Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Joe Fountain, Lena Ficco, Scott Carlson
Visitors: Many thanks to Lena, Joe and Scott for coming up on a cold, windy day.
We were honored by a visit from the sister-in-law and her husband of our late team member, Christine Restell. They wanted to experience the place that Christine loved so much.
Over 100 sightseers and hikers, including a group from the Andover Council on Aging, and some of the participants at a conference down at the ski area.
Weather: The nor'easter storm moving slowly up the East Coast continued to funnel solid NE winds our way, with gusts from 15-17 mph that diminished in the last few hours of our session. Temps rose from 41 to 50 F. Humidity was moderate, and visibility was very good everywhere except to the East where haze and a shelf of clouds along the coast made Boston difficult to see. Most of the cloud cover was high and thin until 1 pm when it thickened noticeably.
Raptor Observations: A few birds appeared early on. The first kettle of 7 TVs appeared just after 10 am EST but then it was back to onesy-twoseys until 12:45 pm when a group of 9 showed up and then 14 more at 1:05 pm. The morning TVs flew by on the East side, while the afternoon TV appeared to our North and flew by on the West side. The counts of the 7 other species were all in the low single digits. A fair number of birds used the wind to rise quite high while migrating.
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulure-1, TV-4, Bald Eagle-6 (2 Ad, 3 Imm, 1 Juv), Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-4 (2 Ad, 2 Juv)
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2019, Rod Chase wrote: "Thanks to spurts of Turkey Vultures our count is 84 and not '33'. Two Red-shouldered hawks added some spice and the accipiters and Red-tailed hawks thickened the broth." "Other observers: Daryl Turek and Eric Mueller. Also several visitors who were excited to point out possible migrants. Quite a congenial group where facts and knowledge passed both ways. Welcome and thank you again."
In 2022, the 7th largest Turkey Vulture count (154) in Wachusett Mt history. Eric Mueller wrote: "A very good day for late October with TV's again dominating the count. Many of these birds probably stayed down yesterday in the strong winds. The Red-tail count is edging upwards, and it's interesting to see Ospreys still coming through this late in the season. The last bird of the day was a beautiful Sharp-shinned Hawk that passed through within 100 yards of the summit at 3:47 pm, and gave us a great view."
In 2025, Eric Mueller wrote: "Our second Golden Eagle of the season flew over fairly low, right over the tower. We also had 3 more Black Vultures go by, still a bit of a rarity here." (After I left) "Bill Rasku had reported an unidentified raptor. After reviewing his description, I suggested that it might have been a dark-morph Rough-legged Hawk. Bill immediately agreed that his description fit a Rough-leg to a tee. A life bird for Christine Restell who viewed it with him, and the 4th time in the past 6 years when we've had a Golden Eagle and a Rough-leg on the same day." "Other observers: Cindy Rost, Lisa Burwell, Marty McNamara, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang."
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jay-1, Amer Crow-5 (migrating), Comm Raven-4, BC Chickadee-1.
Predictions: For Thursday, the nor'easter storm will move enough to shift our winds to come out of the North, averaging 9-12 mph, with gusts from 20-24 mph. Skies will be cloudy at first but change to fully sunny by 1 pm, with temps rising concurrently from 45 to 60 F. Humidity should be moderate in the morning and very low in the afternoon. Winds in northern New England will be from NW to N, which should push birds our way. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 3.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Harrison Chen, Jack Miano
Visitors: Harrison Chen came up and observed with me most of the time I was on the Rock
Weather: Moderate (3) N-NNE winds with gusts up to 16 km/hr. Cloud cover- 40-70-60% mostly cirrus clouds, but significantly the skies to the north and northwest were perfectly clear, making it easy to "lose" birds in the blue sky. Temperature went from 9-12� C
Raptor Observations: Only four birds seen migrating in 3+ hours, so I left the site earlier than usual. Adult RS flew close enough that banded tail was easily visible through binoculars
Non-migrating - One CH and at least 4 RT
Non-raptor Observations: One Raven being harassed by RT
Predictions: NE winds predicted so I will not be on the "Rock. Moderate to strong winds from the north are predicted for Thursday and Friday, so I'm hoping for some movement on those days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 10/21/26 5:39 am From: PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] MK Mural and Mystic Mural Celebration Tuesday, October 27, 3-4 p.m.
On Tuesday, October 27 from 3-4 pm the Somerville Arts Council is having a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the new Mystic Eagle Mural Panels on Mystic Avenue. The ceremony, which includes the mayor of Somerville, is to honor the Somerville students and naturalists that created this spectacular eagle mural, and to celebrate the amazing Mystic Mural program under noted muralist David Fichter supported by the Arts Council. For over thirty years, Somerville High School students have researched, designed, and painted huge murals along Mystic Avenue depicting various natural subjects/scenes in the Mystic River Valley. The spectacular larger-than-life murals include MK & KZ in earlier days, and the famous Red-tailed Hawks Buzz and Ruby and their kids at 185 Alewife Brook Parkway. This year they honored MK, a victim of rodenticide poisoning three years ago, and draw attention to the fight for restrictions on rodenticide. If you haven't seen the murals before, perhaps it's time you should. The colorful panels are roughly 44' by 11'. There are approximately 30 panels covering roughly 1000 feet on the large Route 93 retaining wall along Mystic Avenue, They begin at about 500 Mystic Ave. near the intersection with Shore Drive and the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse (There is a public parking lot at 32 Shore Drive and Mystic River). Some of the panels are best seen from across Mystic Street over/behind traffic. (Because of traffic viewing of some panels is best on Sunday or holiday mornings.) You may well need more than one visit to fully appreciate this incredible public art by local students Julie and I are amazed every time we visit, and we usually see something special that we didn't notice before. Personally, I'd encourage people who enjoy the murals to drop a note to the Somerville Arts Council at https://www.flickr.com/groups/somervilleartscouncil/ or 2026 Somerville Arts Council | 50 Evergreen Avenue | Somerville, MA 02145 to thank them for supporting this "free" arts program for over three decades and the hundreds of talented young artists who conceived and painted the murals. Best, Paul Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku
Observers: Cindy Rost, Marty McNamara, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Many thanks to Tom and Cindy for hanging in through the heavy wind and finally getting rewarded with a big group of TVs. Thanks to Marty for making the trip up. (Eric's note - and thanks to Bill for enduring all of this. He said that he was ready to stop counting migrating oak leaves and head home, but in the early afternoon the wind dropped, so he stayed 2-1/2 more hours and doubled the day's count.)
Other visitors included the St Paul girls soccer team.
Weather: Surprisingly high wind in the morning - NNE wind at 15 mph, gusting to 25 until around noon when the gusts dropped to 18 mph. By 2 pm, the wind speed dropped to 7-8 mph with gusts around 10 for the rest of the afternoon. Skies were almost completely clear all day, and visibility was very good. The little bit of cloud cover in evidence was all thin cirrus clouds to the SE that advanced and retreated a bit. Temps ranged from 54 to 59 F. Raptor Observations: TVs again dominated the count and came primarily in 2 clumps: one in the 12:00 to 1:00 pm EST hour, and the other in the 3:00 to 4:00 pm hour. Cindy spotted a group of 37 TVs in the first instance, and Bill got rewarded for staying late by 46 TVs (groups of 7, 28 and 8) in the final hour. Cindy also spotted our 2nd Rough-legged Hawk of the year with Bill confirming the ID. Only 1 Bald Eagle took advantage of the strong winds.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-4, Bald Eagle-1 adult, Red-tail-3. The Red-tails were up and down all day, dealing with the strong wind in the morning and then sparring with the Ravens in the afternoon.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 1991, the 12th largest daily Red-shoulder Hawk count (15) in Wachusett Mt history, tied with 4 other dates
In 2017, Rod Chase wrote: "Many pleasant people visiting the deck, as usual. Many happy, many disappointed with current foliage. Come to think of it: hawk watchers split on that issue too." Observers: Bill Rasku, Rod Chase, Bill LaFleche, Susan Williamson, Ted Mara, Marty McNamara, John and Alisha Sisk, Susan Wrisley, Steve Bennett
In 2018, Rod Chase wrote: "Total time 9:30 am to 2 pm. Overcast and fierce wind SW 15mph/24kph gusts to 30mph/48kph. 11:04 Osprey, 11:18 SS, 11:25 TV, 11:31 5 TV Seems they all decided to leave when the wind decreased. The day's flight (all) in 27 minutes." "Observer & compiler: Bill Rasku ('Had some time so I thought I'd see if my help was needed.') It was. Thanks Mr. October."
In 2021, Eric Mueller wrote: "A depressingly slow start to the day, with the only raptor seen in the first two hours a local Red-tail, and only 8 migrants total by 1 pm EST." "...then to make the day a winner, our first Golden Eagle of the year. A big Golden star to Marty McNamara for locating the bird which he originally thought was a plane because it was such a rock steady flyer. And another Golden star to Rod Chase for recognizing that this somewhat distant big bird was somehow different than a Bald Eagle (a bit of wing dihedral), and tracking it on his scope for over 10 minutes at up to 60x power until it turned a few times in better light to reveal the light nape and buffy underside on an otherwise dark bird."
In 2024, Eric Mueller wrote: "The most unexpected bird of the day was a very late Broad-winged Hawk that was spotted by Sara Baitch, a birder from Worcester, who just happened to be looking south when the rest of us were looking north. She was positive of the ID, having had a family of Broadies residing near her home in Worcester all summer."� "Other observers: John Edmondson, Tom Gottschang"
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-20, Blue Jay-1, Amer Crow-19 migrating.
Predictions: With the nor'easter storm working its way slowly up the East Coast, we'll continue to get strong NE winds at 10-12 mph with gusts up to 22-24 mph. However, our tired eyeballs will finally get some relief in the form of partly cloudy skies. Temperatures are expected to be from the low 40's to low 50's F. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
I birded from 10:00-1:30. Not as many migrants as the last few days.
Wood Duck 6 their favorite Red-tailed Hawk 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Common Raven 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 including two in the hackberries (which they seem to love) Hermit Thrush 2 gardens Gray Catbird 1 most have left? Common Yellowthroat 1 Dark-eyed Junco 1 Chipping Sparrow 2 White-throated Sparrow 10 Song Sparrow 9
Date: 10/19/26 7:42 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam Monday results
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:12:05 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Dam Monday results
Was quite the morning - light frost to start, no wind & sunny, stunning foliage - also from last week, there was a change in the bird mix as the late fall species arrive & depart - much fewer Yellow-rumps & Towhees, many more sparrows [7 species caught] plus more finches and our 1st Hermit Thrush. Of the 29 captures this morning, the sparrows kept us busy with many White-throats plus several Swamp, Song, Chipping, 1 Savannah, 1 Junco & 1 Field Sparrow [missed our Lincoln's Sp]. Closed the nets after 3 hrs.Beyond the sparrows, had 3 Goldfinches, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 Ruby-cr Kinglet, 1 Purple Finch [f], 1 Hairy Woodpecker [just barely missed catching a Pileated] & 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler.Other species along the fields/marsh were Rusty & Red-winged Blackbirds, Palm Warblers, many Bluebirds, Wood Ducks, Gt Blue Heron plus many more sparrows in the field/brush, some Kinglets and warblers in thetrees.The plan is to monitor this late migration for maybe 2 more weeks depending on the weather - last year on 10/27 we had a crazy day with about 80 captures, so fortunately we have a great team to deal with surprises like= that.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku, Eric Mueller
Observers: Bill Rasku, Don Singleman, Paul Roberts, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to our excellent crew today for picking all of these birds out of a clear blue sky.
Several hundred hikers, bikers and leaf peepers, plus an interesting mix of dogs. Bruce and his cat-on-a-leash Wild Thing put on their daily show.
Weather: Much like yesterday, another day with a high pressure system over us that gave us clear blue skies with very light winds from various directions. Moisture from overnight frosts rose as thin fog in many places and turned into a light haze that persisted throughout the day, even intensifying a bit in the afternoon, although all of the major landmarks were easily seen. Temps rose from 51 to 57 F.
Raptor Observations: An excellent count for October here, with 240 raptors in total. This is the 6th highest daily October total in our history. The 223 TV total is the 2nd highest daily TV count ever here, with double-digit kettles of 42, 21, 15, 13 and 12 birds as well as plenty of smaller ones. Like yesterday, the vast majority of the TVs passed to our east. And also like yesterday, with the lack of winds, the flight didn't get going until 9:20 am EST when the thermals formed up.
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-6, TV-4, Bald Eagle-5 (1 Ad, 2 1-yr Imm, 2 Juv - maybe more), Sharp-shin-1, Red-shoulder-3 (2 Ad, 1 Juv), Red-tail-4 (2 Ad, 2 Juv). The local Red-shoulder adults gave us some beautiful views in the bright sunlight.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years In 2014, the 12th largest Merlin count (5) in Wachusett Mt history, tied with 16 other dates.
In 2018, Rod Chase wrote: "6 hrs for 7 birds. One early bird was a RT at 8:59. Three others appeared between 11:58 and 12:02 [TV, CH, RT] and the last three [2 TV, 1RT] between 1:08 and 1:21. All were taking advantage of lulls between mostly gusty periods. The last lull ended at 1:30 and by 2:00PM we cried 'Uncle' and headed home." Other observer Bill Rasku.
In 2022, the 19th largest Turkey Vulture count (95) in Wachusett Mt history, tied with 2 other dates. Eric Mueller wrote: "The day was surprising on a couple of levels with a total of 116 migrants counted. First, that we would get so many birds moving against such strong headwinds. The sub-freezing temps nearby and farther north were probably a strong incentive. Second, that we got so many birds after a slow, late start to the day's flight. Third, that this number put us over the 20,000 migrant mark for the season, several days before we expected to reach that mark. This is only the 2nd time that our site has reached the 20,000 bird mark for the season since 1988."� Other observers: Bill Rasku, Chris Eddy, Julie Roberts, Paul Roberts In 2024, Eric Mueller wrote: "The big thrills were the separate sightings of two Golden Eagles, one an immature and the other an adult (which is an extra-rare occurrence here.) Paul Roberts made the first solid calls on both birds, and Paul Vanderhoof and I chimed in with what we saw on each to help lock down the IDs." Other observer - Lisa Burwell.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-108, Herring Gull-3 (1 Ad, 2 Juv), duck species-2, Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-10, E Bluebird-1, E Towhee-1 (haven't heard a Towhee call up here in a couple a weeks.)
Predictions: For Tuesday, continued clear sunny skies, with NNE winds at 9-12 mph with gusts to 20 mph. Temps from 50 to 60 F, and moderate humidity. We expect to see more eagles and large raptors up in the strong winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/19/26 12:19 pm From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 10/19 Yellow-breasted Chat at Fenway Victory Gardens, etc.
Hi, I birded in the Fenway, including the victory Gardens today from 9:00-12:20. The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was in Row D. I flushed it from a small, trained shrub up into the nearby arbor vitae. The plot is directly across from the Row E large magnolia. Here are the highlights from yesterday and today:
Wood Duck 10 10/18 (four today) American Wigeon 1 both days Green-winged Teal 2 10/18 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 10/18 Eastern Phoebe 1 both days Northern Flicker 2 10/18 Common Raven 1 today Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 both days Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 10/18 Winter Wren 1 10/16 and 10/18 Hermit Thrush 1 10/18 Gray Catbird 3+ both days Orange-crowned Warbler 1 today Row L plot 04 Blackpoll Warbler 3, 10/19 Common Yellowthroat 1 both days Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 10/19 Dark-eyed Junco 19 10/18 (six today) White-throated Sparrow 35 10/18 twenty today Field Sparrow 1 10/18 Chipping Sparrow 1 10/18 Song Sparrow 14 10/18 ten today
LEPIDS:
Monarch 1 yesterday American Lady 1 yesterday Cabbage White 3 yesterday, (one today)
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Jim Reid, John Weeks, Martha Lacrosse
Weather: Zero clouds all watch; wind 3-8 mph, NNE shifting to ESE, then to SE.
Raptor Observations: One male Kestrel was perched on a standing pipe on the hilltop when I arrived. Twenty-five years ago, this was a common sight here, but now is no longer so. At 1:36 EDT, a kettle of 30 Turkey Vultures formed over the ridge of Sweetman Mountain just to the east. Not counted as migrants: Black Vultures (group of six), 2 Turkey Vultures, adult Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, adult Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jays (3), American Crows (4), Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Bluebird, Purple Finches (4), American Goldfinch, White-throated Sparrows (2), Palm Warblers (2), Yellow-rumped Warblers (5). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Megan Gately, Scot Wiinikka, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: My sincere thanks to the observers listed above who came up today. Luckily for our small crew, TVs mostly fly low and slow...;-)
At least 1,000 sightseers and hikers on the mountain today to take in the sunny autumn landscape. Many came up on the ski lift from the AppleFest below.
Weather: A strong high pressure system over us brought clear blue skies, temps from 42 to 53 F, and light winds from all points of the compass. Despite the low humidity, there was a light haze that put a slight fuzz around the distant birds. All landmarks including the mid-NH mountains were visible all day. Raptor Observations: The 7th largest TV count in our history - 156. TVs started moving around 9:20 am EST when the thermals began to kick in, and the flight crested in the 11am-12pm EST hour with 74 birds, including kettles of 15, 14 and 12. Very few eagles, either migrating or local, probably due to the light winds. We also had no identifiable falcons. With the weak winds, many of the birds had to soar on the thermals to gain altitude. Most of the birds passed by on the east side of the mountain. The bird of the day was our first Rough-legged Hawk of the season. It didn't come close enough for us to see all of the usual field marks, but a nearby Northern Harrier provided a good comparison. The Rough-leg was a buteo that kept its wings in a dihedral all of the time, and showed a sizable white patch on the rump/upper tail. The tail was long, but not as long as the Harrier's, and its wings were long, but not as narrow as the Harrier's. Its body was also stockier than the Harrier's.
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-4, TV-4, Bald Eagle-3 (1 Juv, 2 Juv/Imm), Red-tail-3 (1 Ad, 2 Juv - maybe more)
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 1997, the 3rd largest daily count of Goshawks (4) in Wachusett Mt history.
In 2022, Eric Mueller wrote: "Will (Martens) sat through about 40 minutes of dense fog until Eric arrived and declared the day a washout based on the dense, low cloud cover everywhere. Luckily Bill (Rasku) and Jack (Miano) later saw signs that the cloud cover was lifting, and came up to save the day." (note: 57 birds counted)
In 2024, the 3rd largest Turkey Vulture count (196) and the 16th largest count of Cooper�s Hawks (14 - tied with 6 other dates) in Wachusett Mt history. Eric Mueller wrote: "The favorite bird of the day for several of us was the Gray Ghost male Northern Harrier that rose up around 3:15 and whose plumage just popped in the rich sunlight." In 2025, the 5th largest Turkey Vulture count (171) in Wachusett Mt history. Eric Mueller wrote: "We enjoyed spending time with Jake, a young birder from Boston and Arlington. We also had a good visit with Emily Milnamow and her friends. Emily used to visit the watch with her father Mark (still active here) when she was a teenager. We were fortunate to have a kettle of about 15 TVs circle right over us while they were there, so Emily could show her friends what hawk watching could be like."
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-25, DE Junco-2.
Predictions: For Monday, another "Blue Screen of Death" sunny sky, with very light ENE winds to start, but increasing to 5-6 mph by noon. Temps from 40 to 58 F, with low humidity. Should be fine conditions for continuing the TV migration, and maybe getting more eagles up. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/18/26 3:15 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] CT River Valley trip results
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2026 13:24:13 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: CT River Valley trip results
Our birding trip from Drumlin Farm WS [10/17] out to the Ct River Valley area ended with several nice birding surprises plus introducing our participants to several excellent birding locations new to them - all this on a very windy, cool day.For starters, we headed directly to Arcadia WS in Easthampton - just west of the CT River & Mt Tom - an excellent sanctuary that has a wonderful variety of habitats from woods/fields/marshes - a maze of very productive birding trails that we enjoyed for a few hours. Before we started exploring these trails, we had on the ride there a N Goshawk fly across the road to start the day.Once on the 1st trail along a field & woods, we discovered volumes of migrating birds feeding along the edge - many Wht-thr Sparrows, Cedar Waxwings and Yellow-rumped Warblers mixed with Purple & House Finches, Chipping Sparrows, Red-bellied Wood. & N Flickers, Ruby-cr Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes plus the common species. Overhead we had small kettles of Red-tailed Hawks soaring, Turkey Vultures plus an Am Kestrel. Once in the woods, we had many more of the passerines plus Brown Creepers - by the marsh we enjoyed Rusty & Red-wing Blackbirds, Green-winged Teal, E Phoebe, Cooper's & Red-shouldered Hawks, Gt Blue Heron plus all the geese & Mallards [missed the Cranes this morning].Once we left the parking area, we headed north along a dirt road that bordered several large fields and the Ct River that have many sparrows & raptors plus sections of woods/brush loaded with Yellow-rumps W, Catbirds, woodpeckers, sparrows, etc. We stopped at a few productive sites but needed to push over the Ct River due to time to Hadley and the Honey Pot area. This large agricultural area of fields/corn & many other crops located along the east side of the river is a great spot during the winter months for field species like Pipits, Horned Larks, often Snowy Owls. Today we enjoyed a couple adult Bald Eagles soaring over the fields, a N Harrier and several Savannah Sparrows.Last stop of the day was Mitch's Way bordering the Ct River on the west side & Skinner SP on the east side. This dirt road is along woods, low brush and always spring & fall is a spot that often has surprises - today we walked only a short distance down the road and found the trees were located with Yellow-rumps plus a Palm Warbler, Nuthatches, Wht-thr Sparrows but in that mix, we found a late Brown Thrasher, Hermit Thrushes, a late Yellow-thr Vireo and a Sapsucker - a great ending to what turned out to be a productive day [54 species] on this very windy cool day.Thanks to Rachel Sharon & Leslie Bostrom for all their driving and working closely with the participants - thanks also to Arcadia WS folks that helped me in my scouting of the sanctuary just prior to the trip - thus making for a great & productive beginning of our day.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Cindy Rost, John Edmondson, Lena Ficco, Melissa Aldrich, Paul Vanderhoof, Scott Wahlstrom, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to all of our observers noted above who came up despite the forecast of 25+ mph wind gusts and low temperatures. We also got much appreciate help from Gates Dupont, and Maili and Liam Waters.
Hundreds of hikers and sightseers made their way up to the summit, but most didn't spend too much time on the platform once the cold wind hit them.
Weather: A windy day, but not as windy as had been predicted. WNW winds averaged 8-12 mph, with gusts from 16-20 mph that settled down after the first 4 hours. Temps barely budged all session, ranging only from 38 to 41 F. A large shelf of high, relatively dense stratus clouds hung over us for much of the day, teasing us with blue sky to the north. The shelf slowly moved south, and only let the sunshine that had been forecasted for noon finally reach us at 2:30 pm EST. Low isolated rain cells moved across the NH border for the first 4 hours, with one passing just northeast of us. General visibility was fine all day except where low clouds out toward the horizon blocked our view here and there. Snow-covered Mt Washington gleamed brilliantly in the sunshine several times. Raptor Observations: The flight started quite late with only 5 migrating birds appearing before 10:30 am EST. The cloud shelf overhead thinned out a bit after that and the birds began to move, but the light was still poor enough that many of the wind-aided birds streaking by were tough to ID. Over a quarter of today's total ended up in the various Unidentified categories. Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-3, TV4-, Bald Eagle-3 (1 ad, 2 imm), Sharp-shin-1 Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-3, Amer Kestrel-1, Merlin-2.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2024, the 11th highest Turkey Vulture count (137) in Wachusett Mt history. Mark Morris wrote: "Turkey Vultures finally started coming through in larger numbers today, including several double-digit kettles riding up on the thermals.�The bird of the day was an immature American Goshawk that flew by!" "The Goshawk was first spotted at or slightly above eye level to the Northeast, well within binocular range. Observers Evan Lipton, Christine Restell, Jean Hampel and I all acquired the bird as a big, bulky, brown accipiter that glided by with an apparent full crop of food. I announced 'accipiter' as it rose slightly where I could see the heavy streaking underneath and its large size. Evan Lipton then suggested Goshawk. I immediately agreed and announced 'Goshawk' as the bird leveled and then turned downward below eye level revealing its big tube body and brown back."
In 2025, Eric Mueller wrote: "The local birds put on quite a show with interactions between the Red-tails and Ravens lasting well over an hour." "Along with the Ravens interacting with the Red-tails so actively, the highlights of the non-raptors were the appearance of the male Horned Lark for the second day, and an Amer. Pipit which flew around the summit." "Several hundred leaf peepers and other sightseers along with many dogs, plus the first French Horn performance on the summit that anyone remembers." Other observers: Bill Rasku, Christine Restell, Cindy Rost, David Brown, Hayley Morway, Janet Kovner, Julie Roberts, Lisa Burwell, Pam Landry, Paul Roberts.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-143, Comm Merganser-1, Comm Loon-1, Amer Black Duck-7, N Pintail-2, duck species-4, gull species-2, Blue Jay-4, Comm Raven-4, BC Chickadee-1, DE Junco-19.
Other animals - our friendly (oblivious?) young Porcupine.
Predictions: For Sunday, we expect full sun, very little wind, low humidity and temps from 39 to 52 F. Both visibility and thermal activity should be great. With little appreciable wind to work with, many of the migrating birds will need to kettle up, so we should get extended looks at them. Not sure how many of the normally wind-loving eagles we should expect though. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Ben Shamgochian, Carole Powers, Darren Josey, Kim Brookes
Visitors: Darren Josey brought his daughter Esther up with him when he came up to watch with us
Weather: Strong (3) NW winds throughout the watch, with gusts up to 26 km/hr. Cloud cover -- For almost the entire watch the cloud cover was over 90% with a little blue showing in the NW, but a low cloud layer covering almost the entire sky. Only in the last hour did the sky begin to open up some.
Raptor Observations: Smaller number of migrant raptors than I would have expected given the wind conditions. Until the last hours of the watch almost all migrating raptors were flying low, sometimes below the trees. Temperature - the temperature stayed around 12-13� C the entire time Non-moigrating -- at least one BE; several CH; at least four different RT; and one PG
Non-raptor Observations: 12 Canada Geese
Predictions: Winds from the NNW are predicted to become less and less strong until mid-afternoon. Hawks still in the pipeline may come through ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Visitors: Doreen and Len Oshinskie; it was a pleasure to enjoy warm conversation with them on this first frigid day of the fall watch. Doreen told me about a Connecticut destination, Weir Farm National Historical Park, which preserves the home and studio of the impressionist J. Alden Weir. Chris and I will definitely set aside a day for a visit. Len just passed the (rigorous!) course leading to certification as a Master Gardener. Congratulations, Len!
