Date: 7/20/26 5:07 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 7/19 Belle Isle Marsh Highlights
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:37:26 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 7/19 Belle Isle Marsh Highlights
I was there at high tide, from 3:40-5:00
Little Blue Heron 1 three weeks now or so Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 6 Snowy Egret 15 Glossy Ibis 3 Oaprey 2 Least Sandpiper 15 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Lesser Yellowlegs 3 Short-billed Dowitcher 1 Spotted Sandpiper 3 Willet 1 Least Tern 2 Saltmarsh Sparrow 5
Date: 7/18/26 4:08 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Guy Tudor's passing
Thanks to Brian Cassie for sending along news of Guy Tutor's passing.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Hello Massbirders. I write to say that Mr. Guy Tudor, well-known bird artist and conservationist, passed away at his eastern Long Island home at the age of ninety-one. Guy died peacefully in his sleep earlier this week. Guy is undoubtedly best known for his illustrations and writing in a number of important books on Neotropical birds. Let me say that he was also an ardent conservationist and champion of biodiversity and throughout his seventy-year career he contributed in so many ways to our knowledge of birds, flowering plants, and insects. We would still be in the dark about a lot of things were it not for Guy Tudor and his followers.
Date: 7/18/26 4:08 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Guy Tudor's passing
Thanks to Brian Cassie for sending along news of Guy Tutor's passing.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Hello Massbirders. I write to say that Mr. Guy Tudor, well-known bird artist and conservationist, passed away at his eastern Long Island home at the age of ninety-one. Guy died peacefully in his sleep earlier this week. Guy is undoubtedly best known for his illustrations and writing in a number of important books on Neotropical birds. Let me say that he was also an ardent conservationist and champion of biodiversity and throughout his seventy-year career he contributed in so many ways to our knowledge of birds, flowering plants, and insects. We would still be in the dark about a lot of things were it not for Guy Tudor and his followers.
Date: 7/17/26 7:22 am From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Atlantic Path access Andrews Point
Kathy,
Thanks for posting this. To clarify the situation, I'm sharing a message I
sent to the board of the Brookline Bird Club, after which I have pasted the
press release from Attorney General Andrea Campbell:
John Nelson
Gloucester
This is good news. We've been fighting this fight for 4-5 years. On behalf
of the BBC, the Association of Mass Bird Clubs, and the general birding
community, I submitted a detailed affidavit documenting use of Andrews Pt.
by birders going back to BBC trips in the early 1920s, and I testified last
July in Salem Superior Count. It's possible that the plaintiff, Elizabeth
Fisher, will appeal the ruling, and she might pursue a separate suit
against the town of Rockport.
Still unresolved is the closure of parking in the little area on town-owned
land at the beginning of the path to the point. I attended a number of town
committee meetings to try to get Rockport to reverse this closure, to no
avail. The town never provided any sensible rationale for the closure of
parking. I can't pursue this issue any further myself, but since the
Commonwealth's lawyers, Kendra Kinscherf and Joel Quick, have told me that
use of Andrews Point by birders was important evidence in the case, birders
might try to prevail on the town to reciprocate by reopening the parking
area, which would harm no one and would benefit birders who visit the point
from near and far.
BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced today that the
Commonwealth secured a court victory
<https://www.mass.gov/doc/95-misc-222901-mdv-decision/download> preserving
the public’s right to access coastal rocks and ledges at Andrews Point
in Rockport after the Massachusetts Land Court ruled that a deed
restriction dating back more than 135 years remains valid and enforceable.
Located along Rockport’s coastline, Andrews Point is a stretch of shoreline
known for its rocky ledges, ocean views, and longstanding public use. The
area has long been a destination for residents and visitors who walk the
coast, enjoy the landscape, and observe wildlife.
The case involved property at 18 Long Branch Avenue in Rockport, where an
1887 deed included a condition requiring that certain “ledges and rocks”
conveyed with the property “forever remain open to the general public.” The
property owners challenged whether that public access requirement remained
in effect and sought to eliminate these public rights to use the land.
The Land Court ruled in favor of the Commonwealth, finding that the deed
created a valid dedication of the rocks and ledges for recreational
purposes. The Court’s decision preserves the public’s ability to continue
accessing the coastal area consistent with the terms of the historic deed.
“Massachusetts’ coastline is a treasured public resource, and this decision
affirms the importance of protecting public access to our shared natural
spaces,” said AG Campbell. “My office will continue to defend the
Commonwealth’s interests and ensure that longstanding public rights to
public spaces remain preserved for generations to come.”
The Attorney General’s Office defended the Commonwealth’s interest
in maintaining the public access provision and argued that the deed’s
language represented a valid dedication for public use.
This matter was handled by Senior Land Use Counsel Kendra Kinscherf and
Assistant Attorney General Joel Quick, both from AG Campbell’s Government
Bureau.
On Tue, Jul 14, 2026 at 8:14 PM Kathy Porter <ruddyduck1204...>
wrote:
> I see that the homeowner on Longbranch lost her suit in Land Court.
> Great news. Now we will have to see what Rockport can do to restore
> easier access there.
>
> Kathy Porter
> Needham, MA
> <ruddyduck1204...>
>
big thanks to Nick Komar Sr. and Alf Wilson for getting the bird for me. This was at 2:00 p.m. at the public boat launch. Nick didn't actually see the bird, but thanks to him, i did. Just as we were pulling into the Museum Beach/boat launch, the bird flew by Alf Wilson's car windshield! I may have been the last person to see this bird.
Date: 7/14/26 6:18 pm From: Jon Woolf <jswoolf01...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] multiple emails from Leslie Kramer
Hi Andrea, This is a known bug with the Massbird server. Every now and then, it picks a post and repeats it many times. I've seen it many times, and gotten twenty, thirty, forty repeats of some messages. It rarely happens more than once a day, and many days it doesn't happen at all. Beyond that, if there's any pattern to it, I've never figured it out.
-- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH
On 7/14/2026 2:26 PM, Andrea Bean wrote: > I received 18 emails from Leslie Kramer (<kramer.lf...>). I > don't know if she got hacked or there is something wrong with the > Massbird software. > > Andrea Bean > Essex County Ma
I see that the homeowner on Longbranch lost her suit in Land Court. Great news. Now we will have to see what Rockport can do to restore easier access there.
Thanks, wish there was prison time for scammers! Having been scammed by
one! Marcia Dunham
On Tue, Jul 14, 2026 at 2:20 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
> Thanks to Chuck Imbergamo for this heads up.
