Forbush Bird Club 2010 Trip Reports
The following are highlights of selected field trips of the Forbush Bird Club, listed in reverse chronological order:
Canada Goose Gadwall American Wigeon American Black Duck Mallard Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Ring-neck Duck Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter American Scoter Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck Red-throated Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Northern Gannet Great Blue Heron Great Egret Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Copper?s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon American Coot Black-bellied Plover Greater Yellowlegs Sanderling Dunlin Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Greater Black-backed Gull Black Guillemot Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Downy Woodpecker Blue Jay American Crow Horned Lark Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing American Tree Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Snow Bunting Northern Cardinal House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow(trip report submitted by John Shea)
Highlights of the trip were Gadwalls, Greater and Lesser Scaup, all 3
scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, Red-throated Loon, 2 Peregrine Falcons and 5
Iceland Gulls.
The following 34 species were seen. Virtually all the land birds were wisely
laying low.
Every new species seen was appreciated by those who maintain a year
list, although, we were disappointed at the Worcester Airport when we were
unable to find the Horned Larks and Snow Buntings which had been seen the
past few weeks.
Highlights included Eastern Bluebirds, Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers,
Cooper's Hawk and the Peregrine Falcon pair near their nesting box.
For previous sightings, see
Trip Reports 2009
Three members participated in the 10/31/10 walk along the northeast shore of
Quabbin, within the towns of New Salem and Petersham. Conditions were cold
and windy (out of the northwest). Highlights included a flock of 35 Brant
migrating overhead, 5 Horned Grebes, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 1 female Common
Goldeneye, 5 Black-bellied Plovers and 3 unidentified shorebirds that were
likely Dunlin but too far to positively ID. Nearly 300 American Crows
migrated past, headed southwest and nice looks at least 4 Bald Eagles and
several Common Loons was, as always, a treat.
Species: 30
Brant (Atlantic) 35
Common Goldeneye 1
Wild Turkey 8
Common Loon 8
Horned Grebe 5
Red-necked Grebe 1
Bald Eagle 4
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Black-bellied Plover 5
Ring-billed Gull 18
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 294
Black-capped Chickadee 16
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Hermit Thrush 3
American Robin 36
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Song Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 16
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 15
Snow Bunting 12
Northern Cardinal 2
American Goldfinch 3
(trip report submitted by Tom Pirro)
Twenty members of the Forbush Bird Club had a great trip around the
Wachusett Reservoir IBA. Locations included: River Road in W. Boylston,
Sterling Peat, Rail Trail in Sterling, East Waushacum Pond, Reservoir Gates
36, 37, 39, 25, Coachlace Pond, Mile Hill Road, and South Bay. Everyone had
excellent looks at Rusty Blackbirds, Pine Siskins, Pied-billed Grebe and
Ruddy Ducks. Other highlights were Common Loons, Horned Grebes, a Red-necked
Grebe, Bald Eagle and Surf Scoters.
Weather: 50-55 °F, occasional periods of rain with heaviest at the
beginning of the trip, winds 5-10mph, mostly overcast with periods of
sunshine.