Weather: Nearly overcast all watch (CLCV 90-95%). Wind NNW 3-12 mph. Temperature 44-46 F. Squalls of virga visible from time to time north of Blueberry Hill; no precipitation on the Hill itself.
Raptor Observations: Still wringing some Turkey Vultures from the northeast; one group of 12 seen. Not counted as migrants: immature Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk. Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (37), Blue Jays (3), American Crows (8), Black-capped Chickadee, Purple Finches (2), American Goldfinch, Savannah Sparrow, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warblers (29; an undercount for sure, since many small, unidentified passerines flew over silently). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:11:33 -0400 Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road, Oct 17, 2026
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <do-not-reply...> Date: Sat, Oct 17, 2026 at 12:06=E2=80=AFPM Subject: eBird Report - Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road, Oct 17, 2026 To: <rgibesgrossman...>
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road, Worcester, Massachusetts, US Oct 17, 2026 7:30=E2=80=AFAM - 10:00=E2=80=AFAM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Sandy and Rita led this walk for the Brookline Bird Club and Boxborough Birders. Cloudy, windy on main campus at elevation. 46F (windchill ~38F). Most activity in the woods and existing woods at lower campus. 22 species (+1 other taxa)
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1 Turkey Vulture 1 F-O @ New Meadow Red-bellied Woodpecker 8 Downy Woodpecker 9 Blue Jay 8 American Crow 4 Common Raven 6 Beautiful "performance" of all six, perhaps a family, over Old Meadow. CLEARLY seen by all of us. Black-capped Chickadee 16 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch 10 A noisy burst of 5 in the woods. Others near New Meadow and near the woods exit on lower campus. Brown Creeper 2 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 18 Dark-eyed Junco 2 White-throated Sparrow 15 About 8 in a cluster near woods exit on lower campus. Mature and immature. Savannah Sparrow 1 New Meadow Song Sparrow 2 Probably more at New Meadow. Eastern Towhee 1 Heard VERY clearly on lower campus as we were exiting the woods. American Redstart 1 A female seen at close proximity on exiting the woods at lower campus by 3 of us. Pair seen earlier in the season at this location/lower campus. Northern Cardinal 1 passerine sp. 13 - At least 5 of what may have been Chipping Sparrows on main campus in upper canopy at start of walk. Could not see well due to lighting and distance. (All departed the moment the scope was set up.) - Probably the mockingbird seen on lower campus by just Rita. Flying away and could identify with certainty due to lighting and distance.
Date: 10/16/26 7:53 am From: PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Think Migrating Golden Eagles
The weather forecast for this Saturday (October 17) suggests birders should brush up on their eagle identification. A powerful cold front is forecast to dominate our air space Saturday with chilly powerful northwest winds gusting at 30 mph for at least one day. We have a decent opportunity to see one or more Golden Eagles in Massachusetts and environs. Roughly 5,000 Golden Eagles are estimated to breed in eastern Canada (~ 1,250 pairs and a roughly similar number of non-breeding birds, largely 6 mos to 5 years old.) “Spaghetti maps” showing the flight paths of radio-tagged Golden Eagles indicate that most Golden Eagles use the Appalachian Ridge as their basic migration route. Tag data suggests that most adults do not leave their breeding range until mid-October, so late October and early November are the best times to see adult Goldens migrating over relatively direct inland routes. Immatures (it can take five years for a Golden to achieve breeding plumage) including juveniles (hatch-year birds) tend to migrate a little earlier and over a broader front, giving Mass birders their best opportunities in state. (Go to https://doi.org/10.1525/auk.2011.11078 for an excellent article and map on eastern Golden Eagles.) Historically, relatively few Goldens are reliably reported in Massachusetts, especially the eastern portion. The Berkshires, especially the Mount Everett area, may still offer the best opportunities to see Goldens in the Commonwealth. But immatures are less knowledgeable migrants and juveniles have never done it before, so they really don’t know exactly where they are going or how to get there, much less when. They wander and dally, so are more inclined to fly east towards the Atlantic coast, especially on powerful, cold, northwest winds. Normally, most Goldens are reported in New England in the second half of October and first half of November. On October 12 Clarry Hill in eastern Maine reported three early adult Goldens, essentially migrating together. Eagles have significant wing loading and are among our most powerful, stable fliers. In other words, if you want to see a Golden Eagle, Saturday is a great opportunity, when it may be difficult to see most other birds in the air or on the water. The birds are likely to be flying northeast to southwest inland, paralleling our coastline. Wachusett is probably the best site in eastern Massachusetts, though 30+ mph winds may keep most other raptors, and possibly the Goldens, flying lower than the 2006’ summit. If nothing is seen from the summit, try the North Rd. Overlook. (Wachusett road to the summit is open until the last Sunday in October.) Mt. Watatic in Ashburnham, which requires a hike, is a great ridge site. Mount Agamenticus in southeastern Maine is another good observation point (you can drive to the summit). But anywhere is possible. Several decades ago in the early days of MassBird, I recall a report of a Golden Eagle flying over Medford Square, a mile from my home. I was skeptical of the report until I got a report about an hour later of a Golden seen well by experienced observers flying over the Blue Hills. The bird was migrating down Route 93! Many “Golden Eagle” reports in October are likely juvenile Bald Eagles. They can be as large as Goldens, and very dark, often with dirty white patches in the tail (and telltale white wingpits). Immatures can have light necks and crowns, suggesting a Golden’s hackles. Thus, it pays to review the basic differences. (See the Maine Eagle Identification Sheet at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/Maine%20Eagle%20Identification%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf ) Bald Eagles have large heads and beaks in front of the wings, and a long tail behind. Goldens have a comparatively small head and beak in front of the wings, and a long tail, so the silhouettes are distinctly different. Bald Eagles tend to look like a flying plank, a “2 X 4,” soaring on flat wings. Goldens look more “buteo-like,” with the hand raised and pushing slightly forward in a Redtail-like shallow dihedral. The trailing edge of the wing narrows noticeably at the body. If contrast can be seen, immature Bald Eagles can have irregular dirty white virtually anywhere on the wings or body, and for the first several years have clearly dirty white wingpits. It takes Bald Eagles a minimum of three and for most birds four plus years to achieve a crisp refrigerator-white head and tail. Adult Golden Eagles have no crisp white anywhere (except rarely on the base of the tail). Immatures can have crisp clean bright white patches at the base of their flight feathers on the wings and tail, above and below, that diminish gradually. In recent years it has been learned that contrary to most older field guides some immatures, including juveniles, lack any white in the wings and will have only clean, crisp white on the base of the trail. The famous golden hackles are often difficult to see, especially in ashen November skies. In recent decades we’ve also learned that eastern Golden Eagles behave differently from western birds, especially during the winter. Western birds are often easily seen in wide open spaces hunting ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and jack rabbits. Eastern birds find few such areas, evolving to hunt and scavenge beneath the canopy, where they are much more difficult to see. Our best opportunities to see them are in migration. A visit to www.hawkcount.org to look for Golden Eagle counts at hawk watches in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, will reveal numerous sites within 300 miles to see significant numbers of migrating Goldens in the month ahead. Good luck! Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
Date: 10/16/26 7:47 am From: PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Think Migrating Golden Eagles
The weather forecast for this Saturday (October 17) suggests birders should brush up on their eagle identification. A powerful cold front is forecast to dominate our air space Saturday with chilly powerful northwest winds gusting at 30 mph for at least one day. We have a decent opportunity to see one or more Golden Eagles in Massachusetts and environs. Roughly 5,000 Golden Eagles are estimated to breed in eastern Canada (~ 1,250 pairs and a roughly similar number of non-breeding birds, largely 6 mos to 5 years old.) “Spaghetti maps” showing the flight paths of radio-tagged Golden Eagles indicate that most Golden Eagles use the Appalachian Ridge as their basic migration route. Tag data suggests that most adults do not leave their breeding range until mid-October, so late October and early November are the best times to see adult Goldens migrating over relatively direct inland routes. Immatures (it can take five years for a Golden to achieve breeding plumage) including juveniles (hatch-year birds) tend to migrate a little earlier and over a broader front, giving Mass birders their best opportunities in state. (Go to https://doi.org/10.1525/auk.2011.11078 for an excellent article and map on eastern Golden Eagles.) Historically, relatively few Goldens are reliably reported in Massachusetts, especially the eastern portion. The Berkshires, especially the Mount Everett area, may still offer the best opportunities to see Goldens in the Commonwealth. But immatures are less knowledgeable migrants and juveniles have never done it before, so they really don’t know exactly where they are going or how to get there, much less when. They wander and dally, so are more inclined to fly east towards the Atlantic coast, especially on powerful, cold, northwest winds. Normally, most Goldens are reported in New England in the second half of October and first half of November. On October 12 Clarry Hill in eastern Maine reported three early adult Goldens, essentially migrating together. Eagles have significant wing loading and are among our most powerful, stable fliers. In other words, if you want to see a Golden Eagle, Saturday is a great opportunity, when it may be difficult to see most other birds in the air or on the water. The birds are likely to be flying northeast to southwest inland, paralleling our coastline. Wachusett is probably the best site in eastern Massachusetts, though 30+ mph winds may keep most other raptors, and possibly the Goldens, flying lower than the 2006’ summit. If nothing is seen from the summit, try the North Rd. Overlook. (Wachusett road to the summit is open until the last Sunday in October.) Mt. Watatic in Ashburnham, which requires a hike, is a great ridge site. Mount Agamenticus in southeastern Maine is another good observation point (you can drive to the summit). But anywhere is possible. Several decades ago in the early days of MassBird, I recall a report of a Golden Eagle flying over Medford Square, a mile from my home. I was skeptical of the report until I got a report about an hour later of a Golden seen well by experienced observers flying over the Blue Hills. The bird was migrating down Route 93! Many “Golden Eagle” reports in October are likely juvenile Bald Eagles. They can be as large as Goldens, and very dark, often with dirty white patches in the tail (and telltale white wingpits). Immatures can have light necks and crowns, suggesting a Golden’s hackles. Thus, it pays to review the basic differences. (See the Maine Eagle Identification Sheet at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/Maine%20Eagle%20Identification%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf ) Bald Eagles have large heads and beaks in front of the wings, and a long tail behind. Goldens have a comparatively small head and beak in front of the wings, and a long tail, so the silhouettes are distinctly different. Bald Eagles tend to look like a flying plank, a “2 X 4,” soaring on flat wings. Goldens look more “buteo-like,” with the hand raised and pushing slightly forward in a Redtail-like shallow dihedral. The trailing edge of the wing narrows noticeably at the body. If contrast can be seen, immature Bald Eagles can have irregular dirty white virtually anywhere on the wings or body, and for the first several years have clearly dirty white wingpits. It takes Bald Eagles a minimum of three and for most birds four plus years to achieve a crisp refrigerator-white head and tail. Adult Golden Eagles have no crisp white anywhere (except rarely on the base of the tail). Immatures can have crisp clean bright white patches at the base of their flight feathers on the wings and tail, above and below, that diminish gradually. In recent years it has been learned that contrary to most older field guides some immatures, including juveniles, lack any white in the wings and will have only clean, crisp white on the base of the trail. The famous golden hackles are often difficult to see, especially in ashen November skies. In recent decades we’ve also learned that eastern Golden Eagles behave differently from western birds, especially during the winter. Western birds are often easily seen in wide open spaces hunting ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and jack rabbits. Eastern birds find few such areas, evolving to hunt and scavenge beneath the canopy, where they are much more difficult to see. Our best opportunities to see them are in migration. A visit to www.hawkcount.org to look for Golden Eagle counts at hawk watches in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, will reveal numerous sites within 300 miles to see significant numbers of migrating Goldens in the month ahead. Good luck! Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Mark Morris
Observers: Cindy Rost, David Brown, Don Singleman, Greg McGuane, Liam Singleman, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to our crew members today who toughed out some pretty stiff winds in the first 2 hours.
Weather: Clear skies with a few high, wispy cirrus clouds. Temperatures ranged from 53-62 F. Winds were busy from the North to start, 18 mph with gusts to 30 mph, gradually decreasing to a light breeze at the end of the count. Visibility was excellent throughout.
Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures were in the air early - I had 3 waiting for the gates to open at the base of the mountain. The morning hours featured a small flurry of American Kestrels, followed by a good push of Sharpies and Cooper�s Hawks between 10 and 11 am EST. The 16 Coop's are the 5th highest daily count here at Wachusett, tied with 8 other dates. The crew and I were able to record a respectable 74 migrants, representing 9 species.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2019, Rod Chase wrote: "TVs were the biggest contributers to our total yet all appeared before 10:50am. Having another RS was nice but it passed so high above us. An early PG decided he had to repeatedly dive on the BE and did so from under and over. One strike to eagle's back just for emphasis -- no harm done. The two local Cooper's Hawks put on the best show. One came in high and made many close passes, back and forth then higher and lower. Suddenly the 2nd Coop came up from the NE shrubs and began a duel with the original bird." "Visitors - Of note was a gentleman Knut Hansen who spoke with Christine (Restell) for a while and I was pleased to catch the last half. Great talk with an all-smiles birder who loves ocean and shore birds and much more. (Eric's note: Mr Hansen was an airline pilot who was able to bird all over the world. Unfortunately he passed away unexpectedly in 2021 at age 57)
In 2022, the 18th largest Turkey Vulture count (95) in Wachusett Mt history tied with 3 other dates.
In 2023, the 13th largest Merlin count (5) in Wachusett Mt history (tied with 17 other dates). Eric Mueller wrote: "A very good day for mid-October, especially considering that the bulk of the TV migration has yet to come." (note: 119 total raptors, including 34 TVs, 30 Sharpshins, 11 Kestrels and 5 Merlins) "The majority of TVs counted were in a 15 minute period early in the morning - probably a nearby roost. Glenn Deyo hiked up early and spotted the TVs and a couple of Merlins before the gates to the auto road opened up. We rarely see migrating birds that early up here. Good going, Glenn! Jon Skinner made a nice ID on a high-flying N Harrier, and the rest of the team worked hard to ID a lot of fast-moving birds that were streaking by in the stiff winds." "Thanks as always to Joanne for bringing up goodies to share - it keeps us going!"
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-157 (including skeins of 50, 45, 20, 12, 30), D.C.Cormorant-7, Comm Raven-12, Blue Jay-1, Yellow-rumped Warbler-1, finch sp-5 (probably Goldfinches), other passerines (maybe Swallows?) were on the move.
Predictions: We won't conduct a watch on Friday. Rain is expected nearly all day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson, John Weeks
Visitors: Bill Generous.
Weather: Mostly sunny; cloud-cover diminished steadily, until it was about 5% for the last three hours. Wind 2-9 mph, N or NNE briefly, then shifting to NE after 11:00 EDT. Temperature 54-60 F.
Raptor Observations: Most of what action there was took place between 10:00 and noon EDT. Not counted as migrants: 3 Black Vultures, Turkey Vultures (highest number at one time: 4), immature Bald Eagle, 4 Red-shouldered Hawks (noisily interacting), adult Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (99, in four skeins; two other calling flocks passed over, but were invisible in the relentless blue sky), Northern Flicker, Blue Jays (9 migrants), Common Ravens (3), Black-capped Chickadees (2), Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Purple Finches (2), American Goldfinch, Savannah Sparrow, Palm Warblers (2), Yellow-rumped Warblers (6). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Raptor Observations: Much fewer migrants than expected given the favorable winds Non-migrating - 2 TV; 1 adult RS; at least 4 RT
Non-raptor Observations: 45 CAGO
Predictions: Rain is predicted for Friday, so there will be no watch. Winds for Saturday are predicted to be strong from the NW, which are generally our best winds for a good migration. The NW winds will continue into Sunday for much of the day, but be less strong. Of the two weekend days Saturday looks to hold better promise for a good migration of hawks. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Weather: Light westerly winds. Cloud cover -- 95-100. Temperature -- 18�C It began to drizzle at 1:30 so I terminated the watch early
Raptor Observations: No raptors seen
Non-raptor Observations: one monarch butterfly
Predictions: westerly winds should shift to the north ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson
Weather: Mostly cloudy; light NW wind. Trees ablaze with fall colors.
Raptor Observations: Seventeen migrants. Not counted as migrants: 5 Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (19 migrants), American Crows (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Song Sparrows. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Cindy Rost, Lisa Burwell, Scott Carlson, Scott Wahlstrom, Susan Moses, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: A surprisingly high number of sightseers (300?) including a senior citizen group and a group home outing, plus quite a few people speaking foreign languages (more normally weekend visitors).
Weather: Blustery winds from the West all session, with gusts up to 26 mph. Temps from 61 to 68 F. High humidity created a haze that blocked our view of Mt Greylock, the VT mountains and the Pawtuckaways. The last of the fog on Wachusett was rising as we arrived, but the resulting scattered clouds took a long time to rise above Mt Monadnock's height. Low-lying fog covered the southeastern border of NH until late morning. Bright skies in the morning, but the clouds really thickened around noon, and approaching rain gave us an acceptable reason to leave early.
Raptor Observations: A disappointing count after Monday's fine results. During today's session, I blamed the strong West winds for the lack of birds, but looking back, I think that the root issue was more likely the persistent morning fog in southestern NH. It may have delayed the birds up there enough that they weren't willing to deal with the strong winds afterwards.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-4, Bald Eagle-2 (Juv), Red-shoulder-1 (tussling with a Raven), Red-tail-2
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 1985, the 4th largest Goshawk count (3) in Wachusett Mt history
In 2018, Bill Rasku wrote: "First Golden Eagle of year. Sunlight buff gold head with slight dihedral. Seen to the East headed close to front before dipping into Oaks below tree line." Other observers: Charlie Roche, Darryl Turek, Susan Williamson, Tom Gottschang
In 2020, Rod Chase wrote: "Raptors: TVs (21) and RTs (12) led the way, the 3 NHs were nice again but the last bird was a CLOSE female Kestrel who flew between the two towers on north side and then raced around the Tower on the east side and dove to south. 15 seconds total!" (Eric's note: 52 total migrating raptors) "A very slow trickle of hikers in the morning and a true trickle in the afternoon. It was pleasing that a few stayed to ask about the "hawkcount logistics" and several took in the info, stories and and want to join us next September. None were dressed warmly enough to stay today. A small wedding on the summit today was cheered by most on the tower when 'that kiss' sealed the vows. Also not dressed for the weather but the couple was oblivious!" In 2021, the 12th largest Turkey Vulture count (129) in Wachusett Mt history. Rod Chase wrote: "A really nice day both for sitting on top of a mountain and for birds to migrate." "Finally, the kind of day that we've been hoping for all week - 178 migrants counted. Today's data compiler, Bill Rasku, had his nickname changed from "The Osprey Whisperer" to "The TV Whisperer" as 129 of the vultures flew by today. Sharp-shinned Hawks were next in line with 15 counted, and the Red-tailed Hawks started moving for real this season with 11 counted today. Plus we had a nice spread of birds with 11 species counted altogether." Other observers - Rod Chase, Chris Eddy, Marty McNamara, Kathy Olson, Judith Covey and Joe Drega.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-32 (single skein), Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-15, DE Junco-2. The Ravens were the first birds up in the morning (8:22 EST), and were having a great time soaring up on the winds that blew up the west side of the mountain.
Predictions: For Thursday, a sunny day with clear skies, temps in the 50's and moderate humidity. In the morning, solid 8-10 mph winds with gusts to 18 mph, but dropping down into the single digits around noon. This could be a good flight, especially after today's dearth of birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/14/26 1:24 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam banding 10/15
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:59:07 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Dam banding 10/15
Today had the makings of a 50+ capture day but given only 3 trained extractors plus 1 volunteer, we decided for starters only to open the last 2 sets of the Marsh nets & keep closed all the Beaver, field & wood nets - did not want to get bombed with excess extractions and banding steps for the birds and our sake.Here is how it went - we opened the 1st pair [short & long] of the Marsh nets, then within 10 mins, opened the 2nd pair [short & long nets], walked back to the 1st pair and within those few minutes, we had already 8 birds in the nets - decided to check the 2 nets we had just put up and they already had 2 birds [mostly Ruby-cr Kinglets, Yellow-rumps & Palm Warblers and Wht-thr Sparrows]. By the time we completed banding those captures, we quickly returned and had maybe another 9 captures of the same mix. By the time we finished banding those captures, we quickly returned again and had additional birds that included more of the same along with Song & Swamp Sparrows.In the end before the heat plus wind told us to close the nets around 10:15 am, 24 of the 25 birds were all caught in just those 2 net pairs [one Song Sp was caught in another net we had opened on the 3rd run]. The mix was 7 Ruby-cr Kinglets, 8 Yellow-rumps & 2 Palms, 5 Wht-thr & 2 Song & 1 Swamp Sp.The 4 of us worked nonstop under no stress given we were only dealing with 4 nets close to each other out of the 15 nets. Upon checking the Field & Wood nets later, seeing flocks of Chipping Sp and warblers in the grasses/weeds - knowing the 2 Beaver nets had lots of birds flying about - only opening those 4 nets was perfect.While walking the fields hearing much song/call notes along the way, I did hear several Goldfinches calling - a species that the last 2 falls banding at Ann Hanscom's house in Oct, we were swamped with them [80 1 morning] around Oct 27th. Along with the Goldfinches, flocks of juncos also joined them, so with this cold snap coming up next week, will we be trying to deal with those along with all the Yellow-rumps, Wht-throats, Kinglets - maybe throw in some Rusty Blackbirds & other surprises [Chat or Dickcissel] into the mix - a lot to look forward to!
Date: 10/14/26 7:29 am From: PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Think Migrating Golden Eagles
The weather forecast for this Saturday (October 17) suggests birders should brush up on their eagle identification. A powerful cold front is forecast to dominate our air space Saturday with chilly powerful northwest winds gusting at 30 mph for at least one day. We have a decent opportunity to see one or more Golden Eagles in Massachusetts and environs. Roughly 5,000 Golden Eagles are estimated to breed in eastern Canada (~ 1,250 pairs and a roughly similar number of non-breeding birds, largely 6 mos to 5 years old.) “Spaghetti maps” showing the flight paths of radio-tagged Golden Eagles indicate that most Golden Eagles use the Appalachian Ridge as their basic migration route. Tag data suggests that most adults do not leave their breeding range until mid-October, so late October and early November are the best times to see adult Goldens migrating over relatively direct inland routes. Immatures (it can take five years for a Golden to achieve breeding plumage) including juveniles (hatch-year birds) tend to migrate a little earlier and over a broader front, giving Mass birders their best opportunities in state. (Go to https://doi.org/10.1525/auk.2011.11078 for an excellent article and map on eastern Golden Eagles.) Historically, relatively few Goldens are reliably reported in Massachusetts, especially the eastern portion. The Berkshires, especially the Mount Everett area, may still offer the best opportunities to see Goldens in the Commonwealth. But immatures are less knowledgeable migrants and juveniles have never done it before, so they really don’t know exactly where they are going or how to get there, much less when. They wander and dally, so are more inclined to fly east towards the Atlantic coast, especially on powerful, cold, northwest winds. Normally, most Goldens are reported in New England in the second half of October and first half of November. On October 12 Clarry Hill in eastern Maine reported three early adult Goldens, essentially migrating together. Eagles have significant wing loading and are among our most powerful, stable fliers. In other words, if you want to see a Golden Eagle, Saturday is a great opportunity, when it may be difficult to see most other birds in the air or on the water. The birds are likely to be flying northeast to southwest inland, paralleling our coastline. Wachusett is probably the best site in eastern Massachusetts, though 30+ mph winds may keep most other raptors, and possibly the Goldens, flying lower than the 2006’ summit. If nothing is seen from the summit, try the North Rd. Overlook. (Wachusett road to the summit is open until the last Sunday in October.) Mt. Watatic in Ashburnham, which requires a hike, is a great ridge site. Mount Agamenticus in southeastern Maine is another good observation point (you can drive to the summit). But anywhere is possible. Several decades ago in the early days of MassBird, I recall a report of a Golden Eagle flying over Medford Square, a mile from my home. I was skeptical of the report until I got a report about an hour later of a Golden seen well by experienced observers flying over the Blue Hills. The bird was migrating down Route 93! Many “Golden Eagle” reports in October are likely juvenile Bald Eagles. They can be as large as Goldens, and very dark, often with dirty white patches in the tail (and telltale white wingpits). Immatures can have light necks and crowns, suggesting a Golden’s hackles. Thus, it pays to review the basic differences. (See the Maine Eagle Identification Sheet at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/Maine%20Eagle%20Identification%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf ) Bald Eagles have large heads and beaks in front of the wings, and a long tail behind. Goldens have a comparatively small head and beak in front of the wings, and a long tail, so the silhouettes are distinctly different. Bald Eagles tend to look like a flying plank, a “2 X 4,” soaring on flat wings. Goldens look more “buteo-like,” with the hand raised and pushing slightly forward in a Redtail-like shallow dihedral. The trailing edge of the wing narrows noticeably at the body. If contrast can be seen, immature Bald Eagles can have irregular dirty white virtually anywhere on the wings or body, and for the first several years have clearly dirty white wingpits. It takes Bald Eagles a minimum of three and for most birds four plus years to achieve a crisp refrigerator-white head and tail. Adult Golden Eagles have no crisp white anywhere (except rarely on the base of the tail). Immatures can have crisp clean bright white patches at the base of their flight feathers on the wings and tail, above and below, that diminish gradually. In recent years it has been learned that contrary to most older field guides some immatures, including juveniles, lack any white in the wings and will have only clean, crisp white on the base of the trail. The famous golden hackles are often difficult to see, especially in ashen November skies. In recent decades we’ve also learned that eastern Golden Eagles behave differently from western birds, especially during the winter. Western birds are often easily seen in wide open spaces hunting ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and jack rabbits. Eastern birds find few such areas, evolving to hunt and scavenge beneath the canopy, where they are much more difficult to see. Our best opportunities to see them are in migration. A visit to www.hawkcount.org to look for Golden Eagle counts at hawk watches in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, will reveal numerous sites within 300 miles to see significant numbers of migrating Goldens in the month ahead. Good luck! Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
Date: 10/13/26 12:56 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 10/13 Black-billed Cuckoo in Fenway Victory Gardens at 1:30 p.m.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:17:54 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 10/13 Black-billed Cuckoo in Fenway Victory Gardens at 1:30 p.m.
Hi, I had already been birding in the gardens for three hours when I decided to go down the very short ROW F. I had only gone fifteen steps or so, when a bird landed on a fence quite close to me. I immediately put up my binoculars. I was so stunned by there being a cuckoo right in front of me that it didn't immediately register with me that the cuckoo with the all black bill was a Black-billed Cuckoo. Almost immediately a Blue Jay, and then a Northern Flicker flew down next to the bird, which caused it to fly off to presumably somewhere else within the gardens.