>
> Please heed this warning!
>
> Barbara Volkle
> moderator, MASSBIRD
> Northborough, MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
> > *From:* Chuck Imbergamo <imbercj...>
> > *Date:* July 14, 2026 at 10:47:10 AM EDT
> > *To:* <ctbirds...>
> > *Subject:* *Invitation email scams*
> >
> > Hi everyone –
> >
> > Heads up that the latest cyber scam involves unexpected emails
> > supposedly inviting you to a party or other event. These are
> > generated by hacked email accounts and are not intentionally sent.
> > Most of the time, the sender will not realize that they are
> > generating the scam emails.
> >
> > Some of these emails are being generated from members of our listserv
> > and they are going to other members. I immediately place such
> > accounts on moderation so I can stop future scam messages, but by the
> > time I do some of you will have already received the invite emails.
> >
> > As always, treat any unexpected email with caution and never open the
> > links contained in ANY email unless you are quite certain that it is
> > legit.
> >
> > Chuck Imbergamo
> > CT Birds Moderator
> > Madison
>
>
>
Date: 7/14/26 12:36 pm From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Sunday Hunting in Massachusetts - weigh in
To fill in a bit more information, the Sunday Hunting provision was also
included in the state budget but was dropped by the conference committee.
Prior to the conference I contacted Senator Brownsberger's office. He
replied to me directly that he and other senators had concerns about this
rule change. Apparently they prevailed in that context.
While contacting MA House members is also important, you may get more
traction with the Senate. The provision was added to the House version of
the Ready Act in a last minute move that seemed to give the provision
special treatment not accorded to other proposed amendments.
While this rule change is positioned as a way to control the deer
population, a real problem in many parts of the state, note that the change
is not just limited to the deer season. Instead, Sunday would be open to
all types of hunting throughout the year.
Cliff Cook
Watertown
On Mon, Jul 13, 2026 at 11:13 AM Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
wrote:
> Many of you may or may not be aware of proposed changes to the law that
> would permit hunting on Sunday.
>
> I'm forwarding this from facebook via Chip Brown and David Larson.
>
> While this post is clearly opposed to the proposed changes, it provides
> a summary of who to contact. One of the arguments is that this will
> curtain the growing population of deer.
>
> I urge you all to weight in on what you think!
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough, MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
>
> MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: OPPOSE SUNDAY HUNTING LEGISLATION
>
> PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY
>
> The !!! have slipped a provision into the Mass. Ready Act that would end
> the 100+ year ban on Sunday hunting in Massachusetts if it passes at the
> end of the year.
> The hunting lobby has been trying to overturn the Sunday hunting ban for
> years, unsuccessfully, but this year there is a REAL threat this will
> provision will pass and the rest of us won't even get ONE day a week to
> safely go into the woods during hunting season.
> This provision would allow hunters to enter private property to hunt
> unless the property has signs that say NO HUNTING.
> It will also allow hunters to kill animals as close as 250 feet from
> your house.
> A 6-member conference committee is finalizing the bill NOW, with a
> deadline of December 31.
> Dog walkers, hikers, bird watchers, mountain bikers, canoers, and others
> deserve at least one day a week to enjoy the woods in Massachusetts
> without worrying about getting shot dead by a stray bullet or arrow from
> a hunter.
> Hunters are less than 1% of the population and already have six days a
> week (including half the weekend) — they shouldn't get priority over
> everyone else who uses our public lands. They already get way too much
> protection as it is while causing a true danger to the public as well as
> the wildlife.
> TAKE 5-10 MINUTES TODAY:
> Email and call the conference committee AND your own state senator &
> representative. Look yours up at wheredoivotema.com
> <
> http://wheredoivotema.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZno5bHNXS1FrTHJmdmpvcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR68dUxPEE5YdujmWOODMcIRe3EKbiEjdDbue59B-GmolNeS12MYJ3SqKDlgzg_aem_4was83NE1sbg_SUoNsV6hg > >
> Committee members:
> Sen. Becca Rausch – <becca.rausch...>
> Sen. Julian Cyr – <julian.cyr...>
> Sen. Peter Durant – <peter.durant...>
> Rep. Christine Barber – <christine.barber...>
> Rep. Michael Finn – <michael.finn...>
> Rep. Ken Sweezey – <ken.sweezey...>
> WHAT TO SAY:
> Keep it short and personal — a few sentences is plenty. Or write a long
> email if you feel inspired. Tell them you're a resident of
> Massachusetts, that you oppose lifting the Sunday hunting ban, and why
> it matters to you (your dog walks, hikes, birding, etc.).
> Ask them to vote NO on the Sunday hunting provision.
> More info: mspca.org/animal_protection/sunday-hunting
> <
> http://mspca.org/animal_protection/sunday-hunting?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZno5bHNXS1FrTHJmdmpvcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6mVijNPZ3pItJydCcb5oLfSAwhw1PzdwwWup_GkZv7NLgol0Vl0P-bj6qVSQ_aem_AXeZKbC9Rdp77mEVHsor2g > >
> Governor Maura Healey -- Call at (617) 725-4005 or email
>
> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office >
>
Date: 7/14/26 11:08 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] moderator - Invitation email scams
Thanks to Chuck Imbergamo for this heads up.
Please heed this warning!
Barbara Volkle moderator, MASSBIRD Northborough, MA <barb620...>
* > *From:* Chuck Imbergamo <imbercj...> > *Date:* July 14, 2026 at 10:47:10 AM EDT > *To:* <ctbirds...> > *Subject:* *Invitation email scams* > > Hi everyone – > > Heads up that the latest cyber scam involves unexpected emails > supposedly inviting you to a party or other event. These are > generated by hacked email accounts and are not intentionally sent. > Most of the time, the sender will not realize that they are > generating the scam emails. > > Some of these emails are being generated from members of our listserv > and they are going to other members. I immediately place such > accounts on moderation so I can stop future scam messages, but by the > time I do some of you will have already received the invite emails. > > As always, treat any unexpected email with caution and never open the > links contained in ANY email unless you are quite certain that it is > legit. > > Chuck Imbergamo > CT Birds Moderator > Madison
To ensure you receive all future invites from your friends, please
add info to your address book. Click here to stop receiving emails
regarding this Event from Sendo. We are committed to protecting your
privacy, view our privacy policy. If you need assistance, please contact
us.