Time: 12:00PM - 5:30PM
Full trip list below:
Number of species: 62
Canada Goose (43)
Mute Swan (1)
Wood Duck (2, Rail Trail Sterling)
American Black Duck (14)
Mallard (105)
Green-winged Teal (4, Rail Trail Sterling)
Greater Scaup (38, Coachlace)
Lesser Scaup (2 maybe more, Coachlace)
Surf Scoter (3m, distant looks from gates 36 and 37)
Hooded Merganser (2m, 2f, Coachlace)
Common Merganser (1)
Ruddy Duck (10, E. Waushacum)
Wild Turkey (23)
Common Loon (32)
Pied-billed Grebe (1, E. Waushacum)
Horned Grebe (12, various)
Red-necked Grebe (1, South Bay)
Double-crested Cormorant (33)
Great Blue Heron (1)
Bald Eagle (1ad)
Northern Harrier (1, Gates 36/37)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1, E. Waushacum)
Cooper's Hawk (1imm, Sterling Peat)
Ring-billed Gull (550, evening roost seen from Gate 25)
Rock Pigeon (4)
Mourning Dove (10)
Belted Kingfisher (3)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (3)
Downy Woodpecker (12)
Hairy Woodpecker (1)
Blue Jay (53)
American Crow (29)
Black-capped Chickadee (38)
Tufted Titmouse (21)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4)
White-breasted Nuthatch (9)
Brown Creeper (1)
Carolina Wren (2)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (9)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)
Eastern Bluebird (13)
Hermit Thrush (2, with Robins along road)
American Robin (450)
European Starling (25)
Cedar Waxwing (12)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (87, all over)
Palm Warbler (5, gate 37)
Savannah Sparrow (2)
Fox Sparrow (1, Rail Trail Sterling)
Song Sparrow (46)
Lincoln's Sparrow (1, Rail Trail Sterling)
Swamp Sparrow (19, Rail Trail Sterling)
White-throated Sparrow (89)
Dark-eyed Junco (25)
Northern Cardinal (8)
Red-winged Blackbird (400, Rail Trail Sterling)
Rusty Blackbird (16, Excellent looks at Rail Trail Sterling)
Brown-headed Cowbird (1)
Purple Finch (1)
Pine Siskin (26, Rail Trail Sterling and E. Waushacum feeder. BTW the land
owner had a pie in a cage among the feeders. Don't fall for it. We think
it's a trap.)
American Goldfinch (36)
House Sparrow (12)
(trip report submitted by Kevin Bourinot)
Observers: 5
Weather: Sunny, 35 to 60 degrees
Highlights: 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 9 Green-winged Teal, 2 Bald Eagles, a late
Solitary Sandpiper, 2 American Pipits, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow and 4
White-crowned Sparrows.
Species: 56
Canada Goose 500+
Mute Swan 2
American Black Duck 15
Mallard 550+
Green-winged Teal 9
Greater Scaup 1
Hooded Merganser 3
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2 immature
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Ring-billed Gull 600+
Mourning Dove 35
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 15
American Crow 110
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 2
Hermit Thrush 3
American Robin 50
European Starling 12
American Pipit 2
Cedar Waxwing 20
Yellow-rump Warbler 6
Palm Warbler 2
Savannah Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 24
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 14
White-throated Sparrow 22
White-crowned Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 100+
Rusty Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Purple Finch 8
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
(trip report submitted by Rodney Jenkins)
Observers: 6
Weather: Sunny, 38 degrees to start, 60 at finish.
Highlights: 1 Snow Goose in a flock of Canada Geese flying overhead, 1
Merlin, 3 Blue-headed Vireos, 150+ Sparrows including 7 White-crowned
Sparrows and 1 Lincoln's Sparrow.
Species: 53
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 105
Wood Duck 12
Mallard 15
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper?s Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 1
Killdeer 1
Rock Pigeon 12
Mourning Dove 6
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 7
Eastern Phoebe 5
Blue-headed Vireo 3
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 8
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 50
Grey Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
American Pipit 1
Cedar Waxwing 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Chipping Sparrow 25
Savannah Sparrow 45
Song Sparrow 35
Lincoln?s Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 28
White-throated Sparrow 24
White-crowned Sparrow 7
Dark-eyed Junco 7
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 45
Rusty Blackbird 3
Purple Finch 7
House Finch 12
American Goldfinch 50+
House Sparrow 30
(trip report submitted by Rodney Jenkins)
The Forbush Bird Club had a great trip to Bolton Flats WMA this morning.