Great Blue Heron 1 without the gardens, but along the Muddy River Green-winged Teal 1 monuments area Wood Duck 5 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 in their favorite tree, i.e. the willow near the end of Row O Eastern Phoebe 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 Blackpoll Warbler 3 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW 1 continuing for four days now; end of Row C; also near very small silver maple grove White-throated Sparrow 13 Song Sparrow 10 Swamp Sparrow 4 Dark-eyed Junco 3
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku, Eric Mueller
Observers: Bill Rasku, Marilyn Cugini, Ted Purcell
Visitors: We started the day on a terribly sad note as we learned of the passing of our dear friend and hawk watcher here, Christine Restell. She was on our mind the entire day, but we were cheered whenever we spotted an Osprey, one of her favorite raptors. Maybe little messages from her...
Thanks to Ted and Marilyn who arrived in the early afternoon and doubled our coverage as we dodged around the massive holiday crowd on the platform. We also got help from Lance Latham, and from a young man named Vihaan who spotted a Merlin with us. Scott and Justine Wahlstrom stopped by for a visit, and we had a really nice conversation with Zak and Caroline about our mission here.
Weather: Clouds that had covered the summit after last night's heavy rain were already lifting when Bill arrived, but still covered the peaks of Mt Monadnock and Pack Monadnock for another 30 minutes after which the skies cleared almost completely. Around 10 am EST, a low shelf of clouds approached from the north and covered our area, cutting off a lot of light, until 2 pm when the skies cleared almost completely again. Despite the high to moderate humidity, the air was quite clear and Mt Washington could be seen any time distant clouds didn't block the view. Temps rose from 54 to 64 F. After a bit of gustiness in the first hour, the winds alternated from 4-7 mph to 8-12 mph in 2 hours blocks for the rest of the session. Raptor Observations: The day started slowly with no birds spotted until 9:58 EST. Turkey Vultures finally came through in large numbers today. The 103 bird count was the 15th highest TV count ever here at Wachusett, with groups of 24, 9, 8, 7, 6 and several 5's, as well as smaller numbers. Bald Eagles and Sharp-shins did well with counts of 14 each.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 1981, the 24h largest Sharp-shinned Hawk count (76) in Wachusett Mt history
In 2014, the 4th largest Cooper�s Hawk count (17) in Wachusett Mt history. 115 total migrating raptors counted, including 49 TVs, 23 Sharp-shins and 8 Bald Eagles. Observers Bill Rasku and Ted Mara. Rod Chase wrote: "Visitors - Frank from Westford, MA, Rachael Walters & Family, 4,000 to 5,000 leaf-peekers who hiked, drove or rode the ski-lift (whew!)"
In 2019, Rod Chase wrote: "Humidity 100%, fog at start. I decided to try lower lookouts in morning. North lookout was fogged early and 200 yds/183 meters was not promising so I moved to the third ski slope above the up/down roads intersection." "Saw hiker Bill early. When asked why I was up, I explained what addiction can do to people. Anything for a laugh. Fine conversations with a few hikers and the folks in the parking lot who recognized me from newspaper articles and had lots of good questions."
In 2021, Eric Mueller wrote" "at 9:00 AM EST, the fog that enveloped the land west of the mountain rose and blew over us, blinding us for 80 minutes. The fog/cloud white-out occurred just as a kettle of 17 TV's followed by 3 more TV's headed south. I'm pretty sure we missed quite a few birds while blinded. At least we got to see some of TV's that have been teasing us for days finally migrate." "The bird of the day was the single Broad-winged Hawk that Mark located and ID'ed. It now takes the site record for the latest date a BW was ever seen here." (note: later exceeded on 10/20/24)
In 2022, Eric Mueller wrote: "Approx. 40 to 50 visitors to the summit who were a bit disappointed with the hazy view. Two State Troopers rode up on their horses and posed for pictures with the public." "Approx. 90 students and teachers from the Walnut Hill School in Natick walked up and spent several hours on the summit. 20 or so of the young women took part in an interesting demonstration of body positivity."
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-33 (skeins of 24 & 9), Blue Jay-2, Amer Crow-1, Comm Raven-5, Ring-billed Gull-6.
Predictions: We won't conduct a watch on Tuesday. Rain is expected overnight tonight and into mid-morning, with fog and more rain in the early afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Jim Reid, John Marion, John Weeks
Weather: Variably cloudy after a night of rain (30%-70%-90%-40% cloud-cover), then virtually cloudless skies during the last hour and a half. Wind NW 2-9 mph. Temperature 60-65 F.
Raptor Observations: The show barely had a pulse until 11:40 EDT, when a kettle of 61 Turkey Vultures formed just north of the Hill. Vultures predominated; six other species came through singly or in single-digit numbers. Not counted as migrants: 3 Bald Eagles (2 immature, one adult), Cooper's Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (one skein of 32), Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, American Goldfinches (2) Yellow-rumped Warblers (4). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Jack Miano
Visitors: Cayman and Jorge Zelaya, Harrison Chen, and She Tan stopped to talk with me about Pinnacle Rock and its migrating raptors
Weather: Light (1-2) NW winds throughout watch, with a maximum gust od 12 km/hr. Cloud cover -- 100% stratus clouds after yesterday's rain began to break up around 9:30. Some cumulus clouds began to form, but except for a brief period were never anything but scattered cumulus covering about 15% of the sky. Temperature -- 10-15� C
Raptor Observations: Small movement of raptors almost all very distant , but picked out by Jack with his "magic binoculars." Non-migrating -- three TV's did not seem to be on the move
Non-raptor Observations: Birds -- 2 CAGO, 1 E. Phoebe, 5 Tree Swallows!, and 3 DE Juncos -- my first of this fall on the Rock
Predictions: Rain is predicted for tomorrow, but westerly winds increasing in strength are predicted for Wednesday. These strong winds may bring raptors our way after the rain, but unfortunately I have an eye doctor's appointment in the morning so will not be able to be present until the afternoon if at all. The westerly winds are predicted to change to northwest and still be fairly strong on Thursday, so that might also be a good day. If anybody can cover the Rock on Wednesday, I would appreciate it. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 10:15:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Weather: Cloud-cover 70-80%, consisting of high, thin clouds. Wind light and variable. Temperature 61-65 F.
Raptor Observations: Three Turkey Vultures appeared to be moving through, albeit sluggishly. Not counted as migrants: 2 Turkey Vultures, Cooper's Hawk, adult Red-shouldered Hawk, adult Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (ca. 720 in 11 skeins; many flying at the limit of observation), Hairy Woodpecker (f), Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Ravens (group of 4), Black-capped Chickadees (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Goldfinch, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Parula, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warblers (4). One katydid stridulating. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 10/11/26 10:28 am From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] White-winged Dove-Squaw Rock (aka Nickerson) Quincy
Want to let birders know I flushed a White-winged Dove from the quarry at Squaw Rock (aka Nickerson Park) in Squantum, Quincy today. It was only a two second view, but a more bulky dove than Mourning with white arcs in wings and white border on tail. I could not relocate, but don't think it left the park. Still, check Squantum Point park and the pans area if not refound at the park; even though this bird was alone, they tend to join MODO flocks and hang around.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: David Brown, John Edmondson, Lena Ficco, Paul Vanderhoof
Visitors: My sincere thanks to David, John, Paul and Lena for their help and good companionship today. We worked well together amongst the hubbub of the holiday weekend crowd on the summit, which probably exceeded the number of geese. We got to talk to a lot of visitors about our work here.
Weather: A nice, seasonable day on the mountain with temps from 46-58 F, WNW to N winds at 4-7 mph and low humidity. The thin cirrus clouds let plenty of sunshine through until the last hour when they thickened. Visibility was very good, with snow-covered Mt Washington visible on and off through the day.
Raptor Observations: A good count for this time of year, with 10 different species represented, although we were hoping that more TVs would take advantage of the gentle north winds after all of heavy headwinds of the past few days. The largest kettles of TVs contained 5, 5, 5 & 6 birds. We had fun debating the IDs of some of the high-flying accipitrines (Coop? Sharpie?), and picking out hawks in the Raven kettles. We were surprised to see a late Broad-winged Hawk fly by.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years In 1983, 75 total migrating raptors were counted, including 43 Sharp-shins and 5 each of Red-tails, N Harriers and Amer Kestrels.
In 2016, Rod Chase wrote: "Heavy winds at start kept most birds low except most eagles had good height at one or two points. With wind reduction and warmer air, the main push began. (Eric's note: 64 total migrating raptors, including 13 TVs, 11 Bald Eagles, 15 Sharp-shins and 5 Merlins)" "Other observers: Bill Rasku, Ted Mara and Susan Williamson. Also Dave Smilley, Jerry Bisantz as well as a dozen or so friendly spotters from the thousands of people who topped the (summit) this Columbus Day."
In 2019, Rod Chase wrote: "Marty McNamara left by 2:15 for commitments and I was thinking of leaving at 2:30. I was halfway down the ramp when 2 + 1 AKs popped up on updraft and rocketed west in a gust. Then back on deck I noticed an unusual, large gray cloud shaped like a horseshoe from S to NE. This front was moving to the NW as I stood in strong NE winds. It would bring mist and rain our way but, for a while, summit would be inside this horseshoe. Bonus: so were some raptors. In 20 minutes starting at 2:35 there were 14 TV in 1 strand, 6 SS, 1 CH, 3 RT, 1 AK. Then all shut down as the mist and rain reached the summit. My favorite part of this unique rush was watching them all reaching sunshine and the clean air to the W & SW!"
In 2025, Eric Mueller wrote: "Thank heavens for Turkey Vultures. The hawks and eagles that we counted today were few and far between, so the small groups of migrating TV's (3, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8) helped make the day's count respectable. (Note: 51 total migrating raptors, including 44 TVs)" "Hundreds of hikers and sightseers enjoying some of the best visibility up here in weeks. We spent much of our spare time identifying the visible hills and mountains to the visitors, or correcting mis-identifications: "Oh wow! That's Mt Washington." "But look. The sign says that it's not visible" "But it's so big. Excuse me, is that Mt Washington?" (me) "No, that's Mt Monadnock" "Are you sure?" (me) "Yes, I'm sure." "Oh." (disappointed)"
Non-raptor Observations: If only Canada Geese were raptors...we counted approximately 1,315 geese today in 22 skeins, 3 of them over 100 birds each. Other birds - Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-16, various passerines-35.
Predictions: Sunday is expected to be a cloudy day, with temps between 50 and 60 F, moderate humidity and South winds at 4-7 mph. We're hoping that the birds can use the mild headwinds and moderately high cloud headroom to their advantage. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Carole Powers, Leslie Martin, Marilyn Cugini, Steve Smith
Visitors: Leslie Martin, Marilyn Cugini, and Steve Smith came to the Rock for the first time ever and were a great help in spotting birds. Other visitors who expressed interest in the hawk watch were Sihyun Kim,Trent Thompson and Athena Garcia. Frequent visitor Oliver Kleinbub also stopped by to say hello
Weather: Light (2) NW winds throughout most of the watch only lessening significantly in the last hour with maximum gusts of 19 Km/hr recorded at 9 AM. Cloud cover -- sky was filled with bands of cirrus clouds originally covering only 15% but later more of the sky. Temperature went from 13-17� C
Raptor Observations: Moderate movement of raptors with the best bird being the first bird of the day. At 8:25 AM through my 10x42 binoculars I spotted on the western horizon at great distance a very large and broad-winged bird flying south. Unable to make an ID at that distance through my binoculars, I was fortunately able to locate the bird through my spotting scope. With 15X I was able to not only note the broadness of the wings but also its dark body, and what appeared to be a white rump. As the bird slowly flapped its wings I also noted that the only other light areas on the bird were what appeared to be wing patches on both wings. The head did not appear to be very large, which in addition to the white "rump" would eliminate BE. As I followed the bird through my scope an accipitrine dived down on it. The accipitrine was minuscule in comparison which further confirmed the size of the bird and that although most of the few Golden Eagles seen at this site occur in November, I am convinced that what I observed was an immature Golden Eagle. Non-migrating -- at least 4 RT, and possibly more
Non-raptor Observations: Birds -- 25 CAGO, 20 DC cormorants, and 2 Ravens Butterflies -- 1 Monarch
Predictions: Southerly winds tomorrow are predicted to precede a couple hours of rain starting in the afternoon. A better option would be on Monday between Sunday's and Tuesday's predicted rains. The winds on Monday will be moderate from the north and may bring migrants ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: Lots of nice conversations with friendly day hikers on the most crowded summit I've seen this season.
Weather: Perfectly comfortable temps, probably warmer than average. NNW winds were forecasted but a consistent wind never really materialized. Mostly clear to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Raptor Observations: Fairly standard early October flight here - accipitrines and Turkey Vultures led the way. 17 Cooper's Hawks was a season high. The largest group of Turkey Vultures was a parade of 10 making their way across the Wapack Ridge. The flight started off very sound but by 11am ET most of the action seemed to have cooled off.
A handful of Red-shouldered Hawks were moving, including some adults streaming high over the summit. One of the Northern Harriers today was an adult male Gray Ghost.
As is always the case, we were hoping for more!
Non-migrant Raptors Turkey Vulture 15 Bald Eagle 11 (kettle of 9) Red-tailed Hawk 3
Non-raptor Observations: Countless skeins of Canada Geese appeared all over the sky through the entirety of the flight, with the largest group being approximately 160 individuals!
Canada Goose 2330 Common Raven 28
Predictions: No formal count planned. S winds and afternoon rain are approaching. If you count any hawks the remainder of the year at Mount Watatic, please email me with your sightings to <14hawks8owls...>
October and November on Mt. Watatic will see the departure of Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, as well as migratory peaks for accipitrine species and falcons. Peregrine Falcons should peak by the 2nd week of October, and accipitrine hawks right after that. Late-season Watatic offers some of the best opportunities for birders to add American Goshawk and Golden Eagle to your Massachusetts state list, especially on days with strong NW winds. Thank you! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/10/26 2:50 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fenway-Clay-colored and Northern Pintail, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:57:48 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: Fenway-Clay-colored and Northern Pintail, etc.
I birded within as well as without the gardens today. I birded from 9:30-2:00: Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Blue Heron 1 NORTHERN PINTAIL 1 near Agassiz Rd. Bridge with the Wood Ducks Wood Duck 4 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1+ check the willows House Wren 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Pine Warbler 1 often in pine tree Palm Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 4 Nashville Warbler 1 Row L Eastern Towhee 2 war memorials area Dark-eyed Junco 6 Chipping Sparrow 2 together feeding on the ground CLAY-COLORED SPARROW 1 near compost area that's closest to Boylston St. Bridge; in front of lone log Field Sparrow 1 with Clay-colored Sparrow; next to lone log Swamp Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 6 Song Sparrow 16
Date: 10/10/26 2:44 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam banding 10/10
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:44:15 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Dam banding 10/10
Busy nonstop morning at West Hill Dam, esp along the marsh where we captured 30 on the 1st run - what was exciting to witness were all the warblers &sparrows zipping about that were not captured. After processing the 1st group, we had several more captures in the same nets & still many more flying about. After 3 runs, we had 48 captures of 16 species before we closed for the morning [leaving many more for Sun morning].The breakdown was several Yellow-rumps, 1 Blackpoll & 1 Palm Warbler - for sparrows were several White-throats, Song, Field, Chipping, 1 Swamp, 1 Savannah, 1 Junco & several Towhees - other species were Cardinals, Catbirds, Phoebe, Downy Woodpecker & Chickadees.One Field Sparrow was previously banding in 2024.Other interesting species around the site were 2 Am Pipits, Blue-headed Vireo, N Harrier hunting the field, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, Bald Eagle overhead plus our other 4 woodpeckers seen daily [Pileated, Hairy, Flicker & Red-bellied], Red-winged Blackbirds that we hadn't seen for a while, Gt Blue Heron.Maybe Sunday morning will top today's excitement.Note - the Park is closed for cars due to expansion of the parking area - so no hunting but folks are welcome to walk or bird or bike ride the area - the catch is very limited parking outside the Park.
Date: 10/9/26 7:06 pm From: Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, October 25 at 9 am; report for October 4 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is scheduled for Sunday,
October 25 at 9 am. Details at the end of this email.
The Bear Creek walk on October 4 was attended by a hearty crew of 6 who
enjoyed gorgeous views of the upland meadows in their early fall glory.
Passerine migrants were somewhat scarce, but a passel of incredibly tame
American Golden-Plovers and a varied collection of raptors made up for it.
The ebird list for the walk is below:
Bear Creek Sanctuary (restricted access), Essex, Massachusetts, US
Oct 4, 2026, 9:10 AM - 12:36 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.774 mile(s)
29 species
Canada Goose 6
American Black Duck 10
Mourning Dove 2
American Golden-Plover 5 All dark short billed plovers in flight
American Herring Gull 85
Great Black-backed Gull 7
Double-crested Cormorant 14
Great Egret 8
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Pale wing crescents, long-tailed buteo with
upper breast dark spots, no patagial marks.
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
American Kestrel 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 1
Common Raven 2
European Starling 40
Northern Mockingbird 1
American Robin 4
House Sparrow 5
American Pipit 40 Large flock. Undercount
American Goldfinch 2
Savannah Sparrow 8
Song Sparrow 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly
Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus
and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and
be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be
prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/100+Salem+Turnpike+(Rte+107),+Saugus?entry=gmail&source=g>.
The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is about 1½ miles
southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit on Rte 60. When
traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard Street bridge (just
after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back. Here is a link to
google maps:
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Ben Shamgochian
Weather: Moderate (2) WNW shifted to the NW at 11 AM and became stronger (3) with wind gusts as high as 28 km/hr and in the 20's most of the afternoon. Cloud cover was 2% (mostly stratus) at beginning of watch. Around 10 AM cumulus clouds began forming and cloud cover became as much as 75%, before decreasing such that at the end of the watch it was only about 35%. Temperature went from 12-16� C.
Raptor Observations: The largest daily count of migrating hawks since 2024. Close to 20 of the total count probably could not have been seen by me from my vantage point (due to distance and/or height above the horizon)., but were observed by Ben Samgochian. Best bird was probably an immature Peregrine that flew at eye level across the Rock in front of us less than 25 feet away. Non-migrating -- 1 BE (imm); 1 CH; and 4 RT (at least one immature and one adult)
Non-raptor Observations: one Northern Flicker and two Ravens
Predictions: Hopefully, today's strong winds blew birds toward the coast and with NW winds most of tomorrow we may have an even bigger count than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Bill Shapiro
Weather: Light to moderate (2-1) SW winds until noon when they shifted to WNW
Raptor Observations: Only two migrants Non-migrating -- 2 TV, 1 CH, 1 RT (imm)
Non-raptor Observations: 1 Raven harassed by CH
Predictions: Westerly winds are predicted to become stronger and shift to the NW -- may be good, but Friday's NW winds may be even better ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Joanne Hart, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to Ted, Tom and Joanna for coming up on a day that didn't promise much of a reward. We also got help from our friend Bette. Lots of sightseers and hikers who braved the winds up on the platform for as long as they could in order to take in the great scenery. A pair of mounted State Police officers rode their horses up the auto road and posed for pictures with the public. No "presents" were left behind on the summit.
Weather: A very windy day, with WSW to W winds averaging 8-12 mph but with frequent gusts of 15-20 mph that started topping out at over 25 mph at the end. Sunny skies turned to mostly cloudy, with temps ranging from 49 to 57 F. Moderate humidity left a light haze in the air, but otherwise fine visibility.
Raptor Observations: If it hadn't been for the gusty West winds, today would have been a great day for hawk watching. But with few birds appearing and a forecast of gusts over 30 mph in the next hour, we decided to end the watch early today. The birds that we did see were either traveling very low, or were struggling mightily against the wind.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years In 2018, Rod Chase wrote: "First hour revealed 2 small groups of TV's working from NE to NW who stayed low and were working the low ridges for updraft. Getting whatever height they could, they did a steep peel that did advance their eventual arrival past the west gravel pit. From there they worked the ridges that work S or SW. I kept losing them but caught them over and over as they caught enough updraft to peel again. Low but determined travel. This trip was 35-45 minutes but the 7 birds were almost the only show in town." Visitors: "Delightful conversations with Monica Flint (lives near Hawk Mountain) and a dear friend from England, Caroline Romijn, who were together for a couple of weeks after not seeing each other for 30 years! Also Brad Shaddock from Cuttyhunk (hope I got that right) who also had bird and other stories that were a great way to pass the last half hour."
In 2025, Eric Mueller wrote: "Thanks to our well-bundled-up crew who dealt with wind-chill factors in the 30's and 40's, and clear blue skies overhead all day. We had a great turnout in anticipation of a great flight that turned out to be pretty good. The count was our best in 10 days, although we're still waiting for the TV migration to kick into high gear. The clear air let us see many distant birds that were too far away to ID well." (note 53 total birds, with 11 UA/URs) Other observers: Christine Restell, Cindy Rost, David Brown, Greg McGuane, Hayley Morway, Jean Hampel, Joanne Hart, Joe Fountain, Lisa Burwell, Marty McNamara, Paul Vanderhoof, Susan Moses and Tom Gottschang.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-30, N Mockingbird-1 (thanks Bette), Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-2.
Predictions: Saturday's forecast is the best that we've had in quite a while. A strong high pressure system over New England should bring mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies, temps in the upper 40's to upper 50's, NNW to WNW winds at 6-7 mph, and moderate to low humidity. It doesn't much better than this in October. The cool temperatures, plentiful sunshine and light winds should set up very good thermals, and NW winds throughout New England should bring birds in our direction. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Joe Fountain, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: My thanks to observers Tom and Joe for tracking down so many birds that dipped below the oaks and then popped up elsewhere. We appreciated the time Peg (with her 4-footed companion Lulu) spent looking for the birds.
Hundreds of hikers and sightseers came up to the summit to enjoy the great view. Many were delighted by the young porcupine who mostly ignored them while dining on the summit grass. The MA State Police conducted Search and Rescue training all over the mountain. Four very loud fighter jets passed overhead. Sightseer(s) drove up in their gorgeous green restored 1958(?) Diamond T truck with a chrome-plated camper body and diamond-plate storage boxes mounted to the frame rails. Truck enthusiasts were drooling...
Weather: An almost completely blue sky most of the day. SW to WSW winds at 6-7 mph most of the day with regular gusts to 10-12 mph in first few hours, a bit of a lull in the middle, picking up to a steady 10-12 mph in the last hour. Low humidity and very good visibility - just a touch of haze that muddied details on distant birds. Temps rose from 46 to 59 F.
Raptor Observations: A TV kind of day - they're finally moving in earnest. The wind was from the wrong direction, but once the gusts eased off in the late morning, the birds began to appear. Oddly, no Sharpies, Coops or falcons except for one UA, although we may have lost some of them below the mountain or up in the blue screen of death.
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-4, TV-4(maybe more), Bald Eagle-3 (2 Ad, 1 Juv), Red-tail-2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv), Red-shoulder-1 (Juv). The juvenile RT and RS took turns buzzing one of the Ravens.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years In 2015, Steve Olson wrote: Good Bald Eagle day with total of eleven, but three immatures were flying North (not migrating). 2 Immature Golden Eagles. Other observers: Bill Rasku and Dave Brown. Visitors Liam Hart, Christine Restell and John Milhaven
In 2019, Rod Chase wrote: "SW wind was 20-25 mph/32-40 kph with gusts over 30/48." "The gusts disrupted the plans of most raptors. One PG Peregrine Falcon was seen at 9:03 winging low over the Wachusett Resevoir and staying on the lee side of the hills just east of the water. With much flapping the bird followed just under ridges until past Asnebumskit Hill (SW) before making the turn. Less than 10 minutes later a second PG followed a similar course except turned before the hill to start SW. Otherwise...well, hundreds of leaves passed over the summit area but were going in the wrong direction." Other observer: Eric Mueller
In 2021, the 31st largest Turkey Vulture count 54 in Wachusett Mt history. Rod Chase wrote: "Another good count for an October day - 108 migrants. As with yesterday, TV's were the most numerous of the 9 species that we counted. The birds were spotted all around the mountain. The thermals helped the birds to soar to high altitudes today, leaving some of us wishing for neck massages." Other observers: Eric Mueller, Steve Farrell, Tom Gottschang, Ursula and David Goodine, Lisa Burwell, Daniel Schell and Marty McNamara, with contributions from soon-to-be-addicted-to-hawk-watching Bob Young. Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Canada Goose-108 (skeins of 28, 30 & 50), Mourning Dove-1, Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-12, E Towhee-2. The sub-freezing temps overnight throughout much of New England probably got the geese moving.
Predictions: For Thursday, 9-12 mph WSW winds that will move to W around noon. Temps from the mid-50's to mid-60's, with moderate humidity lowering in the afternoon. Partly clouds skies should give a good background for spotting the higher-flying birds. We're expecting ever-increasing TV flights, and hope to see more accipitrines and hawks moving again. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/8/26 6:43 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 10/8 Fenway Area Highlights Bald Eagle, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2026 19:16:25 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 10/8 Fenway Area Highlights Bald Eagle, etc.
8:50-12:20
Wood Duck 4 2m, 2f Green-winged Teal 1 Bald Eagle 1 9:30 a.m. over Kelleher Rose Gardens Red-tailed Hawk 2 accipiter sp. 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 in one of their favorite trees, i.e. elm tree at end of ROW E Eastern Phoebe 1+ Nashville Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 6 hither and yon; calls give them away Swamp Sparrow 3 so beautiful White-throated Sparrow 6 Song Sparrow 8
LEPIDS : Monarch 6 mostly in butterfly bushes (of which there are many butterfly sp.1 Cabbage White10
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Mark Morris
Observers: Joe Fountain, Ted Purcell
Visitors: Thanks to Ted and Joe for coming out on a very windy day.
I enjoyed talking to Rich Rieger who is a patron of the Hawk Mt. Hawk Watch and also is involved in the Schuylkill Co. 3rd PA Breeding Bird Atlas. Many leaf peepers and hikers on the mountain today.
Weather: Clouds covered the summit at arrival, but eroded away in the first hour. Mostly to partly cloudy for the remainder of the count. Winds were persistent from the West 6-15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Temperatures ranged from 59 to 69 F. Visibility was poor to start, then 20km increasing throughout to 120km with some distant haze and some shimmer.
Raptor Observations: The morning hours did not yield much of any bird activity other than a few Ravens. Overall, our migrants included 4 Turkey Vultures, 4 Bald Eagles, 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon, and 1 UR (probably either a BE or TV). Most of these were recorded around the noon hour. I was alerted to the Peregrine as a 3rd bird among 2 Bald Eagles. Most all the birds passed to the leeward side (east) of the Mt.
Non migrating Raptors: TV-5, Bald Eagle-1, Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-2.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years In 1983, 39 migrating raptors were counted, including 8 Sharp-shins, 4 N Harriers, 3 Ospreys and 2 Amer Kestrels. No Turkey Vultures were sighted.