Date: 7/13/26 9:16 am From: Lynn Pelland <lpelland...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Sunday Hunting in Massachusetts - weigh in
Thank you for sending this reminder. I sent emails to everyone across the
state, including our Gov (because she basically partnered with the
hunters), who needs to be reminded that there are other people in the
Commonwealth that like winter activities in the woods and it is not fair
that she partners up with hunters to shut us out of the woods. I
personally am looking in off trail spots when I am out so it literally is
shutting me out all winter long. If anyone needs to see what I
wrote please let me know...if it can help you move forward with contacting
representatives, I would be happy to share. Sometimes it's the task of
thinking of what to write that can keep me from doing something.
On Mon, Jul 13, 2026 at 11:04 AM Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
wrote:
> Many of you may or may not be aware of proposed changes to the law that
> would permit hunting on Sunday.
>
> I'm forwarding this from facebook via Chip Brown and David Larson.
>
> While this post is clearly opposed to the proposed changes, it provides
> a summary of who to contact. One of the arguments is that this will
> curtain the growing population of deer.
>
> I urge you all to weight in on what you think!
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough, MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
>
> MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: OPPOSE SUNDAY HUNTING LEGISLATION
>
> PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY
>
> The !!! have slipped a provision into the Mass. Ready Act that would end
> the 100+ year ban on Sunday hunting in Massachusetts if it passes at the
> end of the year.
> The hunting lobby has been trying to overturn the Sunday hunting ban for
> years, unsuccessfully, but this year there is a REAL threat this will
> provision will pass and the rest of us won't even get ONE day a week to
> safely go into the woods during hunting season.
> This provision would allow hunters to enter private property to hunt
> unless the property has signs that say NO HUNTING.
> It will also allow hunters to kill animals as close as 250 feet from
> your house.
> A 6-member conference committee is finalizing the bill NOW, with a
> deadline of December 31.
> Dog walkers, hikers, bird watchers, mountain bikers, canoers, and others
> deserve at least one day a week to enjoy the woods in Massachusetts
> without worrying about getting shot dead by a stray bullet or arrow from
> a hunter.
> Hunters are less than 1% of the population and already have six days a
> week (including half the weekend) — they shouldn't get priority over
> everyone else who uses our public lands. They already get way too much
> protection as it is while causing a true danger to the public as well as
> the wildlife.
> TAKE 5-10 MINUTES TODAY:
> Email and call the conference committee AND your own state senator &
> representative. Look yours up at wheredoivotema.com
> <
> http://wheredoivotema.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZno5bHNXS1FrTHJmdmpvcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR68dUxPEE5YdujmWOODMcIRe3EKbiEjdDbue59B-GmolNeS12MYJ3SqKDlgzg_aem_4was83NE1sbg_SUoNsV6hg > >
> Committee members:
> Sen. Becca Rausch – <becca.rausch...>
> Sen. Julian Cyr – <julian.cyr...>
> Sen. Peter Durant – <peter.durant...>
> Rep. Christine Barber – <christine.barber...>
> Rep. Michael Finn – <michael.finn...>
> Rep. Ken Sweezey – <ken.sweezey...>
> WHAT TO SAY:
> Keep it short and personal — a few sentences is plenty. Or write a long
> email if you feel inspired. Tell them you're a resident of
> Massachusetts, that you oppose lifting the Sunday hunting ban, and why
> it matters to you (your dog walks, hikes, birding, etc.).
> Ask them to vote NO on the Sunday hunting provision.
> More info: mspca.org/animal_protection/sunday-hunting
> <
> http://mspca.org/animal_protection/sunday-hunting?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZno5bHNXS1FrTHJmdmpvcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6mVijNPZ3pItJydCcb5oLfSAwhw1PzdwwWup_GkZv7NLgol0Vl0P-bj6qVSQ_aem_AXeZKbC9Rdp77mEVHsor2g > >
> Governor Maura Healey -- Call at (617) 725-4005 or email
>
> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office >
>
--
Lynn Pelland
Administrative Assistant, Facilities Operations
Facilities Management
Smith College
126 West St
Northampton, MA 01063
p 413.585.2391
f 413.585.2398
<lpelland...>
--
Date: 7/13/26 8:04 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sunday Hunting in Massachusetts - weigh in
Many of you may or may not be aware of proposed changes to the law that would permit hunting on Sunday.
I'm forwarding this from facebook via Chip Brown and David Larson.
While this post is clearly opposed to the proposed changes, it provides a summary of who to contact. One of the arguments is that this will curtain the growing population of deer.
The !!! have slipped a provision into the Mass. Ready Act that would end the 100+ year ban on Sunday hunting in Massachusetts if it passes at the end of the year. The hunting lobby has been trying to overturn the Sunday hunting ban for years, unsuccessfully, but this year there is a REAL threat this will provision will pass and the rest of us won't even get ONE day a week to safely go into the woods during hunting season. This provision would allow hunters to enter private property to hunt unless the property has signs that say NO HUNTING. It will also allow hunters to kill animals as close as 250 feet from your house. A 6-member conference committee is finalizing the bill NOW, with a deadline of December 31. Dog walkers, hikers, bird watchers, mountain bikers, canoers, and others deserve at least one day a week to enjoy the woods in Massachusetts without worrying about getting shot dead by a stray bullet or arrow from a hunter. Hunters are less than 1% of the population and already have six days a week (including half the weekend) — they shouldn't get priority over everyone else who uses our public lands. They already get way too much protection as it is while causing a true danger to the public as well as the wildlife. TAKE 5-10 MINUTES TODAY: Email and call the conference committee AND your own state senator & representative. Look yours up at wheredoivotema.com <http://wheredoivotema.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZno5bHNXS1FrTHJmdmpvcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR68dUxPEE5YdujmWOODMcIRe3EKbiEjdDbue59B-GmolNeS12MYJ3SqKDlgzg_aem_4was83NE1sbg_SUoNsV6hg> Committee members: Sen. Becca Rausch – <becca.rausch...> Sen. Julian Cyr – <julian.cyr...> Sen. Peter Durant – <peter.durant...> Rep. Christine Barber – <christine.barber...> Rep. Michael Finn – <michael.finn...> Rep. Ken Sweezey – <ken.sweezey...> WHAT TO SAY: Keep it short and personal — a few sentences is plenty. Or write a long email if you feel inspired. Tell them you're a resident of Massachusetts, that you oppose lifting the Sunday hunting ban, and why it matters to you (your dog walks, hikes, birding, etc.). Ask them to vote NO on the Sunday hunting provision. More info: mspca.org/animal_protection/sunday-hunting <http://mspca.org/animal_protection/sunday-hunting?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZno5bHNXS1FrTHJmdmpvcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6mVijNPZ3pItJydCcb5oLfSAwhw1PzdwwWup_GkZv7NLgol0Vl0P-bj6qVSQ_aem_AXeZKbC9Rdp77mEVHsor2g> Governor Maura Healey -- Call at (617) 725-4005 or email
Yesterday (Saturday, July 11th) was an amazing day!
On Friday night, I learned that a mega-rarity was being seen at Scituate Lighthouse ~ Bridled Tern. This tern is found in warm tropical seas and is rarely seen on or near land, unless blown off course by hurricanes. So what a Bridled Tern is doing hanging around Scituate Lighthouse this weekend is anyone's guess.
I was up very early Saturday morning, checked my sources, and learned that the tern was being seen at the lighthouse and it was flying near people and trying to land on their heads! So off we went. We left early to avoid the Sail Boston traffic and arrived in Scituate just after 8AM.
We spent the morning at the lighthouse watching in awe as this tern 'put on show' for birders and residents alike. It would often fly right over our heads, sit on heads, and perch on cars! What an amazing sight to see and share with our birding friends. This tern was a Lifebird for me, Mark, and several others!
Once the Bridled Tern flew away, after sitting on our friend Linda's car for 45 minutes, we drove home via the coastline where we saw several tall ships sail into Boston Harbor. It was a fun summer day filled with memories I will cherish.
Laura
Laura de la Flor
Salem, MA
PS: The tern is still being seen at Scituate Lighthouse (Sunday, July 12th)!
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <do-not-reply...> Date: Sun, Jul 12, 2026 at 1:13 PM Subject: eBird Report - Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road, Jul 11, 2026 To: <rgibesgrossman...>
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road, Worcester, Massachusetts, US Jul 11, 2026 6:50 AM - 9:50 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Warm, sunny morning 65F - 75F over course of walk. Very calm and quiet with a few good sightings. 48 species (+1 other taxa)
Mourning Dove 1 Chimney Swift 1 Probably more..at a distance above New Meadow. Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Killdeer 1 Heard at start and end of walk on main campus. Turkey Vulture 1 Perched on top of the white utility tower just beyond New Meadow. Red-tailed Hawk 1 Around main campus. Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 2 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 5 Probably more. The most vocal bird of the day with catbirds and mockingbirds on main campus. Blue Jay 4 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 3 Barn Swallow 2 South end of New Meadow. White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Northern House Wren 1 European Starling 40 Estimate. Large flock at south side of New Meadow. Some grackles mixed in. Gray Catbird 8 Northern Mockingbird 2 The most vocal pair on the main campus. Eastern Bluebird 1 Veery 1 Did not hear, but several of us had an excellent sighting in the woods on the west side of the campus. Wood Thrush 2 American Robin 8 Probably many more. Cedar Waxwing 3 Excellent viewing of a pair working on an existing nest along the trail abutting new meadow. Perhaps preparing for another brood? 3rd one seen on main campus. House Sparrow 4 Purple Finch 2 Excellent sighting of a pair on the main campus. American Goldfinch 14 Many in New Meadow and more on main, lower campus. Probably a conservative count. Chipping Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 3 Eastern Towhee 2 Baltimore Oriole 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Clearly seen flying. Probably more mixed with distant view of starling flock or flyovers. Brown-headed Cowbird 4 2 pairs on lower main campus Common Grackle 8 Conservative count blackbird sp. 30 Conservative count of distant and high fly-overs. Ovenbird 1 Only heard one! Very quiet today. Common Yellowthroat 6 Saw 2 females. Very vocal throughout entire property. Northern Yellow Warbler 1 Heard at New Meadow Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Heard at New Meadow Pine Warbler 2 Scarlet Tanager 1 A few had a good visualization of it on lower main campus. Northern Cardinal 6 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 Pair on lower main campus Indigo Bunting 3 Excellent sightings across campus.
Yesterday (Saturday, July 11th) was an amazing day!
On Friday night, I learned that a mega-rarity was being seen at Scituate Lighthouse ~ Bridled Tern. This tern is found in warm tropical seas and is rarely seen on or near land, unless blown off course by hurricanes. So what a Bridled Tern is doing hanging around Scituate Lighthouse this weekend is anyone's guess.
I was up very early Saturday morning, checked my sources, and learned that the tern was being seen at the lighthouse and it was flying near people and trying to land on their heads! So off we went. We left early to avoid the Sail Boston traffic and arrived in Scituate just after 8AM.
We spent the morning at the lighthouse watching in awe as this tern 'put on show' for birders and residents alike. It would often fly right over our heads, sit on heads, and perch on cars! What an amazing sight to see and share with our birding friends. This tern was a Lifebird for me, Mark, and several others!
Once the Bridled Tern flew away, after sitting on our friend Linda's car for 45 minutes, we drove home via the coastline where we saw several tall ships sail into Boston Harbor. It was a fun summer day filled with memories I will cherish.
Laura
Laura de la Flor
Salem, MA
PS: The tern is still being seen at Scituate Lighthouse (Sunday, July 12th)!
Has anyone ID’d the rail as an adult vs juvenile and male vs female? I looked at the field marks, but my color blindness is an obstacle for this one.
Thank you,
Brad
Ashland, MA
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of Brad Dinerman
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:58 PM
To: Massbird <Massbird...>
Cc: Robert Ross <plumisl...>
Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] Rail Summer
Robert, thank you for this information. I went this morning, arriving just after the sun rose over the treeline on the opposite side of the Wardens. The king rail was there, exactly as you described. It started vocalizing (singing?) about half-hour after I arrived and then went nonstop for nearly an hour. No one else was there, so it was nice and quiet. The bird gave me some wonderful views – walking down the trail, climbing the large mound of gravel, and generally wandering around the maintenance sheds.
While there, I made a HUGE donation to the feed-a-mosquito cause and the swat-a-green-headed-fly activity. I also went home with two hijackers, ticks that I later found on my neck. Wonderful. <- That is sarcasm.
This bird was a lifer for me, so I’m glad I went. Well worth the trip! Now I need to cull the herd of photographs on my computer. I took 1,500 while there! 😂
-Brad Dinerman
Ashland, MA
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026 at 9:25 PM Robert Ross <plumisl...><mailto:<plumisl...>> wrote:
Welcome back, Massbirders! (Thanks, Haynes, for alerting me and all).
Though the species has been heard in the Great Marsh for several
years, few have seen a king rail on or near Plum Island. This summer
changed that result.
A king rail has been hanging around the maintenance area, which
those-in-the-know call The Wardens, for well over a month now. Many
have seen, photographed, and reported it. The bird has been very
cooperative and seems not to mind a throng of photographers nearby.
It has been seen out in the open, moving from the small sound inlet
behind the pines at the back of the area, to the small, isolated
interior pond near the large storage shed. To get there, it has to
cross a gavel patch, and it's on this patch where several lucky
birders have seen it in a rare view for this species.
It struts down the dike path, too. It does not seem to be in a hurry
to get away from view. It calls continuously, creating fascination and
wonder over whether it has a mate, which seems more and more unlikely.
As of this writing, it is still being reported.
Adding to this wonderful rarity, many have also reported hearing a
clapper rail somewhere near the kayak launch, right near the Refuge
entrance gate. Many more have reported hearing it than have reported
seeing it, but a lucky few have posted photos.
Though it is apparently controversial to report a bird only heard on
an eBird checklist, or to report only because it is picked up by
Merlin, it's not my place to judge. I, too, have a rail I have only
heard.
For three years now, Merlin has consistently picked up a Virginia rail
in a small wetland across from my house. The call comes early in the
AM, between 6-7 AM, though it might start earlier. The app does not
pick it up often after seven.
I have never spotted the bird. The wetland is packed with phragmites,
and by mid-summer, small bushes and bordering trees almost hide it
from the road. It is on a busy street. There is no way to get up high
enough to look into the wetland, and even if possible, there's still
the issue of the dense reeds.
But this is something I love about Merlin. There's a Virginia Rail
somewhere within a stone's throw of my house. I might be the only one
who knows. It's been coming back to this spot for years now. I assume
it is doing so because it has had a successful brood. There are two
rivers within a short walk, and both offer substantial wetlands, so
rails may be well established. And, of course, there's no guarantee
the rail Merlin has been picking up for these years is the same bird.
I have learned to distinguish the Virginia rail's calls from a clapper
or a king rail. I no longer rely only on Merlin, and I often hear the
bird without using the app to confirm it.
I do, though, like the idea the rail is near. I like it nesting so
close. If I never see it, I won't be disappointed. This feels
right--that I would hear it but never see it, for a rail.
Virginia rails are not rare on Plum Island. I can't say for sure they
are rare in Newbury, either. Clappers appear more so, and though I
have heard one more than once near the headwaters of the Parker River,
I am waiting to see one first before reporting it. No luck yet, though
I have a much better chance of seeing one if it is near the river, as
the view is wide and accessible.
For now, though, I am enjoying getting up early, grabbing a cup of
tea, and letting the dogs run around in the front yard as I listen for
the rail across the road. It's probably never seen me, either.
Date: 7/10/26 8:10 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 7/8 Common Nighthawks in Brookline
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2026 23:10:59 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson<petersonpaul63...> Subject: 7/8 Common Nighthawks in Brookline
excited to have multiple birds, for it has been a while since I saw two or more. The usual area of Harvard Ave, and Auburn St. just up the road from the new Pierce School construction going on. Laura M. presumably got audio.
Date: 7/10/26 3:44 am From: <blafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mt Greylock
Hello,
I usually post this to Massbird but it was on hiatus back in June. The post below was on the Western Mass Facebook page but thought I would post it here for non Facebook folk.
Glad Massbird is back up. Thanks Barbara.
Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>
Mt Greylock
On Wednesday, June 3 we did our annual 9.5 mile hike up to the Saddleball ridge (3000’+ elevation)on Mt Greylock. The ridge is covered with spruce and fir and is some of the best northern New England habitat in the state. This year we missed both Swainson’s Thrush (had 3 in 2020 and 1 in 2021) and Blackpoll Warbler(5 in 2021, 3 in 2022, 1 in 2025). Does not seem to bode well for these northern birds in Mass. Interesting to note that Blackburnian Warblers have increased significantly since we started. Almost never out of earshot along the ridge. Only 1 Winter Wren this year and in some years we have had as many as 8.
Robert, thank you for this information. I went this morning, arriving just after the sun rose over the treeline on the opposite side of the Wardens. The king rail was there, exactly as you described. It started vocalizing (singing?) about half-hour after I arrived and then went nonstop for nearly an hour. No one else was there, so it was nice and quiet. The bird gave me some wonderful views – walking down the trail, climbing the large mound of gravel, and generally wandering around the maintenance sheds.
While there, I made a HUGE donation to the feed-a-mosquito cause and the swat-a-green-headed-fly activity. I also went home with two hijackers, ticks that I later found on my neck. Wonderful. <- That is sarcasm.
This bird was a lifer for me, so I’m glad I went. Well worth the trip! Now I need to cull the herd of photographs on my computer. I took 1,500 while there! 😂
-Brad Dinerman
Ashland, MA
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026 at 9:25 PM Robert Ross <plumisl...><mailto:<plumisl...>> wrote:
Welcome back, Massbirders! (Thanks, Haynes, for alerting me and all).
Though the species has been heard in the Great Marsh for several
years, few have seen a king rail on or near Plum Island. This summer
changed that result.
A king rail has been hanging around the maintenance area, which
those-in-the-know call The Wardens, for well over a month now. Many
have seen, photographed, and reported it. The bird has been very
cooperative and seems not to mind a throng of photographers nearby.
It has been seen out in the open, moving from the small sound inlet
behind the pines at the back of the area, to the small, isolated
interior pond near the large storage shed. To get there, it has to
cross a gavel patch, and it's on this patch where several lucky
birders have seen it in a rare view for this species.
It struts down the dike path, too. It does not seem to be in a hurry
to get away from view. It calls continuously, creating fascination and
wonder over whether it has a mate, which seems more and more unlikely.
As of this writing, it is still being reported.
Adding to this wonderful rarity, many have also reported hearing a
clapper rail somewhere near the kayak launch, right near the Refuge
entrance gate. Many more have reported hearing it than have reported
seeing it, but a lucky few have posted photos.
Though it is apparently controversial to report a bird only heard on
an eBird checklist, or to report only because it is picked up by
Merlin, it's not my place to judge. I, too, have a rail I have only
heard.
For three years now, Merlin has consistently picked up a Virginia rail
in a small wetland across from my house. The call comes early in the
AM, between 6-7 AM, though it might start earlier. The app does not
pick it up often after seven.
I have never spotted the bird. The wetland is packed with phragmites,
and by mid-summer, small bushes and bordering trees almost hide it
from the road. It is on a busy street. There is no way to get up high
enough to look into the wetland, and even if possible, there's still
the issue of the dense reeds.
But this is something I love about Merlin. There's a Virginia Rail
somewhere within a stone's throw of my house. I might be the only one
who knows. It's been coming back to this spot for years now. I assume
it is doing so because it has had a successful brood. There are two
rivers within a short walk, and both offer substantial wetlands, so
rails may be well established. And, of course, there's no guarantee
the rail Merlin has been picking up for these years is the same bird.
I have learned to distinguish the Virginia rail's calls from a clapper
or a king rail. I no longer rely only on Merlin, and I often hear the
bird without using the app to confirm it.
I do, though, like the idea the rail is near. I like it nesting so
close. If I never see it, I won't be disappointed. This feels
right--that I would hear it but never see it, for a rail.
Virginia rails are not rare on Plum Island. I can't say for sure they
are rare in Newbury, either. Clappers appear more so, and though I
have heard one more than once near the headwaters of the Parker River,
I am waiting to see one first before reporting it. No luck yet, though
I have a much better chance of seeing one if it is near the river, as
the view is wide and accessible.
For now, though, I am enjoying getting up early, grabbing a cup of
tea, and letting the dogs run around in the front yard as I listen for
the rail across the road. It's probably never seen me, either.
Date: 7/8/26 7:34 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wood thrushes are back in Willowdale State Forest
Thanks to Jim Berry for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...> *
From: Jim Berry <jim.berry.ips...> Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2026 12:00:49 -0400 Subject: Wood thrushes are back in Willowdale State Forest To: massbird <massbird...>
Date: 7/8/26 9:07 am From: Dick Hughes <hughesful...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Rail Summer
Thanks Robert, for a lovely essay. I’ve missed MASSBIRD, and I especially
appreciate the forum it provides for the many writers who grace its digital
pages.
Cheers,
Dick Hughes
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026 at 9:25 PM Robert Ross <plumisl...> wrote:
> Welcome back, Massbirders! (Thanks, Haynes, for alerting me and all).
>
> Though the species has been heard in the Great Marsh for several
> years, few have seen a king rail on or near Plum Island. This summer
> changed that result.
>
> A king rail has been hanging around the maintenance area, which
> those-in-the-know call The Wardens, for well over a month now. Many
> have seen, photographed, and reported it. The bird has been very
> cooperative and seems not to mind a throng of photographers nearby.
>
> It has been seen out in the open, moving from the small sound inlet
> behind the pines at the back of the area, to the small, isolated
> interior pond near the large storage shed. To get there, it has to
> cross a gavel patch, and it's on this patch where several lucky
> birders have seen it in a rare view for this species.
>
> It struts down the dike path, too. It does not seem to be in a hurry
> to get away from view. It calls continuously, creating fascination and
> wonder over whether it has a mate, which seems more and more unlikely.
> As of this writing, it is still being reported.
>
> Adding to this wonderful rarity, many have also reported hearing a
> clapper rail somewhere near the kayak launch, right near the Refuge
> entrance gate. Many more have reported hearing it than have reported
> seeing it, but a lucky few have posted photos.
>
> Though it is apparently controversial to report a bird only heard on
> an eBird checklist, or to report only because it is picked up by
> Merlin, it's not my place to judge. I, too, have a rail I have only
> heard.
>
> For three years now, Merlin has consistently picked up a Virginia rail
> in a small wetland across from my house. The call comes early in the
> AM, between 6-7 AM, though it might start earlier. The app does not
> pick it up often after seven.
>
> I have never spotted the bird. The wetland is packed with phragmites,
> and by mid-summer, small bushes and bordering trees almost hide it
> from the road. It is on a busy street. There is no way to get up high
> enough to look into the wetland, and even if possible, there's still
> the issue of the dense reeds.
>
> But this is something I love about Merlin. There's a Virginia Rail
> somewhere within a stone's throw of my house. I might be the only one
> who knows. It's been coming back to this spot for years now. I assume
> it is doing so because it has had a successful brood. There are two
> rivers within a short walk, and both offer substantial wetlands, so
> rails may be well established. And, of course, there's no guarantee
> the rail Merlin has been picking up for these years is the same bird.
>
> I have learned to distinguish the Virginia rail's calls from a clapper
> or a king rail. I no longer rely only on Merlin, and I often hear the
> bird without using the app to confirm it.
>
> I do, though, like the idea the rail is near. I like it nesting so
> close. If I never see it, I won't be disappointed. This feels
> right--that I would hear it but never see it, for a rail.
>
> Virginia rails are not rare on Plum Island. I can't say for sure they
> are rare in Newbury, either. Clappers appear more so, and though I
> have heard one more than once near the headwaters of the Parker River,
> I am waiting to see one first before reporting it. No luck yet, though
> I have a much better chance of seeing one if it is near the river, as
> the view is wide and accessible.
>
> For now, though, I am enjoying getting up early, grabbing a cup of
> tea, and letting the dogs run around in the front yard as I listen for
> the rail across the road. It's probably never seen me, either.
>
> Robert Ross
> <plumisl...>
> Newbury, MA
>
Date: 7/6/26 6:17 pm From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Rail Summer
Welcome back, Massbirders! (Thanks, Haynes, for alerting me and all).
Though the species has been heard in the Great Marsh for several years, few have seen a king rail on or near Plum Island. This summer changed that result.
A king rail has been hanging around the maintenance area, which those-in-the-know call The Wardens, for well over a month now. Many have seen, photographed, and reported it. The bird has been very cooperative and seems not to mind a throng of photographers nearby.
It has been seen out in the open, moving from the small sound inlet behind the pines at the back of the area, to the small, isolated interior pond near the large storage shed. To get there, it has to cross a gavel patch, and it's on this patch where several lucky birders have seen it in a rare view for this species.
It struts down the dike path, too. It does not seem to be in a hurry to get away from view. It calls continuously, creating fascination and wonder over whether it has a mate, which seems more and more unlikely. As of this writing, it is still being reported.
Adding to this wonderful rarity, many have also reported hearing a clapper rail somewhere near the kayak launch, right near the Refuge entrance gate. Many more have reported hearing it than have reported seeing it, but a lucky few have posted photos.
Though it is apparently controversial to report a bird only heard on an eBird checklist, or to report only because it is picked up by Merlin, it's not my place to judge. I, too, have a rail I have only heard.
For three years now, Merlin has consistently picked up a Virginia rail in a small wetland across from my house. The call comes early in the AM, between 6-7 AM, though it might start earlier. The app does not pick it up often after seven.
I have never spotted the bird. The wetland is packed with phragmites, and by mid-summer, small bushes and bordering trees almost hide it from the road. It is on a busy street. There is no way to get up high enough to look into the wetland, and even if possible, there's still the issue of the dense reeds.
But this is something I love about Merlin. There's a Virginia Rail somewhere within a stone's throw of my house. I might be the only one who knows. It's been coming back to this spot for years now. I assume it is doing so because it has had a successful brood. There are two rivers within a short walk, and both offer substantial wetlands, so rails may be well established. And, of course, there's no guarantee the rail Merlin has been picking up for these years is the same bird.
I have learned to distinguish the Virginia rail's calls from a clapper or a king rail. I no longer rely only on Merlin, and I often hear the bird without using the app to confirm it.
I do, though, like the idea the rail is near. I like it nesting so close. If I never see it, I won't be disappointed. This feels right--that I would hear it but never see it, for a rail.
Virginia rails are not rare on Plum Island. I can't say for sure they are rare in Newbury, either. Clappers appear more so, and though I have heard one more than once near the headwaters of the Parker River, I am waiting to see one first before reporting it. No luck yet, though I have a much better chance of seeing one if it is near the river, as the view is wide and accessible.
For now, though, I am enjoying getting up early, grabbing a cup of tea, and letting the dogs run around in the front yard as I listen for the rail across the road. It's probably never seen me, either.
Date: 7/6/26 12:07 pm From: Andrew List <alist...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Congratulations on 30 years of Massbird!
Thank you Barbara for all you have done for birders and birding!
We love Massbird.
All the best,
Andrew List
> On Jul 6, 2026, at 10:45 AM, Haynes Miller <hrm...> wrote:
>
> An opportune date for the return to life! Today marks the THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY of the birth of Massbird!
>
> Ten years ago the encomium below appeared on Massbird. I think we have seen in the past ten years as many changes in technology as in the previous twenty, but thanks to Barbara's endless energy and expertise, it's still a key part of Massachusetts birding today. Thanks to the community and especially to Barbara Volkle!
>
> Haynes Miller
> Newton
>
>> On Jul 6, 2016, at 1:15 PM, Haynes Miller <hrm...> <mailto:<hrm...>> wrote:
>>
>> Twenty years ago, less than 15% of Americans had internet access, and those
>> that did used their phone lines. RBAs were recorded Audubon telephone
>> messages, or informal phone trees. There was a national bird discussion
>> forum called BirdChat, and regional email lists onto which the Audubon
>> messages were transcribed.
>>
>> Twenty years ago today the following letter appeared in my inbox.
>>
>>
>> -------------------------------
>>
>> Subject: Welcome to massbird
>> Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 10:43:30 -0400 (EDT)
>> From: <Majordomo...> <mailto:<Majordomo...> >> Reply-To: <Majordomo...> <mailto:<Majordomo...> >> To: <hrm...> <mailto:<hrm...> >>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Welcome to the massbird mailing list!
>>
>> If you ever want to remove yourself from this mailing list,
>> send the following command in email to
>> "<massbird-request...>" <mailto:<massbird-request...>: >>
>> unsubscribe
>>
>> Or you can send mail to "<Majordomo...>" <mailto:<Majordomo...> with the following command
>> in the body of your email message:
>>
>> unsubscribe massbird Haynes Miller <hrm...> <mailto:<hrm...> >>
>> --------------------------------
>>
>>
>> Barbara Volkle was the visionary behind this, and through the intervening
>> two decades - a human generation! - she has stood in the wheelhouse, dodging
>> squalls, putting out deck fires, repairing the engine, and steering the ship
>> according to the guide star of the community's common passion.
>>
>> Congratulations, Barbara, and thank you! MassBird has been the success you
>> thought it would be, and more. It has made us all better birders, and
>> created a much broader birding community in the Boston area. You have truly
>> been our majordomo!
>>
>>
>> Haynes Miller
>> Newton
>
>
>
>
> On 7/6/26 11:27 AM, massbird-digest wrote:
>> massbird-digest Monday, July 6 2026 Volume 18 : Number 852
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2026 20:39:33 -0400
>> From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> <mailto:<barb620...> >> Subject: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
>>
>> Massbird is back!
>>
>> After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I
>> hope for a soon transition to newer software.
>>
>> The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in
>> the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests
>> have been made are reflected here.
>> If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I
>> will take care of it.Be specific in your request.
>>
>> The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at
>>
>> https://massbird.org/massbird-charter/ <https://www.google.com/url?q=https://massbird.org/massbird-charter/&source=gmail-imap&ust=1783959795000000&usg=AOvVaw2pyo75o6SA6VTYF8Nv31kz> .
>>
>> Thanks for your patience.Looking forward to your birding news!
>>
>>
>> Barbara Volkle
>> Northborough, MA
>> <Barb620...> <mailto:<Barb620...> >
Date: 7/6/26 9:50 am From: JOHN MCELLIGOTT <john.mcelligott3...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Congratulations on 30 years of Massbird!
Thanks for coming back!!!I missed Massbird with all its good information !!!
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Monday, July 6, 2026, 11:48 AM, Haynes Miller <hrm...> wrote:
An opportune date for the return to life! Today marks the THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY of the birth of Massbird!
Ten years ago the encomium below appeared on Massbird. I think we have seen in the past ten years as many changes in technology as in the previous twenty, but thanks to Barbara's endless energy and expertise, it's still a key part of Massachusetts birding today. Thanks to the community and especially to Barbara Volkle!
Haynes Miller
Newton
On Jul 6, 2016, at 1:15 PM, Haynes Miller <hrm...> wrote:
Twenty years ago, less than 15% of Americans had internet access, and those
that did used their phone lines. RBAs were recorded Audubon telephone
messages, or informal phone trees. There was a national bird discussion
forum called BirdChat, and regional email lists onto which the Audubon
messages were transcribed.
Twenty years ago today the following letter appeared in my inbox.
-------------------------------
Subject: Welcome to massbird
Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 10:43:30 -0400 (EDT)
From: <Majordomo...>
Reply-To: <Majordomo...>
To: <hrm...>
--
Welcome to the massbird mailing list!
If you ever want to remove yourself from this mailing list,
send the following command in email to
"<massbird-request...>":
unsubscribe
Or you can send mail to "<Majordomo...>" with the following command
in the body of your email message:
unsubscribe massbird Haynes Miller <hrm...>
--------------------------------
Barbara Volkle was the visionary behind this, and through the intervening
two decades - a human generation! - she has stood in the wheelhouse, dodging
squalls, putting out deck fires, repairing the engine, and steering the ship
according to the guide star of the community's common passion.
Congratulations, Barbara, and thank you! MassBird has been the success you
thought it would be, and more. It has made us all better birders, and
created a much broader birding community in the Boston area. You have truly
been our majordomo!
Haynes Miller
Newton
On 7/6/26 11:27 AM, massbird-digest wrote:
massbird-digest Monday, July 6 2026 Volume 18 : Number 852
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2026 20:39:33 -0400
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
Massbird is back!
After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I
hope for a soon transition to newer software.
The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in
the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests
have been made are reflected here.
If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I
will take care of it.Be specific in your request.
The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at
Date: 7/6/26 9:48 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
Barbara, thank you for your years of service to the birding community and thanks for this.
Soheil Zendeh
Littleton, MA
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of Cliff Cook
Sent: Monday, July 6, 2026 11:16 AM
To: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Cc: <massbird...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
Congrats on getting Massbird back on line!
Cliff Cook
Watertown
On Sat, Jul 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...> <mailto:<barb620...> > wrote:
Massbird is back!
After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I
hope for a soon transition to newer software.
The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in
the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests
have been made are reflected here.
If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I
will take care of it.Be specific in your request.
The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at
Date: 7/6/26 9:39 am From: Margaret Zirker <mezspw...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
Welcome back! We've definitely missed you!
Margaret and Scott
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026, 11:45 AM Cliff Cook <ccook13...> wrote:
> Congrats on getting Massbird back on line!
>
> Cliff Cook
> Watertown
>
> On Sat, Jul 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
>
>> Massbird is back!
>>
>> After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I
>> hope for a soon transition to newer software.
>>
>> The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in
>> the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests
>> have been made are reflected here.
>> If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I
>> will take care of it.Be specific in your request.
>>
>> The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at
>>
>> https://massbird.org/massbird-charter/ .
>>
>> Thanks for your patience.Looking forward to your birding news!
>>
>>
>> Barbara Volkle
>> Northborough, MA
>> <Barb620...>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Cliff >> <ccook13...>
>
Date: 7/6/26 8:59 am From: LARRY O'BRYAN <lcobryan323...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
Thank you very much Barbara for all you do!
Larry O'Bryan
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026 at 11:45 AM Cliff Cook <ccook13...> wrote:
> Congrats on getting Massbird back on line!
>
> Cliff Cook
> Watertown
>
> On Sat, Jul 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
>
>> Massbird is back!
>>
>> After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I
>> hope for a soon transition to newer software.
>>
>> The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in
>> the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests
>> have been made are reflected here.
>> If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I
>> will take care of it.Be specific in your request.
>>
>> The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at
>>
>> https://massbird.org/massbird-charter/ .
>>
>> Thanks for your patience.Looking forward to your birding news!
>>
>>
>> Barbara Volkle
>> Northborough, MA
>> <Barb620...>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Cliff >> <ccook13...>
>
Date: 7/6/26 8:52 am From: Haynes Miller <hrm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Congratulations on 30 years of Massbird!
An opportune date for the return to life! Today marks the THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY of the birth of Massbird!
Ten years ago the encomium below appeared on Massbird. I think we have seen in the past ten years as many changes in technology as in the previous twenty, but thanks to Barbara's endless energy and expertise, it's still a key part of Massachusetts birding today. Thanks to the community and especially to Barbara Volkle!
Haynes Miller Newton
> On Jul 6, 2016, at 1:15 PM, Haynes Miller <hrm...> wrote: > > Twenty years ago, less than 15% of Americans had internet access, and those > that did used their phone lines. RBAs were recorded Audubon telephone > messages, or informal phone trees. There was a national bird discussion > forum called BirdChat, and regional email lists onto which the Audubon > messages were transcribed. > > Twenty years ago today the following letter appeared in my inbox. > > > ------------------------------- > > Subject: Welcome to massbird > Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 10:43:30 -0400 (EDT) > From: <Majordomo...> > Reply-To: <Majordomo...> > To: <hrm...> > > > -- > > Welcome to the massbird mailing list! > > If you ever want to remove yourself from this mailing list, > send the following command in email to > "<massbird-request...>": > > unsubscribe > > Or you can send mail to "<Majordomo...>" with the following command > in the body of your email message: > > unsubscribe massbird Haynes Miller <hrm...> > > -------------------------------- > > > Barbara Volkle was the visionary behind this, and through the intervening > two decades - a human generation! - she has stood in the wheelhouse, dodging > squalls, putting out deck fires, repairing the engine, and steering the ship > according to the guide star of the community's common passion. > > Congratulations, Barbara, and thank you! MassBird has been the success you > thought it would be, and more. It has made us all better birders, and > created a much broader birding community in the Boston area. You have truly > been our majordomo! > > > Haynes Miller > Newton
On 7/6/26 11:27 AM, massbird-digest wrote: > massbird-digest Monday, July 6 2026 Volume 18 : Number 852 > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2026 20:39:33 -0400 > From: Barbara Volkle<barb620...> > Subject: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back! > > Massbird is back! > > After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I > hope for a soon transition to newer software. > > The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in > the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests > have been made are reflected here. > If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I > will take care of it.Be specific in your request. > > The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at > > https://massbird.org/massbird-charter/ . > > Thanks for your patience.Looking forward to your birding news! > > > Barbara Volkle > Northborough, MA > <Barb620...>
Date: 7/6/26 8:30 am From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
Congrats on getting Massbird back on line!
Cliff Cook
Watertown
On Sat, Jul 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
> Massbird is back!
>
> After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I
> hope for a soon transition to newer software.
>
> The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in
> the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests
> have been made are reflected here.
> If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I
> will take care of it.Be specific in your request.
>
> The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at
>
> https://massbird.org/massbird-charter/ .
>
> Thanks for your patience.Looking forward to your birding news!
>
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough, MA
> <Barb620...>
>
>
Date: 7/4/26 5:46 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] MASSBIRD is back!
Massbird is back!
After a hiatus, we are back to running on the same software as before.I hope for a soon transition to newer software.
The list of subscribers has been reconstructed.I’ll be spending time in the next week or so going through the logs and checking that requests have been made are reflected here. If you find your subscription is not right, contact me directly and I will take care of it.Be specific in your request.
The list charter, guidelines, and administrative commands are at