There were virtually no warbler movements or shorebirds present, but we
still had some great birds. Highlights were a SORA that was in plain view
for all to see and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW seen by two of us as it perched
briefly in the small tree at the "T". Swamp Sparrow numbers have picked up
dramatically along the 117 entrance trail and groups of WILSON'S SNIPE were
also seen flying around throughout the morning. There is still evidence that
American Goldfinches are actively breeding at least in the Nashua River
Watershed as we saw some feeding young this morning and I also had one on a
nest last week in Devens. Detailed report:
Weather: Overcast Temps 55-60
Observers: 8
Species: 48
Canada Goose (11)
Wood Duck (10)
Mallard (25)
Double-crested Cormorant (1)
Great Blue Heron (1)
Great Egret (1, flyby)
Osprey (1, flyby)
Northern Harrier (2, females)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2)
Cooper's Hawk (1, immature)
Red-tailed Hawk (3)
American Kestrel (3)
Sora (1, excellent views had by all at the "T")
Wilson's Snipe (12, all flyby)
Rock Pigeon (11)
Mourning Dove (1)
Chimney Swift (1)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (6, many feeding on jewelweed)
Downy Woodpecker (5)
Hairy Woodpecker (1)
Northern Flicker (8)
Eastern Phoebe (12)
Warbling Vireo (3)
Red-eyed Vireo (1)
Blue Jay (23)
American Crow (25)
Black-capped Chickadee (11)
Tufted Titmouse (6)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1)
House Wren (7)
American Robin (48)
Gray Catbird (21)
Northern Mockingbird (1)
European Starling (13)
Cedar Waxwing (5)
Yellow Warbler (1)
Northern Waterthrush (1, first heard chip notes then it flew into a tree)
Common Yellowthroat (38)
Chipping Sparrow (5)
Clay-colored Sparrow (1, seen in the small tree at the "T" at the end of the
117 Northern entrance trail.
Only two of us had views as it flew in from the West,
landed in the tree for a minute, and then continued on.)
Song Sparrow (16)
Swamp Sparrow (32)
Northern Cardinal (3)
Indigo Bunting (1, female)
Red-winged Blackbird (76, mostly flyby, many with no tails)
Common Grackle (19)
Purple Finch (2)
American Goldfinch (58, some seen feeding young)
(trip report from Kevin Bourinot).
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow
Wildlife Sanctuary on September 4, 2010. The weather was clear, calm and
comfortable after a rainy evening as a result of Hurricane Earl. Trip leader
Joan Zumpfe was assisted by the sanctuary's caretaker Dick Knowlton who led
the group along the trails. After the trip, Peg Knowlton provided the 9
members attending with delicious coffee and brownies at their home on the
sanctuary. The following 34 species were observed:
Wood Duck 6
Wild Turkey 10 (seen on Goodnow Road on the way in)
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 5
Belted Kingfisher 1 (F)
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 1 (F)
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Purple Finch 10 (Possibly more, many seen at the feeders)
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report submitted by Joan Zumpfe)
John Shea led 4 members of the Forbush Club on a trip to Plum Island on
8/29/10. It was 65 at the start and 90 when we finished. Parking was a
problem as it was a great beach day. There also weren't a lot of birds
around. The Swallows seem to have moved on and shore birds were in short
supply. Highlights were: Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Short-billed Dowitcher, Northern
Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk and just as we were leaving 10 Whimbrels flew by.
We had 38 Species.
Complete list:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Red-tail Hawk
Semipalmated Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Whimbrel
Sanderling
Semipalmeted Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Eastern Towhee
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
(trip report from John Shea)
Ed Banks led 19 observers in a co-sponsored birding trip with the
Forbush Bird Club and the Cape Cod Bird Club. Clear and in the 70’s.
Blessed with perfect weather!
Highlights included White-winged Scoter, Northern Gannet, a banded
American Oystercatcher, Forster’s Tern, Black Tern, Marbled and
Hudsonian Godwit.
Total Species: 44
Canada Goose - 6
Common Eider - 10
White-winged Scoter – 6
Common Loon - 2
Northern Gannet - 6
Double-crested Cormorant - 200+
Great Blue Heron - 1
Snowy Egret - 3
Osprey – 2
Northern Harrier - 3
Black-bellied Plover - 500+
Semipalmated Plover - 500+
Piping Plover - 2
American Oystercatcher - 20+
Greater Yellowlegs - 40+
Willet - 50+
Lesser Yellowlegs - 5
Whimbrel - 12
Hudsonian Godwit - 22
Marbled Godwit - 1
Ruddy Turnstone - 200+
Red Knot - 40+
Sanderling - 400+
Semipalmated Sandpiper - 500+
Least Sandpiper - 20+
White-rumped Sandpiper - 2
Dunlin - 5
Short-billed Dowitcher - 1400+
Laughing Gull - 10+
Herring Gull - 200+
Great Black-backed Gull - 200+
Least Tern - 10
Black Tern
Roseate Tern - 8
Common Tern - 1000+
Forster’s Tern - 6
Mourning Dove - 2
American Crow - 20
Tree Swallow - 10
Barn Swallow - 30+
Savannah Sparrow - 2
Northern Cardinal - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 4
American Goldfinch - 3
(trip report submitted by Ed Banks)
Submitted by Susan LaBree, leader for John Shea who was unable to attend.
Participants: 9
Nice warm evening.
All Faiths Cemetery yielded some ducks, but no Black-crowned Night-Heron.
We proceeded to Notre Dame Cemetery where we observed 2 adult Black-crowned
Night-Heron.
23 Species total
Canada Goose - many
Mute Swan - 2 adult, 6 immature
Wood Duck - 8
Mallard - 10
Great Blue Heron - 2
Green Heron - 2
Black-crowned Night-Heron - 2 adult
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Carolina Wren
American Robin
European Starling
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report submitted by Susan LaBree)
Leader Dolores Price assisted by Alan Marble. The weather was sunny and hot
with temperatures in the high 80's. There were 14 participants.
Bird highlights: Northern Harrier, American
Kestrel, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting and Eastern Meadowlark. The
following 25 birds were seen or heard:
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Broad-winged Hawk
American Kestrel
Mourning Dove
Chimney swift
Red-eyed Vireo
American Crow
Barn Swallow
Tufted Titmouse
Veery
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch
(Bird trip report from Alan Marble)
Butterfly report:
It was a fun day in the field. The following 17 species were seen by Mass.
Butterfly Club Members and Forbush Club Members and friends:
Black Swallowtail - 3
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail - 4
Cabbage White - 8
Clouded Sulphur - 9
Orange Sulphur - 2
American Copper - 3
Eastern Tailed-Blue - 10
Great Spangled Fritillary - 3
Pearl Crescent - 274+
Red Admiral -2
Viceroy - 4
Little Wood Satyr - 1
Monarch - 2
Common Ringlet - 1
Common Wood Nymph - 65+
Silver-spotted Skipper -40
Dun Skipper - 3
(Butterfly trip report from Dolores Price)
The trip leader was Kevin Bourinot.
Temperatures were 80 to 85 degrees. There were 11 observers. The highlights
were observing 2 Common Loon pairs on nest rafts at Wood Island and South
Bay. We also had great looks at a Black-billed Cuckoo at South Bay, a pair
of Sharp-shinned Hawks over Sawyer Bluff, good numbers of Spotted
Sandpipers, Red-eyed Vireos and Scarlet Tanagers at various locations. A
non-avian highlight was watching a protective pair of Brown Bullhead Catfish
defending hundreds of their young against Largemouth Bass. Guest Tom Manders
took photos on the trip, and they are available at
wtmanders.zenfolio.com/p254147938.
Number of species: 49
Mallard (2)
Common Loon (8) South Bay/ Wood Island
Double-crested Cormorant (4)
Great Blue Heron (1)
Turkey Vulture (2)
Osprey (1)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2) over Sawyer Bluff
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Killdeer (5)
Spotted Sandpiper (9)
Ring-billed Gull (8)
Mourning Dove (4)
Black-billed Cuckoo (1) South Bay, Excellent looks and photographed
Downy Woodpecker (8)
Hairy Woodpecker (1)
Northern Flicker (2)
Eastern Wood-Pewee (6)
Eastern Phoebe (3)
Great Crested Flycatcher (1)
Eastern Kingbird (8)
Red-eyed Vireo (15)
Blue Jay (14)
American Crow (3)
Tree Swallow (14)
Black-capped Chickadee (17)
Tufted Titmouse (8)
White-breasted Nuthatch (7)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3)
Hermit Thrush (1)
Wood Thrush (5)
American Robin (12)
Gray Catbird (9)
Cedar Waxwing (16)
Yellow Warbler (1)
Pine Warbler (5)
Prairie Warbler (1)
Ovenbird (4)
Common Yellowthroat (6)
Scarlet Tanager (11)
Chipping Sparrow (4)
Song Sparrow (9)
Northern Cardinal (3)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1)
Indigo Bunting (1) Clinton Landfill
Red-winged Blackbird (2)
Common Grackle (12)
Brown-headed Cowbird (2)
Baltimore Oriole (4)
American Goldfinch (10)
(trip report from Kevin Bourinot)
Five participants gathered for a rain shortened program at Barre Falls Dam.
Weather: Cloudy with showers at start to steady rain with temperatures in
the mid 60'S. The highlights for the day were a Brown Creeper that was
apparently nesting somewhere close by giving us some very close up looks and
the recently fledged Common Ravens that were very raucous and hungry as they
begged noisily for food.
The following 41 species were seen or heard.
Great Blue Heron
Killdeer
Mourning Dove
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Brown Creeper
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Bobolink
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Dick Knowlton)
Weather: Rain, foggy for first hour, then beautiful day.
Participants: 3
Submitted by Susan LaBree leader for John Shea whom was unable to attend
Species: 55
Canada Goose 4 (w/ 9 young)
Mallard 2
Hooded Merganser 1
Wild Turkey 4
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 7
Least Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 4
Yellow-throated Vireo 2
Warbling Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 8
Common Raven 3
Tree Swallow 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 2
House Wren 1
Veery 1
American Robin 12
Gray Catbird 4
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling 8
Cedar Waxwing 6
Yellow Warbler 4
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
Black-throated Blue Warbler 3
Black-throated Green Warbler 5
Yellow-throated Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 4
Prairie Warbler 3
Cerulean Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 7
Ovenbird 10
Scarlet Tanager 2
Eastern Towhee 4
Chipping Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Indigo Bunting 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 3
American Goldfinch 6
(trip report from Susan LaBree)
Thirteen Forbush members birded the Millbury/Sutton area on Saturday May
29th. The weather was partly cloudy with temperatures in the 70's. The trip
leader was Alan Marble.
Highlights included: BLACK VULTURE, Osprey, American Kestrel, Brown
Thrasher, Northern Parula, and four GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS.
69 species were seen or heard:
Canada Goose
Mallard
Wild Turkey
Great Blue Heron
BLACK VULTURE
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
(trip report from Alan Marble)
Twelve members of the Forbush Bird Club birded Oxbow National Wildlife
Refuge. The weather was partly sunny with comfortable temperatures, 60-70
degrees. The trip leader was Alan Marble.
Some highlights were: Ruffed Grouse, Solitary Sandpiper, Alder Flycatcher,
Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Magnolia Warbler, Blackpoll
Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
61 species were seen or heard:
Canada Goose 10
Wood Duck 4
Mallard 2
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Alder Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 5
Eastern Kingbird 3
Yellow-throated Vireo 2
Warbling Vireo 3
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5
Eastern Bluebird 2
Veery 5
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 3
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 2
Cedar Waxwing 20
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 5
Magnolia Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 1
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
American Redstart 3
Ovenbird 5
Common Yellowthroat 5
Scarlet Tanager 3
Chipping Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5
Bobolink 2
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Baltimore Oriole 5
American Goldfinch 8
(trip report from Alan Marble)
On Thursday evening May 20, 2010, 11 observers joined leader Barton Kamp.
It was clear with light wind. Temperatures were in the upper 60's.
Highlights at Bolton Flats were a singing male Orchard Oriole, a calling
Pied-billed Grebe, a pumping American Bittern, a Short-billed Dowitcher and
3-4 Common Nighthawks. Highlights at the WMA were 1 Common Nighthawk, 7
Whip-poor-wills, 4 American Woodcocks, 1 singing Vesper Sparrow and 1
singing Grasshopper Sparrow. The tree frogs were croaking so loudly that
they drowned out most of the birdsong.
The following 45 species were seen or heard at both places:
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Virginia Rail
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
American Woodcock
Mourning Dove
Common Nighthawk
Whip-poor-will
Great Crested Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Yellow Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Field Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
(trip report from Bart Kamp)
Leader: Susan LaBree
Participants: 8
Weather: Sunny, cool
Species: 42
Mourning Dove 3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue-headed Vireo 4
Red Eyed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 3
Tree Swallow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 2
Brown Creeper 1
Veery 3
Hermit Thrush 3
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 3
Gray Catbird 6
Blue-winged Warbler 2
Yellow Warbler 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 10
Pine Warbler 4
Black-and-white Warbler 3
Ovenbird 14
Common Yellowthroat 7
Scarlet Tanager 4
Chipping Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Bobolink 12
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Common Grackle 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Baltimore Oriole 7
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 2
(trip report from Susan LaBree)
On Saturday, May 15th, 2010, Francis X. McMenemy led 10 members of the
Forbush Bird Club on a trip at and around Wachusett Mountain. The trip began
with a spectacular and rare non-avian sighting of a LUNA MOTH which was a
first for several members. It flitted around looking like a large leaf on
the cool and breezy morning not far from the ski lodge. Other highlights
were: several Red Admiral Butterflies as well as Tiger Swallowtail, Blue
Azure and Cabbage White; Indigo Bunting, Winter Wren, Common Loon and 13
Warbler species. The following 58 species were enjoyed:
Common Loon 1 (heard)
Turkey Vulture 8
Killdeer 1
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Least Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven 1 (heard)
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 8
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren 1
Winter Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
Veery 2
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 9
Gray Catbird 2
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Black-throated Green Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 1
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
American Redstart 2
Ovenbird 1
Northern Waterthrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Canada Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 6
Field Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Indigo Bunting 3
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Baltimore Oriole 4
American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 6
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe)
Weather: Clear, windy, chilly with temps in the low 50's
Participants: 18 (high count, some people coming and going and joining from
other groups)
Species: 35
Common Loon flyover
Broad-winged Hawk
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Palm Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Wilson's Warbler
Canada Warbler
Lincoln's Sparrow
Orchard Oriole
Pine Siskin
(trip report submitted by Dan Berard)
Eight Forbush Bird Club members and two guests enjoyed the club's annual Quabbin Trip
beginning at Gate 45 and traveling through to gate 35. Unseasonably warm
temperatures (called it HOT!) in the mid 80's with a light SW breeze, which
increased as the day progressed. These conditions brought a major influx of
new arrivals and the species total was 77, quite respectable for May the
2nd. Highlights included 16 species of wood warblers, and trip participants
enjoyed watching a pair of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers working on a nearly
complete nest.
A complete list follows:
Canada Goose...14 (including a pair with 4 young)
Wood Duck...5
American Black Duck...6
Mallard....7
Ring-necked Duck....2
Hooded Merganser...3
Common Merganser...8
Ruffed Grouse...1
Common Loon...9
Double-crested Cormorant...6
Turkey Vulture...9
Bald Eagle...3
Northern Harrier...1 migrant over the boat ramp at fishing area # 3.
Sharp-shinned Hawk...1
Broad-winged Hawk...5
Red-tailed Hawk...3
Killdeer...1
Solitary Sandpiper...2
Ring-billed Gull...9
Mourning Dove...3
Red-bellied Woodpecker...1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker...3
Downy Woodpecker...3
Hairy Woodpecker...2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)...1
Pileated Woodpecker...1
Least Flycatcher...7
Eastern Phoebe...4
Eastern Kingbird...3
Yellow-throated Vireo...1
Blue-headed Vireo...10
Warbling Vireo...1
Blue Jay...69
American Crow...3
Common Raven...1
Tree Swallow...29
Black-capped Chickadee...15
Tufted Titmouse...4
Red-breasted Nuthatch...4
White-breasted Nuthatch...1
Brown Creeper...3
House Wren...1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ....3 one nest found
Hermit Thrush...2
Wood Thrush...3
American Robin...8
Gray Catbird...2
Blue-winged Warbler...2
Nashville Warbler...1
Northern Parula...2
Yellow Warbler...2
Chestnut-sided Warbler...5
Black-throated Blue Warbler...4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)...20
Black-throated Green Warbler...17
Blackburnian Warbler...3
Pine Warbler...15
Prairie Warbler....2
Black-and-white Warbler...15
American Redstart...2
Ovenbird....18
Louisiana Waterthrush....2
Common Yellowthroat...5
Scarlet Tanager...5
Eastern Towhee...21
Chipping Sparrow...15
Song Sparrow...3
Swamp Sparrow...2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)...1
Northern Cardinal...2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak...4
Red-winged Blackbird...19
Common Grackle...10
Brown-headed Cowbird...8
Baltimore Oriole....7
Purple Finch...2
American Goldfinch....10
(trip report from Tom Pirro)
Leader: Susan LaBree
Weather: Sunny, cool
Participants: 7
Species: 58
NOTE: Many large flocks of White-throated Sparrows all over the place. At times they looked like leaves tumbling across the path.
All you could hear was the rustling of leaves as they foraged...incredible!!
Canada Goose 6
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 5
Wild Turkey 3
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Killdeer 1
Mourning Dove 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Flicker, Northern 2
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue-headed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 6
Tree Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown creeper 2
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 12
Gray Catbird 3
Mocking bird 1
Brown Thrasher 2
European Starling 4
Blue-winged Warbler 5
Northern Parula 3
Yellow warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 2
Palm Warbler 3
Black & White Warbler 4
Ovenbird 7
Northern Water Thrush 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
Scarlet Tanager 1
Eastern Towhee 5
Chipping Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 300
Northern Cardinal 3
Bobolink 3
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Common Grackle 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
American Goldfinch 8
(trip report from Susan LaBree)
John Shea led 10 members of the club on a trip to
Bolton Flats. It was a nice sunny day with light winds, temperature's 48 to
64 degrees. Francis McMenemy assisted in providing directions to two additional
nearby birding locations, a sandy upland area on the other side of the Nashua
River accessed via Pine Hill Rd, and Dexter Drumlin in Lancaster.
There was a lot of water at Bolton Flats; one highlight was Fran driving
through it to get to the parking lot. Some bird highlights were: 2 Northern
Shovelers, 3 Blue-winged Teal, 3 Common Snipe and a Vesper Sparrow.
Species: 51
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 80
Mute Swan 5
Wood Duck 4
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 19
Blue-winged Teal 3
Northern Shoveler 2
Green-winged Teal 383
Eurasian Teal 1
Integrated Teal 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Wild Turkey 1
Great Blue Heron 4
Turkey Vulture 5
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 5
American Kestrel 1
Killdeer 8
Common Snipe 3
Ring-billed Gull 35
Rock Pigeon 7
Mourning Dove 11
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 6
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 13
Tree Swallow 15
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Eastern Bluebird 3
American Robin 13
European Starling 5
Pine Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 1
Vesper Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 8
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 31
Common Grackle 95
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 18
House Sparrow 2
(trip report from John Shea)
Trip Leader: Rodney Jenkins
Observers: 15
Weather: Cool (35 to 40 degrees F ) partly cloudy and breezy.
Highlights: 4 Wood Ducks, 4 Green-winged Teal, 2 Bufflehead, 1 Eastern
Phoebe and 12 Tree Swallows on a brisk morning. Total Species: 36
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 4
American Black Duck 3
Mallard 12
Green-winged Teal 4
Ring-necked Duck 23
Bufflehead 2
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 26
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 7
Red-tailed Hawk 5
Ring-billed Gull 25
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow 12
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
European Starling
Song Sparrow 6
Dark-eyed Junco 12
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 100
Common Grackle 200
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 1
(trip report from Rodney Jenkins)
Twelve birders braved some pretty rough conditions to look for birds along
the coast of Cape Ann. We went from the Fisherman's Monument in Gloucester
in the south to Andrews Point in Rockport in the north. The temperature was
in the 20's and the winds from 10-20 mph creating some face-numbing wind
chills. The ocean was rough adding to the difficulty of finding birds. The
trip leader was Alan Marble.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Wild Turkey
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Great Cormorant
Peregrine Falcon
Purple Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Iceland Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
American Crow
American Robin
European Starling
Northern Cardinal
House Sparrow
(report submitted by Alan Marble)
The Fobush Bird Club started the new year and decade with an
afternoon bird trip that started in Worcester, continued into Auburn and
ended in Shrewsbury. There were 14 members and also 2 potential members from
Grafton who had seen the trip advertised that morning in The Worcester
Telegram article written by Mark Blazis. Joan Zumpfe was the trip's leader
and was assisted by Francis X. McMenemy. The weather was surprisingly
comfortable. It was calm, partly cloudy and in the mid 30's. We all welcomed
the respite from the prior day's snow storm and the one approaching that
night. There was very little open water due to the many below freezing
temperatures of December, 2009.
The following 26 species were observed:
Canada Goose 196
Mute Swan 4
Wood Duck 2
American Black Duck 11
Mallard 138
Hooded Merganser 26
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Peregrine Falcon 2
Ring-billed Gull 08
Rock Pigeon 156
Mourning Dove 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 10
Black-capped Chickadee 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 32
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 1
House Finch 6
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 20
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).