In 2019, the largest ever Peregrine Falcon count (8) and the 8th largest Merlin count (6 - tied with 4 other dates) in Wachusett Mt history. Rod Chase wrote: "A nice mix of 9 species today after our slow start of 4 birds in 2 hours. Highlight would be the 2 Red-shouldered hawks. Kudos to Brian and Lauren (last names not known..) who took fine photos all day and saved the 1st RS from being misidentified. (Eric's note: Rod apparently didn't realize at the time how historically large the falcon counts were.) "Today's non-raptor prize was a Horned Lark who fed for quite a while on the summit ground, NW corner. Apparently pleased, the lark returned later for more." Other observers: Bill Rasku, Christine Restell, Daryl Turek, Eric Mueller, Joanne Hart and Mark Morris.
In 2021, Eric wrote: "Another good day for October, with 91 migrants counted, comprising 10 species. This was the second day in a row where the bulk of the sightings were made before noon, and where TVs made up over half of the migrants counted." "The bird of the day was a single immature Broad-wing - today was the latest date in October that we've ever counted a Broad-wing at this site." (note: this record was broken on 10/12/24 and 10/20/24.) Other observers: Rod Chase, Dave Brown, Paul Roberts, Will and Jeannie Martens, Paul Vanderhoof, Steve Farrell, Kathy Olson, Chris Eddy and Joanne Hart.
Non-raptor Observations: Other birds observed: Comm Raven-5, Blue Jay-3, D.E.Junco11, E.Towhee-1
Predictions: For Friday, sunny skies again with West winds starting at 7-10 mph, but quickly increasing to 13-16 mph average with gusts of 25-30 mph. Temps from 55 to 66 F, with low humidity. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/7/26 8:30 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam banding update
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2026 23:37:36 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Dam banding update
Finally, the Yellow-rumps have arrived along with the Wht-thr Sparrows - today [10/6] our 1st Junco joined the mix, so we are getting into the late fall movements. We have been averaging around 20 to 30 captures the last few days [approx 3 hrs/morning] despite the breeze blowing the nets around plus adding x number of leaves to extract.For bird mix, have a few Blackpolls, C Yellowthroats and Palm Warblers joining the Yellow-rumps, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, the Towhees are outnumbering the Catbirds, several small flocks of Field Sparrows along with Chipping Sp [plus a few Swamp & Lincoln Sp], today several Robins and Bluebirds were caught, few Phoebes, several Downy Woodpeckers, Carolina & House Wrens - a major surprise today was a House Finch which we rarely see at West Hill Dam area.The hope is to make it through Oct since there is no hunting this fall due to the front gate to the Park being closed for expansion to the main parking area - a much-needed project given the popularity to the public. As we move through Oct., will be looking forward to witnessing all the changes/numbers in the species utilizing the Park.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Chris Eddy, Eric Mueller
Observers: Chris Eddy, David Brown, Eric Mueller, Hayley Morway
Visitors: Thanks to regulars Hayley and David who knowingly braved the wind and cold to help find the birds. We also got much appreciated help from Danielle Gamache. There were at least 100 hikers and sightseers, and several large dogs who demanded to be petted. We got to talk about our mission with quite a few people.
Weather: It was another windy day on the mountain, with even colder air than yesterday adding to the fun. The WNW winds averaged 12 mph most of the day, but frequent gusts of 15-20 mph made bungee-cording the tripods a must. Temps started at 40 F and barely made it into the 50's by the end of the session. Clear blue skies made finding any birds much higher than the horizon a challenge, but the strong winds seemed to keep most of the birds low. We did get one strip of clouds in the last 2 hours. Visibility was very good with just a hint of haze in the air.
Raptor Observations: The birds found the strong winds almost as much of a challenge as we did, but we managed to spot 22 migrants. All came through in ones or twos. Distant birds accounted for a higher than normal percentage of Unidentifieds. We're still waiting for the big TV push to start. Non-migrating raptors: TV-4, Bald Eagle-3 (2 Ad, 1 Imm), Red-tail-2 (maybe more)
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2018, Rod Chase wrote: "Heavily fogged to the N & W. Visibility declined to less than 5 Km." "Most consistent migrants: Monarchs 6. Zoo atmosphere on tower, ski lift brought many visitors. (Oktoberfest at the ski area)" "Internationally sought after EMHW Kestrel magnets still in supply ($5). Enhances any holiday tree." :-)
In 2021, the 2nd largest Cooper�s Hawk count (25) and the 13th largest Turkey Vulture count (122) in Wachusett Mt history. Eric Mueller wrote: "After 4 days of wind, rain and fog, finally a good day." "A very good October day for this site - 221 migrants from 11 species. The Turkey Vultures have really started to move - 122 today. Also nice totals for Sharpies and Coops." Other observers: Mark Morris, Rod Chase, Judith Covey, Joanne Hart, Steve Farrel, Jim Gallipeau (repeat visitor from RI), Jean Hampel, Chris Eddy, Dave Brown, Lisa Burwell, and new contributors Barb Hager and Bob Young.
In 2024, Eric Mueller wrote: "A fine day for sightseeing, but just OK for hawk migration." "Numbers-wise we had an OK day with 67 migrating raptors counted. What made the day extra special was the appearance of our first Golden Eagle of the season, a juvenile or 1-year old with the classic bold white underwing markings and white tail with a broad black terminal band. We'll post some photos on our eBird report later. While not the earliest that we've ever seen a GE here (9/5/20, 9/18/08, 9/22/05), it was still earlier than normal for our site. The Pack Monadnock hawk watch reported seeing a juvenile GE very late yesterday, so this is likely the same bird." "Other observers: Alicia Carillo, Lisa Burwell, Scott Carlson, Steve Arena and Tom Gottschang. We also got help from John Sisk, Tatyana Kalani and Evan Griffith (formerly from the UP), Ernie and Janice Cuadra, and Karen Gottschang." Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Comm Loon-1, Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-4, DE Junco-3, E Towhee-1
Predictions: For Wednesday, completely sunny skies are in the forecast again. Temperatures and winds are expected to moderate a bit from today, with temps from 45-62 F and SW winds at 6-11 mph. There are freeze warnings tonight throughout middle and upper New England which should get some birds moving. Humidity is expected to be quite low so visibility should be very good again. We'll just have to see if the cold overnight temps are enough to make the birds get up and tackle the headwinds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/7/26 8:23 am From: Fausto Sterling, Anne <anne_fausto-sterling...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
Birders more expert than I thought the one in Wellfleet is a juvenile. It
was a first time sighting for me, so I am just getting to know them in
person.
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 11:11 AM Spector, David (Emeritus) <spectord...>
wrote:
> Adult (past 3 years old) year-to-year survival is about 90%. The record
> age for a wild individual is 22 years.
>
> David Spector
> Belchertown, Massachusetts
>
> Ω
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________________
> From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> on
> behalf of Kirk Elwell <gentilisfinder...>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 9:09 AM
> To: Fausto Sterling, Anne <anne_fausto-sterling...>
> Cc: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>; <Massbird...>
> <massbird...>
> Subject: GMAIL.COM:Re: [MASSBIRD] Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury
> Beach Reservation Today
>
> WARNING: There has been an increase in SCAMS coming from GMAIL.COM
> accounts.
> DO NOT TRUST anything in this message unless you are expecting it.
> EXTERNAL EMAIL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do
> not click any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and
> know the content is safe.
> Also had the one at Woodsom Farm in Amesbury, MA in 2020!
> How long do they live??
> K.
>
> Kirk S Elwell
> East Kingston, NH.
>
> On Wed, Oct 7, 2026, 8:48 AM Fausto Sterling, Anne <
> <anne_fausto-sterling...> wrote:
> I wonder if this is “our” Wellfleet crested Caracara that has been here at
> Duck Harbor for over a month? Finally on the move to a less wintry spot?
>
>
>
>
> Anne Fausto-Sterling
> Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies
> Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry
> Brown University
> Providence, RI 02912
>
> Follow me re: GENDER DYNAMICS on BLUESKY, or Mastodon and Like me on
> FACEBOOK and Substack
> Please visit my web site at: www.annefaustosterling.com
> And I have a YOUTUBE Channel!!
> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU9Ko2iTnMlC4GobLa0y19A >
>
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 6, 2026 at 11:04 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
> thanks to Allen Mireles for this report.
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough,MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
>
> Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
> Tue, 6 Oct 2026 22:16:30 -0400
> Allen Mireles <allen...>
>
> ... I thought you might be interested in our sighting. I have reported
> this to eBird.
>
> Today at 10:26 AM, we saw a Crested Caracara in the Salisbury Beach
> Reservation. We watched it hunt, then swoop down into the salt marsh and
> return with something in its beak. It flew into a tree nearby, and I got
> a photograph, which I have attached to this email. (massird doesn't
> allow images)
>
> I wasn't able to get the white markings on the wings and tail, but we
> saw them when it was flying around us. looks like it caught a mouse or rat.
>
> Thought you would appreciate knowing.
>
> Allen
>
> Allen Mireles (she/her)
> Consultant/Writer
> Allen Mireles Consulting, LLC
>
> 167 Elm Street, Unit C, Salisbury, MA 01952
>
>
>
>
>
>
--
Anne Fausto-Sterling
Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Date: 10/7/26 7:45 am From: Spector, David (Emeritus) <spectord...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
Adult (past 3 years old) year-to-year survival is about 90%. The record age for a wild individual is 22 years.
David Spector Belchertown, Massachusetts
Ω
________________________________________ From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> on behalf of Kirk Elwell <gentilisfinder...> Sent: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 9:09 AM To: Fausto Sterling, Anne <anne_fausto-sterling...> Cc: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>; <Massbird...> <massbird...> Subject: GMAIL.COM:Re: [MASSBIRD] Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
WARNING: There has been an increase in SCAMS coming from GMAIL.COM accounts. DO NOT TRUST anything in this message unless you are expecting it. EXTERNAL EMAIL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and know the content is safe. Also had the one at Woodsom Farm in Amesbury, MA in 2020! How long do they live?? K.
Kirk S Elwell East Kingston, NH.
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026, 8:48 AM Fausto Sterling, Anne <anne_fausto-sterling...> wrote: I wonder if this is “our” Wellfleet crested Caracara that has been here at Duck Harbor for over a month? Finally on the move to a less wintry spot?
Anne Fausto-Sterling Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry Brown University Providence, RI 02912
Follow me re: GENDER DYNAMICS on BLUESKY, or Mastodon and Like me on FACEBOOK and Substack Please visit my web site at: www.annefaustosterling.com And I have a YOUTUBE Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU9Ko2iTnMlC4GobLa0y19A
On Tue, Oct 6, 2026 at 11:04 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote: thanks to Allen Mireles for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today Tue, 6 Oct 2026 22:16:30 -0400 Allen Mireles <allen...>
... I thought you might be interested in our sighting. I have reported this to eBird.
Today at 10:26 AM, we saw a Crested Caracara in the Salisbury Beach Reservation. We watched it hunt, then swoop down into the salt marsh and return with something in its beak. It flew into a tree nearby, and I got a photograph, which I have attached to this email. (massird doesn't allow images)
I wasn't able to get the white markings on the wings and tail, but we saw them when it was flying around us. looks like it caught a mouse or rat.
Thought you would appreciate knowing.
Allen
Allen Mireles (she/her) Consultant/Writer Allen Mireles Consulting, LLC
Date: 10/7/26 6:18 am From: Kirk Elwell <gentilisfinder...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
Also had the one at Woodsom Farm in Amesbury, MA in 2020!
How long do they live??
K.
Kirk S Elwell
East Kingston, NH.
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026, 8:48 AM Fausto Sterling, Anne <
<anne_fausto-sterling...> wrote:
> I wonder if this is “our” Wellfleet crested Caracara that has been here at
> Duck Harbor for over a month? Finally on the move to a less wintry spot?
>
>
>
>
> Anne Fausto-Sterling
> Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies
> Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry
> Brown University
> Providence, RI 02912
>
> Follow me re: GENDER DYNAMICS on BLUESKY
> <https://bsky.app/profile/birdlady.bsky.social>, or Mastodon
> <http://%<40faustosterling...>/> and Like me on FACEBOOK
> <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Anne-Fausto-Sterling/202773239756391> and
> Substack <https://sterlinga.substack.com/> > Please visit my web site at: www.annefaustosterling.com
> And I have a YOUTUBE Channel!!
> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU9Ko2iTnMlC4GobLa0y19A >
>
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 6, 2026 at 11:04 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
>
>> thanks to Allen Mireles for this report.
>>
>> Barbara Volkle
>> Northborough,MA
>> <barb620...>
>>
>> *
>>
>> Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
>> Tue, 6 Oct 2026 22:16:30 -0400
>> Allen Mireles <allen...>
>>
>> ... I thought you might be interested in our sighting. I have reported
>> this to eBird.
>>
>> Today at 10:26 AM, we saw a Crested Caracara in the Salisbury Beach
>> Reservation. We watched it hunt, then swoop down into the salt marsh and
>> return with something in its beak. It flew into a tree nearby, and I got
>> a photograph, which I have attached to this email. (massird doesn't
>> allow images)
>>
>> I wasn't able to get the white markings on the wings and tail, but we
>> saw them when it was flying around us. looks like it caught a mouse or
>> rat.
>>
>> Thought you would appreciate knowing.
>>
>> Allen
>>
>> Allen Mireles (she/her)
>> Consultant/Writer
>> Allen Mireles Consulting, LLC
>>
>> 167 Elm Street, Unit C, Salisbury, MA 01952
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
Date: 10/7/26 5:36 am From: Fausto Sterling, Anne <anne_fausto-sterling...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
I wonder if this is “our” Wellfleet crested Caracara that has been here at
Duck Harbor for over a month? Finally on the move to a less wintry spot?
Anne Fausto-Sterling
Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
On Tue, Oct 6, 2026 at 11:04 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
> thanks to Allen Mireles for this report.
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough,MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
>
> Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
> Tue, 6 Oct 2026 22:16:30 -0400
> Allen Mireles <allen...>
>
> ... I thought you might be interested in our sighting. I have reported
> this to eBird.
>
> Today at 10:26 AM, we saw a Crested Caracara in the Salisbury Beach
> Reservation. We watched it hunt, then swoop down into the salt marsh and
> return with something in its beak. It flew into a tree nearby, and I got
> a photograph, which I have attached to this email. (massird doesn't
> allow images)
>
> I wasn't able to get the white markings on the wings and tail, but we
> saw them when it was flying around us. looks like it caught a mouse or rat.
>
> Thought you would appreciate knowing.
>
> Allen
>
> Allen Mireles (she/her)
> Consultant/Writer
> Allen Mireles Consulting, LLC
>
> 167 Elm Street, Unit C, Salisbury, MA 01952
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/6/26 7:45 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today
thanks to Allen Mireles for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Crested Caracara sighting at Salisbury Beach Reservation Today Tue, 6 Oct 2026 22:16:30 -0400 Allen Mireles <allen...>
... I thought you might be interested in our sighting. I have reported this to eBird.
Today at 10:26 AM, we saw a Crested Caracara in the Salisbury Beach Reservation. We watched it hunt, then swoop down into the salt marsh and return with something in its beak. It flew into a tree nearby, and I got a photograph, which I have attached to this email. (massird doesn't allow images)
I wasn't able to get the white markings on the wings and tail, but we saw them when it was flying around us. looks like it caught a mouse or rat.
Thought you would appreciate knowing.
Allen
Allen Mireles (she/her) Consultant/Writer Allen Mireles Consulting, LLC
Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 3.75 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Jim Reid, John Weeks
Weather: "The skies above are clear again," but that doesn't mean that happy days are here again... Cloud-cover 0% all day, with milky haze along the horizon to the north. Wind WNW 2-9 mph. Temperature 50-54 F.
Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures are starting to head out at last. Jim saw one laggard Broad-wing during the eleven o'clock hour (EDT). Not counted as migrants: 2 or 3 Turkey Vultures, immature Bald Eagle, adult Red-tail.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (2), American Crow, Common Ravens (2), Black-capped Chickadee, Yellow-rumped Warblers (5). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Visitors: Kaelyn Barnes and his dog Rosie from Ontario, Canada, stopped by to chat, on their way south. Later in the day Daniel Soznogni also stopped to discuss the Pinnacle Rock Hawkwatch with me.
Weather: Moderate (2) WNW winds at beginning of watch with moderate gusts after 11 AM became somewhat stronger (3) NW winds with gusts beginning at 16 Km/hr and increasing to 29 Km/hr. Cloud cover was mostly a steady stream of cumulus clouds from the northwest, covering anywhere from 10-50% of the sky at any one time. Temperaturewent from 13-18-16�C
Raptor Observations: Given what seemed to be favorable winds, there was only one probable migrant - an OS that disappeared into the blu as it soared to height three Non-migrating -- one TV, an adult BE, one CH, and one RT
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: It is hoped that continuing westerly winds will bring more hawks ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 10/6/26 1:28 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 10/4 and 10/5 Nahanton Park in Newton Highlights:
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2026 20:06:28 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 10/4 and 10/5 Nahanton Park in Newton Highlights:
I birded in this place from 3:00-6:00 on Sunday, and from 12:00-3:30 p.m. yesterday
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ad. and imm. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 in woods next to golf course Eastern Phoebe 1 near the park; along Charles River Blue-headed Vireo 1 Sunday Red-eyed Vireo 1 Sunday Common Raven 1 Carolina Wren 2 Magnolia Warbler both days; beautiful in lower garden down on right beyond patch of ragweed American Redstart 1 yesterday Blackpoll 3 both days Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 FOF on Needham side of Charles River warbler sp. 1 giant area of ragweed on sloped ground Dark-eyed Junco 3 FOF Charlemont St. in former railroad tracks area Swamp Sparrow 1 Sunday CLAY-COLORED SPARROW 1 both days in upper garden and lower Chipping Sparrow 6 Song Sparrow 6
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Tom Pirro
Observers: Visitors: N/A
Weather: West winds 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 10 to 15 with gusts to 20 mph. Raptor Observations: Thanks Tom Pirro for today's count (Mon 10/5)!
I put in a few hours this morning, until noon...Slow, a few determined vulture were moving a a few other raptors, the rest must have stayed put or went by way of foot!
Predictions: No formal count planned. If you count any hawks the remainder of the year at Mount Watatic, please email me with your sightings to <14hawks8owls...> October and November on Mt. Watatic will see the departure of Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, as well as migratory peaks for accipitrine species and falcons. Peregrine Falcons should peak by the 2nd week of October, and accipitrine hawks right after that. Late-season Watatic offers some of the best opportunities for birders to add American Goshawk and Golden Eagle to your Massachusetts state list, especially on days with strong NW winds. Thank you! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks, Steve Tysz
Weather: Minimal (5%) cloud-cover until 11:00 EDT; 25% to 50% thereafter. Fog confined to the Connecticut River Valley. Wind WNW 6-10 mph, gusting to 15 mph during the last hour. Temperature 58-64 F.
Raptor Observations: Five migrants. Not counted as such: 3 Black Vultures, 2 Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagle, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (3 migrants), American Crows (flock of 10), Black-capped Chickadees (2), American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-rumped Warblers (2). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 10/6/26 6:35 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 10/11- Costa Rica's Rainforests - book release and book signing
*Join local author and professor emeritus Scott Shumway for the celebration of the release of his book *"Costa Rica's Rainforests".
*Scott Shumway*is an authority on Costa Rica’s rainforests and has visited the country more than thirty times over three decades to study and teach tropical ecology. He is professor emeritus of biology at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and the author of /A Naturalist’s Guide to the Atlantic Seashore./
Details below.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Subject: Celebrate the release of my book Costa Rica's Rainforests Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2026 13:51:08 -0400 From: Scott Shumway <shumway_scott...>
Hi Friends,
I have exciting news. After 14 years of work, my book "Costa Rica's Rainforests: The Natural History of the Plants and Animals of La Selva" has finally been published by Princeton University Press. Please join me to celebrate the release of "Costa Rica's Rainforests" at Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St, Westboro at 2:30 on Sunday October 11th. I'll deliver a slideshow talk and sign books. As a special treat Aline Benoit, my college clarinet teacher who first told me to go to Costa Rica, will play a solo piece inspired by the songs of tropical birds.
"A first class field guide. . . . The superb photographs do aid in identification but it is the cornucopia of information that sets this book apart."—David Gascoigne,/Travels with Birds/
“This is a fabulous introduction to La Selva, skillfully covering plants, animals, habitats, and their relationships. Whether you are a researcher, student, or visitor to this extraordinary place, Scott Shumway’s engaging book will be an indispensable guide to its biodiversity. I highly recommend it!”—Carlos L. de la Rosa, former director of La Selva Research Station
“Without even getting your boots muddy, this book immerses you in little-known details of natural history and personal field experiences while providing a panoramic overview of the rich biological diversity and scientific legacy of La Selva’s rainforest and research community. Nature and natural history come alive through engaging writing and breathtaking photos, providing an entry point for readers to launch their own experience of La Selva’s fascinating web of life.”—Robin Chazdon, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
“Tiny Costa Rica is a biodiversity powerhouse. The entire Amazon harbors about 150 species of palms, but Costa Rica, which is less than 1% of the Amazon’s size, is home to more than 100. This wonderful new book by Scott Shumway and colleagues documents and explains this Costa Rican biodiversity with a focus on the extraordinary La Selva rainforests. The accuracy of the information, the clarity of the writing, and the beauty of the photographs and maps make this a book that belongs on every nature lover’s shelf!”—Mark J. Plotkin, cofounder and president of The Amazon Conservation Team
“Much more than an identification guide, this book explains what rainforest plants, animals, and insects are doing in the wild—how they grow, reproduce, and interact with other species.//It brings together a wealth of information that will stimulate and enthrall amateur and professional naturalists alike. Engagingly written and beautifully illustrated, it is the book I wish I had had during my first trip to Costa Rica.”—Robbin Moran, curator emeritus of the New York Botanical Garden
“Decades ago, Costa Rica emerged as a leading country in the field of tropical ecology. That is largely because of research performed at La Selva, a facility located in rich tropical moist forest that boasts a high and complex biodiversity. La Selva today remains a nexus of research but has also grown to welcome educational groups and ecotourists. If you want to experience and learn about tropical forests, La Selva is the perfect place. That is why Scott Shumway’s new book is both timely and indispensable for anyone with a keen interest in tropical nature. Rich in both text and color photographs, this book lucidly explains the complex natural history of La Selva. Shumway, a skilled teacher, takes his readers on a vibrant journey from lichens and leaves to monkeys and toucans. This book is sure to take its place as a classic in the field of tropical ecology.”—John C. Kricher, author of/The New Neotropical Companion/
-- Scott Shumway Professor of Biology Emeritus Wheaton College in Massachusetts
Author of: Costa Rica's Rainforests: The Natural History of the Plants and Animals of La Selva Naturalist's Guide to the Atlantic Seashore
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks, Steve Tysz
Weather: Minimal (5%) cloud-cover until 11:00 EDT; 25% to 50% thereafter. Fog confined to the Connecticut River Valley. Wind WNW 6-10 mph, gusting to 15 mph during the last hour. Temperature 58-64 F.
Raptor Observations: Five migrants. Not counted as such: 3 Black Vultures, 2 Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagle, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (3 migrants), American Crows (flock of 10), Black-capped Chickadees (2), American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-rumped Warblers (2). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku
Observers: Don Singleman, Joanne Hart, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Bill wants to thank all of our observers for enduring the cold, windy conditions without a lot of reward. About 40 hikers and sightseers came up to the summit for abbreviated visits.
Weather: As has happened so often lately, the day started with the summit wrapped in clouds. At 9:30 am EST, the clouds rose enough to give us good views everywhere except to the south, which cleared up by 10 am. Solid West winds (10-11 mph with gusts of 15-17 mph) turned into even stronger winds with peak gusts of 25-32 mph in the early afternoon. Temps rose a bit from 54 to 59 F. The very chilly conditions drove most visitors off of the tower in short order. The wind gusts shook both the scopes and the users. The humidity and the haze dropped together, and Mt Chocorua was visible by the end of the session.
Raptor Observations: The birds apparently weren't any happier about the strong winds than we were, and only 2 got up high enough for us to see them migrate. Marty McNamara spent some time down the the North Rd observation point in the afternoon, but didn't see any migrating birds.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-3, Bald Eagle-4 (3 Ad, 1 Imm), Sharp-shin-1, Red-tail(3), Merlin-2. The Merlins were blown east from the northwest side of mountain, and looked like they might be looking south, but they disappeared down so fast that we couldn't call them migrants with any confidence. A number of unidentified raptors dropped very quickly after being sighted up in the sky...testing the waters, as it were. The Sharpie chased both a Red-tail and some Ravens.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2018, the latest double-digit Broad-wing Hawk count (24), the largest Merlin count ever (8), the 3rd largest Cooper�s Hawk count (24), and the 8th largest Turkey Vulture count (153) in Wachusett Mt history. The day�s total count was 274 migrating raptors. Rod Chase wrote: "Wind from NE except last 2 hours from N. Strength 3-10 mph at start with added gusts to 15 in 2nd hour; after that there was gradual decrease in strength until there was little then no wind in the last two hours." "The best thermals were when the winds died and since Turkey Vultures can float thru the air with the best -- they certainly picked up the slack in the last two hours! (Someone might ask "That's just when they arrived?", I'd say 'yup, we're both right'!)" "The 24 BWs were another pleasant October surprise but the Bird of the Day was a beautiful and close flyover by the Red-shouldered Hawk. Several well-lit views as he circled up in front before then showing his topside and then wings backlit both top then bottom. I love those moments that'll be etched in the memory cells for a while!" Other observers: Bill Rasku, Dave Brown, Jared Keyes, Susan Williamson, Ursula & Dave Goodine, Ed Norris, Joe Drega, Chris Eddy, Bill Caines, Jeff Hendrickx, Jerry Tabler, Bill Caines, Jack Doolin, Jim, and David Pihl. In 2024, the 24th largest Turkey Vulture count (73), the 14th largest Cooper's Hawk count (14) tied with 6 other dates, and the 19th largest Bald Eagle count (14) tied with 5 other dates. Eric Mueller wrote: "We had a great turnout of observers today. Thanks to everyone for a fine job amidst all the hubbub." "The summit was swarming with many hundreds of people who hiked up or came up to sightsee. The fire tower was open to the public for a 2nd time this year in honor of the 80th anniversary of Smokey Bear. In addition, the ski lift was bringing celebrants up from the Oktoberfest down at the ski area." Other observers - Al Hinde, Alf Wilson, Bill Rasku, Charles Huang, David Brown, Jack Miano, Janet Kovner, John Edmondson, Julie Roberts, Lisa Burwell, Marilyn Cugini, Mark Hibberd, Paul Roberts, Paul Vanderhoof, Scott Carlson, Steve Smith and Tom Gottschang.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Blue Jays, Comm Raven (4), DE Juncos.
Predictions: Tuesday's forecast calls for only moderate humidity overnight, so hopefully we can avoid a cloud-bound summit this time. Sunny skies and low humidity later on should result in good visibility. It will be very cold with temps in the mid-40's to mid-50's, and WNW winds averaging 12-13 mph. The cold should get some birds moving, and hopefully up where we can see them if the wind isn't too gusty. Winter gear time! ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Visitors: Representing Massachusetts Audubon Society's Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Patti Steinman and Dan Russell led a group of six birders interested in learning more about hawks and hawkwatching. The members of the group spotted several birds, including today's only Northern Harrier.
Weather: Overcast all day; extensive fog during the first hour, obscuring everything beyond the top of Blueberry Hill. The fog lifted and visibility improved to about 20 miles. Wind 2-8 mph, NE at first, shifting to E from 11:00 EDT on.
Raptor Observations: The weather conditions being what they were, few raptors moved through. Not counted as migrants: 3 Turkey Vultures, 2 immature Bald Eagles, Cooper's Hawk, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jays (18 migrants), American Crows (2), Common Raven, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, Purple Finch, American Goldfinches (2), Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Palm Warblers (2), Yellow-rumped Warblers (9). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Jon Skinner
Visitors: Many thanks to Jon for his help today. We enjoyed talking to Sean from Clinton. Many hundreds of sightseers, hikers and bikers, with many participants from the Oktoberfest at the ski area below riding up the ski lift to the summit. A proposal of marriage was accepted on the platform. Just as I was exiting, 40 Cub Scouts plus their den leaders and parents began crowding the platform - good timing on my part!
Weather: The session started an hour later than usual at 9 am EST while waiting for low clouds to clear the summit. The clouds continued to rise slowly, and ultimately converted to a layer of cumulus clouds. Humid air caused a light haze, but most regular landmarks were visible. Some blue sky appeared in the 3rd and 4th hours, but then the clouds closed in during the last hour. The wind was blowing from the ENE to SE at 4-7 mph with gusts as high as 13 mph at one point, but died down in the last hour.
Raptor Observations: Once the clouds cleared the summit, we had a few birds fly by in the first hour, including a pair of Northern Harriers that popped up on the NE side - great looks! Jon spotted an Osprey as he was walking up to the tower. Several rising birds disappeared into the low clouds. In the 2nd hour, Jon spotted a stream of 12 TVs which ended up being the highlight of the day. The next 3 hours yielded only 3 birds per hour, and a repeat of yesterday's late TV flight didn't materialize. After the clouds closed in again and the wind died down, I decided to shut down at 2 pm EST (3 pm EDT). Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-3, TV-5, Bald Eagle-3 (2 Ad, 1 Juv), Sharp-shin-1, Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-2.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2019, Rod Chase wrote "Somewhat busy in the AM (I arrived 11:30) and early afternoon. Birds were moving from the start and peaked in the 11am hour. Flights were quick to pass and many were far away since the gusts provided a 'wider highway'. The updraft birds rocketed up and out then fell quickly to treetops level going SW. Good light and smaller updrafts kept most visible as they left. Other observers - Daryl Turek, Eric Mueller, JoAnne Hart, Kathy Olson and Marty McNamara.
In 2020, the 2nd largest Black Vulture count (6) in Wachusett Mt history (this category may get confusing in the future as the migration status of BVs comes into question). Rod Chase wrote: Migrating: BVs again! 6 total: 2+3 birds five minutes apart at 10:30 and 1 more at 11:30. TV (71) and AK (11) were the double digit stars in the thirteen species moving through today." (Eric�s note: 113 total raptors for the day) Locals: "immature BE dueling aggressively with a single Raven from NE to NW before Big Bird drove him down into the oaks a 2nd and final time." "On the count: Ted Mara, Tom Gottschang, Charlie Roche, Alisha (sharp eyes!) Carillo, John Sisk, Alf Wilson, Chandra Tibrewal & Shobah with Rachel Schwartz, Bill Rasku and Daryl Turek."
In 2023, Eric Mueller wrote: "Smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to make the air hazy here, although just moderately so today." "Our 16,000th bird of the season was the first of 3 Peregrine Falcons that flew by between 8:35 and 9:20 EST. The local TVs did begin to rise up around 9:30 EST, and they stayed active all day. We had good looks at two local Bald Eagles and pointed them out to the non-birders on the platform, much to their delight.�Other observers: Paul Vanderhoof and Ted Mara. Visitors: At least 50 sightseers, and two mounted State Troopers (no road apples left on the summit this time). Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Blue Jay-6, Comm Raven-19, N Flicker-1, Song Sparrow-1, D-E Junco-4, E Towhee-2, warbler sp-2, passerine sp-10. Predictions: For Monday, sunny to partly cloudy skies with temps in the mid-50's to mid-60's. 8 mph WSW winds to start, increasing to 15-17 mph from the WNW. Very low humidity in the afternoon should give fine visibility, other than shaking optics. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Saturday's trip to the outer cape with, at the start, 17 participants had a very good day. I had mentioned to the participants I had over 100 species on one day at this time of year on the outer cape. I also thought the current day's weather conditions would make it possible to have to achieve that goal. With 17 participants and 9/10 vehicles it would be another obstacle to overcome since some places, and time, would not allow us to visit some places.
Well, with all the eyes and ears and circumstances we did indeed achieve the goal with 101 species, unofficially. Such days, no one person achieves the total and I personally had 96 species with 5 more others noted to me which I did not see/hear.
That is 101 species for the area (minimally); Chatham to Provincetown.
Highlights:
Pied-billed Grebe (Herring Pond-Eastham) Cory's Shearwater 25 (Race Point Beach) NORTHERN FULMAR (RPB) Black-crowned Night-Heron 5 (last bird at Forest Beach-Chatham) Sharp-shinned Hawk (Duck Harbor) BROAD-WINGED HAWK (DH) Oystercatcher (FB) American Golden Plover (DH) Willet (western) 21 (FB) MARBLED GODWIT 10 (FB) maybe the most I have seen at one time Parasitic Jaeger 15 (RPB) A good show put on Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 - Pilgrim Heights four covids (Blue Jay, both crows, Raven) Blue-headed Vireo 3 (1-Putnum Conservation gardens, Orleans, 2 - Fort Hill) American Pipit-at least 17 (RPB) 8 warblers including: Orange-crowned, Northern Parula, Prairie, Palm, Redstart Blue Grosbeak (PCGardens) DICKCISSEL (PC Gardens) PINE SISKIN (DH flyover) White-crowned Sparrow (Fort Hill) Lincoln's Sparrow (FH) CRESTED CARACARA (DH) still present
A fun and beautiful day.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Carole Powers, Jack Miano
Weather: Light (1) winds from the east gradually became slightly stronger before shifting to the SE,ESE, and finally NE. Cloud cover went from 75% with cumulus clouds in the eastern skies and cirrus clouds toward the west. Cumulus clouds soon moved in from the east and covered most of the sky through the rest of the watch, Temperature went from 13-15�C
Raptor Observations: Only one probable migrant Non-migrating -- 1 TV, 1 CH, and 5 RT
Non-raptor Observations: 238 Canada Geese, 1 DC Cormorant, and 3 Ravens
Predictions: Winds should be more favorable tomorrow with westerly winds becoming stronger and stronger throughout the day. The following day Tuesday winds are expected to be moderate from the NW and WNW ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Chris Eddy, Jack Miano, Joanne Hart, Joe Luongo, Julie Roberts, Lena Ficco, Lillie Luongo, Lisa Burwell, Paul Roberts, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Many thanks to our regular crew members listed above who managed to communicate well in a platform often filled with sightseers, and to promote our work to many of those same sightseers. We also got valuable and much appreciated help from Olivier David, JR from Westwood, and Melissa and Will MacDonald. Friend-of-the-Watch Carl Platt came up for a while to help out, and Tim Eddy brought up Maggie to spread some Golden Retriever happiness. The summit was filled with at least 1,000 sightseers and festival goers from the Oktoberfest down at the ski area. We did see some women in dirndl dresses, but no guys in lederhosen or Tyrolean hats - what's up with that?
Weather: As has been the case lately, the winds were a bit lighter than forecasted, peaking today at about 6 mph, but often only 2-4 mph. All were from the expected N to NE direction. Temps were cooler than yesterday, ranging from 53-65 F. Light haze in the morning gave way to very clear air after the humidity dropped below the mid-50% mark in the late morning, and at the same time, cumulus clouds began to form despite the forecast of sunny skies.
Raptor Observations: It looks like the Broad-wing migration may be over for the season here - the only one that we spotted today was a juvenile that popped up twice around the mountain and was likely the rehabbed bird that was released here yesterday. However, the TV migration kept moving along, and we had our highest number of different species of migrants this season - 12. The only expected species missing was the Broad-wing, although we're still hoping to see Golden Eagles soon. We might have missed a BW among the many distant URs today. The flight ebbed and flowed today with 37 migrating birds counted in the 2nd hour, then 3 hours with just single-digit counts, and then back to double-digit counts again in the 1-2 pm and 2-3 pm EST hours. The 3 Black Vultures flew up together and headed south. One of the last birds of the day was a really nice Gray Ghost male harrier.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-8, Bald Eagle-7 (mostly juv/imm), Broad-wing-1, Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-2. In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2014, the 2nd largest Peregrine Falcon daily count (7) in Wachusett Mt history
In 2017, Rod Chase wrote: "So three guys, each 'playing with half a deck', go out to count hawks. After several hours they had tallied 26 - which is equal to half a deck. Great.(No jokers, please.)" Other observers - Bill Rasku and Charlie Roche
In 2018, Rod Chase wrote (from Ted Mara�s notes): "Mountain socked in until 11:30. Then only clear view was to the West, rest was thick fog and no visibility. The adult BE and the BV disappeared into the low clouds while migrating. Dave and I figured we missed a lot of raptors traveling low around the mountain." "Hiking around waiting for the fog to lift, the was an eerie absence of avian sounds. Maybe the accipitors downed by the fog were draining the local population of dickey birds" Official counter: Ted Mara, Crack observer: Dave Brown In 2019, Rod Chase wrote: "The day started with a treat! A Gray Ghost (male NH) popped up on the north updraft to eye-level and then cruised above the near oaks on N and W sides. Two minutes later up came the female NH who took the same route. I watched them cruise SW and she closed the gap a little ...perhaps it was her plan to stay back." "I did count hikers until noon (only 13) when I exited for doctor's appointment. Glad I missed 'a very loud school group with Boomboxes' while I was out :-)" Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Canada Goose-39 D-C Cormorant-1 Blue Jay-8 Comm Raven-8 (up and down all day)
Predictions: For Sunday, the forecast calls for partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies with high to moderate humidity, temps in the 50's, and 6-8 mph winds beginning the day from the NE and moving around to ESE by the early afternoon. This should be fine for Ospreys and TVs, and OK for other birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Ben Shamgochian, Bill Shapiro, Liza Alenchery
Visitors: Frequent visitor Steve Singer came by to say hello with his friend Brian; as did another frequent visitor Oliver Kleinbub who left just before we witnessed the dogfight
Weather: Light (2-1) NNW winds gradually shifted to SE by the last three hours of the watch. Cloud cover began at 0%. Around 10 AM cumulus clouds started forming in the northwest. By 12 noon they covered 50% of the sky, but then gradually disappeared such that at the last hour only 5% of the sky had clouds. Temperature went from 13�-18�-17�C
Raptor Observations: Small movement of raptors Non-migrating -- one adult BE; at least one TV; four RT, including at least one adult; one adult and one immature RS While there were very few migrating raptors, those of us who were on the Rock from 1:30-1:45 PM (EST) got to witness one of the best displays of aggressive behavior by a Peregrine Falcon. From my notes after the event. As a Raven came toward the Rock, all of a sudden a small (male) Peregrine began repeatedly dive-bombing the Raven. As we watched the Peregrine repeatedly dive and then fly up again to renew the attack, an immature Red-tailed hawk decided to join the fray and also began attacking the Raven. However, the Red-tailed Hawks' attacks did not last long as it soon also became the target of the Peregrine, causing it to fly away. As the Raven continued to fly toward us, while under attack, the dogfight continued almost above our heads. The Raven flew to the nearby tower and landed and we thought the Peregrine had flown off. We were wrong as the Peregrin once more flew upward to dive-bomb the Raven which was now on the tower, before finally flying off. I would estimate that the Peregrine continued its attacks for at least 15 minutes.
Non-raptor Observations: In addition to three Ravens, an Eastern Phoebe showed up near the end of the watch
Predictions: Winds tomorrow will be light from the NE, not ideal conditions, so if I do go to the Rock I may only stay a half-day. Wind conditions seem to be much more favorable for Monday and Tuesday with very strong westerly winds on Monday moderating slightly on Tuesday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
* Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2026 20:42:10 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 10/3 Fenway Highlights
I birded here from 11:40-2:40. I found several first of fall birds
Great Blue Heron 1 Wood Duck 3 American Black Duck 39 Peregrine Falcon 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 FOF one monuments area; one across river from first one Northern Flicker 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 FOF Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 FOF Nashville Warbler 1 FOF hackberry tree at Boylston St. Bridge Common Yellowthroat 1 Blackpoll Warbler 3 White-throated Sparrow 4 Lincoln Sparrow 1 FOF
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson, John Weeks
Weather: Blue skies until noon; partly cloudy (cumulus) in the afternoon. Wind 1-8 mph; NNE until 1 PM EDT, then shifted to NE, ENE, and E. Temperature 62-68 F. A pleasant day.
Raptor Observations: Once again, non-migrants outnumbered migrants. Two first-of-the season Peregrines circled achingly high, and looked almost small enough to resemble swifts. Not counted as migrants: 4 Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles (adult + age unknown), Cooper's Hawk, 3 Red-shouldered Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: Bird of the Day -- nay, bird of the entire season so far: juvenile WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Rock Pigeons (6,incl. one all-white bird), Northern Flicker, Blue Jays (120 migrants), American Crows (2), Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadees (4), Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Goldfinch, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow. Palm Warblers (2), Yellow-rumped Warblers (5). Spotted Lanternflies: 2. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Bill Rasku, Cindy Rost, Gianna Arcuri, Lisa Burwell, Susan Moses, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Many thanks to our observers today, including Gianna Arcuri who normally observes at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch. We enjoyed hearing about the Florida site and other interesting places that she has worked at.
It was nice to see Tom's wife Karen again, as well as our friend Frannie. Along with a steady stream of sightseers and hikers, 52 fifth graders from The Gordon School in E Providence RI hiked up the mountain, cheering their classmates as they crested the summit. We enjoyed talking to these well-behaved students.
Weather: A very warm, humid, hazy day with moderate to strong SW winds all session. We couldn't see the Boston skyline at all, and Mt Grace to the NW and the Uncanoonucks to the NE were barely visible. Temps ranged from 63 to 77 F. We had thin cirrus clouds above all day, with a high stratus layer moving in as the day progressed. We left the tower at 1:15 pm EST as a line of rain clouds moved in from the northwest.
Raptor Observations: Another weak count with only 9 migrating birds visible. A few birds used the headwind to rise up on the windward side of the mountain, so we might have lost some birds who also snuck low around the mountain but then stayed below our sightlines.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-3, Bald Eagle-2 (no adults), Sharp-shin-2, Red-tail-1. Susan released a rehabilitated juvenile Broad-wing from the Tufts Wildlife Clinic - a great treat for everyone on the summit. We saw a juvenile flying around later on and counted it as a local bird.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2008, Steve Olson wrote: "West wind around 20 m.p.h. with gusts up to 30 m.p.h. The strong wind prevented the birds from getting much lift. The unknown raptors were pushed rapidly to the right and made identification next to impossible. Close-up raptors fared much better." (Eric�s note: 29 total raptors for the day, including 12 URs) "Our "most photographed" porcupine has relocated to just below the summit. Apparently his "people-watch" count period is done for this year." Other observer: Bill LaFleche
In 2017, Rod Chase wrote: "Raptors went by mostly in 1's and 2's except for one push of TV's in the 9am hour. In the slow last hour we all had bino's on, presumably, the last bird of the day. A single sharpie was close in front when dive-bombed by a larger bird from above. We simultaneously focused on the aggressor and eyes popped! It was our first Northern Goshawk since 2014." Other observers Bill Rasku, Ted Mara, Bill LaFleche, Mark Letizi, George Russell, Marty McNamara, Steve and Kathy Olson.
In 2019, Rod Chase wrote" "View of the day was in the fog at 1:48. On the updraft coming off the North side rose 2 SSs being repeatedly hassled (revenge?) by an AK. Once above the oaks these three sped by at eye level just yards off the west rail and took their feuding SW back into fog." Other observers - Daryl Turek, Marty McNamara, Mike McNamara.
Non-raptor Observations: A group of 11 Common Ravens kept us amused with their antics all session. One bird flew around with a branchlet of berries in its talons and then with its beak.
Other non-raptors: Blue Jay-1, Downy WP-1, D-E Junco-2, E Towhee-1. 7 Chimney Swifts that flew by were the first ones that we've seen here in a while.
We killed two more Spotted Lanternflies on the tower - not a good sign for the forest here.
Predictions: Hopefully a good (maybe great?) day. Winds will finally be straight out of the North, shifting to NNE mid-day, all at a moderate 6-8 mph. We're expecting clear skies, moderate to low humidity and temps in the 60's. This should finally tell us if there are any Broad-wings left to be counted, and should kick off the second half of the Fall migration. Can a Golden Eagle be far off? ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Bill Shapiro, Darren Josey, David Bliss
Visitors: David Bliss came to observe with me for the first time. Darren Josey came up with his mom from Florida and observed for over an hour, and Bill Shapiro brought his brother-in-law and also observed for a short time
Weather: Winds were moderate (2-3) mostly from the SW throughout the day with gusts up to 15 km/hr. The predicted shift to NW for early in the afternoon did not start until late in the afternoon, such that when I left the winds were variable from SW-NW with the strongest gusts being 21 km/hr from the west. Cloud cover began with light cirrus clouds covering much of the sky. gradually showing more blue, before again becoming more dense. Temperature - day was very warm, beginning at 20�C and warming to 25�C
Raptor Observations: small movement of raptors; Numerous non-migrating RT Hawks seen (5+)
Non-raptor Observations: three Ravens were typical; more unusual were the nine Chimney Swifts seen toward the end of the day, but by far the most unusual sightings were of a Katydid and a Praying Mantis on the Rock.
Predictions: Moderate NNW winds are predicted for most of tomorrow. While not the best winds for this site, it is hoped that they will bring some migrants ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2026 20:11:18 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 10/2 Fenway Victory Gardens
I birded here from 9:15-12:30. The hawk and blackpolls were outside the gardens, but the others were inside.
Great Blue Heron 2 Wood Duck 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 warblers were quite aroused by the hawk in the Magnolia Tree (Row E) flycatcher sp. 1+ Magnolia Warbler Row E American Redstart 1 Row E Common Yellowthroat 2 one in Row E; Blackpoll Warbler 3 White-throated Sparrow 1 F.O.F. Song Sparrow 6
LEPIDS:
Great Spangled Fritillary 1 Wow! first ever here and in all of Boston American Lady 1 Monarch 5 Cabbage White 7
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Weather: Light NW winds throughout the watch until it began to drizzle at 1:45 PM. Cloud cover was virtually 100% the entire day with brief glimpses of blu beyond the low cloud cover. Temperature 12-15�C
Raptor Observations: two possible migrants.
Non-raptor Observations: three Ravens ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 10/1/26 7:48 pm From: Marsha Salett <msalett...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] October 2026 Bird Observer now online
Massbirders -
Bird Observer announces that our October 2026 issue is now online at www.birdobserver.org <http://www.birdobserver.org/>.
Where to Go Birding highlights “Birding Reid State Park in Georgetown, Maine” by Ethan Whitaker.
Articles feature the “First Breeding Record of Purple Martin (Progne subis) on Nantucket, Massachusetts” by Libby Buck and the “Seventh Report of the Rhode Island Avian Records Committee” by Shaibal S. Mitra (Chair), Paul L’Etoile (Secretary), Robert Emerson, Rachel Farrell, Alan Kneidel, Samuel Miller, and Scott Tsagarakis. The photo essay depicts birds of the Seventh RIARC Report.
Field Notes describe “Evening Exodus Flights of Sea Ducks in Plum Island Sound” by Miles Brengle and “Bridled Tern Comes to Scituate and Birders Notice” by John Kricher.
As usual, we include Musings from the Blind Birder by Martha Steele, About Books by Mark Lynch, Bygone Birds by Robert H. Stymeist, Bird Sightings by Jason Forbes and Robert H. Stymeist, Hot Birds by Joshua Rose, and Wayne Petersen’s At a Glance.
The cover art features Steve Hamlin's Scissor-tailed Fl.ycatcher. “About the Cover: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher” was written by John Kricher.
All of Bird Observer’s content from 1973 to 2015 has been digitized to SORA, the Searchable Ornithological Research Archive at https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/. You can access articles through SORA as well as through Bird Observer’s online archives.
Bird Observer is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Marsha Salett (she/her)
Editor
Bird Observer
<msalett...> <mailto:<msalett...> Needham, MA
Date: 10/1/26 4:59 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 9/30 Six Warbler Species in West Roxbury, etc
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2026 23:06:10 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 9/30 Six Warbler Species in West Roxbury, etc.
I went birding at Hancock Woods. i then birded at Brook Farm Reservation, which is one-hundred and seventy-nine acres in size. It is also quite beautiful, and the birds seem to think so too
Wood Duck 12 Red-shouldered Hawk 1+ HW accipiter sp. 2 B.F. raptor sp. 2 one was perhaps an owl that got flushed Hairy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 BF; heard but wouldn't allow me to see it (third bridge) Red-eyed Vireo 1 HW Common Raven 1 House Wren 1 BF Blackpoll Warbler 14 seven each place Northern Parula 1 BF Northern Waterthrush 1 BF Common Yellowthroat 1 BF Black-throated Green Warbler 1 HW Black and White Warbler 1 same area as above bird Scarlet Tanager 1 female BF Spring Peeper 13 combined
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Mark Morris
Observers: David Brown, Greg McGuane, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: First, big thanks to all of the observers who endured a long day without a lot of reward. In addition to those listed above, we got much appreciated help from Judy Peeler, John Peeler, Denise Martineau, Jim Kundzicz, Han-Ting Lin, Juwen Lin and Per Christianson.
Weather: Cloudy throughout duration with a scant few peeks of sun in the afternoon. Low cloud deck under the summit from Monadnock Mt to the West and South during first hour. Visibility was hampered by persistent moderate low haze. Temperatures were fairly warm 62-74 F. Winds were WSW 3-7 mph.
Raptor Observations: All raptors on this day were reluctant to be seen. We were able to find 2 migrating Ospreys in 6 hours of observing. Non-migrating Raptors included 17 Turkey Vultures and 1 adult Bald Eagle. A kettle of 13 TVs came up briefly to the NE and dispersed under the horizon. None of the Raptors wanted to climb up very high as lift seemed to be absent. A total of 3 species of Raptors were recorded, all in the afternoon. In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2017 � the latest date for a 100+ Broad-winged Hawk flight (155) and the 29th largest Turkey Vulture count (55) in Wachusett Mt history. Rod Chase wrote: "To make Surprise Cake: Start with frost to the north causing birds to be ready to work to 'get out of Dodge'. Add a cool morning with a light and steady breeze from the NNW all morning. Bake under sun for 1.5 hours, then: Sprinkle with surprised observers who enjoyed come-and-go bursts of activity all day long. The Surprise: I was hoping for 41 birds and our 11,000th raptor of the year. 272/11,231 works fine!"
In 2021, Eric Mueller wrote: "The day started slowly, but a little after 10 am (11 EDT), the birds started coming through steadily in ones and twos. As the thermals built up, some of the flight moved up to binocular limit heights, but enough of the Sharpies and Kestrels stayed low that we had to keep watch everywhere. 74 migrant raptors in total - we had a nice spread of birds with 11 species identified. The Sharpies have been pretty ornery, going after bigger birds like Coops, Eagles and Ospreys as they moved along."
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: E. Phoebe-1 Blue Jay-60, including migrating groups of 26 and 24 Comm Raven-6 B.C. Chickadee-2 T. Titmouse-1 warbler species-3 Y-Rumped Warbler-1 W.Throated Sparrow-2 Chipping Sparrow-2 E.Towhee-1
Predictions: Friday's forecast calls for more sun than today, partly cloudy skies for the most part with stronger 10-13 mph WSW winds. Temps are expected to be unseasonably high, almost reaching 80 F on the summit, with moderate humidity. The main cloud base should be high through mid-afternoon. The questions will be whether there will be fog or low clouds again in the morning, and how well the warm air will generate any thermals for the birds to use. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Carl Brousseau, John Weeks
Weather: Overcast for most of the watch; cloud-cover never less than 90%. Wind light and variable, from W to WSW to SW. Temperature 58-63 F.
Raptor Observations: With these conditions, the minuscule flight came as no surprise. Not counted as migrants: 3 Turkey Vultures, immature Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (21), Northern Flicker, Blue Jays (ca. 56 migrants), Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadees (3), Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Savannah Sparrows (3).
Predictions: Similarly adverse conditions; no watch planned. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Fay Baird, Joanne Hart
Visitors: My thanks to Fay and Joanne for their help today. Joe Quinton and Ed from Marshfield stopped by for a look in the morning - I hope you can come back when conditions are better. At least 6 young mothers hiked up with infants or toddlers on their backs or in strollers.
Weather: Another day that started with low cloud cover, only this time the summit itself was clear but surrounded by a ring of low clouds that blocked the view in all but a few directions at first. The clouds rose a bit more quickly and higher than yesterday, allowing a full 360 degree view at 9:30 am EST, but they still never fully cleared the peak of Mt Mondadnock. High humidity all day, with heavier haze to the east than in other directions. The VT mountains came into view around 1:00 pm EST. Temps ranged from 57 to 65 F. Wind was light all day from the SW.
Raptor Observations: A slow day. The birds that came through didn't seem fazed by the light SW wind. We may have lost some birds early in the day - the low cloud cover blocked our view early on, but there was plenty of clear air for birds to use below that. Turkey Vultures continue to move in small numbers. The local TV roost of approx 20 birds appeared for the first time in several weeks.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: 1984 - the 6th highest daily count of American Kestrels (29) in Wachusett Mt history, tied with 9/12/84 & 9/12/89.
In 2018, Rod Chase wrote: "We had some nice, close views of birds scattered throughout the day although the majority were barely 'naked-eye' or, sometimes, hard to find with bino's. And then, those pesky Bald Eagle locals were sneaking around all day and popping up all over the place before returning to home base. They were playful today, however, as they occasionally challenged Ravens, a few RT's and even each other." "There was a considerable lull in the afternoon. Conversations and good humor prevailed but I was planning to leave at 3:30 when a female NH came flapping in from NNE and passed very close to N towers and, after a brief dip below the oaks, came backup and even closer before working to SW. Ten minutes later a SS followed a very similar, close highway on the north side. Kept me there for the last half-hour of smiles and more hopes for another day."
2022 - the latest date of a flight with over 1,000 migrating raptors in Wachusett Mt history. Total raptors - 2,478, including 2,385 Broad-wings. Eric Mueller wrote: "What started out as a nice, active day for late September (about 200 birds from 11 species by 12:30 EST) turned into an excellent one as over 2100 Broad-wings came through in 4 large kettles in a one hour period between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM EST. Earlier in the day, five small kettles (from 13 to 46 birds each) moved through between 9:35 and 10:40 (including one with 20 birds that flew about 200 ft overhead.) But then we had almost no more BW's until 12:48 when Steve Farrell happened to look up near the sun and discovered a 73 bird kettle that had passed by us unnoticed. We thought that this discovery was the capstone of the day as the next 1-3/4 hrs yielded only 8 more raptors. By this time, only 4 of us were left on the platform. Then as Jean Hample scanned the northern horizon around 2:30, she saw a cloud of 500 BW's forming in the direction of Joe English Hill and the craziness began. 25 minutes later, Jack Miano (I believe) spotted a 720 bird kettle out towards Mt. Grace, and as that moved along, Chris Eddy saw another 400-bird kettle forming in the same area. Finally at 3:30 PM, Jean spotted another 500 bird kettle due north of the mountain. All of the kettles were at the far end of binocular range. It was difficult to get a totally accurate count because these big kettles were streaming from both the bottoms and tops of the kettles at the same time, but hawk watcher extraordinaire Jack applied his years of counting experience while cross-checking with Jean, Chris and me to come up with fairly accurate results. We closed out the day with two more small BW kettles (25 & 15 birds). Whew!"
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Blue Jay-12 (10 migrating), Comm Raven-12, B-C Chickadee-2, R-B Nuthatch-1, Hairy WP-1, D-E Junco-4, E Towhee-2.
The Ravens put on a good show late in the day. The young Porcupine appeared for a few minutes. I killed a Spotted Lanternfly that perched on my clipboard (reported to DCR and Mass NRC).
Predictions: Mostly cloudy on Thursday but the cloud base should be substantially higher than today, so our visibility and the birds' soaring headroom should be better. Temps in the low 60's to low 70's with high to moderate humidity. SW winds averaging 6 to 10 mph may be an impediment to the migrants, but the birds should be able to get good lift. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/30/26 12:21 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Joint Base Cape Cod Survey - comments due 10/1
Just a reminder - comments are due 10/1.
-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Joint Base Cape Cod Survey - comments due 10/1 Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:10:34 -0400 From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> To: <massbird...>
Please take some time to read the information below and comment.
Thanks to Jake McCumber, Natural Resources & Training Lands Manager, MA Army National Guard, for giving us notice of the opportunity to comment.
FOR THE SURVEY:visit www.jointbasecc.com and submit comments by Thursday, OCTOBER 1, 2026.
MassDevelopment currently has a survey for public input regarding the "master plan" they are developing for the southern 7,000 acres of Joint Base Cape Cod. This includes the grasslands we visit during spring grassland bird tours and summer butterfly walks. This is an opportunity for them to hear from a variety of stakeholders as they begin the planning process for the future of Joint Base Cape Cod.
Here’s some background information.
JBCC encompasses 22,000 acres across four municipalities: Bourne, Mashpee, Falmouth, and Sandwich. Approximately 15,000 acres constitute the northern training area, while the cantonment area comprises the remaining 7,000 acres to the south. A masterplan for the 7,000 acre area is being developed.
JBCC cantonment area is a patchwork of parcels across 7,000 acres.Some of these parcels are being declared as “excess” by one of the services and will likely go to the state.MassDevelopment has the authority to oversee of influence that transfer and what happens with “excess” military land owned by the state in MA.
Of course, development and affordable housing are big drivers on the Cape.
The consequences for wildlife with development would be very problematic.Connectivity between open space parcels is vey important.Together with Crane Wildlife Management Area (state managed), this is one of the largest blocks of contiguous habitat in southeastern MA.Also, housing and commercial development beyond taking habitat directly would require new road, support facilities, would reduce the ability to conduct prescribed fires, introduce pets and pests to the environment, new lighting impacts to nocturnal species, etc.
*
The announcement and the link are below.
The website link takes you to the main website. If you scroll down a little bit there is a box on the lower right that says "Tell us what you think!" and has a button for "Give Feedback" which will take you to the survey.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <Barb620...>
*
We want to hear from you!
The Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) Cantonment Area Master Planning initiative is underway, and community input is an important part of the process. Cape residents, employees, visitors, stakeholders, and others interested in JBCC are invited to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help identify community priorities and support the base’s current and future missions. Survey responses will help shape Phase 2: Envisioning, which will include additional opportunities for public input and discussion. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Please click on the QR code or visit www.jointbasecc.com and submit by Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The agricultural fields / shrubby edges at Drumlin Farm have been productive with a good number of birds and some nice species including dickcissel, grasshopper sparrow, Lincoln's sparrows, field sparrows, bobolinks, and an assortment of warblers. Below is full species list from Sept 25 to 30.
Good birding!
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln
Canada Goose 9
Mourning Dove 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Killdeer 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 4
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Northern House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 3
European Starling 5
Gray Catbird 10
Northern Mockingbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 35
Cedar Waxwing 11
House Sparrow 1
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 12
Chipping Sparrow 40
Field Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 2
Grasshopper Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 20
Song Sparrow 20
Lincoln's Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 3
Bobolink 9
Cape May Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Blackpoll Warbler 3
Palm Warbler 4
Pine Warbler 1
Yellow-rumper Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Weather: Overcast until the 1:00-2:00 hour (EDT), when the cloud-cover decreased to 80%. Wind NW 2-9 mph. Temperature 59-64 F. Raptor Observations: More non-migrants (10) than migrants (6) today. Not counted as migrants: 4 Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles (adult and juvenile), Red-shouldered Hawk, 3 Red-tails.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (7), Mourning Dove, Blue Jays (21 migrants), American Crows (2), Common Raven, Tufted Titmice (3), White-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (first of the season), Palm Warblers (2; that brings the number of INDIVIDUAL warblers observed on the Hill to SIX, a shocking paucity of parulids).
======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Chris Eddy
Observers: Alicia Carrillo, Bill Rasku, Eric Mueller, Jim Kirchhoffer, Joanne Hart, John Edmondson, Kim Hewitt, Marilyn Cugini, Steve Smith, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: We had a very nice turnout of observers today. Many thanks to both those listed above, and to Rose Stewart, Andrew Leal, John Byers, Bobbey Samdahl and John Sisk. With the gloomy weather conditions, there were relatively few hikers and sightseers.
Weather: After 3 days of rain, there was plenty of moisture left in the air and it manifested itself as low clouds that covered the summit until 9:30 EST, and that never rose high enough to uncover the top 1/3 of Mt Monadnock. Small sunlit patches appeared here and there on the landscape, but there appeared to be too little sunshine to generate much of any thermal lift. Visibility was limited to the Boston skyline, the southern NH hills as far east as the Uncanoonucks, and Mt Grace to the WNW. Winds were from the NNW to NW at 4-7 mph with some gusts to 12 mph in the morning. Temps rose from 55 to 64 F.
Raptor Observations: The low cloud cover kept the birds low in general, although we lost some birds that climbed into the cloud cover. Bill spotted one kettle of 10 Broad-wings that popped up to our south. Northern Harriers didn't seem to mind the relative lack of lift, but we think that if the cloud cover had risen normally, we would have seen many more birds migrating. Turkey Vultures continue to move through in small numbers. Some unidentified raptors passed by at great distance.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-4, Bald Eagle-2, Red-tail-1, Amer Kestrel-1.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2008, Steve Olson wrote: An odd day for the birds to get lift. A few thermals but not many. When the sun came out, a few birds flew. Birds had been rained on for three days and were probably drying out. Most of the birds were very far out and account for the UR category. (Eric�s note: 31 total raptors including 8 Unknown Raptors. This day sounds quite like today.)
In 2014, the 3rd highest daily count of Peregrine Falcons (6) in Wachusett Mt history, tied with 9/16/17.
In 2021, the 5th highest daily count of American Kestrels (26) in Wachusett Mt history, tied with 9/10/95 and 9/22/18.
In 2022, the highest daily count ever of Cooper�s Hawks (26) in Wachusett Mt history.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: D-C Cormorant-1, Hairy WP-1, Blue Jay-11 (9 migrating), Comm Raven-7, R-C Kinglet-1, B-C Chickadee-2, Gray Catbird-2, R-E Vireo-1, D-E Junco-8, Blackpoll Warb-1, E Towhee-3 (looks like they bred successfully.)
Predictions: Different weather apps disagree with each other, but we're expecting more sunshine than today in the morning, with increased cloudiness in the afternoon. Temperatures similar to today with a high around 65-66 F, and slightly lower humidity. Winds are expected to be light at 3-5 mph, starting from the NW in the morning and moving to WSW by the early afternoon. The key to the migration will be the height of the cloud base and the actual amount of sunshine in the morning. Fingers crossed... ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/28/26 7:57 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 2026-27 Winter Finch Forecast
The 2026-27 Winter Finch Forecast is out! Always an exciting time of the year! Enjoy! Thanks to Tyler Hoar, Matthew Young and the folks at the Finch Research Network for this year's forecast and all they do! https://finchnetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2026-2027 Enjoy! Barbara VolkleNorthborough, MA <barb620...>
Date: 9/27/26 10:27 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Storm birding
Thanks to Anne Fausto Sterling this additional post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...> *
Can I add one more thing: a specific word of Caution about Race Point in Provincetown? You can get trapped there at high tide so watch carefully and maybe in this case wait for te tide to turn out. This summer people tried to wade/ swim across the outlet from Hatches Harbor and were caught in a rip tide. Very sadly, one person did not make it. Unless, of course, you have an overland permit and can drive out there …
Just a tip for the Cape beaches. The birds gather on the incoming tide. Check charts and get there an hour before high, pick a spot and wait for them to come nearer to you.
Also, migration maps say lots of birds overhead, but I am wondering about finding downfalls of smaller migrating birds, not the shorebirds. I am out on the Cape. Where do I look?
A note about waiting-pelagics pretty much move back away from the coast quickly after the winds die down. A couple of exceptions are birds which can not land on the water and are so tired they linger sometimes near or on land: tropicbirds and tropical terns (sooty, bridled).
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On 09/26/2026 8:22 PM EDT Laura Markley <lauramarkley14...> wrote:
>
>
> Thank you both very much, I'll file this away for future reference. I think I'll just be an armchair birder this time but I'll be curious about what sightings people may have. Maybe I'll go out after it all dies down a bit.
>
> Laura
>
> On Sat, Sep 26, 2026, 3:32 PM Cliff Cook <ccook13...> mailto:<ccook13...> wrote:
>
> > To add to what Josh wrote...
> >
> > On the North Shore Rockport is the place to be during a storm. The best views are available from Andrews Point but parking there is challenging both because of restrictions and one of the neighbors. There is a small lot nearby and street parking further away. Halibut Point is more exposed and a longish walk to the viewpoints. It's probably not a safe spot if the wind is blowing hard.
> >
> > Northeast winds blow birds into Cape Cod Bay. While the winds remain NE the mainland side can be good. Manomet Point is a good spot but very exposed. Viewing might also be possible from the lawn at Manomet Conservation Sciences, but others will have to comment on that.
> >
> > During the current storm the south side of Cape Cod Bay has been good with lots of Leach's Storm-Petrels being reported from both the Cape Cod Canal at Scusset Beach and Sandy Neck. Once the winds shift the birds start to head east along the arm of the Cape and pass places like Dennis Chapin Beach then on to First Encounter Beach. There some birds fly straight over the Cape to the ocean, as I understand it, while others head north along the inside shore of the Cape. Race Point is probably good but very exposed with a lot of blowing sand and salt spray at times like this. I'd stick to First Encounter before heading there.
> >
> > Cliff Cook
> > Watertown
> >
> >
> >
> > On Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 3:06 PM Josh <opihi...> mailto:<opihi...> wrote:
> >
> > > Seems like I’ve always heard that First Encounter Beach (on Cape Cod) is the best place in the state to be during and immediately after a nor’easter. I’ve almost never been there, too long of a drive for me. The overall premise I’ve heard is that the nor’easter blows birds into Cape Cod Bay, and those birds try to fly southeast back toward the open ocean but run into the Cape, so follow the bayshore counter-clockwise until they can get around Race Point. If I’m recalling that correctly, then pretty much anywhere that sticks out into Cape Cod Bay, with a decent view and good access, might have potential. It’s best to be somewhere that you can see the ocean from inside your car, because your optics (including eyeglasses) become much less useful once exposed to the rain and blowing wet sand. Race Point probably has more and better birds than First Encounter, but you can’t really drive out to the water’s edge there: I think a permit is required, and there’s a!
> > > high risk of getting your car stuck in the sand, while First Encounter has a paved public parking lot right at the water’s edge.
> > >
> > > Further north, if Ipswich Bay has similar dynamics, then somewhere on the northwest side of Cape Ann might be good. Unfortunately, it seems like most of the places where you can park your car with a good view of the ocean are on the other side. Halibut Point might be ideal, but as I recall, one has to walk a fair distance across exposed rocks to reach a good ocean view there, not safe to do during a storm.
> > >
> > > Good birding,
> > >
> > > Josh
> > >
> > >
> > > Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
> > > Amherst, MA
> > > https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman > > > https://www.facebook.com/opihi > > >
> > > Writer/compiler, Bird Observer
> > > https://www.birdobserver.org/ > > >
> > > Columnist, “Earth Matters”
> > > https://www.gazettenet.com/search?bodysearch=earth+matters > > > https://www.hitchcockcenter.org/category/earth-matters/ > > >
> > > Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
> > > https://hampshirebirdclub.org/ > > >
> > > Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
> > > https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa > > >
> > >
> > > > On Sep 26, 2026, at 12:32 AM, Laura M <magrinha97...> mailto:<magrinha97...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi, anyone have tips for birding before, during or after this monster, prolonged rainstorm beginning now in eastern MA? As in where to go and what to look out for? Might it be worthwhile?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks, Laura
> > > > <magrinha97...> mailto:<magrinha97...> > > > > South Boston
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Cliff >> <ccook13...> mailto:<ccook13...> > >
>
Thank you both very much, I'll file this away for future reference. I
think I'll just be an armchair birder this time but I'll be curious about
what sightings people may have. Maybe I'll go out after it all dies down a
bit.
> To add to what Josh wrote...
>
> On the North Shore Rockport is the place to be during a storm. The best
> views are available from Andrews Point but parking there is challenging
> both because of restrictions and one of the neighbors. There is a small
> lot nearby and street parking further away. Halibut Point is more exposed
> and a longish walk to the viewpoints. It's probably not a safe spot if the
> wind is blowing hard.
>
> Northeast winds blow birds into Cape Cod Bay. While the winds remain NE
> the mainland side can be good. Manomet Point is a good spot but very
> exposed. Viewing might also be possible from the lawn at Manomet
> Conservation Sciences, but others will have to comment on that.
>
> During the current storm the south side of Cape Cod Bay has been good with
> lots of Leach's Storm-Petrels being reported from both the Cape Cod Canal
> at Scusset Beach and Sandy Neck. Once the winds shift the birds start to
> head east along the arm of the Cape and pass places like Dennis Chapin
> Beach then on to First Encounter Beach. There some birds fly straight over
> the Cape to the ocean, as I understand it, while others head north along
> the inside shore of the Cape. Race Point is probably good but very exposed
> with a lot of blowing sand and salt spray at times like this. I'd stick to
> First Encounter before heading there.
>
> Cliff Cook
> Watertown
>
>
>
> On Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 3:06 PM Josh <opihi...> wrote:
>
>> Seems like I’ve always heard that First Encounter Beach (on Cape Cod) is
>> the best place in the state to be during and immediately after a
>> nor’easter. I’ve almost never been there, too long of a drive for me. The
>> overall premise I’ve heard is that the nor’easter blows birds into Cape Cod
>> Bay, and those birds try to fly southeast back toward the open ocean but
>> run into the Cape, so follow the bayshore counter-clockwise until they can
>> get around Race Point. If I’m recalling that correctly, then pretty much
>> anywhere that sticks out into Cape Cod Bay, with a decent view and good
>> access, might have potential. It’s best to be somewhere that you can see
>> the ocean from inside your car, because your optics (including eyeglasses)
>> become much less useful once exposed to the rain and blowing wet sand. Race
>> Point probably has more and better birds than First Encounter, but you
>> can’t really drive out to the water’s edge there: I think a permit is
>> required, and there’s a!
>> high risk of getting your car stuck in the sand, while First Encounter
>> has a paved public parking lot right at the water’s edge.
>>
>> Further north, if Ipswich Bay has similar dynamics, then somewhere on the
>> northwest side of Cape Ann might be good. Unfortunately, it seems like most
>> of the places where you can park your car with a good view of the ocean are
>> on the other side. Halibut Point might be ideal, but as I recall, one has
>> to walk a fair distance across exposed rocks to reach a good ocean view
>> there, not safe to do during a storm.
>>
>> Good birding,
>>
>> Josh
>>
>>
>> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
>> Amherst, MA
>> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman >> https://www.facebook.com/opihi >>
>> Writer/compiler, Bird Observer
>> https://www.birdobserver.org/ >>
>> Columnist, “Earth Matters”
>> https://www.gazettenet.com/search?bodysearch=earth+matters >> https://www.hitchcockcenter.org/category/earth-matters/ >>
>> Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
>> https://hampshirebirdclub.org/ >>
>> Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
>> https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa >>
>>
>> > On Sep 26, 2026, at 12:32 AM, Laura M <magrinha97...> wrote:
>> >
>> > Hi, anyone have tips for birding before, during or after this monster,
>> prolonged rainstorm beginning now in eastern MA? As in where to go and what
>> to look out for? Might it be worthwhile?
>> >
>> > Thanks, Laura
>> > <magrinha97...>
>> > South Boston
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Cliff >> <ccook13...>
>
Inland any field or body of water that normally attracts gulls or shorebirds has potential for "rarities" in a storm. I put "rarities" in quotes because it is likely that many species that are rarely seen inland in southern New England normally cross over in migration. For example, lines between the Arctic breeding range of the Sabine's Gull and its non-breeding range off southwestern Africa, or between the breeding ranges of various jaegers and sandpipers and their non-breeding ranges or coastal migration routes. It is likely that many of these birds pass undetected over interior North America, including inland Massachusetts, without detection except when put down by a storm, either a major storm like the current one or a passing thunderstorm that might put a bird down for an hour or two. A nor'easter can also blow in normally pelagic species, like Dovekie, to inland fresh bodies of water.
David
David Spector Belchertown, Massachusetts
Ω
________________________________________ From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> on behalf of Josh <opihi...> Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2026 2:32 PM To: MassBird <massbird...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Storm birding
Seems like I’ve always heard that First Encounter Beach (on Cape Cod) is the best place in the state to be during and immediately after a nor’easter. I’ve almost never been there, too long of a drive for me. The overall premise I’ve heard is that the nor’easter blows birds into Cape Cod Bay, and those birds try to fly southeast back toward the open ocean but run into the Cape, so follow the bayshore counter-clockwise until they can get around Race Point. If I’m recalling that correctly, then pretty much anywhere that sticks out into Cape Cod Bay, with a decent view and good access, might have potential. It’s best to be somewhere that you can see the ocean from inside your car, because your optics (including eyeglasses) become much less useful once exposed to the rain and blowing wet sand. Race Point probably has more and better birds than First Encounter, but you can’t really drive out to the water’s edge there: I think a permit is required, and there’s a! high risk of getting your car stuck in the sand, while First Encounter has a paved public parking lot right at the water’s edge.
Further north, if Ipswich Bay has similar dynamics, then somewhere on the northwest side of Cape Ann might be good. Unfortunately, it seems like most of the places where you can park your car with a good view of the ocean are on the other side. Halibut Point might be ideal, but as I recall, one has to walk a fair distance across exposed rocks to reach a good ocean view there, not safe to do during a storm.
> On Sep 26, 2026, at 12:32 AM, Laura M <magrinha97...> wrote: > > Hi, anyone have tips for birding before, during or after this monster, prolonged rainstorm beginning now in eastern MA? As in where to go and what to look out for? Might it be worthwhile? > > Thanks, Laura > <magrinha97...> > South Boston
On the North Shore Rockport is the place to be during a storm. The best
views are available from Andrews Point but parking there is challenging
both because of restrictions and one of the neighbors. There is a small
lot nearby and street parking further away. Halibut Point is more exposed
and a longish walk to the viewpoints. It's probably not a safe spot if the
wind is blowing hard.
Northeast winds blow birds into Cape Cod Bay. While the winds remain NE
the mainland side can be good. Manomet Point is a good spot but very
exposed. Viewing might also be possible from the lawn at Manomet
Conservation Sciences, but others will have to comment on that.
During the current storm the south side of Cape Cod Bay has been good with
lots of Leach's Storm-Petrels being reported from both the Cape Cod Canal
at Scusset Beach and Sandy Neck. Once the winds shift the birds start to
head east along the arm of the Cape and pass places like Dennis Chapin
Beach then on to First Encounter Beach. There some birds fly straight over
the Cape to the ocean, as I understand it, while others head north along
the inside shore of the Cape. Race Point is probably good but very exposed
with a lot of blowing sand and salt spray at times like this. I'd stick to
First Encounter before heading there.
Cliff Cook
Watertown
On Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 3:06 PM Josh <opihi...> wrote:
> Seems like I’ve always heard that First Encounter Beach (on Cape Cod) is
> the best place in the state to be during and immediately after a
> nor’easter. I’ve almost never been there, too long of a drive for me. The
> overall premise I’ve heard is that the nor’easter blows birds into Cape Cod
> Bay, and those birds try to fly southeast back toward the open ocean but
> run into the Cape, so follow the bayshore counter-clockwise until they can
> get around Race Point. If I’m recalling that correctly, then pretty much
> anywhere that sticks out into Cape Cod Bay, with a decent view and good
> access, might have potential. It’s best to be somewhere that you can see
> the ocean from inside your car, because your optics (including eyeglasses)
> become much less useful once exposed to the rain and blowing wet sand. Race
> Point probably has more and better birds than First Encounter, but you
> can’t really drive out to the water’s edge there: I think a permit is
> required, and there’s a!
> high risk of getting your car stuck in the sand, while First Encounter
> has a paved public parking lot right at the water’s edge.
>
> Further north, if Ipswich Bay has similar dynamics, then somewhere on the
> northwest side of Cape Ann might be good. Unfortunately, it seems like most
> of the places where you can park your car with a good view of the ocean are
> on the other side. Halibut Point might be ideal, but as I recall, one has
> to walk a fair distance across exposed rocks to reach a good ocean view
> there, not safe to do during a storm.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Josh
>
>
> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
> Amherst, MA
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman > https://www.facebook.com/opihi >
> Writer/compiler, Bird Observer
> https://www.birdobserver.org/ >
> Columnist, “Earth Matters”
> https://www.gazettenet.com/search?bodysearch=earth+matters > https://www.hitchcockcenter.org/category/earth-matters/ >
> Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
> https://hampshirebirdclub.org/ >
> Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
> https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa >
>
> > On Sep 26, 2026, at 12:32 AM, Laura M <magrinha97...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi, anyone have tips for birding before, during or after this monster,
> prolonged rainstorm beginning now in eastern MA? As in where to go and what
> to look out for? Might it be worthwhile?
> >
> > Thanks, Laura
> > <magrinha97...>
> > South Boston
>
>
>
Seems like I’ve always heard that First Encounter Beach (on Cape Cod) is the best place in the state to be during and immediately after a nor’easter. I’ve almost never been there, too long of a drive for me. The overall premise I’ve heard is that the nor’easter blows birds into Cape Cod Bay, and those birds try to fly southeast back toward the open ocean but run into the Cape, so follow the bayshore counter-clockwise until they can get around Race Point. If I’m recalling that correctly, then pretty much anywhere that sticks out into Cape Cod Bay, with a decent view and good access, might have potential. It’s best to be somewhere that you can see the ocean from inside your car, because your optics (including eyeglasses) become much less useful once exposed to the rain and blowing wet sand. Race Point probably has more and better birds than First Encounter, but you can’t really drive out to the water’s edge there: I think a permit is required, and there’s a! high risk of getting your car stuck in the sand, while First Encounter has a paved public parking lot right at the water’s edge.
Further north, if Ipswich Bay has similar dynamics, then somewhere on the northwest side of Cape Ann might be good. Unfortunately, it seems like most of the places where you can park your car with a good view of the ocean are on the other side. Halibut Point might be ideal, but as I recall, one has to walk a fair distance across exposed rocks to reach a good ocean view there, not safe to do during a storm.
> On Sep 26, 2026, at 12:32 AM, Laura M <magrinha97...> wrote: > > Hi, anyone have tips for birding before, during or after this monster, prolonged rainstorm beginning now in eastern MA? As in where to go and what to look out for? Might it be worthwhile? > > Thanks, Laura > <magrinha97...> > South Boston
Date: 9/26/26 9:15 am From: Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Postponed: Bear Creek walk for Sunday, September 27; new date: Sunday, October 4, 9 am
Folks,
The Bear Creek, Saugus, walk for Sunday, September 27 has been postponed. New date is Sunday, October 4 at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are below.
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike (Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is about 1 miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard Street bridge (just after a set of lights) youve gone too far turn back. Here is a link to google maps:
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the property without an escort.
Date: 9/25/26 9:38 pm From: Laura M <magrinha97...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Storm birding
Hi, anyone have tips for birding before, during or after this monster, prolonged rainstorm beginning now in eastern MA? As in where to go and what to look out for? Might it be worthwhile?
Date: 9/25/26 9:23 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West River Dam - Fri banding results
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2026 02:00:50 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West River Dam - Fri banding results
To our surprise, this morning [9/25] the winds were calm as we put up the nets - the lull before the storm apparently.What was another surprise was watching 2 Merlins, 2 Broad-winged Hawks & 1 Red-shouldered Hawks working the marsh.However little passerine movement such that the 1st 2 net runs only produced a Chickadee & a Downy Woodpecker.=C2=A0The breeze picked up a little and, on the 3rd, run, so did the activity. The 3rd run yielded 19 captures with Blk&Wht Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, 4 more Downy Woodpeckers, Chipping Sparrows, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jays.By 10 am, we had the nets closed as the winds started to pick up - the combination of the raptor show and the busy 3rd net run made our Friday morning special as we wait out the storm. If we have decent weather next week after the storm, I expect very busy mornings
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Bill Rasku
Visitors: Bill Rasku kindly rescued me from a completely solo effort about 2 hours into today's watch, and added an important 2nd set of eyes to the platform, as well as his always good companionship. Not surprisingly, more migrating birds seemed to appear as soon as he arrived. I only wish that the mystery bird had waited for Bill's arrival.
We also got much appreciated help from Susan Kirchhausen and Dave Shattuck. Bill's friend Jim Hedlund stopped by before Bill arrived.
In addition to a modicum of hikers and sightseers, the hilltop was covered by at least 200 "Hilltoppers" from the freshman and senior classes at Worcester Academy. Hormones were flowing freely on the summit for about an hour.
Weather: The (hopefully) last of a string of chilly days with blustery NE winds for a while. Winds again averaged 11-14 mph with regular gusts of 18-25 mph, and temps only in the 53-62 F range. High stratus clouds filtered the sunlight for most of the day, with brighter sunlight between 10:30 am EST and noon, but then back to lower levels. Visibility was very good in general, with only the Boston skyline hazy enough to be noted by the sightseers.
Raptor Observations: A measly 10-spot of migrating raptors. Most of the birds stayed low; the strong tailwinds made it unnecessary for them to gain big altitude in order to keep moving. The possible bird of the day was a buteo that had long, thin wings with tapered tips and a pale underbelly. I couldn't get my camera on it until it was long past, so the only pics showed a distant outline with a noticeable dihedral. Could this have been a Swainson's Hawk? UR for now.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-2 (maybe more), Bald Eagle-1 (Ad), Sharp-shin-1, Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-3 (1 Ad, 2 Juv). The Red-tails soared and dove with the Ravens repeatedly.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 1982, we had the largest ever daily count of Sharp-shinned Hawks (198) in Wachusett history.
In 1983, we counted 437 total raptors, including 325 Broad-winged Hawks, 60 Sharp-shins and 13 Ospreys.
In 1985, we had the 8th largest daily count of Sharp-shinned Hawks (151) in Wachusett history.
In 1988, we had the 7th largest daily count of Sharp-shinned Hawks (156) in Wachusett history.
In 2000, we had the 13th largest daily count of Ospreys (39) in Wachusett history.
In 2012, Steve Olson wrote: "Weather absolutely horrible for migrating raptors. Temp-58, Wind-SW at 10 mph in AM and up to 16 mph by 1:00 PM. No cloud cover, blue over the summit." "Smaller raptors couldn't fight the wind and stayed on the ground. Wind was so strong that one BW tried to peel right and got blown to the left around the mountain. Doubt if he got far." (Eric�s note: 6 total raptors for the day)
In 2016, Rod Chase wrote: "Two local BE's put on quite a show as they dueled for 15 minutes and worked more than 90 degrees around the hill. The immatures finally split and set off in different directions."
In 2021, Eric Mueller wrote: "A very slow day despite the generally favorable local conditions."� "Non-raptors: possibly the best bird of the day was a Red-headed Woodpecker, which has never been reported previously on eBird for this site."
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Canada Goose-2, Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-7, warbler sp-1, E Towhee-2.
The Ravens were very active all day, playing with each other as is so often their wont, as well as with the local Red-tails.
Non-avian: the young Porcupine once again obliviously grazed on the grass on the summit while many happy people took pictures and videos of it. Luckily there were no unleased dogs present.
Predictions: A strong nor'easter storm is expected to bring rain to the region from Friday night through Tuesday morning. We aren't planning on conducting watches on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. We'll have to wait and see how Tuesday shakes out. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: None
Weather: Very strong NE winds once again. Mostly overcast.
Raptor Observations: Just a few raptors made the attempt today before the Nor'easter. Mostly Sharp-shinned Hawks were rifling through the air, some catching brief rides upwards but most just cruising along with the gusts. I had my heart set on "one more bird" and ended up waiting 30 minutes before the month's last Sharpie appeared over the Pawtuckaways and skittered high over the East summit.
A trio of BLACK VULTURE appeared today and gave me a sense of deja vu, as they ambled their way E-to-W across the Wapack Ridge, just like the 3 on Wednesday and the 3 on Tuesday. I did not count these ones and will go back and take the 3 off our migrant count from earlier; these seem to be the same birds just off on their daily travels. Local Bald Eagles got together - 5 of them shared some hang time in the NE quadrant. Hopefully this offseason I can try to determine what might be out in that area that seems to focus so many locals. Non-migrant Raptors: Turkey Vulture 11 BLACK VULTURE 3 Bald Eagle 7 Red-tailed Hawk 1
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 45
Predictions: So ends our planned September coverage at Mount Watatic; any hawk counts from here on out will be incidental but most certainly welcomed. We're now outside the traditional window for big Broad-winged Hawk flights, but the migration will continue to diversify as other species reach peak migration.
October and November on Mt. Watatic will see the departure of Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, as well as migratory peaks for accipitrine species and falcons. Peregrine Falcons should peak by the 2nd week of October, and accipitrine hawks right after that. Late-season Watatic offers some of the best opportunities for birders to add American Goshawk and Golden Eagle to your Massachusetts state list, especially on days with strong NW winds. If you count any hawks the remainder of the year, please email me with your sightings to <14hawks8owls...> Thanks for following along this month, and my heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of our observers, visitors and supporters. Thank you! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/25/26 5:51 am From: Laura M <magrinha97...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] I-90 spots
Hi, I sometimes drive I-90 the length of MA to visit relatives in NYS and just curious what the best birding spots are, say within 30 minutes N or S of I-90?
Thanks, Laura Markley South Boston, MA <magrinha97...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Mark Morris
Observers: Bryan DiFabio, David Brown, David Proietti, Dorothy Maese, Greg McGuane, Jack Miano, Jean Hampel, Joe Fountain, Judy McGuane, Laura de la Flor, Mark Burns, Ted Purcell
Visitors: Mark thanks all those who came out today despite the prediction of a low count day. In addition to those listed above, several other people stopped by including Janice Strong, Andrew Leal and Rose Stewart.
Weather: New England continues to be sandwiched between high pressure to the Northwest and a large low pressure system and developing ocean storm (Nor�easter) coming up the Eastern seaboard. Those systems have funneled winds from the NE for several days, today at 7-10 mph with gusts to 25 mph. The air pressure here has stayed at a remarkably high 30.3 to 30.55 in-Hg for the past 3 days. Temperatures today ranged from 53 to 66 F. Visibility was excellent as haze was minimal.
Raptor Observations: This was not a spectacular migration day by any means compared to days prior. Nevertheless, our group of observers were able to record 27 migrating Raptors, including 12 American Kestrels. The 4 migrating BEs were all Immatures, and all with a similar flight track, height, and direction heading SSE. We had a group of 3 migrating Kestrels in the 2nd hour that put on a show hunting around the summit for several minutes trying to find a snack before departing. Turkey Vultures have started to move with 2 birds taking advantage of the strong winds to move South. Mid-day and afternoon featured a few Merlins on the move and plenty of Ravens (18), local Red Tails (3), and a Coop sparring and creating both action and interest.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date: In 1983, we had the 20th largest Sharp-shinned Hawk daily count (92) in Wachusett history, along with 262 Broad-wings (405 migrants in total.)
In 1987, we had the 18th largest Sharp-shinned Hawk daily count (100) in Wachusett history,
In 2003, Jane Stein wrote: A very small AM liftoff of a few leftover BWs, a brief tiny burst in the afternoon to give us false hope, and otherwise Osprey and male Sharpies and a couple Kestrels. Perhaps most entertaining (which tells you what kind of day we had) was a rapidly oncoming Peregrine that inconsiderately turned into a Loon as it sped past. Other observers: Bill LaFleche, Mike Beath, Paul Pinault, Barbara Przybylska, Howard Shainheit, John Liller, Ted Mara and Jim O'Donnell. In 2014, we had the 5th largest Peregrine Falcon count (5) in Wachusett history, tied with 9/12/2016 and 9/15/2016.
In 2019, a sightseer named Eric Mueller stopped up at the tower, puzzled by all the people with binoculars and telescopes. Rod Chase asked Eric if he was here for the hawk watch. Eric replied �Um, no?� Rod asked him if he�d like to see a Broad-winged Hawk, and Eric replied �Uh, sure.� Eric returned the next day, the day after that, and the day after that. Thus began a journey� Other observers: Bill Rasku, Chris Eddy, Christine Restell, Joanne Hart, Joe Drega, Kevin Ryan, Lauren Grimes, Mark Morris, Paul Roberts and Ted Mara.
Predictions: Yet another day of strong (15-17 mph avg) NE winds, with temps in the mid-50's to low 60's. Partly to mostly cloudy skies with moderate humidity should make spotting the birds easier. It will be interesting to see how many birds sense the upcoming storm and try to "get out of Dodge" before it hits. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: Nice to catch with up some of the DCR Ranger Staff today from the local HQ.
Weather: Cold to start, settling to brisk and eventually temperature with ample sunshine. Cloudless with strong NNE winds yet again. Raptor Observations: Another hawkwatch free of major Broad-winged Hawk movement - just a few stray singles, doubles and one set of three were moving in the morning flight. The NNE winds have seemingly emptied the region of Broad-wings. Tomorrow will surely move any stragglers out before the multi-day Nor'easter arrives late Friday night.
A small push of Sharp-shinned Hawks and American Kestrels made their way south in the whipping wind.
A distant kettle of 8 non-migrant Bald Eagles was one of a few mild highlights today. A Merlin snagged a migrant butterfly over the true summit, and seemed to immediately release it. Non-migrant Raptors Turkey Vulture 8 Bald Eagle 10 Red-tailed Hawk 1
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 36 Common Loon 1
Predictions: One more day of punishing NE winds before the Nor'easter arrives tomorrow night. Tomorrow will likely be another short count, and my last day of contiguous coverage for September 2026.
No count Saturday or Sunday. Stay dry! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: David Proietti, Fay Baird, Marilyn Cugini, Mary Wetzel, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to our small stalwart crew who braved the elements to record what few migrating birds passed by. Joining them on the platform were Nina Bailey, Dorothy Prioetti, Larry Wilson, Stephanie Markham and Michael Pappone.
In addition to a small contingent of hikers and sightseers, the summit was covered for an hour by at least 100 boisterous "Woolies" from Millbury Jr/Sr High School.
Weather: Another bright, blustery day featuring ENE to NE winds with average speeds between 10-14 mph and regular gusts to 18-22 mph. Temps rose from 50 to 59 F, which combined with the wind to make for very chilly conditions on the summit. The day started with high stratus clouds to the south, but soon, low fair weather cumulus clouds came streaming in from the coast, and as they rose over time, aligned themselves in relatively straight rows that extended as far as we could see to the north. Visibility was very good.
Raptor Observations: The "observer discomfort-to-bird count" ratio was very high today. We bundled up but the strong wind seemed to find every crack in our armor, while the migrating birds were few and far between. We spent most of the day watching the local Red-tails flying around, kiting and diving on each other and on the ravens. We didn't see any Broad-wings, and the birds that we did see stayed low. It's likely that a number of birds passed by below our sight lines.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date: In 1979, we had the 2nd largest American Kestrel daily count (43) and 3rd largest Sharp-shinned Hawk count (162) in Wachusett Mt history.
In 1983, we had the 16th largest Sharp-shinned Hawk count (107) in Wachusett history.
In 2008, Steve Olson wrote: Non-raptor notes: Porcupine - 1. This guy must be the most photographed mammal in the world by this point. Thoroughly expect to see him in a centerfold in some nature magazine next year. He is not afraid of people.
In 2010, Steve Olson wrote: Observers/Visitors: Betsey Villaume (Very Good), Ken MacLeod (Very Good), Clayton A. Swanson, Bill Rasku (Eric�s note: apparently Steve wasn�t all that impressed with the hawk spotting capabilities of these last two at the time...;-)
In 2005, we had the 25th largest Broad-wing count (4,782) and the 25th largest Total Raptor count (4,840) in Wachusett history. Jane Stein wrote: "Shortly after the passage of a very dark low cloud mass just before 4 PM EST, close to 4,000 birds poured through over the course of about 20 minutes in one enormous, extended mass that went to our West, to our East and directly overhead. Whew!" "Major thanks to Rachel Scherer, one-time Watatic regular, who happened to be visiting for the day and managed to lead the way in calmly counting this giant slug of birds while many of the rest of us were frequently floundering under the deluge." (other observers - Rod Chase, Ted Mara, Bruce Scherer, Jacob Morris-Siegel, Tabitha Hobbs and Taylor Yeager.)
In 2022, we tied with 9/19/21 for the 5th largest Bald Eagle count (24) in Wachusett history. Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Rock Dove-1 (a rarity up here), Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-14, B-C Chickadee-2, E Towhee-2.
Plus a young porcupine that blithely wandered around the summit, munching on grass, while a dozen people took photos (shades of 2008).
Predictions: We'll have to grind through 2 more days of the same strong NE winds and cool temps. After that, a strong "nor'easter" storm is currently expected to rain us out on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It will be interesting to see if any Broad-wings are left after that. Hopefully the TV migration will be strong this year. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.73 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: Greg Clark spent all day at the summit, finding great birds for us during his first hawkwatch at Watatic. Thanks Greg!
Weather: Whipping NNE wind today, increasing in strength throughout the watch; the strongest gusts probably approached 30mph. Skies started totally clear but a lovely backdrop of cumulus clouds rolled in by 11am. Brisk conditions required extra layers today.
Raptor Observations: Broad-winged Hawks were very hard to come by today; just a small handful during the morning liftoff, and a few very random high-fliers throughout the watch. Our largest "group" was just 3 birds. Still, we had a few nice highlights to share:
Bald Eagles once again were moving throughout the watch; we logged 4 northbound birds, 3 locals, and 5 migrants. Every age class was represented, and we had close looks at a near-full adult early, plus a local juvenile and second-year eagle mixed things up just over the top of the East summit, interacting as they wandered facing into the strong winds.
The decoy owl blew down twice today, and spent a good deal of the watch nearly parallel to the ground. However, we still had a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk give a close pass over the top, unleashing a few vocalizations while it kited in the breeze and pondered the next move. Later in the day, another Merlin delivered a ferocious flyby. Sharp-shinned Hawks outnumbered Broad-wings for the first time this month. Several close looks, and even more distant looks were available today.
We had the season's first "Gray Ghost" - an adult male Northern Harrier came in from high over the Uncanoonucs, being escorted south by a cropped-up juvenile Red-tail. Another handful of BLACK VULTURE made a distant flyover, heading vaguely westward after separating from a mixed flock with some Ravens. Non-migrant Raptors: Bald Eagle 7 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Turkey Vulture 10
Non-raptor Observations: SANDHILL CRANE! Just before 12pm EDT, I had an extremely high, distant soaring bird with slightly bowed wings. To my first instinct, it appeared to be an Osprey based on the bowed wing shape. However as it rotated in the soar, I noted what looked like both a long tail and an extremely long thin neck, so I eliminated Osprey. The topside of the bird appeared overall pale to me. After reviewing some poor images, to me the wing length and dimensions did not fit most common long-necked birds at this site (Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, or Canada Goose). The bird also appeared to have a proportionally large head. I've never seen a flying Sandhill Crane but was left with that impression, based on the massiveness of the wings and long neck. After showing to a few friends, it seems a consensus that Sandhill Crane is the best fit! A few embarrassingly poor pixels can be found on today's eBird checklist here: ebird.org/checklist/S395612168
Common Raven 30
Predictions: Carbon copy of today's forecast. Brisk, sunny, strong NE winds creating raw conditions at the summit. I would expect a similar hawkwatch count to today's. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Great Blue Heron 1 Wood Duck 5 Green-winged Teal 1 Osprey 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Mourning Dove 12 Black and White Warbler 2 Common Yellowthroat 3 Blackpoll Warbler 3
LEPIDS:
American Lady 3 Monarch 10 Clouded Sulphur 1 Cabbage White 20
Date: 9/23/26 7:17 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam - Historic Big Days Banding
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:58:13 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Dam - Historic Big Days Banding
Thanks to Beth Milke who was my assistant/record keeper banding for many years to pull up past 50+ big days at West Hill Dam.What Beth added to this list of dates were the most caught species on those days which is fascinating. What this list of dates tells me that that the big days are near the end of Sept/early Oct such that my team better be prepared for some busy days laying potentially ahead of us - our 50 captures on 9/19/26 was just a warmup! What also is fun is knowing the team members that dealt with the 95-capture day on Sept 27th 2006 followed by a 74 capture day on Oct 7th Fall mornings with more than 50 birds:
2004 - 39 banding days Sept 11 - 54 birds, including 34 Gray Catbirds
Sept 30 - 88 birds, including 30 Yellow-rumped Warblers 2005 - 16 banding days
Sept 29 - 64 birds, including 33 Yellow-rumped Warblers
Observation start time: 06:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Chris Eddy
Observers: Dallas Wait, David Proietti, Dorothy Maese, Glenn Deyo, Jack Miano, Jean Hampel, Steve Farrell, Ted Purcell, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Thanks to everyone who came out today in these cold, windy conditions. We're sorry that we couldn't come up with another spectacular flight like yesterday. In addition to those listed above, we got much appreciated help from new folks Rick Sullivan, Pat LeBau, David Scott, Jo Cannon and Jackie Sloan. We appreciated your enthusiasm and curiosity. We had some great conversations, and enjoyed another beautiful day watching migration unfold above us.
A special shout-out to Glenn Deyo, a birder that Chris had the pleasure of meeting for the first time today. Glenn has been birding since he was 14 years old and arrived at the mountain at 7:10 this morning�before Chris even got there�and managed to catch seven migrating raptors before the count officially got underway!
Weather: A beautiful, but chilly day on the mountain with temps between 48 and 59 F, and NE winds that averaged 10-12 mph with regular stronger gusts. A high pressure system over eastern Canada continued to keep the air pressure high here along with the strong NE winds. There was some haze to the East.
Raptor Observations: The birds came in a steady little dribble�one and two at a time�until 9:54, when we had 10 BE in view at once! After that, UNFORTUNATELY, things settled back down into a pretty consistent rhythm for the rest of the day. We waited all day for that river of BW but alas...the NE winds didn't let up like yesterday, so most of the Broad-wings moving today were likely pushed West before they could get down to us. However there were respectable numbers of other birds, with Ospreys, Bald Eagles, Sharpies and Kestrels all with double-figure counts. Highlights included a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk flying together on the north side, playing tag; the 3 Black Vultures; a Kestrel that came streaming over head, then stopped and landed on the back tower before continuing south. Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-3, TV-4, Bald Eagle-10, Broad-wing-1, Red-tail-1
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date: In 1985, we had the 2nd largest Sharp-shinned Hawk flight (167) and the 5th largest Osprey flight (53) in Wachusett history.
In 2005, Jane Stein wrote: "Not long before 11 EST, the observers on the summit had two fairly close passes from an unmistakable immature Golden Eagle, who politely soared and banked and showed off his striking golden hackles and white tail patch in the sun." In 2018, we had the 5th largest American Kestrel flight (30 � tied with 9/10/95 & 9/29/21) and the 9th largest Bald Eagle flight (19 � tied with 9/03/12) in Wachusett history. The total flight that day was 2,905 migrating raptors including 2,782 Broad-wings, 37 Sharp-shins, 14 Cooper�s Hawks and 10 Ospreys. Rod Chase wrote: "With the stronger morning winds the raptors came by us at all heights from below us to high above with routes going around both sides of the hill as well as high overhead! 60 Monarchs! Largest number in quite a while. Blue Jays: 55!"�
In 2023, Eric Mueller wrote: "The highlight of the day was the sighting of the first Goshawk that we've seen here since 2017. Paul (Vanderhoof), Megan (Gately) and Bill Enright saw a buteo-like bird with a long accipiter tail fly over. Very little color, white undertail coverts that stood out against a dark tail. It was much larger than the Sharpie that was flying nearby. With the backlighting, they couldn't see more details, so they couldn't determine its age. It flew high overhead, heading SW."
In 2025, Eric Mueller wrote: "We only counted 13 migrating raptors, but one of them was our first American Goshawk of the season. They have become quite uncommon here, and we were lucky to have Bill (Rasku) and Gino (Ellison) here who are both familiar with its field marks. Bill described it as a very large accipitrine, with a bulky, buteo-like body but a long tail, and bulging trailing edges to its wings. It flew up with some ravens on the south side of tower, relatively close for about 2 minutes. The bird didn't fly like a Cooper's Hawk and was bigger. Bill said that it was helpful to have the similarly-sized ravens close by in order to compare the Goshawk's wing length and overall size. Bill said it didn't appear to have adult plumage, but it was backlit, so he couldn't be sure. Lisa Burwell, who first spotted the bird, remarked how "muscular" the wings looked even to a less experienced hawk watcher like herself." Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Blue Jay, Amer Crow, Comm Raven (multiple), R-T Hummer, Wht-thr Sparrow, D-E Junco, E Towhee-2
Predictions: Another day with strong winds from the NE and temps barely reaching 60 F. Skies should be mostly sunny with moderate humidity. A big Broad-wing flight is not likely in these conditions, but good numbers of Osprey, Bald Eagles, accipiters and falcons will likely take advantage of the strong winds. If you come up, please dress extra warmly, including hats and gloves. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: None
Weather: Brisk throughout, with strong and constant NE winds, slightly pushing ENE. Mostly overcast to start, to mostly sunny to end, with lots of cotton candy cumulus puffs to work with in between. Raptor Observations: A late rally of Broad-winged Hawks helped the Mount Watatic reach a significant milestone of 10,000 raptors for the season. My thanks goes out to all of our observers, visitors, and supporters for your encouragement this September. Today started off with an urgent morning lift off of Broad-wings. Scattered across the northern and eastern forests from our summit, small groups of Broad-wings got early lift and an immediate slingshot in the whipping wind. The first scan of the day right at 9am turned up a handful of hawks getting tossed south as they tried to gain altitude. Group after group repeated the same pattern, almost all of them passing from in front of the Uncanoonucs, dashing across the Wapack Ridge, and disappearing behind the summit. This flight line was very productive for the first two hours of the watch, culminating in a kettle of 25 just over Pack Monadnock. A few interesting moments were observed as well: a pack of accipitrine hawks, 3 Sharpies and 2 juvenile Coops, danced with each other for a brief moment directly over the east summit. Some talons were dropped but each bird seemed to get on with their journey before any real damage was done.
A curious mixed species group shared a thermal for nearly a minute - 3 BLACK VULTURE, 1 Turkey Vulture, 5 Broad-wings and 1 Sharpie. Quite the combo!
Bald Eagles were up and moving today, with 14 Southbound, 4 Northbound, and at least 5 seemingly staying put.
A Merlin gave a close pass to the decoy owl; an American Kestrel considered one, but settled for a midrange flyby.
The final highlight of today came after a few hours of quite dry skies this afternoon. A couple of times, I picked out a nearly-impossible-to-see stream of a few Broad-wings, cruising nearly due south between the cumulus clouds. But nothing major to report for the afternoon. At 4:45pm I started to pack up the decoy owl and my camp chair. At 4:55pm I gave one last scan to the northeast and happened to turn up a streaming adult Broad-wing, heading towards the sun and catching a nice late-afternoon glow. Behind that single streamer, a rogue wave of Broad-wings awaited in a tidy column - 175 birds appeared out of nowhere. No big movement announced their presence, and nothing else was flying afterward. But this huge kettle lingered over the Pawtuckaways for a glorious few moments, before they broke into a peel right over the summit and under the setting sun. Somewhere in that silent stream, our 10,000th migrant raptor of the season passed by. This is just my second time hitting this plateau in my twelve years as counter. What a great way to smash through that milestone. YES!
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 35 Double-crested Cormorant 17
Predictions: The Nor'easter this weekend seems more imminent and likely we will not be counting on Saturday/Sunday. NE winds increase tomorrow - I expect a raw and very windy Watatic, with winds increasing throughout the day. The morning flight may be of interest but conditions for kettles seem unlikely. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson, John Weeks, Steve Tysz
Visitors: Wes and his yellow lab Dinah.
Weather: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy (80% > 60% > 50%); cumulus clouds hanging low and often gloomily dark. Wind NE 3-11 mph. Temperature 59-60 F.
Raptor Observations: A meager showing: 19 migrants. Northeast winds have rarely been kind here. Not counted as migrants: 3 Black Vultures, 2 Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles (adult and immature), Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (migrating flock of 20), Common Ravens (2). Monarch: 2. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/22/26 5:00 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Banding Tues 32 captures
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:03:37 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Banding Tues 32 captures
Tues [9/22] banding at West Hill Dam started slow as the first 2 net runs produced 6 straight E Towhees with many other Towhees calling or near the nets - only Towhees on those 2 runs.
However, all changed quickly as we started the 3rd run by the field/sumac nets which were the 2 big producers last Sat when we caught approx. 40 birds in 2 runs just there. This time the short net had 14 birds and the long net had 6 more to extract. Here we had a nice combination of 3 E Palm Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, 1 House Wren and 15 Chipping Sparrows. Last Sat we caught 15 Chipping Sp in those nets & in the end of today, we had a total of 20 making for 35 Chipping Sparrows banded & no recaptures.After one last run, we had an E Bluebird and a few more Chipping Sparrows for a total of 32 banded birds - no Catbirds included even though we heard them calling around us. Over Sat & today we caught 82 birds including only 2 Catbirds which normally is our most easily captured bird.Historically I was reminded that 1 fall day x-number of years back at West Hill Dam we captured 95 birds in one morning - that must have made for a long day of banding and one very tired team.
Date: 9/22/26 1:19 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Joint Base Cape Cod Survey - comments due 10/1
Please take some time to read the information below and comment.
Thanks to Jake McCumber, Natural Resources & Training Lands Manager, MA Army National Guard, for giving us notice of the opportunity to comment.
FOR THE SURVEY:visit www.jointbasecc.com and submit comments by Thursday, OCTOBER 1, 2026.
MassDevelopment currently has a survey for public input regarding the "master plan" they are developing for the southern 7,000 acres of Joint Base Cape Cod. This includes the grasslands we visit during spring grassland bird tours and summer butterfly walks. This is an opportunity for them to hear from a variety of stakeholders as they begin the planning process for the future of Joint Base Cape Cod.
Here’s some background information.
JBCC encompasses 22,000 acres across four municipalities: Bourne, Mashpee, Falmouth, and Sandwich. Approximately 15,000 acres constitute the northern training area, while the cantonment area comprises the remaining 7,000 acres to the south. A masterplan for the 7,000 acre area is being developed.
JBCC cantonment area is a patchwork of parcels across 7,000 acres.Some of these parcels are being declared as “excess” by one of the services and will likely go to the state.MassDevelopment has the authority to oversee of influence that transfer and what happens with “excess” military land owned by the state in MA.
Of course, development and affordable housing are big drivers on the Cape.
The consequences for wildlife with development would be very problematic.Connectivity between open space parcels is vey important.Together with Crane Wildlife Management Area (state managed), this is one of the largest blocks of contiguous habitat in southeastern MA.Also, housing and commercial development beyond taking habitat directly would require new road, support facilities, would reduce the ability to conduct prescribed fires, introduce pets and pests to the environment, new lighting impacts to nocturnal species, etc.
*
The announcement and the link are below.
The website link takes you to the main website. If you scroll down a little bit there is a box on the lower right that says "Tell us what you think!" and has a button for "Give Feedback" which will take you to the survey.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <Barb620...>
*
We want to hear from you!
The Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) Cantonment Area Master Planning initiative is underway, and community input is an important part of the process. Cape residents, employees, visitors, stakeholders, and others interested in JBCC are invited to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help identify community priorities and support the base’s current and future missions. Survey responses will help shape Phase 2: Envisioning, which will include additional opportunities for public input and discussion. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Please click on the QR code or visit www.jointbasecc.com and submit by Thursday, October 1, 2026.
What Eighteen Anonymous Birders Like Best About Birding in 2026
By One of those Anonymous Birders
I asked a number of very experienced birdwatchers to tell me in a paragraph or so what they like best about birding in 2026. All of them were birdwatching before the age of electronics….pre-internet, pre-Merlin….and all of them continue to birdwatch. I specifically asked these birders to exclude the trends and attitudes and gadgets that they might dislike and to concentrate on what gave them joy in birding.
Here are their responses. Almost all of the co-authors live in Massachusetts. One lives in New Jersey, two live in Virginia, and one other lives in southeastern England.
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
I was born in 1953. I started birding in 1971.
Here we are fifty-five years later and the thing that I most enjoy about birding is knowing the vocalizations of birds and sharing them with others. I thank my stars so many times when I am out walking, hear birds around me, and know what they are. When I got into birdwatching, I was amazed at the veterans’ ability to identify birds merely by hearing them. This was, of course, back in the days when one learned bird songs and calls three ways : listening to and watching the birds making their vocalizations, having experienced birders point out these vocalizations, and listening to birds songs on vinyl records. I did these things and before too too long people were asking me which birds were singing and expecting the right answer…and that was a kick.
I know we all wished fifty-five years ago that we might have a device to point into the trees that would tell us which calls were which. But we did not and so if one wanted to be a player in the birding world, it was look, listen, ask questions, and commit bird sounds to memory. Somehow, after fifty-five years, long after so many things have rattled out of my brain never to return, the bird sounds remain. And sharing them with people in the field is my great joy.
What I Like Best About Birding In 2026
I was born in 1943 and started birding for real in 1976. (Way too late, of course, and yes, I missed The Ross's Gull).
I love sitting on the porch with a cup of strong coffee and Merlin and the morning "paper" (or a good novel) and letting the e-device identify all the birds that I mostly cannot hear (high-pitchers like warblers and Cedar Waxwing). Once in a while I beat it to the punch when I happen to spot a silent Great Blue Heron ambling overhead.
All right, all right, I still do like to get up and out and chase down a really cool year-bird, and would make even more effort for a state lifer, and especially appreciate one that comes easily (Chestnut-collared Longspur).
I was born in the ‘50s and started birding in the ‘80s.
My favorite thing about birding in 2026? It is the continued opportunity to get out and see and photograph some of our birds on their spring and fall migrations. Coming up on the fall migration now I am particularly interested and anxious not to miss any of the shorebird or raptor species that might be close enough to see, not to mention some of the smaller, sometimes more colorful, passerines.
Inspired by my dad, a canoe-loving Mainiac, and influenced by my mom’s love of art, I have hoped to create my own art by photographing nature. With difficulties finding mammals to photograph, originally wild cats, and with the guidance from birdwatching friends, I landed on birding, a nature-based sport that was possible to enjoy on weekends and vacations in, or starting out from, the suburbs, with a 9-to-5 weekday job.
A note of interest to women, me included, is the progressively larger inclusion and acceptance of women field birders, especially it would seem, among European birding communities. It may be that we, sensible creatures, have become less concerned by the formerly male-dominated sport. It’s a happy thing!
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
[She sent a photograph she had just taken of an Australian sunset.]
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
I was born in 1971.
I started looking at birds when I was 5 or 6 years old, just because we had a bird feeder in winter and my dad wouldpoint out the birds to me. However, I really did not pay much attention tothem in my teens and 20's. In my 30's, when I was doing my doctorate at Cape CodNational Seashore on beach invertebrates (Piping Plover food), I saw a fellowbiologist get really excited about a dead Northern Gannet that had washed in on thebeach. I also heard my first Bobwhite and was stunned by an American Woodcock“peenting” behind a shrub in the backyard.
After graduate school, I moved to Boston and went on my first guided bird walksat Mount Auburn Cemetery and Arnold Arboretum. I was amazed by several birders’ ability to spew out warbler i.d.s based on calls. I joined Citizen Scientists atMount Auburn Cemetery in 2015 and and made a lot of friends. Someone suggested the CD "Birding by Ear," and I started listening carefully to birds in the field. It helped. And now, I have two jobs that draw on my bird knowledge (one of them isleading Citizen Scientists at Mount Auburn)! I am just so grateful for all the connections and wonderfullike-minded people I have met through birding.
What I like Best about Birding in 2026.
I was born in 1958. (I see this is a tricky way to find out how old your friends are.)
I started birding in 1990, when I made my earliest notes in a Golden Guide and a National Geographic Society Field Guide to North American Birds …..just single birds here and there.
I had no idea that people actually kept something they called a “Life List” of all the birds they had seen, or a “Day List” of all the birds they saw after a day of birding.
I started documenting and keeping a list of birds In 1996. My friends Joan and Dave were at my apartment in Cambridge one morning when Dave announced that there was a report of a Great Gray Owl in Rowley. Dave did not seem very excited about it but Joan and I perked up and said“Let’s go see it!.” Still, Dave was not too keen on driving all the way to Rowley, saying things like “We’ll never be able to find it.” Joan and I figured there would be lots of people looking for the bird, so let’s go!! And we did. Dave had the latest intel from the Mass Audubon Rare Bird Hotline and we headed to Rowley. We arrived to find what looked like hundreds of people standing along the road looking into a farm field.
We watched the Great Gray Owl from the road with the others. It perched on fence posts and it flew and hunted in perfect view for all its admirers. We could not have imagined a better day.
When we arrived back in Cambridge, sitting around the kitchen table Joan and Dave both asked for pen and paper and started writing. I asked them what they were doing and they replied they were making their bird day list. The Great Gray Owl would be a life bird and they would document the sighting in their “Birder’s Life List and Diary” when they got home. I never realized there was anything like this! And so, my Birding Life List began that day.
What I like best about birding in 2026 is the accessibility of information, using the ‘listening' function of Merlin, and the Sibley Field Guide apps made for our phones.
I am happy that I no longer need to carry around a field guide; those things are heavy! I am happy that I no longer need to start listening to Peterson’s Birding by Ear CDs in February in preparation for spring migration.
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
I was born in 1943. I started birding in 1967.
I love that I have been birding with my husband since 1967 and learned to recognize birds in many ways over the years. Just recently, my neighbor in Vermont was very concerned about encountering a bear along the backroad where she lives and she asked me to accompany her on her after dinner walk. When a strange sound echoed from the woodside, my dear friend was petrified and said, “It’s a bear. I know it is.” “It isn’t a bear,” I assured her, “it’s a Barred Owl and that is its typical ‘Who Cooks for You’ call. There’s nothing to be worried about.” And, of course, there wasn’t.
Knowing bird calls has all sorts of advantages!
Seventy Years A Birder
I was born in 1944. I started birding in 1956.
Things have changed in such significant ways since I began birding as a kid. In the 1950s and 1960s vinyl records taught us bird songs…then cassettes started to appear. In the late 1900s, recording devices vastly improved. And now, in the 2000s, it is The Age of Merlin. Birders and legions of potential birders home and abroad can now quickly I.D. most bird sounds (but not mammals, amphibians, nor insects) with accuracy in the high 90’s.
In photography, digital cameras changed everything. Images are cheaper, faster, and much more easily forwarded.
Rare bird alerts, such as the Mass Audubon “Voice of Audubon”telephone hotline, have been around since the 1950s. The internet has now largely replaced telephone rare bird sites.
“Event Birds” came on the scene along the way and such ultra-rarities as the Ross’s Gull in Newburyport and the Red-footed Falcon on Martha’s Vineyard brought thousands of birders to Massachusetts and made national headlines.
The internet and sites such as eBird have greatly made things easier. eBird alerts on rarities caused many who had never seen either local cuckoo to dash to Rhode Island and watch a European Cuckoo that remained for days.
Birding has indeed changed from the days of shotgun ornithology. Technology has negated the rationale that a specimen is needed to confirm a rarity. Such vagrants can enrich the memories of so many with the click of camera and shared with our community.
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
I was born in 1970. I started birding in 1986.
I started birding after going on a field trip with my high school biology class to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Like most birders, I was initially motivated almost entirely by finding new things. I mostly birded on my own or with my mother. Occasionally, the parent who led that field trip or my biology teacher would take me out. But without a consistent mentor, and being too cheap or ignorant to join the BBC, I learned by studying my Golden Field Guide. I would come home from school every day and pore over the plates in that book. Today, the internet, smartphone apps, and Merlin seem to have taken the place of the field guide. But I still love my bird books, especially field guides and I feel incredibly privileged to have access to the information about the birds of the world and birding the world that is presented in these books. A close second to books is Australian sunsets (or those in any other beautiful location).
I was born in 1951 and started birding in 1951.
I say that because my mother often told me that wherever I was, I was always following the flight of birds as they flew by. Back when I was being wheeled around Boston Common or Castle Island in a carriage, my eyes watched and my fingers pointed at birds. I guess flight amazed me. It still does.
The most significant reason I bird onward this year and every year is to attach another link to the end of the chain that is my birding life. I find it hard to tell people that ask why I birdwatch what the reason is. I don't ever see myself stopping this lifelong passion, and my need to proceed is my favorite part of every year's adventures. Birding has changed so much in the past few decades, but not for me. Also, the cast of characters I have met along the way, the good, the bad, and the others, are a wonderful part of our ever-expanding numbers.
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
I was born in 1948.I started birding in the 1980s.
For me the fascination actually is and always has been the flight of birds. Something about being able to just take off and fly is magical.
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
The best thing about birding in 2026 is that I am still able to enjoy it at ninety. Mostly I watch birds from my office, looking out at the bird feeder set-up that I perfected over many years.
What I Like Best About Birding in 2026
I was born in 1957, and a friend first introduced me to birding when I was about 16 years old. Back then, it offered a deeper, more dedicated connection to nature than just hiking in the fields or woods.
I still remember attending my first bird walk led by a knowledgeable birder. I learned a few new bird songs. Later that afternoon, as I walked up to my friend's house, I recognized my very first American Redstart entirely by its song.
During the spring, we visited a field on his property where American Woodcocks did their courtship display. We would try to get as close to them as possible. I remember being near enough to hear the subtle "umpa" part of their "umpa-peent" call. Watching them fly off into the twilight, listening to the twittering of their wings change as they zigzagged back down, and waiting through that moment of silence before the male started calling again was truly wondrous.
Decades later, what I like best about birding is that I can still connect so deeply through sight and sound. I love hearing a pair of Eastern Bluebirds calling "truly" as they fly over treetops, or hearing and then seeing them perched at the top of our large White Oak as the sun comes up. I enjoy watching Brown Creepers tracing their paths as they spiral up a tree trunk before gliding gracefully down to the base of the next one. And to be awakened by the sound of a pair of Great Horned Owls calling at 6:00 a.m. (as they did this morning) beats any alarm clock!
The simple joy of listening and watching is what keeps birding just as rewarding for me today as it was when I was younger.
I was born in 1958, was clearly interested in birds by the time I was four, and was birding pretty seriously by the time I was in junior high school.
What's great about birding now is the same stuff that has always been great about birding: birds are beautiful, complicated animals with fascinating ecology, and studying or even just observing them engages the whole brain in a pleasurable and rewarding way that very few other activities achieve. Advances in technology, including digital photography, AI identification tools, advanced I.D. information in guides and on the web, and instantaneous dissemination of information about unusual sightings have undoubtedly changed the game dramatically. But these are tools, to be used or not used according to circumstances and individual preferences, and I don't think they change the fundamental, rich dynamic of human minds interacting with a group of highly evolved and beautiful organisms.
I was born in either 1852 or 1952; feels like both, sometimes!
“Birding” is an ambiguous term, for me, but I was fascinated by backyard birds growing up in western Massachusetts as a youngster even if I didn’t know their names. By high school, though, learning to i.d. birds and finding them happened when I was introduced to people who had been doing it for years. I can still remember the first sighting of many species and thank those that helped bring me to those places where they were.
The best has always been being out in all kinds of weather and wondering why we mammals weren’t nearly as tough as birds. Imagine a chickadee every night in the midst of winter, freezing rain and ice, sitting mostly still on a branch. Or how to explain the same robin that comes back to the same yard for several years and has to navigate the entire hemisphere.
I followed two Europeans many years ago as they were trying to sneak up on a bird in the shrubbery. I stayed behind so I wouldn’t scare their quarry and finally the one in the lead made a muffled shout that this was clearly a lifer for them. It was a cardinal and I realized that there is no such thing as a common bird and every species can offer an incredible experience.
These days, the best part of birding is watching bird behaviors and interactions, and their remarkable efforts to keep on keeping on. A vulture lifting up against gravity without flapping its wings, a hummingbird staying still in midair with a blur of wings, or the sound of a loon on a northern lake at night. Too many things about birds are still nudging us to get beyond just keeping a list. It’s about understanding the living world.
I was born in 1956, started birding in 1989.
For years I travelled all over the ABA area to see more bird species and chased rarities as far away as Delaware. I try to be a conservationist now and keep my carbon footprint small, so I am content to keep my birding local, except for when I go away on vacation. And this year it was fun to watch a pair of bluebirds nest in one of our boxes and successfully raise two clutches.
I heard there were Purple Martins in Dunstable, so a friend and I went there and saw several flying around over the trees. This was a first for me seeing them inland in Massachusetts.
Born in 1971. Started birding in 1994.
What I like best about birding in 2026 is that I can expect to go birding locally and see more Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Hooded Mergansers, Wild Turkeys, RT Hummingbirds, Clapper Rails, Sandhill Cranes, Am. Oystercatchers, Piping Plovers, Willets, Least Terns, Glossy Ibises, Great Egrets, Ospreys, Bald Eagles Red-shouldered Hawks, Barred Owls, Pileated Woodpeckers, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Yellow-throated Vireos, Common Ravens, Purple Martins, Brown Creepers, E. Bluebirds, and Pine Warblers than I did when I first started. Hooray! Also, I enjoy seeing more of the “southerners” like Black Vultures, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, Acadian Flycatchers, and Louisiana Waterthrushes as they start to fill in, although I may think differently moving forward,
One thing remains the same in 2026 as in any other year : my love of adventure and discovery when out in the field.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 8.17 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku
Observers: Alicia Carrillo, Bill Enright, David Brown, Eric Mueller, Greg McGuane, Jack Miano, Janet Kovner, Jean Hampel, Joanne Hart, Julie Roberts, Mark Milnamow, Megan Gately, Nancy Given, Paul Roberts, Scott Carlson, Steve Farrell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: We had a great group of veteran observers today (thank heavens!). In addition to the folks listed above, we got help from Jeff Paster, Karen Keefe, Teddy Doyle, as well as Sadie, Owen and Ben Misemer. Thanks to you all for a fabulous job today!
Along with the usual mix of hikers and sightseers, we saw the first wedding on the summit this year. Congratulations to the lucky couple!
Weather: Early morning rain left low-lying clouds scattered throughout the area that rose slowly and finally turned into fair-weather cumulus clouds that covered a good part of the sky. Strong upper level winds blew several other layers of thin stratus and cirrus clouds into interesting shapes and patterns all day. 8-12 mph NE winds lasted throughout the morning and midday, but eased off in the early afternoon. Clouds thickened at the end of the session and cut off the thermal activity. Temps were in the 50's and 60's, making for some chilly conditions on the summit. Once the low clouds rose, all of the regular landmarks could be seen well.
Raptor Observations: A spectacular day that began with a painfully low number of Broad-wings. Birds were passing through in ones and twos often enough to keep us on our toes, but few BWs. The solid NE winds were feeding them in good numbers to our sister site at Mt Watatic, so by 1:00 pm EST, Watatic had counted over 3200 birds to our measly 90. With these same NE winds in the forcast for the next 3 days, Eric began wondering if this was the death knell for our BW season. Then at 1:25 pm, after the wind had fallen off substantially, the first kettle of 90 BWs flew over to our Ease, followed by kettles of 113 and 90 at 1:45 pm. Maybe this day would be OK after all. Then at 2:15 pm, big kettles of 470, 150, 210 and 150 rose up to our East and South, culminating in a monster thermal of multiple kettles totaling 1470 birds, followed by yet more big kettles in the next hour including another monster 1550 bird combo. As the thickening clouds cut off the day's thermal activity, and with little wind to help them, the last 3 birds of the day were Ospreys that forged ahead on their own wingpower. Today's total raptor count and Broad-wing count are the 15th largest of each in Wachusett Mountain history, and the best since Sept 17, 2023. Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-2, TV-4, Bald Eagle-6 (minimum number), Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-3
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date:
In 2003, Jane Stein wrote: "Up until around 2:30 (EST), we thought we were in for an extension of the mystery, with only the same kind of slow stream of birds in ones and twos. But then a burst of birds showed up very high to the east, mostly scope dots. With several expert scope dot counters on hand, the burst resolved itself into two groups of 140 and 450. Most of our BWs were picked up very high, leading us to suspect the possibility a larger flight was passing overhead out of even our scope range." (Eric�s note � this sounds familiar, eh? 1,294 birds counted, with 1,215 Broad-wings) "Many, many, hawkwatchers and gawkers outnumbering the count until the 2:30 burst." Counter - Jane Stein. Observers - Bill LaFleche, Charlie Teahan, Paul Roberts, Steve Anderson , Ted Mara, Julie Roberts, Bobby Greene, Kathy Goldin, Don Crocket, Kathryn Chihowski, Betsy Kernan, Liz Moyer, Ann Howe, Rod Chase, Eliot Taylor, Joe Hogan, Bill Lambod, Job Dekker, Mike Beath, Dave & Ursula Goodine, Jackie Boucher, Eli Weiner, Dale Bryant, and many others. In 2004, Jane Stein wrote: "Our best day this season. If we could have definitively ID'd a probable Merlin, would have had a clean sweep for common species. The first couple hours were onesy-twosy, then an Osprey parade began, with the big birds seemingly strung out all across the sky. At around 11:45 bird time, Eastern Mass birder Steve Leonard strolled up to the count site, and almost immediately, Broadies started exploding out of the sky in good-sized kettles. This was after the last bit of sun got covered up by clouds and we were anticipating a total shutdown of the flight. Most of our birds came between 12:30 and 2:30 bird time. They shouldn't have been getting good lift, but they were." (Eric�s note � 1,237 total birds counted, including 1,135 Broad-wings, and 47 Ospreys, tied with 9/16/1988 for the 6th highest daily total of Ospreys in Wachusett history.) Counter - Jane Stein. Observers - Bill LaFleche, Steve Leonard, Tom Bosakowsky, Steve Olson, Mike Flaherty and Bob Scalzo.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Canada Goose-9, D-C Cormorant-1, Blue Jay-2, Amer Crow-3, Comm Raven-10, Cedar WW-1, D-E Junco-2, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: For Tuesday, more solid 10-12 mph NE winds, temps in the 50's and low 60's, with partly cloudy skies and fairly low humidity. The birds should be moving strongly again, but we may need another lull in the afternoon winds to bring the birds back our way again. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8.93 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Jon Skinner
Visitors: My thanks again to Jon Skinner and Kim Hewitt for another full day's duty on the summit, finding and counting a nearly countless number of 'Wings during our last two watches. We welcomed newcomers Mark Cunningham and Max White to the watch, as well as return visitors Wendy Sisson, Kelly O'Dowd and Phil O'Dowd. First-time visitors also included Devin Manganelli, Amanda Deloureiro, Jake Bledsoe, and Rob Garneaux. Hope to see you all again soon!
Weather: Cool and partly cloudy, with steady NNE winds through the count. Terrific hawkwatching clouds once again, increasing in density as the day went on. Raptor Observations: Another massive Broad-winged Hawk flight is in the books - this one was truly a delight to behold as big kettles and streams were constantly coming at us and moving over us throughout the watch. We had a great, consistent flight mostly to the east during our first 4 hours, and were closing in on 700 Broad-wings by 1pm EDT. In the next hour, the skies high overhead bustled with kettling Broad-wings and huge streams, with a burst of 345 at 1:15pm, 145 at 1:25pm, a huge group of 410 at 1:35pm, and finally 400 more at 1:45pm. Views in this hour were considerably better than Saturday's big traffic, so we were able to get many visitors on big groups against the cloudy backdrop. 1,387 Broad-wings in the 1pm hour. What a sequence! The next couple of hours were good but not overwhelming. Right around 4:40pm, the sun broke through the overcast conditions, the winds slowed just slightly, and suddenly a stream of late-moving Broad-wings was emptying out right in front of the east summit, arriving unhurriedly from the northeast. The stream of mostly adult Broad-wings glowed in the later afternoon sun and piled into a low kettle between our summit and Mount Wachusett, straddling the horizon. Easily the closest kettle of the season and stunningly lovely in the magical golden hour light. This group was 315 birds, with another 75 streaming in the distance to the South. A dazzling finish to another exceptional flight.
We had terrific counts of Osprey (18 including several orange-eyed juveniles) and American Kestrel (17). A handful of Turkey Vultures (7) made convincing runs towards migration. A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, a female American Kestrel and a Merlin made passes at the decoy owl today.
Our season count now sits within reach of 10,000 for only the second time in the last 25 seasons. Stay tuned!
Non-migrant Raptors Bald Eagle 16 Turkey Vulture 18 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Barred Owl 2 (heard morning on trailhead, evening off SE side from summit)
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 42 Common Loon 1 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Mallard 5
Predictions: My recollection is that continuous NE winds often bring diminishing returns to our count, so tomorrow's results may not top today's. The forecast is for a cool day with NE winds turning E. With what looks like a potential Nor'easter and multiple days of rain coming at the end of the week, the window for Broad-wing movement may be closing soon! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks, Steve Tysz
Visitors: Two men from Agawam, Dave and Mark, who arrived just after I did. While I was looking to the north, they spotted a kettle of 50 Broad-wings straight up above the Hill -- first catch of the day!
Weather: A highly changeable sky: cirrus mixed with cumulus, gradually becoming mostly cumulus; cloud-cover varied all day, ranging from 30% to 70%. Many fantastical cloud shapes: fish, dogs, sea otters, etc. Wind NNE/NE 3-12 mph. Temperature 58-64 F. The day felt more like the first day of fall than the last day of summer.
Raptor Observations: Not a bad day for a second-tier site "mopping up" after Saturday's big push elsewhere. Several kettles (from 30 to 108 birds) formed, then quickly dispersed southwestward. Only 17 other raptors passed through. Not counted as migrants: 3 Turkey Vultures, adult and immature Bald Eagles, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (20), Northern Flickers (2), Blue Jays (2), American Crow, Common Ravens (2), American Goldfinches (2). Monarchs: 2. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/21/26 10:18 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mississippi Kite Nesting Summary for NH - 2026
Thanks to Steve Mirick for sharing this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:25:19 -0400 From: Steve Mirick <smirick...> Subject: Mississippi Kite Nesting Summary for NH - 2026
PLEASE NOTE - I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP THE LOCATIONS OF MOST OR ALL OF THESE NESTS QUIET UNLESS THE CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT AND I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO FINDS A NEST TO KEEP THE LOCATION SECRET. THE POPULARITY OF THESE BIRDS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS (AND BIRDERS WITH CAMERAS) IS A MESSY SITUATION WITH HOME OWNERS AND NEIGHBORS. The kites don't seem to care at all, but the people do.
The population of Mississippi Kites in New Hampshire continues to dangle by a thread as the summer of 2026 produced ZERO new chicks and no new pairs were detected. The Kites first became famous by nesting in Newmarket in 2008 and this is (at least) the 19th consecutive year that kites (between 1 and 4 pairs) have nested in New Hampshire in this isolated, rare, nesting colony.
DURHAM - Things started out wonderfully with the pair that successfully fledged a chick last year returning to their territory in Durham. First reported on May 17th, the birds decided to build a new nest about 100 yards from last year's nest. The nest was very similar to last year's; in the crotch of a tall white pine, very high up. Nest building was reported on May 23rd and incubation started on or about June 3rd. No evidence of young on July 9th, but hatching was presumably confirmed with an adult appearing to feed young on July 10th.
Then things started going downhill and it's still a puzzle as to what might have happened!? Visits after the 10th failed to see any additional feedings and the female acted strangely; sometimes she appeared to be brooding over a chick and at other times standing on the edge of the nest, and even sitting on nest as if still incubating! The male was rarely seen. This odd behavior continued for 3 weeks (!) until July 31st when the female seemed to be at times still incubating! Both birds then departed the nest and disappeared soon after this. Hard to say what happened, but it seems clear the chick died early, but why did the female continue on the nest? Was she caring for a dead chick? Or did she discard a dead chick (as they will do) and then attempt to incubate a 2nd egg in the nest that never hatched. Mississippi Kites generally lay 2 eggs in their normal range, but in New Hampshire WE HAVE NEVER SEEN TWO CHICKS IN A NEST. Always just one.
DOVER - Like the Durham pair, the Dover pair returned and everyone was optimistic!! They chose to nest in the exact same spot as last year in the top of a white pine, but the nest was difficult to see. The first report of a bird came with photos of a male on May 26th. By June 6th, two birds were confirmed with adults exchanging food away from the nest and on June 7th and 8th they were seen copulating. By June 14th incubation was under way, but it's not clear when it started. As of July 9th everything looked fine with the female at the nest still incubating. But then, like Durham, everything fell apart. There were no visitations from anyone to the nest territory between June 9th and June 17th, but on June 18th a single bird was seen flying in the area. A visit on July 20th, however, showed NO BIRDS AND NO NEST AT ALL! EVERYTHING WAS GONE! My best guess is that a strong storm blew down the nest sometime within the previous week or perhaps a predator climbed up the tree and took down the whole nest.
OTHER PAIRS - This wasn't a good year for finding new pairs, but it's possible that there were two additional pairs in the general area and possibly a hidden nest....or two!? My guess is that there's a nest somewhere in Newmarket, but not sure where. Two birds were seen flying overhead there on June 2nd and additional single bird sightings were received on June 11 and June 13. In addition, it's still unclear if there might be a 2nd pair in Durham. Two birds were seen near the old nesting area on Madbury Road on June 1st! But aside from these isolated reports, no strong evidence of a territory or nesting behavior was observed. The best way to find nests is when they're feeding young, so any sightings of kites in July or August need to be followed up on!
A summary of confirmed fledged Kites (and pairs of kites present) from recent years in NH:
