throated Sparrow - 75
Dark-eyed Junco - 6
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird - 200+
Rusty Blackbird - 4
Common Grackle - 6
Brown-headed Cowbird
Purple Finch - 4
Pine Siskin - 40
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Rodney Jenkins)
On Sunday morning, October 5th, 15 observers joined trip leader Rodney Jenkins in
birding New Braintree and vicinity. It was cloudy and the temperatures ranged from
30 to 58 degrees. Nice weather, few birds. Highlights: Common Snipe, Northern
Flickers, Lincoln's Sparrows, Bobolink and Rusty Blackbird. 50 species were
recorded.
Canada Goose - 42
Wood Duck - 12
Mallard - 12
Wild Turkey - 3
Great Blue Heron - 1
Northern Harrier - 2
Sharp-Shinned Hawk - 3
Red-tailed Hawk - 3
American Kestrel - 1
Killdeer - 16
Common Snipe - 4
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove - 50
Belted Kingfisher - 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1
Downey Woodpecker - 1
Hairy Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker - 17
Pileated Woodpecker - 1
Eastern Phoebe - 6
Blue Jay -
American Crow - 70
Common Raven - 1
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren - 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Eastern Bluebird - 3
American Robin
Gray Catbird - 4
European Starling
American Pipit - 1
Cedar Waxwing - 75
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 8
Eastern Towhee - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 50
Savannah Sparrow - 8
Song Sparrow - 24
Lincoln's Sparrow - 2
Swamp Sparrow - 24
White-throated Sparrow - 12
Indigo Bunting - 1
Bobolink - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 50
Rusty Blackbird - 1
Purple Finch - 3
House Finch - 12
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Rodney Jenkins)
Leader: John Shea
Observers: 8
Weather: A Tropical storm, the remains of hurricane Hanna, came through the night
before and dropped 5 inches of rain in Worcester. It was very windy on the island
but the sun was out so it wasn't too bad.
Species: 50
Canada Goose
Gadwall
American.Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Peregrine Falcon
American Golden-Plover
Semipalmated Plover
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Whimbrel
Red Knot
Sanderling
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Common Tern
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from John Shea)
Trip List: 35 species
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Northern Goshawk
Solitary Sandpiper
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Yellow-throated Vireo
American Crow
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Song Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe)
Leader: Ed Banks
Weather: Fair, 70's
20 Observers
A co-sponsored birding trip to South Beach in Chatham with the
Forbush and Cape Cod Bird Clubs on Thursday produced the following:
Canada Goose - 8
White-winged Scoter - 1
Double-crested Cormorant - 18
Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1
Northern Harrier - 2
Black-bellied Plover - 1000+
Semipalmated Plover - 1500+
Piping Plover - 8
American Oystercatcher - 15
Spotted Sandpiper - 1
Solitary Sandpiper - 1
Greater Yellowlegs - 100+
Willet -Eastern 100+ , Western - 8
Lesser Yellowlegs - 4
Whimbrel - 1
Hudsonian Godwit - 24
Ruddy Turnstone - 150+
Red Knot - 20+
Sanderling - 900+
Semipalmated Sandpiper - 1000+
Western Sandpiper - 2
Least Sandpiper - 20+
White-rumped Sandpiper - 30+
Dunlin - 20+
Short-billed Dowitcher - 500+
Long-billed Dowitcher - 6
Laughing Gull - 50+
Ring-billed Gull - 40+
Herring Gull - 100+
Great Black-backed Gull - 100+
Least Tern - 20+
Roseate Tern - 10+
Common Tern - 1500+
Mourning Dove - 2
Downey Woodpecker - 2
American Crow - 20
Horned Lark - 6
Tree Swallow - 20+
Barn Swallow - 20+
Blacked-capped Chickadee - 2
Cedar Waxwing - 10+
Chipping Sparrow - 2
Savannah Sparrow - 3
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow - 3
Song Sparrow - 4
Northern Cardinal - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 10+
Brown-headed Cowbird - 10+
American Goldfinch - 4
House Sparrow - 4
Total Species - 50
(trip report from Ed Banks).
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Kingbird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Joan Gallagher).
Dolores Price led 12 participants on a joint Forbush Bird Club /
Massachusetts Butterfly Club trip to the fields on the Route 56 overlook of
the Worcester Airport. Highlights were an Upland Sandpiper and three American
Kestrels at the Worcester Airport; and an Osprey and Indigo Bunting at the
Leicester landfill.
Species: Butterflies 20, Birds 34.
The following 34 bird species were seen or heard:
Wild Turkey
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Upland Sandpiper
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
House Wren
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report submitted by Alan Marble)Trip leader was Fran McMenemy. There were eleven
participants, and 55 species recorded. The weather was Hazy, Hot, and Humid.
This yearly trip usually counts on seeing newly hatch Loon chicks. This year
the only two attempted nestings by loons were destroyed by the water level of
the reservoir, which was raised significantly in June. Therefore there was no
chance to see loon chicks this year. Surprisingly, the loon pair at Crescent
Island re-nested on the new loon raft that the DCR had provided. We were able
to see and hear this pair at the end of our walk-in at Gate 35.
Species seen or heard:
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Wild Turkey
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Red=bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Veery
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Fran McMenemy)
Complete list:
Canada Goose
Wild Turkey
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Solitary Sandpiper
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow -throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blue-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from John Shea)
Dick and Peg Knolwton led a trip to Barre Falls Dam and adjacent
Rutland State Park. The thirteen participants observed 67 species
on a very fine partly cloudy day with
light winds and temperatures in the mid sixties. The following were seen or
heard:
Canada goose (including a family with 6 goslings just upstream from the dam)
Mallard
Common Merganser (female)
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Alder Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch.
NOTE: female Pine warbler along Tracy Rd approx. half way between the canoe
launch and Brigham Rd. gathering fuzz from the fern stems for nesting
material and Common yellowthroat female at intersection of Ruebin Walker and
Coldbrook Rds also gathering nesting material. Baltimore oriole nest on
Ruebin Walker just before the road takes a sharp right(south).
(trip report from Dick Knowlton).
On Saturday, May 31, Jeffrey Roth led a Forbush trip
to Oxbow NWR in Harvard, with 8 participants.
At the start of the walk, it was mostly cloudy
and 65 degrees F. Here is a list of 54 species
that were seen and heard:
Wood Duck
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Great Blue Heron
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
The following birds were seen on, visiting, or building a nest:
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
American Robin
American Redstart
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Baltimore Oriole
(trip report from Jeffrey Roth)
On Saturday, May 24th, 10 observers joined trip leader Alan Marble in
birding selected areas in Millbury. The temperatures ranged from 50 to 60
degrees. It was partly sunny and breezy. Highlights included a very close
flyby by a Pileated Woodpecker, 2 young Common Ravens in a nest and
excellent, close views of a Veery, Blue-winged, Chestnut-sided and Black and
White Warblers. 56 species were recorded.
Here is the complete list:
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Alan Marble)
The Forbush Bird Club held an evening trip which was led by Barton Kamp that
was scheduled to start from the paved parking lot off Route 110 in Bolton.
Because of a lack of Whip-poor-wills the past two years and the hazardous
river crossing conditions, the trip was relocated to the new Wild Life
Management Area in Lancaster. The weather was partly cloudy and cool.
Highlights were 4 low flying Nighthawks at the parking lot and 2 singing
Vesper Sparrows, 4 Whip-poor-wills and 3 Woodcock at the gravel pit.
The following 26 species were seen or heard:
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
American Woodcock
Mourning Dove
Common Nighthawk
Whip-poor-will
Downy Woodpecker
Great Crested Flycatcher
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Yellow Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Barton Kamp)
Leader: Susan LaBree
Weather: Sunny, cool, little windy
Participants: 10
Species: 60
Mallard 2
Ruffed Grouse 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 4
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 3
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 8
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Winter Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Veery 2
Hermit Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 3
American Robin 6
Gray Catbird 3
European Starling 2
Blue-winged Warbler 4
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
Magnolia Warbler 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Black-throated Green Warbler 9
Pine Warbler 4
Black-and-White Warbler 1
American Redstart 2
Ovenbird 12
Northern Waterthrush 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
Scarlet Tanager 4
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5
Bobolink Many
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Baltimore Oriole 5
American Goldfinch 6
House sparrow 2
(trip report from Susan LaBree)
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip which was led by Francis X. McMenemy on May 17,2008 at Mt. Wachusett State Reservation in Princeton and at High Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Gardner. Due to rainy conditions at the start of the trip only 3 members attended. The light rain and sprinkles ended within an hour from the trip's start and resulted in a beautiful sunny day. There was an occasional strong breeze and temperatures rose from the high 40's to the high 60's. The three of us were rewarded with excellent views of many warblers as well as other highlights. The following 57 species were observed:
Canada Goose 12 (6 young)
Mallard 1
Common Loon 2 (A pair calling from Wachusett Lake)
Turkey Vulture 4
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl 1 calling
Ruby - throated Hummingbird 1
Yellow - bellied Sapsucker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue - headed Vireo 4
Red - eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow 14
Black - capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 2
White - breasted Nuthatch 3
House Wren 1
Winter Wren 1
Veery 2
Wood Thrush 6
American Robin 15
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Parula 4
Yellow Warbler 4
Chestnut - sided Warbler 5
Magnolia Warbler 2
Black - throated Blue Warbler 4
Yellow - rumped Warbler 3
Black - throated Green Warbler 6
Blackburnian Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 2
Black - and - white Warbler 6
American Redstart 6
Ovenbird 15
Northern Waterthrush 2
Common Yellowthroat 5
Canada Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 3
White - throated Sparrow 1
Dark - eyed Junco 12
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose - breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Bobolink 1
Red - winged Blackbird 12
Common Grackle 12
Baltimore Oriole 2
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 2
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe fide Joan Gallagher)
Trip leader Dan Berard was joined by 16 participants for the
Forbush Bird Club Mt Auburn extravaganza.
Before the trip, highlights were a Bicknell's Thrush
(in the rotary), Cerulean Warbler, and Bay-breasted
Warbler (both behind the 'rotary' up on the hill).
During the walk, participants were treated to spectacular views
of many species including Wilson's Warbler, Orchard
Oriole, parulas and Black-throated Blue Warblers
everywhere, and several robin nests (a few in odd
places).
Locations of other noteworthy species are below.
Here is the full list:
Location: Mt. Auburn Cemetery--IBA
Observation date: 5/11/08
Notes: Forbush Bird Club
Number of species: 101
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 4
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Green Heron 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American); X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove X
Chimney Swift 3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker X
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted); 5
Alder Flycatcher 1
Least Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Eastern Kingbird 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 5
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Tree Swallow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 1
House Wren 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Veery 2
Bicknell's Thrush 1 (rotary);
Swainson's Thrush 1 (dell);
Hermit Thrush 3
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin X
Gray Catbird X
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Tennessee Warbler 2 (dell and 'ridge');
Nashville Warbler 7
Northern Parula 23
Yellow Warbler 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
Magnolia Warbler 25
Cape May Warbler 2 (Harvard Hill + 'cart rd');
Black-throated Blue Warbler 28
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle); 40
Black-throated Green Warbler 4
Blackburnian Warbler 3
Pine Warbler 2
Prairie Warbler 1
Palm Warbler (Yellow); 5
Bay-breasted Warbler 1 (hill behind rotary);
Blackpoll Warbler 3
Cerulean Warbler 1 (hill behind 'rotary');
Black-and-white Warbler 30
American Redstart 8
Ovenbird 10
Northern Waterthrush 1 (Spectacle);
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 (Dell);
Common Yellowthroat 5
Wilson's Warbler 1 (Spectacle);
Canada Warbler 2 ('ridge' and Tower);
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow X
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow X
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 (Dell);
White-throated Sparrow 7
Northern Cardinal X
Indigo Bunting 1 (Harvard Hill);
Bobolink 2
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird X
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 13
Purple Finch 2
House Finch X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X
Butterflies:
Black Swallowtail - 1
Cabbage White - 7
The Day List
1.. Mallard
2.. Wild Turkey
3.. Common Loon
4.. Great Blue Heron
5.. Turkey Vulture
6.. Accipiter sp
7.. Mourning Dove
8.. Belted Kingfisher
9.. Red-bellied Woodpecker
10.. Downy Woodpecker
11.. Hairy Woodpecker
12.. Red-eyed Vireo
13.. Blue Jay
14.. American Crow
15.. Tree Swallow
16.. Black-capped Chickadee
17.. Tufted Titmouse
18.. White-breasted Nuthatch
19.. Eastern Bluebird
20.. Wood Thrush
21.. American Robin
22.. Gray Catbird
23.. Northern Mockingbird
24.. Brown Thrasher
25.. Pine Warbler
26.. Palm Warbler
27.. Black-and- white Warbler
28.. Common Yellowthroat
29.. Eastern Towhee
30.. American Tree Sparrow
31.. Chipping Sparrow
32.. Savannah Sparrow
33.. Song Sparrow
34.. Northern Cardinal
35.. Red-winged Blackbird
36.. Common Grackle
37.. Brown-headed Cowbird
38.. Purple Finch
39.. American Goldfinch
40.. House Sparrow
(report from Jim Hogan).
4 Forbush club members took part in the annual "drive thru" of the gated
back roads of East Quabbin on Sunday 5/4. Fortunately the rain subsided just
after leaving gate 43 at 0720 making for better than expected weather
conditions and fine day of birding. Recent weather conditions had held up
some migrants and while the species total was 13 short of last year's total
(56 vs. 69), the trip was not without highlights.
Species Number reported:
Canada Goose 18
Wood Duck 15
Mallard 4
Hooded Merganser 4
Common Merganser 4
Ruffed Grouse 3
Wild Turkey 4
Common Loon 8
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 16
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 4
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Mourning Dove 2
Barred Owl 5
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 7
Eastern Phoebe 8
Blue-headed Vireo 22
Blue Jay 16
American Crow 3
Tree Swallow 500
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 11
Black-capped Chickadee 17
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Veery 1
Hermit Thrush 4
American Robin 28
Yellow Warbler 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 178
Black-throated Green Warbler 10
Blackburnian Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 18
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Ovenbird 2
Louisiana Waterthrush 2
Eastern Towhee 19
Chipping Sparrow 27
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 18
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 7
Purple Finch 11
American Goldfinch 12
(trip report from Tom Pirro).
Trip Leader: Susan LaBree
Observers: 7
Weather: Wet, cloudy, cold 47 degrees at the beginning of trip, 41 degrees
at the end
- tough day!
The following 42 species were observed:
Canada Goose 7
Mallard 3
Common Merganser 10
Wild Turkey 4
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Mourning Dove 4
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 6
Common Raven 2
Tree Swallow 130
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Veery 2
American Robin 7
European Starling 14
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Black-throated Green Warbler 3
Pine Warbler 4
Ovenbird 2
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 4
Field Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Common Grackle 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 12
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 4
(trip report from Susan LaBree)
The Forbush Bird Club trip was lead by Paul Meleski, with 11
observers. It was overcast with intermittent
light rain, light wind, and temps in the 50's.
Highlights were: Spotted Sandpiper, Eastern Kingbird, Common Raven, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird,
Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Black-and-White Warbler, Northern Waterthrush,
and Eastern Towhee. A Mink was also observed making a pair of Wood Duck
appear apprehensive.
The following species were recorded:
Canada Goose 7
Wood Duck 4
Mallard 7
Green-winged Teal 2 (pr)
Hooded Merganser 2 (pr) ( dead female hanging headfirst out of
Wood Duck box)
Ruffed Grouse 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 4
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Mourning Dove 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 4
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 3
Common Raven 2
Tree Swallow 12
N. Rough-winged Swallow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 8
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 2 (pr)
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 3
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler 24
Pine Warbler 4
Palm Warbler 12
Black-and-White Warbler 3
Northern Waterthrush 2
Eastern Towhee 3
Chipping Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 8
Swamp Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 14
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow
Total of 49 Species.
(report from Paul Meleski).
Trip leader: Laura Lane
Observers: 5
Weather: A few sprinkles, but the heavy rains held off for us as we circled
the fields and visited two small ponds. As we gathered we heard the trills
of the Pine Warbler in a grove of pines next to the parking lot. The walk
ended with the "beent" of the numerous American Woodcocks in the fields .
Also seen was a beaver and muskrat and we heard a chorus of Spring Peepers.
Canada Goose
Ring-necked Duck
Great Blue Heron
American Kestrel
American Woodcock
Mourning Dove
American Robin
Pine Warbler
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
(trip report from Laura Lane).
Trip leader: Francis X. McMenemy
Observers: 4
Weather: Cloudy, temps 30’s to low 40’s with a northeast wind
Highlights: Glossy Ibis, Rusty Blackbirds, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs,
Solitary Sandpiper and Eastern Meadowlarks at Bolton Flats. Common Loons
and Common Goldeneyes at Wachusett Reservoir.
Trip list: 36 species
Canada Goose 7
Wood Duck 12
American Wigeon 1
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 38
Northern Pintail 1
Green-winged T 30+
Ring-necked Duck 2
Common Goldeneye 7
Hooded Merganser 3
Common Merganser 5
Common Loon 3
Great Blue Heron 2
Glossy Ibis 9
Killdeer 7
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Wilson’s Snipe 11
Ring-billed Gull 50+
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 20+
Tree Swallow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 65
European Starling 3
Song Sparrow 12
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 27
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Rusty Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 25
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
American Goldfinch 40
(trip report from Alan Marble)
Trip Leader: Francis X. McMenemy
Observers: 13
Weather: Cool (20's to 30's), clear, and slightly breezy
morning.
Highlights: This year's first Eastern Phoebes at East Brookfield River, the
large numbers of Common and Hooded Mergansers at Lake Lashaway, the Cedar
Waxwings feeding on the ground near Ceramic Pond also in East Brookfield,
the large variety of duck species at Slab City and the 3 Bald Eagles at Lake
Wickaboag in West Brookfield. The following 42 species were observed:
Canada Goose 55
Wood Duck 13
Gadwall 3 (2D, 1F)
American Wigeon 2 (pair)
American Black Duck 11
Mallard 110
Green-winged Teal 30
Ring-necked Duck 38
Greater Scaup 2 (Pair)
Bufflehead 1 F
Common Goldeneye 3 D
Hooded Merganser 48
Common Merganser 517
Pied-billed Grebe 2 (Lake Quaboag, Brookfield)
Great Blue Heron 2
Bald Eagle 3 (2 immature about 3 years, 1 almost adult plumage)
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull 1
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Brown Creeper 1
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin 86 (an estimate)
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 32
Pine Warbler 1
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe)