MASSBIRD
Received From Subject
3/28/24 9:36 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (27 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors
3/28/24 5:44 am CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...> [MASSBIRD] WGBH Story on Crow Roost!
3/27/24 5:24 am Meaghan Sinclair <meaghanq...> [MASSBIRD] FOY Eastern Phoebe, Concord MA
3/26/24 5:37 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (26 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors
3/25/24 7:20 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (25 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors
3/25/24 7:08 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Martha Vineyard Weekend
3/24/24 2:06 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (24 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors
3/23/24 6:40 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Avian Influenza video - 3/19
3/22/24 8:16 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Orange-Crowned Warbler Ashmont Hill Survived The Winter
3/22/24 8:10 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] April events in Westport
3/22/24 6:06 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (22 Mar 2024) 10 Raptors
3/22/24 5:36 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (22 Mar 2024) 8 Raptors
3/22/24 5:42 am Lynn Pelland <lpelland...> Re: [MASSBIRD] Barton Cove Eagle Nest
3/21/24 5:18 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (21 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors
3/21/24 3:42 pm <blafley...> [MASSBIRD] Barton Cove Eagle Nest
3/21/24 12:58 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Longmeadow - 3/21/24
3/21/24 12:27 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Virtual Falcon Workshop - April 5, 2024
3/20/24 8:46 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Scarboro Pond, Frankin Park, 3-20-24
3/20/24 7:30 pm Zack Weber <birdingwithzackweber...> [MASSBIRD] BBC 3/21 woodcock trip cancelled
3/20/24 5:20 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (20 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors
3/20/24 5:11 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (20 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors
3/20/24 5:10 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (20 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors
3/20/24 2:14 pm Eric Mueller <ericmueller1912...> [MASSBIRD] eBird is back on-line
3/20/24 5:07 am Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> [MASSBIRD] job position opening at the Parker River NWR
3/19/24 8:41 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 3/18 Weston--Another Purple Finch And A Fox Sparrow, etc.
3/19/24 8:19 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (19 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors
3/19/24 8:10 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (19 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors
3/19/24 3:43 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Books available
3/18/24 8:23 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (18 Mar 2024) 8 Raptors
3/18/24 8:18 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (18 Mar 2024) 7 Raptors
3/18/24 5:47 pm PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> [MASSBIRD] NorthEast Hawk Migration Conference This Saturday, March 23, at Holyoke, MA
3/18/24 9:38 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Re: [NHButterfly] Photographic equipment and processing for butterflies
3/18/24 9:32 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Photographic equipment and processing for butterflies
3/17/24 9:54 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (17 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors
3/17/24 9:50 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (17 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors
3/17/24 1:34 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 3/16 Jericho Town Forest , Weston - Part Two
3/17/24 11:52 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Birds seen in Westport
3/17/24 10:46 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Topsfield IRWS Sat AM BAGO
3/17/24 10:44 am Mindy LaBranche <m.s.labranche...> [MASSBIRD] phoebe
3/17/24 10:28 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Phoebes arrived Topsfield
3/16/24 8:55 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Woodcock watch and sunset birding social (Amherst) - 3/22
3/16/24 8:42 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Gloucester
3/16/24 8:36 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (16 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors
3/16/24 8:31 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (16 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors
3/14/24 9:09 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (14 Mar 2024) 29 Raptors
3/14/24 9:09 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pine Siskins, Pine Warblers and a Purple Finch Jericho Town Forest
3/14/24 8:16 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (13 Mar 2024) 4 Raptors
3/13/24 8:11 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Ogilvie Town Forest in Weston
3/13/24 10:37 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (12 Mar 2024) 20 Raptors
3/13/24 10:36 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (11 Mar 2024) 3 Raptors
3/13/24 10:31 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Trumpeter Swan - Westborough
3/12/24 10:09 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Piping Plovers of South Boston - 3/21
3/12/24 6:44 am Perls, Thomas <thperls...> RE: [MASSBIRD] World record; bird no. 10,000 ( Orange Tufted Spider Hunter)
3/12/24 6:12 am Kathleen Rawdon <rawdonk...> [MASSBIRD] World record; bird no. 10,000 ( Orange Tufted Spider Hunter)
3/10/24 9:26 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] RI Duck Bonanza Trip 3/9 report
3/10/24 6:50 pm David Sibley <sibleyguides...> [MASSBIRD] Bohemian Waxwings in Deerfield
3/8/24 7:07 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 3/7 Northern Pintail at Muddy River in Brookline
3/8/24 7:04 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Crazy early screech owl fledgling
3/8/24 12:38 pm Spector, David (Emeritus) <spectord...> [MASSBIRD] Say's Phoebe still present
3/8/24 6:25 am Josh <opihi...> [MASSBIRD] Bohemian alert, watch those waxwings!
3/7/24 1:09 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 3/6 Hammond Pond Reservation Highlights
3/3/24 2:45 am Denise Cabral <goshawk3...> [MASSBIRD] Woodcock, Brimfield
3/2/24 3:36 pm Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> [MASSBIRD] Eastern Meadowlark, West Newbury 2-MAR
3/2/24 10:52 am Meaghan Sinclair <meaghanq...> [MASSBIRD] FOY Killdeer in Concord
3/1/24 4:26 pm John Liller <john.liller...> [MASSBIRD] Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton - 3/1/24
3/1/24 3:12 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] the recording of Doug Tallamy's talk @ Tufts on 2/29/24 is now available for viewing online
3/1/24 3:05 pm Liz Pease <lizpease...> [MASSBIRD] Woodcocks in Salisbury
3/1/24 1:52 am James Joyce II <jfjoyce2...> RE: [MASSBIRD] SGARs
2/29/24 8:26 pm Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> [MASSBIRD] Contraception over SGARs
2/29/24 2:40 pm Laura Markley <lauramarkley14...> Re: [MASSBIRD] SGARs
2/29/24 6:36 am Robert Ross <plumisl...> Re: [MASSBIRD] SGARs
2/29/24 5:35 am Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> [MASSBIRD] SGARs
2/29/24 5:10 am Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> [MASSBIRD] Leaping Raccoons!
2/28/24 8:54 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 2/26+2/27 Winter Wrens in Malden and Marblehead
2/28/24 7:15 pm GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> [MASSBIRD] Quincy CBC changing of the guard to Brian Vigorito
2/28/24 4:35 pm Kirk Elwell <gentilisfinder...> Re: [MASSBIRD] woodcock anyone?
2/28/24 12:33 pm Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> [MASSBIRD] Double-crested Cormorant, Lynn 27-FEB
2/28/24 12:32 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] woodcock anyone?
2/28/24 12:26 pm Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> [MASSBIRD] Double-crested Cormorant, Lynn 27-FEB
2/28/24 10:45 am Leigh Scott <l_scott...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 10:17 am <dh...> <dh...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 10:10 am Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 9:29 am <dh...> <dh...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 9:25 am Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 9:20 am Richard Veit <rrveit23...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 9:08 am Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 8:53 am Liz Pease <lizpease...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 8:34 am Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 8:33 am Josh <opihi...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 7:48 am Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/28/24 5:54 am Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/27/24 11:42 am Andrew Prazar <andrew.prazar...> [MASSBIRD] FOY Pine Warbler
2/27/24 10:36 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
2/27/24 7:35 am Bill Lafley <blafley...> [MASSBIRD] Red Crossbills feeding
 
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Date: 3/28/24 9:36 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (27 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors

Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:20:29 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (27 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 27, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 5 5
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 1 1
Northern Harrier 1 17 17
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 3 3
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 1
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 4 4
Merlin 0 2 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 1 33 33
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:45:00
Observation end time: 10:45:00
Total observation time: 1 hours

Official Counter: Mark Schoene

Observers:

Visitors:
No visitors.


Weather:
9:45: 34F, wind 2-5 NNW, 70% cloud cover, intermittently misty, with
intervals of sun

10:00: 34F; wind 2-5 N, 70% cloud cover, intervals of sun

10:15: 36F??? wind 2-5, 60% cloud cover, intervals of sun.

10:30: 38F??? wind 2-5 NNE, 60% cloud cover; intervals of sun.



Raptor Observations:
Migrants: One migrating Northern Harrier at 9:45 hawk time. Saw this
bird
leave the island.

Raptors that failed to migrate: 6 to 12 Northern Harriers in and around
the
marsh during the entire hawk watch. Sex and age data not identifiable..
One
adult bald eagle.

Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds: Very quiet, usual suspects, killdeer, song sparrows, tree
sparrows, goldeneye, mockingbird, common crow, etc.

Predictions:
Very high probability of rain throughout the entire daylight hours. Wind
direction variable NNW, N, NW, NNE.... In short, any significant
movement
on the island would be highly unlikely.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

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Date: 3/28/24 5:44 am
From: CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] WGBH Story on Crow Roost!
Greetings all,

For those with an interest, WGBH has just published a terrific TV, radio and print story on the Winter Crow Roost
in Lawrence, MA.

Following a live ZOOM interview with David Sibley, the reporter, Craig LeMoult, was alerted to a question and answer
exchange about the winter roost and was eager to learn more. He made multiple visits to Lawrence and we invited him
to learn more about a fascinating research project sponsored by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

The USACE funded a project using advanced 3D imaging technology to track the flight movements of crows and potentially
prevent bird strikes on aircraft. Dale Fried, CEO of 3DEO, leads the research. Using Geiger-mode LIDAR, the team monitors
the crows' movements, providing valuable data for a range of potential military applications.

Link: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-03-27/thousands-of-crows-in-lawrence-are-a-marvel-of-nature-and-test-case-for-new-imaging-technology

Enjoy,

Craig Gibson
2024 Crow Patrol
Lawrence, MA

cbgibson AT comcast.net
 

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Date: 3/27/24 5:24 am
From: Meaghan Sinclair <meaghanq...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY Eastern Phoebe, Concord MA
We had our first Eastern Phoebe this morning. They nest in our barn every year so always a welcome sight!

Meaghan Sinclair
Concord, MA
<meaghanq...>

 

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Date: 3/26/24 5:37 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (26 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:09:40 +0000
From:<reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (26 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 26, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species           Day's Count    Month Total  Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0              0              0
Turkey Vulture              0            39            39
Osprey                     0              0              0
Bald Eagle                  0            11            11
Northern Harrier            0              1              1
Sharp-shinned Hawk          0              5              5
Cooper's Hawk                1              7              7
American Goshawk            0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          0            23            23
Broad-winged Hawk            0              0              0
Red-tailed Hawk              0            10            10
Rough-legged Hawk            0              1              1
Golden Eagle                0              0              0
American Kestrel            1              2              2
Merlin                     0              0              0
Peregrine Falcon            0              1              1
Unknown Accipiter            0              0              0
Unknown Buteo                0              5              5
Unknown Falcon              0              0              0
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Raptor              0              2              2

Total:                     2            107            107
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end  time: 12:00:00
Total observation time: 4.5 hours

Official Counter:        Mark Morris

Observers:       Jeff Johnstone, Joanne Hart

Weather:
The weather was cold and raw with temps between 33-41???F with overcast
skies. Winds out of the NE 9-12 mph with gusts to 17. Visibility slightly
hampered by haze and low clouds. Spot sprinkle.

Raptor Observations:
Both the migrating and local raptors were sluggish to take flight. Joanne
and I were able to salvage the day with a AK and CH migrating mid-morning.
Not a lot of local TV???s roaming our area today.

Non-raptor Observations:

========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

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Date: 3/25/24 7:20 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (25 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors

Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 23:45:38 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (25 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 25, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 5 39 39
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 11 11
Northern Harrier 1 1 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 5 5
Cooper's Hawk 0 6 6
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 23 23
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 10 10
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 1 1
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 5 5
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 2

Total: 6 105 105
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total
observation time: 5.5 hours

Official Counter: Mark Morris

Observers: Eric Mueller, Joanne Hart, Steve Farrell

Visitors:
Jeff Johnstone; Sherry Johnstone


Weather:
Another winter like morning, with an icy glaze on the tree branches and a
crunchy 1" of snow afoot. Temperatures ranged from 26-43F with a NE breeze
5-10 MPH with a few higher gusts. Visibility was okay, with a slight haze.
Skies were milky to start filtering into cloud lines on a blue palate.
Raptor Observations:
We got off to a nice start as Eric spotted a "gray ghost" male NH with
close views! We were able to track a few TV's moving as well, but the
migration seems stalled. We welcomed 2 BV's as they flew around the store
and landed in a tree close by for pictures.

Non-raptor Observations:

========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

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Date: 3/25/24 7:08 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Martha Vineyard Weekend
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this post.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*


Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:02:14 +0000 (UTC)
From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...>
Subject: Martha Vineyard Weekend


Talk about a challenging weekend [3/22 to 3/25] weather related as a MAS
trip left Drumlin Farm heading to Martha Vineyard for an early spring
trip - a mild Friday as we left from Woods Hope at 10:45 am was great,
then the threat of high wind and downpours on Sat - Sun was to be more
high winds and possible early rain - through all this, when we left the
island we had recorded 80 species including one surprise and several
highlight experiences - note Wild Turkeys, Carolina Wrens & deer are
everywhere

Fri - Ferry ride did have a nice surprise as 2 Thick-billed Murres flew
parallel to the boat - otherwise Common Loons, Long-tailed Ducks, C
Eider, Red-b Mergansers. Once checked into the motel in Vineyard Haven,
the goal was to quickly check the key birding locations on the island in
a non-windy & rainy condition. First stop was Crystal Lake hoping the
duck rarities were still there [Redhead, E Wigeon, N Shoveler] but they
were gone - however did enjoy 4 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Hooded Merganser,
several Buffleheads, Mute Swans - on the ocean side, had our only Horned
Grebe and Tree Swallow. Nearby was Farm Pond where we had close looks at
2 Am. Oystercatchers [stunning], 2 Osprey, 1 Gt Yellowlegs & a Killdeer.
Made a quick stop at Katama Airfield where we enjoyed 2 N Harriers
sweeping the fields.Then headed to Long Point WR where the long dirt
road was in excellent shape as we drove to the marshes & fields. Along
the way, we enjoyed about a dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers and a male E
Bluebird teed up in perfect light - at the fields/ocean, more Ospreys
and N Harriers plus Turkey Vultures. Next stop was Gay Head scanning
from the Bluffs as the wind picked up - always for me the key birding
area on the island as we picked up all 3 scoter species, several Red-thr
and Common Loons, Long-tailed Ducks, 6 Great Cormorants, 10 Purple
Sandpipers, many C Eiders, 1 Harlequin Duck & 1 N Gannet.Given time was
an issue, returned to motel, had dinner and then headed to the State
Forest where a beautiful red morph E Screech Owl landed yards from us [a
highlight for all]- close by a few Am. Woodcock were performing & flying
above our heads making all their special sounds.

Sat - We were blessed as no rain early and later by 10 am only a few
light showers that didn't bother us until around noon. Fish Crow greeted
us we left the motel - Key was to head to Gay Head right off to
hopefully experience alcid flights and more - definitely a highlight was
the Razorbill show that we did witness immediately as flocks of
Razorbills [100+] kept flying by, dropping in, diving - non-stop as we
observed from the bluffs. Scattered all around were many Red-thr and
Common Loons, Gannets flying by, 1 Kittiwake, lots of Long-tailed Ducks,
scoter species, Gt Cormorants, C Eiders, Buffleheads, Harlequins, C
Goldeneyes, many Red-b Merganser, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, a male N Harrier
and Red-tailed Hawk - was hard to leave but wanted to hit Menemsha Bight
before the rain.As we walked out to the breakwater, some Killdeers were
in the sand - an Am. Oystercatcher flew down the channel, a C Loon in
breeding plumage was close by along with Bufflehead and Red-b Mergansers
- then once by this small breakwater, we looked down and to our shock
was a Lapland Longspur actively feeding in the wrack line - yards away &
the bird could care less about us standing there - was a life bird for
all the participants. What was nice that there was a Song Sparrow
feeding close by so folks could see the plumage differences.Once the
shock was over, we enjoyed close looks at Surf & Wht-winged Scoters and
other expected sea ducks - now the rain is increasing some as we made a
quick stop at Allens Farm to say hello to the Allens - enjoyed a Raven,
Mockingbird and Flickers but knowing no Barn Owl to witness tonight due
to the rain was a disappointment.After lunch, we made a quick stop in
the rain & wind off Beach Rd on our way to Chappaquiddick Island
scanning an inland waterway/pond - to our wet adventure, we had a large
mixed flock of Sanderlings, Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstones, Blk-bellied
Plovers close to a flock of resting D-C Cormorants.Always fun despite
heavy rain is showing folks Chappaquiddick Island, taking the "On Time
Ferry" - only species that were seen were the Ospreys, flock of
Yellow-rumped Warblers in the pines and N Harriers hunting the
fields.Once back to the motel to recover from the wind & rain, had a
wonderful dinner and called it a day feeling blessed that the rain [not
the wind though] held off to around noon and what an amazing morning
experience we all had!

Sun - rain had stopped but not the wind - quickly back to Gay Head to
witness more of the Razorbill action which had slowed down some - still
enjoyed more Harlequins, all the loons and scoters and other sea ducks -
surprised no Dovekies, Murres or white winged gulls -=C2=A0 quickly
rechecked the shorebirds again, enjoyed a large flock of Brant but
decided to explore one of the ponds off Lambert Cove Rd that I had read
about - wow what an ending as we found stunning male Wood Ducks [4] &
Green-winged Teal [4], 6 Ring-necked Ducks, Black Ducks, Belted
Kingfisher plus passerines [Brown Creeper, Golden-cr Kinglets, S-c
Juncos, Wht-b Nuhatch, several Chickadees & T Titmouse]. The ferry ride
back did have a small flock of Razorbills, a N Gannet, Long-tailed
Ducks, etcWe discussed after what stunning plumages we had on many of
these ducks - many close up like the males Green-w Teal, Wood Ducks,
Harlequin Ducks, Ring-n Ducks & one of my favorites are the Surf Scoters
-finding 80 species on the island under the cold, wind & rain conditions
was surprising but having a hard-core group of participants made it
happen.Made a quick stop at Scusset Beach on the way home to enjoy the N
Horned Larks, more Brant but also to find the immature male King Eider
that had been reported mixed in a large flock of Common Eiders - we
believed that we were able to pick it out but like it closer to be
sure.Thanks to Dan Fournier and Lindsay Neubeck for all the field work &
driving to make this trip a success under these challenging conditions.

Strickland Wheelock
Uxbridge MA


 

Back to top
Date: 3/24/24 2:06 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (24 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors

Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2024 20:35:52 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (24 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 24, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 5 5
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 1 1
Northern Harrier 1 16 16
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 3 3
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 1
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 4 4
Merlin 0 2 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 1 32 32
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total
observation time: 1 hours

Official Counter: Mark Schoene

Observers: Lisa Boisvert

Visitors:
Kathryn Chihowski, Tom Graham. Also, two of Lisa's friends who were helpful
in their efforts.


Weather:
28 degrees F rising to 32 degrees by end of watch, NW Wind 10-20 mph, 60%
Cloud Cover


Raptor Observations:
One (1) Northern Harrier migrant at 9:30 am.

Raptors that failed to migrate: At least 6 and as many as 10 Northern
Harriers hunting and circling most of the count. Five Turkey Vultures over
the mainland to the west.

Non-raptor Observations:
33 Snow Geese, 30 goldfinches, and the Usual Suspects. The skies were very
quiet.

Predictions:
Moderate NNE and NE winds, so not very favorable winds. Cool (30 to 38 deg
F) and mostly cloudy.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

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Date: 3/23/24 6:40 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Avian Influenza video - 3/19
If you missed this webinar hosted by the Brookline Bird Club from March
19, on avian flu by Dr. Wendy Puryear from the Cummings School of
Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, we've posted it on the BBC
website. Dr. Puryear studies how viruses are maintained, spread, and
evolve in wild animals, and her current research focus is on Influenza,
including the recent High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The recording includes information on key resources. Explore to learn
more about Avian Flu, why it is devastating birds, and what birders can
do to help.
https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/bbc-news/avian-flu-bbc-webinar-recording-resources/
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

 

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Date: 3/22/24 8:16 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Orange-Crowned Warbler Ashmont Hill Survived The Winter
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this post.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2024 03:01:24 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: Orange-Crowned Warbler Ashmont Hill Survived The Winter


I decided to walk around Ashmont Hill today. before visiting my mother.
Imagine my surprise when I saw the Orange--Crowned Warbler at 35 Alban
Street. It then flew across the street to the yard with the bird
feeders, I had seen this bird twice in the winter. This place is in
Dorchester, Here is my list

Red-tailed Hawk 1
Wild Turkey 5
Herring Gull 5
Mourning Dove 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
Fish Crow 6.  flyover
American Crow 10
Black--capped Chickadee 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
American Robin 2
European Starling 2
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER 1
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 1
House Finch 1
House Sparrow x

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston


 

Back to top
Date: 3/22/24 8:10 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] April events in Westport
Thanks to Carol Molander of the Paskamansett Bird Club for this post.
You can contact her at <cbmolander...> if you have additional
questions.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>


*

BIRD ALERT - APRIL IS FOR THE BIRDS - ON THE SOUTH COAST

With the return of Spring, we will welcome flocks of migratory and
summer-resident birds to the South Coast. It is a time to celebrate our
birds, and that is just what is here proposed. Throughout April there
will be an exhibit at the Westport Free Public Library of paintings by
two artists who love to paint birds. Barry Van Dusen, an illustrator of
many bird books, will display ten paintings from his recent book –
*/Finding Sanctuary/* – which combines art and text to tell stories
about all the Mass Audubon’s Sanctuaries. Pamela Lowell will have a
collection of illustrations from her brand-new book – */My Summer with
Osprey/* – which shares from-the-heart experiences of observing Osprey –
our local iconic bird species – in the Westport River in recent years.

In addition to these two month-long exhibits, there will be
presentations on four Thursday evenings in April – from 6:30PM to 7:30PM
at the Westport Public Library. The first, on April 4^th , will have
three presenters:

·David Cole will discuss two very important local birders of a century
ago: Smith Owen Dexter and Basil Douglas Hall.

·Stephen Reinert will use sources dating back to 1925, including his
2001 book /The Birds of Allens Pond/, to track and predict
population changes of salt-marsh specialist bird species---including the
American Black Duck, Willet, Clapper Rail, Saltmarsh Sparrow and Seaside
Sparrow---from a century in the past to the near future.

·Jamie Bogart will talk about gaining recognition of the local
*Important Bird Area* and on-going long-term bird surveys at the Lloyd
Center.

The two local birders of the past – Smith Dexter and Basil Hall – were
Protestant Ministers, close friends, and neighbors at Westport Point
(1910-1936), and they had important influences on the American birding
community that have been largely unappreciated.

Smith Dexter’s parishioners in Concord, MA, included neighbor, William
Brewster, a leading ornithologist and President of Mass Audubon for its
first 17 years. Dexter edited Brewster’s last two books: /Concord River/
and /October Farm./ The actual October Farm was given to Mass Audubon in
2018 and is a new jewel in its sanctuary system. Smith Dexter bought a
house at Westport Point in 1910 and began compiling two notebooks: /The
Birds of Westport,/ that ultimately contained entries for 214 species
either seen by him or reported to him by local birders including Basil
D. Hall, Arthur C. Bent, Wm. Head, and others.

Basil Hall from earliest childhood spent his summers at his family’s new
home on Eldridge Heights at Westport Point. He became an enthusiastic
naturalist first compiling bird notes and drawings at age 15. He went
birding frequently with Rev. Dexter, “Uncle Smith,” and recorded nearly
one-fourth of the entries in Vol II of Dexter’s /The Birds of Westport./

Basil Hall was appointed pastor at churches in the Bronx and Brooklyn,
1914-1926, where he organized Boy Scout Troops. From his Bronx Troop
emerged, in 1924, nine eager young birders who formed the Bronx Country
Bird Club. They were later joined by a 10^th newcomer, Roger Tory
Peterson, who, along with several other members, went on to become
leading ornithologists across the country.

The second Thursday presentation on April 11^th will consist of three
local success stories. *Alan Poole*, world-renowned *Osprey* expert,
will reminisce about his nearly half-century of monitoring the Osprey
population of the Westport River and Allens Pond and coaching
generations of apprentices. Local nature writer and author, *Fred
Thurber*, will report on the resurgence of the Bobolink population at
the Allens Pond Grasslands. *Gina Purtell*, Sanctuary Director at Allens
Pond for many years, will discuss the recovery of various shorebird
species in our area in recent years. Alan Poole’s most recent book,
/Ospreys: The Revival of a Global Raptor,/ will be available for purchase.

On April 18^th , Barry Van Dusen will share his experiences during two
years of visiting all the Mass Audubon Sanctuaries and painting the
images that captured his attention. His book, /Finding Sanctuary/: /An
Artist Explores the Nature of Mass Audubon,/ will be available for
purchase, and prints of some of his paintings will be on display in the
Manton Room of the Westport Public Library.


On April 25^th , Pamela Lowell, local artist and health
professional, will share the background of her brand new book: /My
Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Toward Hope, Community,
and Healing our Planet/
<https://www.amazon.com/My-Summer-Ospreys-Therapists-Community/dp/1963296141/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5EEYRAA9RW3X&<dib...>&dib_tag=se&keywords=Lowell%2C+Pamela%2C+My+summer+with+Osprey&qid=1710014803&s=books&sprefix=lowell%2C+pamela%2C+my+summer+with+osprey%2Cstripbooks%2C84&sr=1-1>/./Her
paintings will be on display and her book will be available for
purchase.

The organizations that are sponsoring these programs include: The
Westport Cultural Council, The Westport Free Public Library, Westport
Art Group, Westport Historical Society, Westport Land Conservation
Trust, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Paskamansett Bird Club, and the
Lloyd Center for the Environment. Some of these groups are organizing
additional activities during April building on the theme of April Is for
the Birds. Check out their websites.

 

Back to top
Date: 3/22/24 6:06 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (22 Mar 2024) 10 Raptors

Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:29:18 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (22 Mar 2024) 10 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 22, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 9 34 34
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 11 11
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 5 5
Cooper's Hawk 0 6 6
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 23 23
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 1 10 10
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 1 1
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 5 5
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 2

Total: 10 99 99
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total
observation time: 4 hours

Official Counter: Mark Morris

Observers: Ernie Leblanc, Jeff Johnstone, Richard Spedding

Weather:
Very cold morning with a breeze out of the NW 5-10 mph. Clear skies to
start and crystal clear visibility. Temps between
19’-34’F.

Raptor Observations:
We had a few birds move but pretty stagnant once again. The immature
Peregrine returned at almost the same time(8:1 0) strafing Starlings.

Non-raptor Observations:

========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

Back to top
Date: 3/22/24 5:36 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (22 Mar 2024) 8 Raptors

Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:05:16 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (22 Mar 2024) 8 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 22, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 5 5
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 1 1 1
Northern Harrier 4 15 15
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 3 3
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 1
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 2 4 4
Merlin 0 2 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 8 31 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 5.75 hours

Official Counter: Bob Secatore

Observers: Christopher Godfrey, John Cannizzo, Kathryn Chihowski,
Mark Schoene , Peter Duffy

Visitors:
Andrea Cannizzo help temper the sting of the west wind.


Weather:
Moderate west winds (10-14 mph) throughout watch period. Temps 29 to 39 deg
Fahreheit. Cloud cover variable starting at 0%, almost 85% by noon but then
50 at close of watch period.
Raptor Observations:
We counted 8 migrant raptors today: 4 Northern Harriers (1 imm
and 2 adult males), 1 Bald Eagle (imm), 1 Sharp-shin (imm) 2 American
Kestrels (1 female).

Raptors that failed to migrate included 2 Turkey Vultures and 3 or 4
Northern Harriers.

Non-raptor Observations:
1 Flicker, 1 Chickadee, 1 Mockingbird, 1 Song Sparrow, 2 Crows, 2 Ravens
and numbers of Canada Geese and Black Ducks on the marsh. Our pair of
House Finches continues to hang about the kiosk.

Predictions:
Right now, tomorrow's forecast is for a continuous rain for the entire day
making any significant flight highly unlikely.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

Back to top
Date: 3/22/24 5:42 am
From: Lynn Pelland <lpelland...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Barton Cove Eagle Nest
Good morning

I have not checked the nest at Barton's, but the last time I checked the
nests off Meadow Rd/S. Ferry and Old Greenfield Rd (Montague) I've seen
them sitting in the nest. There is a nest on Mead Island off the General
Pierce Bridge, but I have not had a chance to stop and check to see if they
are in it. I saw an adult carrying a stick to a pine along Migratory Way,
but haven't seen any substantial build since. These adults are usually
the ones from the Mead Island nest. There is also activity at the
Deerfield St nest in Greenfield.

Happy Spring birding!
Lynn

On Thu, Mar 21, 2024 at 6:42 PM <blafley...> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> Wondering if anyone has been watching or seen any breeding activity
> (incubating, young, etc.) at the Bald Eagle nest on the island in Barton
> Cove?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Lafley
> New Salem
> <blafley...>
>


--
Lynn Pelland
Facilities Services Assistant
Facilities Management
Smith College
126 West St
Northampton, MA 01063
p 413.585.2391
f 413.585.2398

<lpelland...>

 

Back to top
Date: 3/21/24 5:18 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (21 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors

Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2024 22:33:15 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (21 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 21, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 5 5
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 0 0
Northern Harrier 0 11 11
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 2 2
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 1
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 2 2
Merlin 1 2 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 1 23 23
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 13:15:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total
observation time: 0.5 hours

Official Counter: Peter Duffy

Observers:
Visitors:
None


Weather:
Cold (35 deg F) and very windy with 10% cloud cover.

Raptor Observations:
One Merlin that came screaming past at breakneck speed. Who else would
dare to be out on such an awful day?

Non-raptor Observations:
None

Predictions:
Moderate (10 to 13 mph) WNW and W winds. Temps starting in the mid 20s but
rising to 4o deg Fahrenheit in the afternoon. Sunny early on but partly
cloudy during the last half of the watch period.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

Back to top
Date: 3/21/24 3:42 pm
From: <blafley...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Barton Cove Eagle Nest
Hello,

Wondering if anyone has been watching or seen any breeding activity (incubating, young, etc.) at the Bald Eagle nest on the island in Barton Cove?

Thanks,

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>

 

Back to top
Date: 3/21/24 12:58 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Longmeadow - 3/21/24
Thanks to Nancy Easton for a report of a pair of Northern Shovelers
today, 3/21, Pondside Road, Longmeadow.


Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

 

Back to top
Date: 3/21/24 12:27 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Virtual Falcon Workshop - April 5, 2024
Thanks to Lauren Weiss for the following announcement.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date:  Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:01:35 +0000
Subject:  Falcon Workshop
From:  <weiss...>


Interested in Peregrine Falcons?
Join this talk at UMASS Amherst on their resident rooftop falcons!

Date: Friday, April 5, 2024
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Time Zone: Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
Online: This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration
email.

For more information or to register, go to
https://libcal.library.umass.edu/event/11993076

To follow these peregrines, visit their facebook page at Du Bois Falcons!



 

Back to top
Date: 3/20/24 8:46 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Scarboro Pond, Frankin Park, 3-20-24
Thanks to Mike McCarthy for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>
*


Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:54:03 +0000 (UTC)
From: Michael McCarthy <mmccarthy15...>
Subject: Scarboro Pond, Frankin Park, 3-20-24


I observed the following birds during a quick visit to Scarboro Pond at
Franklin Park this afternoon, from 2:45-3:15 PM:
1 double-crested cormorant (FOY)
1 gadwall (drake)
18 mallard
12 American black ducks
42 Canada geese
4 tufted titmouse
3 black-capped chickadee
1 golden-crowned kinglet
1 red-bellied woodpecker
3 song sparrow

Cheers,
Mike McCarthy
West Roxbury, MA

 

Back to top
Date: 3/20/24 7:30 pm
From: Zack Weber <birdingwithzackweber...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC 3/21 woodcock trip cancelled
The BBC trip to Alewife for woodcocks on 3/21 is cancelled due to
predicted high winds. The last time I ran one of these trips under
similarly gusty conditions, no woodcocks took to the sky for display
flights. Woodcocks are difficult to find when not displaying, and I
think there will be little else of avian interest on a cold, windy
night.

Zack Weber
Cambridge, MA

 

Back to top
Date: 3/20/24 5:20 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (20 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors

Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 23:14:59 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (20 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 20, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 25 25
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 1 11 11
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 5 5
Cooper's Hawk 0 6 6
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 23 23
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 9 9
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 1 1
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 1 1 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 1 5 5
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 2 2

Total: 6 89 89
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 12:00:00
Total observation time: 4.5 hours

Official Counter: Mark Morris

Observers: Dave Brown, Eric Mueller, Ernie Leblanc, Joanne Hart

Weather:
A chilly but comfortable morning with S/SW winds, 7-15 MPH w
temperatures
running 33-46F. Dense hazy to begin the day, thinning as the day went
on.
Mostly cloudy skies.

Raptor Observations:
The migrating raptors seem to be put off by the recent weather. After
seeing the bird and consulting with both Eric and Ernie, I determined
that
we had a migrating peregrine. We enjoyed a lengthy scrap between a
sitting
RT and a raven.

Non-raptor Observations:

========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953


 

Back to top
Date: 3/20/24 5:11 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (20 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors

Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 23:14:59 +0000
From:<reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (20 Mar 2024) 6 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 20, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count    Month Total  Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture           0              0              0
Turkey Vulture         1            25            25
Osprey         0              0              0
Bald Eagle         1            11            11
Northern Harrier         0              0              0
Sharp-shinned Hawk         0              5              5
Cooper's Hawk           0              6              6
American Goshawk         0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          1            23            23
Broad-winged Hawk           0              0              0
Red-tailed Hawk           0              9              9
Rough-legged Hawk           0              1              1
Golden Eagle         0              0              0
American Kestrel         0              1              1
Merlin         0              0              0
Peregrine Falcon         1              1              1
Unknown Accipiter           0              0              0
Unknown Buteo           1              5              5
Unknown Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Eagle           0              0              0
Unknown Raptor         1              2              2

Total:         6            89            89
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 12:00:00
Total observation time: 4.5 hours

Official Counter:       Mark Morris

Observers: Dave Brown, Eric Mueller, Ernie Leblanc, Joanne Hart

Weather:
A chilly but comfortable morning with S/SW winds, 7-15 MPH w temperatures
running 33-46F. Dense hazy to begin the day, thinning as the day went on.
Mostly cloudy skies.

Raptor Observations:
The migrating raptors seem to be put off by the recent weather.  After
seeing the bird and consulting with both Eric and Ernie, I determined that
we had a migrating peregrine.  We enjoyed a lengthy scrap between a sitting
RT and a raven.

Non-raptor Observations:

========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953


 

Back to top
Date: 3/20/24 5:10 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (20 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors

Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 23:37:53 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (20 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 20, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 5 5 5
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 0 0
Northern Harrier 3 11 11
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 2 2
Cooper's Hawk 1 1 1
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 2 2
Merlin 0 1 1
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 9 22 22
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:30:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 4.5 hours

Official Counter: Bob Secatore

Observers: Mark Schoene , Mark Timmerman, Peter Duffy

Visitors:
Bernie Carroll, Susan Hedman.


Weather:
Mostly cloudy all day with temps from 43 to 48 Deg Fahrenheit and 8 to 9
mph SW winds.

Raptor Observations:
Nine (9) migrants were counted today. A modest kettle of 5 Turkey
Vultures
coalesced over the marsh southwest of our platform and then proceeded to
circle upward while drifting steadily northward until out ot sight. One
imm Cooper's Hawk passed close to the platform during the 11:00 am
period.

All three Northern Harrier migrants passed on our west side moving
northward over the marsh. This has been Harrier's typical route this
spring
thus far. On the alternative route on the east side of the island, the
birds are suddenly confronted with continuous residential development at
the refuge's north border and usually opt to turn back and continue
hunting
in the dunes. Thus far this spring, I personally have seen only one NH
continue flying northward into the developed area with all the rest
passsing over natural habitat on the marsh side.
Raptors that failed to. migrate: 1 imm BE, 3 or 4 NH, 2 TV.

Non-raptor Observations:
A pair of House Finches has once again begun nesting in the small kiosk
a
few feet from the platform. Other birds included 1 Raven, 1 Song
Sparrow, 1
Mute Swan and the usual flocks of Black Ducks and Canada Geese on the
marsh.

Predictions:
Noticeably colder tomorrow (Thursday) with fairly stiff NW and WNW
winds.
Friday 30 to 40 deg Fahrenheit with moderate WNW and W winds.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

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Date: 3/20/24 2:14 pm
From: Eric Mueller <ericmueller1912...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] eBird is back on-line
MassBirders - for those who haven't checked it out yet today, eBird appears
to be back on-line and functional once more.

Cheers,
Eric

Eric Mueller
Clinton MA
<ericmueller1912...>

 

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Date: 3/20/24 5:07 am
From: Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] job position opening at the Parker River NWR
Administrative Assistant, part-time, open to "experienced professionals" 55+ (supervised by the visitors service team)

details at https://newsolutions.org/jobs/position-details/?position_id=8158



------------------------------------
(by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019



Lynette Leka
Newbury, MA 01951
email: <lynette.leka...>

 

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Date: 3/19/24 8:41 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 3/18 Weston--Another Purple Finch And A Fox Sparrow, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this post.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:38:00 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 3/18 Weston--Another Purple Finch And A Fox Sparrow, etc.


I walked up Church St. a short distance from Kendall Green Station to go
down a trail that leads out to a big field (blaze marker is a short
distance from the big red barn) This proved a good decision, as I found
the following birds on this short trail which ends at Viles St.
:
Brown Creeper 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Fox Sparrow 1  feeding on wooded slope off to the left in thicket area
White-throated Sparrow 10  with Fox Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow 1
Purple Finch 1 singing in thicket area
American Goldfinch 40  wild guess, at times calls were defeaning; up in
pines
Pine Siskin 2
House Finch 3+

Elsewhere in beautiful Weston:

Great Blue Heron 1
Wood Duck 5  wetland near rail trail
Lesser Scaup 1 Weston Station Pond
scaup sp. 4 Weston Station Pond
Ring-necked Duck 9 Weston Station Pond
Bufflehead 14+  Weston Station Pond
Turkey Vulture 1 near town center(beuutiful place)
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Woodcock x  displaying in field next to station
Barred Owl 1 calling along rail trail
Great Horned Owl 2 incl. one young. begging
Eastern Phoebe 1  same spot as previous visit
Eastern Bluebird 5  incl. four together along rail trail
Raccoon 1
Roadside farm stand that uses the honor system 1 Wow!

P.S. I have had fifty-four bird species over this past week all from the
town of Weston

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston




 

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Date: 3/19/24 8:19 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (19 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:05:43 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (19 Mar 2024) 1 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 19, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 0 0
Northern Harrier 1 8 8
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 2 2
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 2 2
Merlin 0 1 1
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 1 13 13
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 11:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 2.75 hours

Official Counter: Bob Secatore

Observers: John Cannizzo

Visitors:
Andrea Cannizzo graced us with her usual congenial presence. Very few
other visitors showed up on such a cold, blustery day.


Weather:
Winds WNW from 16 to 25 mph; 42 to 44 deg Fahrenheit. Cloud cover 50 to
65%.
Raptor Observations:
A total count of 1 imm NH migrant recorded at very start of watch period.
Raptors that failed to migrate; 3 imm BE and at least 4 NH all immatures.

Non-raptor Observations:
On marsh, groups of Black Ducks and Canada Geese that periodically lifted
into the air when one of the BEs got a bit too close. 1 Raven.
Predictions:
Somewhat warmer and mostly cloudy tomorrow with moderate (8-12 mph) winds
out of the SW.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

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Date: 3/19/24 8:10 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (19 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 23:22:22 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (19 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 19, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 5 24 24
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 10 10
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 5 5
Cooper's Hawk 0 6 6
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 22 22
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 3 9 9
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 1 1
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 4 4
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 1 1

Total: 9 83 83
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: Mark Morris

Observers: Bob Michaud, Joanne Hart

Weather:
The weather was cold and windy at the Farm today, with winds from the west
@ 8-16 MPH with higher gusts. Temperatures were between 33 - 37 F with
dropping humidity. We had excellent visibility throughout the session with
30-50% cloud cover.
Raptor Observations:
Nice to get our first migrating falcon, a kestrel. Local raptors were
active early as I missed the TV leaving the roost and CH and RT were in the
air. Slow pick of migrating TV's and RT's. I was fortunate to watch a
local Peregrine (immature) rise up quickly and find a comfortable holding
pattern with it's tail splayed throughout. The bird then gilded right over
the parking lot!


Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds observed: N cardinal - 2; Blue jay - -6; Red Crossbill (SEE
PHOTO!) - 2; E Bluebird - 1; American crow - 4; Raven - 4; E Towhee - 1;
Song sparrow - 2; European starling - 200 +/-; House sparrow - 8
========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

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Date: 3/19/24 3:43 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Books available
Thanks to Jeremy Coleman for this post.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*
From: Jeremy Coleman <jcolemanarch...>
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:44:56 -0400
Subject: Books available


Hello, I am downsizing and have some historic bird related volumes for
sale. They are:

Birds of the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts, Bagg and Eliot
Birds of New England and Other New England States, 3 vols., Edward Howe
Forbush
Pelagic Birds of South America, 2 vols., Robert Cushman Murphy

If you have interest in these please contact me privately. All the books
are in good to very good condition.

Best,

Jeremy Coleman
Shelburne Falls

 

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Date: 3/18/24 8:23 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (18 Mar 2024) 8 Raptors
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 01:23:15 +0000
From:<reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (18 Mar 2024) 8 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 18, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count    Month Total  Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture           0              0              0
Turkey Vulture         0              0              0
Osprey         0              0              0
Bald Eagle         0              0              0
Northern Harrier         7              7              7
Sharp-shinned Hawk         1              2              2
Cooper's Hawk           0              0              0
American Goshawk         0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          0              0              0
Broad-winged Hawk           0              0              0
Red-tailed Hawk           0              0              0
Rough-legged Hawk           0              0              0
Golden Eagle         0              0              0
American Kestrel         0              2              2
Merlin         0              1              1
Peregrine Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Accipiter           0              0              0
Unknown Buteo           0              0              0
Unknown Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Eagle           0              0              0
Unknown Raptor         0              0              0

Total:         8            12            12
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:45:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8.25 hours

Official Counter:       Bob Secatore, Maryellen Stone

Observers: Bob Stone, Christopher Godfrey, John Cannizzo,
Kathryn Chihowski, Maryellen Stone, Susan Moses

Visitors:
Andrea Cannizzo continued to focus on IDing passing raptors. Tom Graham
stopped by to apprise us of the local birding news.


Weather:
Partly cloudy with welcome periods of warming sunlight alternating with
shifts of large cumulus clouds chilling everyone on the platform.  West
winds prevailing throughout the watch period between 12 and 15 mph.

Raptor Observations:
Migrants included 7 NH (including 2 adult males, 1 adult female and 1 imm)
and high altitude SS. Several local NHs and at least local 3 BEs.

Non-raptor Observations:
Intermittent stream of Common Grackles and RW Blackbirds throughout the
watch period.

Predictions:
WNW wiinds between 11 and 15 mph and psrtly cloudy, so promising!!!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

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Date: 3/18/24 8:18 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (18 Mar 2024) 7 Raptors
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:53:42 +0000
From:<reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (18 Mar 2024) 7 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 18, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count    Month Total  Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture           0              0              0
Turkey Vulture         0            19            19
Osprey         0              0              0
Bald Eagle         4            10            10
Northern Harrier         0              0              0
Sharp-shinned Hawk         2              5              5
Cooper's Hawk           0              6              6
American Goshawk         0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          1            22            22
Broad-winged Hawk           0              0              0
Red-tailed Hawk           0              6              6
Rough-legged Hawk           0              1              1
Golden Eagle         0              0              0
American Kestrel         0              0              0
Merlin         0              0              0
Peregrine Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Accipiter           0              0              0
Unknown Buteo           0              4              4
Unknown Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Eagle           0              0              0
Unknown Raptor         0              1              1

Total:         7            74            74
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 12:30:00
Total observation time: 5.5 hours

Official Counter:       Mark Morris

Observers: Ernie Leblanc, Joanne Hart, Steve Farrell, Ted Purcell

Visitors:
Jeff Johnstone


Weather:
Cool winds increasing 5-17 MPH out of the west with temperatures rising
from 33 to 41 degrees F.  Good visibility aided by cloud cover.

Raptor Observations:
Red tail central again today!  The migrating BE's moved with purpose.  Two
male Sharp Shinned Hawks tried to sneak by us.  Red Shoulders continue to
pass.

Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds observed:  Red crossbill - 4; Raven - 4; RS Towhee - 1; Song
sparrow - 2; Blue jay - 8; Northern cardinal - 2; House sparrow - 25+/-;
Starling - 150 +/-; Blackbird species - 18; Dark eyed junco - 1; Canada
goose - 2; American robin - 8; Tree swallow - 1
========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953


 

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Date: 3/18/24 5:47 pm
From: PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] NorthEast Hawk Migration Conference This Saturday, March 23, at Holyoke, MA
The NorthEast Hawk Watch (NEHW) will hold its 12th quadrennial NorthEast Hawk Migration Conference on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, MA. The all-day conference (9 am – 5 pm) features 7 presentations, a speakers' panel, AND a live raptor show.

* Broad-winged Hawk Migration Project
* Do Black Vultures Migrate?
* Golden Eagle Migration in Pennsylvania
* Bringing Back American Kestrels
* A Brief History and Fall 2023 Highlights of the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch
* The Future of Hawk Watching
* Saw-whet Owls: An Interesting Same-season Recapture
* WingMasters'Live Birds of Prey program

This conference is held only every four years! (Five for this one, as it was postponed because of Covid last year.) For complete information, including directions to the conference, speakers’ abstracts, registration forms, and information on birding or staying in the Holyoke area, visit

http://battaly.com/nehw/conference

Registration is $50 for NEHW members; $60 for nonmembers. ($60 can also cover conference registration and a year’s membership in the NEHW, including a 40-pp. annual report on hawk migration in the northeast.)
You can register for the conference at the door beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday but will not be able to purchase lunch tickets. You can bring your own lunch to eat at the conference or obtain directions to local fast food outlets at the registration desk.
The NorthEast Hawk Watch has been providing the most extensive information on, and analysis of, hawk migration through the northeast for over fifty years! Learn what is happening in the northeast! Anyone interested in birds should find this “hawk talk” informative and fun. Everyone is invited!

Best,
Paul

Paul M. Roberts
Medford, MA 
<phawk254...>

 

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Date: 3/18/24 9:38 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: [NHButterfly] Photographic equipment and processing for butterflies
Thanks to Jeremy Coleman for this post.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

From: Jeremy Coleman <jcolemanarch...>
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:53:42 -0400
Subject: Re: [NHButterfly] Photographic equipment and processing for
butterflies

Thanks Steve for the info! Just a note on using your older Canon EF lenses
with the new RF mirrorless camera bodies. You can get a lens adapter for
the RF body which allows you to keep using the EF lenses. There is a lot to
be said for the new mirrorless bodies for lepidoptera photography,
especially the R7, which is the mirrorless analog (except it's not analog
lol) for your 7Dii. It can for instance do camera stacking and processing
in-camera for a relatively easy increase in depth of field. It also has a
pre-shooting feature which is great for flight photos.
Cheers,
Jeremy Coleman, Shelburne Falls, MA.

 

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Date: 3/18/24 9:32 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Photographic equipment and processing for butterflies
Thanks to Steve Mirick for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:41:20 -0400
Subject: Photographic equipment and processing for butterflies
From: Steve Mirick <smirick...>

Thanks to many of you for the compliments regarding my butterfly
photos.  I think we all enjoy nice photos, and as my eyes are not as
good as they used to be, I think I've gotten to appreciate the ability
to get "up close" with macro photography even more in recent years. 
I'll share what I use and how I process photos.  I can't say that I am
(by any means) an authority.  But this is what I do.  Take it or not. 
If others have suggestions, please feel free to share.

* I have a Canon 7D MK II camera with a 100-400 Canon lens.  This
combination has been great for me.  The lens gives me enough reach to
capture butterflies far away, but also has a close focus ability so that
I can get photos of closer individuals.  Plus it works great for all
other wildlife.  Very versatile, but fairly heavy and expensive.  About
$3,000 for the two:

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-Mark-Digital-Camera-Body/dp/B00NEWZDRG?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-100-400mm-4-5-5-6L-USM-Lens/dp/B01L74R85W/ref=sr_1_1

The problem is that this is now outdated and Canon is not making these
anymore.  All of the new cameras from Canon are mirrorless and there are
new lenses that go with them.  I have no idea what I will do if/when I
need to update my system.

* For those who don't want to spend this much money, I'd take a look at
the long focal length point-and-shoot cameras, or "superzoom" cameras.
Make sure the camera has a decent telephoto on it...butterflies (mostly)
don't allow you to sneak up on them so you need more focal length. 
There are a lot of these and I don't know which is best.  Here is an
article:
https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cameras/best-right-now/best-superzoom-cameras

I don't recommend the TG-6 or TG-7 by Olympus for butterflies; however,
we own this and it is often rated as excellent for other macro applications:
https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Tough-TG-6-Waterproof-Camera/dp/B07RC8HPHL/ref=sr_1_2

* I always shoot in JPG mode.  I know this is a major faux pas I'm
almost embarrassed to admit it.  But it works for me and allows me to
process photos very quickly.  I'm sure I could do better if I shoot in
RAW mode, but I don't think I'll change.

* I use a VERY BASIC and FREE photo editor called Faststone Image Viewer
for ALL my image processing. It works well for me and my JPG shots.
https://www.faststone.org/index.htm

* I usually crop my photo in 4/3 ratio and then resize down to 2048 x
1536 for web/storage/sharing.  Unless it's an exceptional photo, I don't
have any need for storage in higher resolution.  I usually adjust for
brightness, contrast, and sharpness as needed.

* I store all my photos and manage/search through them using the FREE
software called DigiKam:
https://www.digikam.org/


Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA

 

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Date: 3/17/24 9:54 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (17 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors

Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2024 23:30:32 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (17 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 17, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 2 19 19
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 6 6
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 3 3
Cooper's Hawk 0 6 6
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 21 21
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 6 6
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 4 4
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 1 1

Total: 2 67 67
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 11:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total
observation time: 2 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Jon Skinner

Weather:
Brisk wind from the west, 10-15 MPD with changeable, cloudy skies.

Raptor Observations:
Migrating raptors were few. However, local raptors made up for the limited
number of migrants. Up to BE - 6 (adult), RT -5 , TV - 4, SS- 1, Unknown
accipiters - 3 and Unknown buteo -1.

Non-raptor Observations:

========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

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Date: 3/17/24 9:50 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (17 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:34:15 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (17 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 17, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 0 0
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 1
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 2 2
Merlin 1 1 1
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 2 4 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: Bob Secatore, Judd Nathan

Observers: John Cannizzaro, Judd Nathan, Mark Schoene
Visitors:
Andrea Cannizzo enjoyed viewing several of the Bald Eagles that approached
the platform. Strickland Wheelock, well-known veteran bander of and
authority on Saw-whet Owls stopped by to say hello.


Weather:
Weak SW wind at start but rising as watch progressed (~15 mph at end of
watch) and turning into the west. Partly cloudy with periodic stretches of
minor drizzle and welcome sunlight.

Raptor Observations:
Two migrants were tallied: 1 ML and 1 AK (female). ?But throughout the
entire watch period we witnessed the constant presence of Bald Eagles and
Northern Harriers. Initially only a couple of BEs were observed but
eventually 8 different individuals were counted and that included 2 adult
birds. Six Northern Harriers were observed including one adult male. One
or more individuals of both of these species were present at all times
throughout the watch period but, alas, not one decided to migrate. 1
Peregrine Falcon, 1 Red-tailed Hawk and 4 TVs were also counted as locals.

Non-raptor Observations:
3 Tree Swallows, 1 Water Pipit, 1 House finch, 2 Killdeer and 30 or more
Grackles.

Predictions:
Favorable prospects: west winds 11 to 16 mph with partly cloudy skies.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

Back to top
Date: 3/17/24 1:34 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 3/16 Jericho Town Forest , Weston - Part Two
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2024 20:17:41 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 3/16 Jericho Town Forest Part Two


The last time I was here,(a few days ago) I barely scratched the
surface. So, I went again on another beautiful day. This time, I started
at the extreme SE, and went all the way to the extreme NW. (Ripley Lane)
I followed the Mass Bay Circuit Trail back to the rail trail(SW). I then
explored  trails that come off the rail trail south of the rail trail,
some of which wasn't part of Jericho Town Forest. I birded from 11:00-7:20.

Great Blue Heron 1
Wood Duck 17  incl. thirteen at dusk flying over
Turkey Vulture 1  near train station
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 minimum
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Woodcock 4  displaying in field at train station
Great Horned Owl 1 hunting over filed near station
Barred Owl 2  heard far apart along rail trail
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1  FOY ad. fem. on trail diagonally opp. from
Buckskin Lane near Old Post Rd.
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 5
Eastern Phoebe 4 FOY;
Common Raven 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 4
Brown Creeper 17  Wow!
Winter Wren 2
Eastern Bluebird 5
Pine Warbler 3
White-throated Sparrow 15+
Rusty Blackbird 1  min.; heard from rail trail
Pine Siskin 20  incl. sizable flock near the letter Y on trail maps
Pussy Willow 1

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

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Date: 3/17/24 11:52 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Birds seen in Westport
Thanks to George Gove & Judy Gordon for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:13:54 +0000 (UTC)
From: George Gove <gwgove...>
Subject: Birds seen in Westport


Hi Barbara
A report from our wanderings.
On Saturday 3/16/2024 we saw the following birds of note in the Acoaxet
area.
19 Great Cormorants
8 Harlequin Ducks, 4M + 4F
33 Purple Sandpipers

From Gooseberry Island causeway

5 Sanderling
7 Dunlin
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull

George Gove & Judy Gordon
Marlboro


 

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Date: 3/17/24 10:46 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Topsfield IRWS Sat AM BAGO
Thanks to Jim MacDougall for this report.


Barbara Volkle
moderator, massbird
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>
<b_volkle...>

*


*
*
*From:*James MacDougall <jm3...>
*To:*MassBird <massbird...>; Barbara Volkle <b_volkle...>
*Sent:*Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 02:20:52 PM EDT
*Subject:*Topsfield IRWS Sat AM BAGO

Hi,

We walked around the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary this morning.  Our
goal was to see if the Bald Eagle pair were still nest building and we
saw no activity at all.  We did see Mute Swan males conducting
territorial gestures.  They would fly up and down the main stream of the
river beating the water with their wings and slapping their feet on the
water, making a very load clapping.  They did this up and down the
river, 2 males separated by about 100 yards. (Not the usual labored
takeoff and landing)

The surprise was a pair of Barrow’s Goldeneye, in the river just south
of Otter Point. Otter Point is the south end of the South Esker just
East of the Gazebo. The male is a second year bird.  The crescent on the
face is obvious but the flanks are still gray.

Other birds of note were over 60 Green-winged Teal, 40 plus Ring-necked
Ducks, 2 Belted Kingfisher, 1 YB Sapsucker, 10 Tree Swallow and 2
Northern Pintail. No warblers of any kind were seen on our route.

Wood Frog, Pickerel Frog and Spring Peepers were all chorusing.

Jim


 

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Date: 3/17/24 10:44 am
From: Mindy LaBranche <m.s.labranche...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] phoebe
FOY Eastern Phoebe just now in Rochester, MA
Earlier every year.
Mindy LaBranche
Rochester, MA
 

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Date: 3/17/24 10:28 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Phoebes arrived Topsfield
Thanks to Jim MacDougall for this report.

Just a reminder - you can reach me at my backup email if you are unable
to reach me through my primary email.

Barbara Volkle
moderator, massbird
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>
<b_volkle...>

*


From:James MacDougall <jm3...>
Sent:Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 07:58:48 AM EDT
Subject:Phoebes arrived Topsfield

Hi,

Eastern Phoebes arrived last night in Topsfield.

The annual arrival of the 2 breeding males on the property arrived last
night and have set up their respective territories.

Also 2 pair of hooded mergansers are vying for the nest box at the
vernal pool.

From the field,

Jim MacDougall
Topsfield, MA

 

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Date: 3/16/24 8:55 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Woodcock watch and sunset birding social (Amherst) - 3/22
Thanks to Meghadeepa Maity for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

From: Meghadeepa Maity <maity22m...>
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2024 06:29:19 -0400
Subject: Woodcock watch and sunset birding social (Amherst)

You are invited to join the Anti-racist Collective of Avid
Birders for our annual stationary, wheelchair
accessible outing watching the courtship displays of the American Woodcock.
The event is on Friday, March 22, 6:30 - 7:45 PM in Amherst, MA. This
trip is
designed for folks of any birding level or mobility. Families welcome!

Getting there: We'll meet at dusk in Lot 26 (off Governor's Drive on the
UMass Amherst campus) and wait for American Woodcocks to begin calling
( peeeent! )  and displaying over the brightly-lit parking lot. (GPS
coordinates: 42.3959375, -72.5333125) Look for us near the back of the
parking lot, which is surrounded by brush on three sides. Participants are
welcome to remain in their vehicles (ideally not idling), or bring their
own seating. You can stop by for as long as you like, but our best chances
of getting eyes on woodcocks are in the 7:15 - 7:45 window. There will be
snacks!

What to bring: Layers for a pre-Spring evening. A chair, folding stool, or
picnic blanket.
Optional: binoculars, beverages.

Accessibility:
This event requires (k)n95 type masks. We will have some to share! We also
request that attendees observe social distancing, especially when unmasking
to snack or hydrate. This event is only open to vaccinated participants.
This will be a stationary, wheelchair-accessible birding meetup in a
well-lit, flat, paved parking lot. This lot is large and should be pretty
empty and quiet while students are on spring break. There are no bathrooms
or built-in seating.

UMass Police will be notified of the event beforehand to avoid any
conflicts. Contact <FBC.WMA...> with questions and accessibility
concerns.


Rain date: Sat 3/23 6:30-7:45 PM.

Thanks,


*Meghadeepa Maity*


 

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Date: 3/16/24 8:42 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Gloucester
Thanks to Caroline Haines for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

From: Caroline Haines <songbirder...>
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2024 18:59:58 -0400
Subject: Gloucester


FOY phoebe in Gloucester today. Ravens calling over downtown.
And bald eagles incubating eggs. 😊Hoping they are successful this time.

Caroline Haines <Songbirder...>
Gloucester
Sent from my iPhone-please excuse brevity, typos, or insults.

 

Back to top
Date: 3/16/24 8:36 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island MA (16 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2024 01:33:05 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Plum Island MA (16 Mar 2024) 2 Raptors


Plum Island MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 16, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 0 0
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 1
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 1 1
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 2 2 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total
observation time: 4.5 hours

Official Counter: Bob Secatore, Mark Schoene

Observers: Bob Stone, John Cannizzo, Lisa Boisvert, Mark Schoene ,
Maryellen Stone, Tom Wetmore

Visitors:
Danielle Hanrahan, Andrea Cannizzo.
We also had a pretty good turnout of at least 20 other visitors many of
whom were interested in what we were doing and what raptor species we
typically encountered.


Weather:
Winds WSW from 2 to 8 mph. No cloud cover for first two hours of watch
period but partially cloudy during the last hour and a half of watch.

Raptor Observations:
Two migrants counted: 1 AK and 1 SS (imm). Local raptors: 4 BE (all imm),
4 NH (1 adult female) and 10 TV.

Non-raptor Observations:
7 Great Egrets and 12 Killdeer.

Predictions:
Showers in morning ending by noon. Winds WSW early on then turning to W for
most of the afternoon, 14 to 16 mph.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>)
Plum Island MA information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=115

 

Back to top
Date: 3/16/24 8:31 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (16 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2024 21:34:51 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (16 Mar 2024) 9 Raptors

Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 16, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 17 17
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 0 6 6
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 3 3
Cooper's Hawk 2 6 6
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 4 21 21
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 6 6
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 4 4
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 1 1

Total: 9 65 65
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total
observation time: 5.5 hours

Official Counter: Mark Morris

Observers: Chris Eddy, Eric Mueller

Weather:
Valley fog obscured visibility to start but melted away mid- morning. Calm
winds yielding to light from the west. Temps rising from 35 degrees to 51
degrees F w mostly cloudy skies.
Raptor Observations:
Migrating raptors passed with an unhurried pace. The local eagles were
elsewhere today other than 2 immatures. Today was a good RT show as they
were in the air a lot defending and kiting. Accipiters are starting to
move.

Non-raptor Observations:
E Bluebird - 1; song sparrow - 4; RB Woodpecker - 1; Towhee - 1; Blue jay -
12; raven - 6; grackle - 11; American crow - 6; American robin - 17;
Northern cardinal - 4; Carolina wren - 1;
========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

Back to top
Date: 3/14/24 9:09 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (14 Mar 2024) 29 Raptors
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2024 01:14:22 +0000
From:<reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (14 Mar 2024) 29 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 14, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count    Month Total  Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture           0              0              0
Turkey Vulture         8            16            16
Osprey         0              0              0
Bald Eagle         3              6              6
Northern Harrier         0              0              0
Sharp-shinned Hawk         0              1              1
Cooper's Hawk           1              4              4
American Goshawk         0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk        10            17            17
Broad-winged Hawk           0              0              0
Red-tailed Hawk           1              6              6
Rough-legged Hawk           1              1              1
Golden Eagle         0              0              0
American Kestrel         0              0              0
Merlin         0              0              0
Peregrine Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Accipiter           0              0              0
Unknown Buteo           4              4              4
Unknown Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Eagle           0              0              0
Unknown Raptor         1              1              1

Total:         29            56            56
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 13:30:00
Total observation time: 6 hours

Official Counter:       Mark Morris

Observers: Bob Michaud, Chris Eddy, Eric Mueller, Jeff Johnstone,
Joanne Hart

Weather:
Another April like feel at the Farm today as temperatures rose quickly from
33 degreed to 69 degrees. Mostly sunny skies with strands of cumulus clouds
sparingly. Visibility was very good again with a slight haze forming by
late morning.

Raptor Observations:
After a cool night, TV's from our local roosts felt the morning sun and
emerged in staggered formations.  Migrants started moving soon after as we
got some decent numbers, variety and a treat!  A light morph rough-legged
hawk graced us with a close view just over the solar array rowing NE.  It
was good to see a local Peregrine showing off.  Spectacular Bald Eagle show
with multiple adults and immatures.

Non-raptor Observations:
E. Bluebird - 2, Song Sparrow - 2, American crow - 19, Raven - 2, killdeer
-1, Canada Goose - 146, RW BB - approx 75, Grackle - approx 25, Sandhill
Crane - 14
========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953



 

Back to top
Date: 3/14/24 9:09 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pine Siskins, Pine Warblers and a Purple Finch Jericho Town Forest
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:26:13 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: Pine Siskins, Pine Warblers and a Purple Finch Jericho Town Forest


This place is in Weston. It is quite beautiful, with so many birds. I
covered the eastern section from 2:25-5:25. There were ten or more Pine
Warblers on the ground at the Weston Orchard near College Pond. I
watched as they all dropped down to the ground. WOW! Something spooked
them and they all went into the nearby trees, not to be seen or heard??
from again! Very odd. And to think this was a year bird for me. Lots of
PINE SISKINS here as well: This place is five hundred acres in size.
There are several paths into the forest from the rail trail. (Central
Mass Rail Trail Wayside). It seemed surprising to me that my first
butterly species of the season was not a Mourning Cloak, but instead
THREE EASTERN COMMAS (or Question Marks)

Wood Duck 2
Ring-necked Duck 1  College Pond
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1 seen near train station
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 heard along rail trail
Killdeer 1 bit of mudflat on pond
Barred Owl 1  heard along rail trail on way up and on way back!
Belted Kingfisher 1 Kendall Green Station
Hairy Woodpecker 1+
Common Raven 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 4
Brown Creeper 5 minimum; some singing
Winter Wren 3+one singing at a footbridge
Eastern Bluebird 3+  edge of College Pond
PINE WARBLER 10+ F.O.Y. also three along rail trail
PINE SISKINS 15 F.O.Y. heard in several locations; some seen
PURPLE FINCH 1 F.O.Y. heard sweet warble repeatedly near College Pond
EASTERN COMMA or QUESTION MARK 3

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 3/14/24 8:16 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (13 Mar 2024) 4 Raptors
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:34:21 +0000
From:<reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (13 Mar 2024) 4 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 13, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count    Month Total  Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture           0              0              0
Turkey Vulture         1              8              8
Osprey         0              0              0
Bald Eagle         0              3              3
Northern Harrier         0              0              0
Sharp-shinned Hawk         1              1              1
Cooper's Hawk           0              3              3
American Goshawk         0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          2              7              7
Broad-winged Hawk           0              0              0
Red-tailed Hawk           0              5              5
Rough-legged Hawk           0              0              0
Golden Eagle         0              0              0
American Kestrel         0              0              0
Merlin         0              0              0
Peregrine Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Accipiter           0              0              0
Unknown Buteo           0              0              0
Unknown Falcon         0              0              0
Unknown Eagle           0              0              0
Unknown Raptor         0              0              0

Total:         4            27            27
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours

Official Counter:       Mark Morris

Observers: Jeff Johnstone

Visitors:
Mark Morris, Jeff Johnstone


Weather:
Generally clear skies throughout the duration with temperatures rising from
30 degrees to 60 degrees.  Calm conditions with an occasional breeze.
Visibility was very good with a slight haze.

Raptor Observations:
The clear, calm conditions in the atmosphere gave no impetus for many
raptors to migrate. A very slow day for our local raptors as well. Local
raptors:  TV - 27, RT - 4, RS - 1

Non-raptor Observations:
Song Sparrow, American Crow - 18, Bluejay - 8, E. Bluebird - 1, RB
woodpecker - 1, Pileated Woodpecker - 1, Raven - 2, GB Heron - 2, American
Robin - 11, Pine Siskin - 6 Canada Goose - 61.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953


 

Back to top
Date: 3/13/24 8:11 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Ogilvie Town Forest in Weston
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2024 22:37:18 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: Ogilvie Town Forest in Weston


I didn't even know that this place existed. I was on my way to the
Jericho Town Forest and College Conservation Area. Along the way, i
noticed a trail blaze on a tree and decided to enter this very narrow
opening. Wow! I enjoyed myself so much that I didn't even make it to my
destination, but didn't care:

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 MATING and calling loudly
Pileated Woodpecker 1  adult male
Hairy Woodpecker 1
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH 2 F.O.Y.
Brown Creeper 3 together
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Winter Wren 2
Carolina Wren 2
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Christmas Fern
Wood Frogs quacking in wetland; F.O.Y.

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 3/13/24 10:37 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (12 Mar 2024) 20 Raptors

Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:14:59 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (12 Mar 2024) 20 Raptors


Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 12, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 5 7 7
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 2 3 3
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0
Cooper's Hawk 3 3 3
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 5 5 5
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 5 5 5
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 20 23 23
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: Mark Morris

Observers: Eric Mueller, Ernie Leblanc, Jean Hampel, Jeff Johnstone

Visitors:
Mark Morris, Jean Hampel, Eric Mueller, Ernie LeBlanc, Jeff Johnstone.

Weather:
Abundant sunshine all morning with a light to moderate NW wind, turning
somewhat gusty at midday. Temperatures rising 35 degrees to 49 degrees
throughout the observation period. Visibility was excellent, the air was
dry.
Raptor Observations:
Twenty migrants today (most all single birds) that chose to hug our
ridgeline. We had a nice mix of RT - 5, RS - 5, TV - 5, BE - 2, CH - 3.
Local raptors RT - 4, SSH - 1, CH - 1, BE - 3, TV - 2.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds observed include Canada goose - 29, Common Merganser - 10,
Carolina Wren - 1 (s), E. Bluebird - 2, Tree Sparrow - 1.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

Back to top
Date: 3/13/24 10:36 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Adams Farm - Athol MA (11 Mar 2024) 3 Raptors
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:01:00 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Adams Farm - Athol MA (11 Mar 2024) 3 Raptors

Adams Farm - Athol MA
Athol, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 11, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 2 2 2
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 1 1 1
Northern Harrier 0 0 0
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 0
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0

Total: 3 3 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total
observation time: 3 hours

Official Counter: Mark Morris

Observers: Ernie Leblanc, Joanne Hart

Visitors:
Mark Morris, Joanne Hart, Ernie LeBlanc


Weather:
Strong NW winds 15-21, with gusts to 30, on the heels of a departing low
pressure system. Cloudy skies, temperature between 30 and 34 degrees.
Humidity 56% dropping to 50%. Visibility 10 miles.
Raptor Observations:
Migrating raptors were few, not wanting to fight the NW winds. Tally was TV
- 2, BE - 1. Local raptors RT - 3, BV - 1, TV - 14, BE (immature) - 1.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds observed at the Farm, raven - 6, American crow - 6, blue jay -
4, starling - 160, bluebird singing, cardinal singing.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Mark Morris (<MDMRemodeling...>)
Adams Farm - Athol MA information may be found at:
https://massbird.org/emhw/


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=953

 

Back to top
Date: 3/13/24 10:31 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Trumpeter Swan - Westborough
Valerie Burdette found a trumpeter swan at the A1 site in Westborough
the afternoon of 3/12.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S164586839
<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fchecklist%2FS164586839%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3mzKNZ-JpbE7RXWSe94D_-fv8o-ZlKy3ZZGiKtjq5Ol13MQBZ4yNhVdbw&h=AT2Yil50MGHl41NlfEVdDeZmvW3LrH85HD-c55v1KQrAaLXP2gyYXc7Zv0qM9hoE8kDjQ6JPf1HgJh5tQ2tFXTUxbdpVThBLU4EDuNGxh_xNMnDazH6slN7ShmRN7teDUA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1Aa9Plj79jMP_cxsO_reaJEWxZaECBi3U28HvhdODrJ0otxhqnTVKpYisgNwpKg90RLTDFS6hhaWoX8Odta63kkOzPxDY9KSzPQ66l8vTvJrI0xnZ7MubytNngTytXZVkEOfR1nw16JsDtXAUGlJ8kaJ-fCEpnbTPG-Qw>
Still present today. Seen again around noon from Arch Street tucked in a
cove on the south side of the body of water. It ws closer to Archer
Street earlier in the morning. There's a town conservation area on the
south side of A1 (I think it's at the end of Andrews Street) and it's
probably visible from there.
You can also view the A1 impoundment from Mill Street, but the swan was
not visible from there.
Photo by Valerie Burdette. Thank you, Valerie!
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

 

Back to top
Date: 3/12/24 10:09 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Piping Plovers of South Boston - 3/21
Thanks to Kathleen Clifford of the South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library for this announcement.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>


*

From: Kathleen Clifford <kclifford...>
Subject: Piping Plover event at the South Boston Branch of the BPL
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:45:56 +0000


Hello, We are hosting an event on the piping plovers of Boston next
Thursday, 3/21 5:30-6:30pm.

Could you please share with your networks? https://bit.ly/birdsSB

Thank you!

Kathleen

Kathleen Clifford Programs & Community Outreach Librarian
South Boston Branch Library 646 East Broadway | South Boston, MA 02127
617-268-0180
www.bpl.org<http://www.bpl.org/> | <kclifford...>

 

Back to top
Date: 3/12/24 6:44 am
From: Perls, Thomas <thperls...>
Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] World record; bird no. 10,000 ( Orange Tufted Spider Hunter)

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/science/birds-birdwatching-record-kaestner.html

-----Original Message-----
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of Kathleen Rawdon
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 9:09 AM
To: Barbara Vockle <massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] World record; bird no. 10,000 ( Orange Tufted Spider Hunter)

Todays Boston Globe has article by Joe Trezza about birder, PETER KAESTNER breaking record in the Philippines.( originally a NY times article).
Maybe article can be Googled.

Kathy Rawdon,
Hingham

Sent from my iPhone


 

Back to top
Date: 3/12/24 6:12 am
From: Kathleen Rawdon <rawdonk...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] World record; bird no. 10,000 ( Orange Tufted Spider Hunter)
Todays Boston Globe has article by Joe Trezza about birder, PETER KAESTNER breaking record in the Philippines.( originally a NY times article).
Maybe article can be Googled.

Kathy Rawdon,
Hingham

Sent from my iPhone

 

Back to top
Date: 3/10/24 9:26 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] RI Duck Bonanza Trip 3/9 report
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2024 02:39:01 +0000 (UTC)
From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...>
Subject: RI Duck Bonanza Trip 3/9 report


This past Sat. trip to RI was to enjoy several of RI's various ponds and
ocean viewing locations with the goal of finding 20+ species of ducks -
a trip that has always been productive, and this trip was no exception
despite acloudy/cold wind all day. In the process, we always are blessed
finding/experiencing many other species to heighten the excitement of
the day.The MAS trip from Drumlin Farm started at Bold Point Park in E
Providence with many species [26] with the highlight being the beautiful
male Eurasian Wigeon mixed among several American Wigeons, Greater
Scaup, C Goldeneye, Bufflehead, all 3 Mergansers [Red-breasted, Common &
Hooded], Mallards & Black Ducks. Other species we enjoyed was a Belted
Kingfisher, Killdeer, Great & D-C Cormorants, Red-throated and Common
Loons, Mockingbird, etcNext spot was Miller St Pond in Seekonk which had
many Gadwall, 4 Green-winged Teal, 2 handsome male Ring-necked Ducks,
Common & Hooded Mergansers & 2 Mute Swans - missed were the 2 N Pintails
from the previous day.Always a highlight is Colt State Park in Bristol -
at the bridge with an outgoing tide, you can always find volumes of
Brant and in the outgoing flow, often many C Goldeneyes and often 1 or 2
Barrow's Goldeneye mixed in - this Sat. we had an excellent look at a
female Barrow's next to a female Common Goldeneye comparing the features
of bill & head shape. What was equally exciting was a large mixed flock
of shorebirds swirling around in front of us and landing right by the
exposed rocks below us - Purple Sandpipers, Dunlin, Sanderlings and many
Ruddy Turnstones - great chance for all the folks to compare side by
side the different species ID features in perfect light in their feeding
frenzy - missed were all the Horned Larks feeding in the grass.One of
the challenging ponds of the day to scan was Sisson Pond as the cold
wind was in our face and the ducks were on the far side - one could view
a mix of Lesser & Greater Scaup, Ruddy Ducks, Common Mergansers along
with excellent looks at 4 Great Cormorants sitting on a branch, some
Coot feeding along the edge - net result it was cold.After lunch off to
3rd Beach and Sachuest Point where we hiked to the Point enjoying the
stunning male Harlequins and Long-tailed Ducks, all the scoters [Black,
Surf & only 1 Wht-winged Scoter], many Common Eiders, Bufflehead, Common
Goldeneyes along with Common Loons, Horned Grebes & a large flock of
Purple Sandpipers feeding close to us on the exposed rocks.Given 20
minutes before we needed to return to Drumlin Farm, we made a quick stop
at Easton Pond where we were treated to an adult Bald Eagle and many
close looks at Ruddy Ducks.In the end we enjoyed 23 duck species and
overall, 71 species on this challenging weather day - great group of
hardy participants!In an interesting note today while checking the 1st 2
stops, the Eurasian Wigeon was not seen, the Green-winged Teal and
Ring-necked Ducks had left the pond - thank goodness our trip was on Sat.
Future day trips - on April 13th, we return to do the South Shore Hotspots
Note - For anyone who would like a full shot of all the southern East
Coast species, we have an amazing trip from May 2 - 6th to NC as we be
hitting the peak of spring migration through NC viewing/hearing many
warblers [Swainson's, Kentuckey, Hooded, Prothonotary, Yellow-thr,
Cerulean, etc], Painted Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Red-cockated
Woodpecker, Bachman's Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatches, Mississippi &
Swallowtail Kites, all the southern terns [Gull-billed, Sandwich, etc],
herons, egrets & shorebirds [Avocets, Stilts, Godwits] along with owls,
nightjars - so we all will be inundated with bird song & many species
every day - goal is to introduce everyone to all the southern passerine
and water species each day as we work our way down from Norfolk through
upland habitats of the Great Dismal Swamp, then working our way down the
Outer Banks including Hatteras & Pea Island & ending in the amazing
Croatan National Forest. Each day will be full if highlights - if you
love bird song ID, will be plenty of that from morning to dusk - if
interested, click on the post below as the trip is limited to 2 vans.
- Mass Audubon_North Carolina_Itinerary_2024_final.pdf344kB

- Thanks like always to Dan Fournier, Leslie Bostrom & Lindsay Neubeck
for all their pre-scouting, driving, working with all the participants
on ID insights - an amazing team


Strickland Wheelock
Uxbridge MA

 

Back to top
Date: 3/10/24 6:50 pm
From: David Sibley <sibleyguides...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Bohemian Waxwings in Deerfield
Hi MassBirders,
A flock of Bohemian Waxwings was seen in Deerfield Friday and today, March 8 and 10, found by Chris Barkan. They were along the powerline that crosses over Pocumtuck Ridge. This is directly across the river from Chard Pond in Sunderland, so presumably the same 25 or so birds seen there a week ago by Brian Kane.

I looked this afternoon and did not see them, but Chris found them again soon after. He saw them feeding in the low mats of Common Juniper there, perching quietly in the trees, and flying off to parts unknown.

The best public access is from a small gravel parking lot on the southern part of Pine Nook Road, for the New England Forestry Foundation land. Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xQbRBjHf11DdWtNY7
Walk from there west along the dirt track past the cabin to the powerline, then uphill to near the top of the ridge, about a mile in total and very wet right now.

Other birds in the area include a few Red Crossbills (of several call types).
Good luck!

David Sibley
Deerfield

 

Back to top
Date: 3/8/24 7:07 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 3/7 Northern Pintail at Muddy River in Brookline
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2024 18:35:51 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 3/7 Northern Pintail at Muddy River in Brookline


Much to my delight, I found a beautiful adult male Northern Pintail on
the Muddy River at noon today. It is at the Olmstead-designed footbridge
near where Netherlands Rd., comes out to  the Riverway (name of road)
It may be difficult to see if it is snoozing up against the bank, There
are several Mallards and American Black Ducks in the area too. I now
need only Blue-winged Teal to complete the dabbling duck possibilities
for the year. The Northern Pintail brought the number down to just one.
(I don't believe Eurasian Teal is a species separate from Green-winged Teal)

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

P.S. you could park at Leverett Pond and cross the road and go down the
Muddy River Path. In one-third of a mile or less, you will be at the spot

 

Back to top
Date: 3/8/24 7:04 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Crazy early screech owl fledgling
Thanks to Jim Berry for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

*From:* <jim.berry3...> <jim.berry3...>
*Sent:* Friday, March 8, 2024 at 12:22:03 AM EST
*Subject:* Fw: Crazy early screech owl fledgling

scott weston of essex, who maintains boxes for screech owls, just sent
me this message. this owlet is early!    jim


I was just contacted by Erin Hutchings at Cape Ann Wildlife, and a
fledgling screech owlet was found in the middle of a road in Lowell.
 Erin already contacted state ornithologist Andrew Vitz, is there any
one else you would contact to get this documented?


Thank you,
Scott


My Screech Book:
Screech Owl Companion
My Screech Owl Blog:
owloasis.wordpress.com

 

Back to top
Date: 3/8/24 12:38 pm
From: Spector, David (Emeritus) <spectord...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Say's Phoebe still present
Say's Phoebe is still present at Quabbin headquarters as of this afternoon, seen on the roof of headquarters and in a tree behind the building.

David Spector
Belchertown, Mass.




 

Back to top
Date: 3/8/24 6:25 am
From: Josh <opihi...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Bohemian alert, watch those waxwings!
Hi MassBirders,

There seems to be a movement of Bohemian waxwings trickling into our state recently, especially out west. At least four sightings have come through eBird in the past week. First flock reported was from Sunderland on March 2, by Brian Kane:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S163464960

Next came a couple from the Berkshires, one in Williamstown March 3, found by Manuel Morales:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S163553823

And another the next day in Dalton, by Jacob Morris-Seigel:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S163733863

The most recently found, and apparently the only one relocated by other birders after its initial discovery, is the lone Bohemian in a flock of Cedars that Nancy Villone found on Cape Cod yesterday, in Yarmouth:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S164015038

With four records in a week’s time, it seems safe to bet that there are others lurking out there, waiting to be discovered….

Good birding!

Josh



Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
Amherst, MA
https://www.facebook.com/opihi

Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
https://hampshirebirdclub.org/

Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa

Citizen science pages:
http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA




 

Back to top
Date: 3/7/24 1:09 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 3/6 Hammond Pond Reservation Highlights
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2024 17:58:58 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 3/6 Hammond Pond Reservation Highlights


This place may be bigger than you realize.   new section of considerable
size opened up two years ago or so. Add Houghton Garden and the woods on
both sides of Hammond Pond Parkway to it.

NORTHERN SHOVELER 1 Seen on 3/5 from the train in wetland
Ring-necked Duck 100
scaup sp. 7 two males
Common Merganser 17
Hooded Merganser 7
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1  chased by the buteo
Northern Flicker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1+
Common Raven 1
Brown Creeper 1 Houghton Garden
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Winter Wren 1  just beyond pedestrian track crossing on left
Carolina Wren 2
P.S. there were four Y.-R. Warblers along river trail in Waban two days
ago; also, a Belted Kingfisher and a perched Cooper's Hawk and Hairy
WoodpeckerÂ

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 3/3/24 2:45 am
From: Denise Cabral <goshawk3...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Woodcock, Brimfield
At 5:35 am, I heard a Woodcock courtship twitter in the valley below Paige Hill in Brimfield.
Guess spring is here!
Denise Cabral Brimfield
 

Back to top
Date: 3/2/24 3:36 pm
From: Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eastern Meadowlark, West Newbury 2-MAR
What a day, what a day... As soon as we got out of our cars, we were
greeted by a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers. Talk about starting the day
off right! :-)

Other highlights included a dapper looking adult male Barrow's
Goldeneye, a Red-shouldered Hawk, a whole lot of Common Mergansers,
Ruddy Ducks, a Killdeer, an impressive flock of Horned Larks and... I
kid you not... an Eastern Meadowlark!

All seen during the Brookline Bird Club's Newburyport (and vicinity) walk.

Oh and how could I forget? We saw a Fisher Cat too. It crossed the
road right in front of my car! Sooo cool. :-)

eBird Reports with photos:
1. Merrimack River: https://ebird.org/checklist/S163435963
2. Cherry Hill Reservoir: https://ebird.org/checklist/S163449604
3. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm: https://ebird.org/checklist/S163482332

Text only reports below.

Joyous birding!
Shilo McDonald
Lynn, Massachusetts
<SMcDonald...>

River Rd., West Newbury, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Mar 2, 2024 9:38 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.812 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Brookline Bird Club bird walk led by Shilo
McDonald. 40 ºF.
26 species

Canada Goose 2
Mallard 2
American Black Duck 2 Male and Female.
Common Goldeneye 50 Conservative estimate. Observed courtship display.
Barrow's Goldeneye 1 Adult male.
Common Merganser 2 Male & female. Nice scope views. Thanks Dave.
Mourning Dove 1
Herring Gull 7
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Flying by. Long tail. Square-tipped wings.
Translucent crescents in the outer wing. Distant photos attached.
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 2 Male and female. Seen and heard.
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
European Starling 4
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 1
House Finch 2 Vocalizing.
American Goldfinch 2
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 2
Northern Cardinal 1 Singing.


Cherry Hill Reservoir, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Mar 2, 2024 10:44 AM - 12:16 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.024 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Brookline Bird Club bird walk led by Shilo
McDonald. Checked the paddocks area. Plus walked the main path out to
the field and back. And on the drive away... A Fisher Cat crossed the
road right in front of us! Overcast 45 ºF.
29 species

Canada Goose 16 Flying by in v-formation.
Mallard 5 A pair was seen together in the small pond.
Ring-necked Duck 6
Greater Scaup 1 Rounded head. Peaks towards the front.
Lesser Scaup 10 Pointed head. Peaks towards the back.
Bufflehead 30 Estimate.
Common Merganser 50 Estimate.
Ruddy Duck 25 Estimate.
Mourning Dove 1
Herring Gull 3 Flying by.
Bald Eagle 1 Adult. Flying by.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Flap, flap gliding by.
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1 Singing.
European Starling 8
Northern Mockingbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 1 Heard only. Calling.
House Sparrow 5 Across the street from the entrance.
American Goldfinch 2
White-throated Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 4
Eastern Meadowlark 1 Spotted by Shakil. Seen perched atop a
paddock post. Possible left foot injury. Frostbite, perhaps? In all
likelihood this is the very same bird I photographed in this same spot
back on January 18th. Photos attached.
Red-winged Blackbird 20 Estimate.
Common Grackle 10 Estimate.
Northern Cardinal 1 Singing.


Spencer Peirce Little Farm, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Mar 2, 2024 12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Brookline Bird Club walk led by Shilo McDonald.
Just as we were finishing up, the rain started. Good timing. 45 ºF
24 species

Canada Goose 50 Estimate.
Mallard 2
Mourning Dove 1
Killdeer 1 Heard only. "Kill, kill... kill, kill deer!"
Herring Gull 5 Flying by.
Bald Eagle 2 Both sub-adults.
Eastern Screech-Owl 0 Looked for, but did not see an Eastern
Screech-Owl. Marking as quantity zero with this notation.
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1 Seen and heard. An odd kyeer call. Sounded a little off.
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Horned Lark 40 Conservative estimate. Foraging on the ground of
the farm field closest to Plum Island Airport.
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1 Singing.
American Robin 1
House Sparrow 3
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 2
Dark-eyed Junco 1 Heard only. Singing.
White-throated Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 20 Estimate.
Common Grackle 20 Estimate.
Northern Cardinal 1

 

Back to top
Date: 3/2/24 10:52 am
From: Meaghan Sinclair <meaghanq...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY Killdeer in Concord
Just heard my FOY Killdeer fly over in Concord, MA on Barrett’s Mill Road.

Spring is upon us (also look sharp for amphibians crossing the streets tonight (Saturday)).

Meaghan Sinclair
Concord, MA
<meaghanq...>

 

Back to top
Date: 3/1/24 4:26 pm
From: John Liller <john.liller...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton - 3/1/24
Recorded at the Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton, Massachusetts, US

Mar 1, 2024 5:12 PM - 6:10 PM

Canada Goose 10
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 18
AMERICAN WOODCOCK 3-4 displaying
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 4
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Common Grackle 28
blackbird sp. 60


John Liller
Mathematics Department
Assistant Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer
81 Providence St.
Worcester, MA 01604
Phone 508-754-5302
Fax 508-754-6571
<john.liller...>

WORCESTER ACADEMY is a co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6 to 12 and
postgraduates. Our urban setting, diverse community, and challenging
curriculum provide students with a solid, real-world education. Information
at www.worcesteracademy.org.

 

Back to top
Date: 3/1/24 3:12 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] the recording of Doug Tallamy's talk @ Tufts on 2/29/24 is now available for viewing online
Thanks to Diana Fruguglietti for this post.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2024 16:14:38 -0500
Subject: the recording of Doug Tallamy's talk @ Tufts on 2/29/24 is now
available for viewing online


Fyi

This is a very important educational talk. I hope you get a chance to watch
it on YouTube and pass it along.

Diana Fruguglietti


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Russ Cohen <eatwild...>
Date: Fri, Mar 1, 2024, 1:18=E2=80=AFPM
Subject: the recording of Doug Tallamy's talk @ Tufts on 2/29/24 is now
available for viewing online
To: MAPN Google Group <mass-pollinator-network...>


FYI in case you don=E2=80=99t already know =E2=80=93 a recording of Doug
Tallamy's
Homegrown National Park talk @ Tufts on 2/29/24
<https://as.tufts.edu/environmentalstudies/news-events/hoch-cunningham-lecture-series#feb29>
is now available for viewing online.



Here's the link: https://youtu.be/eubqybhTmWE



*Background info: *

*Homegrown National Park*

Speaker: Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware

*Thursday, February 29, 2024 | 12-1 pm EST*
Location: Curtis Hall Multipurpose Room (474 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA)

Our parks, preserves, and remaining wildlands -  no matter how grand in
scale -  are too small and separated from one another to sustain the native
trees, plants, insects, and animals on which our ecosystems depend. We can
fix this problem by practicing conservation outside of wildlands, where we
live, work, shop, farm, and ranch. Thus, the concept for Homegrown National
Park: a national challenge to create diverse ecosystems in our yards,
communities, farms, and surrounding lands by reducing lawn, planting
native, and removing invasives. The goal of HNP is to create a national
movement to restore 20 million acres with natives, an area representing
of what is now in lawn, as well as millions more acres in agriculture and
woodlots. We are at a critical point where we are losing so many native
plant and animal species that our life support systems are in jeopardy.
However, if many people make small changes, we can restore healthy
ecological networks and weather the changes ahead.



This talk is being cosponsored by the Biology Department.

Doug Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department
of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he
has authored 112 research publications and has taught insect related
courses for 42 years. Chief among his research goals is to better
understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such
interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His books
include Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick
Darke, Nature's Best Hope, a New York Times Best Seller, The Nature of
Oaks, winner of the American Horticultural Society's 2022 book award. In
2021 he cofounded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari
(HomegrownNationalPark.org). His awards include recognition from The Garden
Writer's Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Allegheny
College, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America and The American
Horticultural Association.


 

Back to top
Date: 3/1/24 3:05 pm
From: Liz Pease <lizpease...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Woodcocks in Salisbury
Woodcocks displaying out behind my house in Salisbury this evening. Been listening for them all week and this was the first time I heard them.

Liz Pease
Salisbury MA
<lizpease...>
Sent from my iPhone

 

Back to top
Date: 3/1/24 1:52 am
From: James Joyce II <jfjoyce2...>
Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] SGARs
Laura,

The gray plastic “rocks” are Landscape Bait Stations manufactured by Bell Labs. They are designed to allow for any type of rodenticide baits including second -generation anticoagulant (SGAR) baits, first-generation anticoagulant baits (FGARS), neurotoxins (Bromathalin), and vitamin D (Cholocalceforil ). In addition, they can contain non-toxic baits and snap traps.
There are Bluetooth monitoring devices that can be installed in bait stations to monitor rodent activity in an area. Bell Labs has a line of Bluetooth accessories for their bait stations which are very useful in determining the level of infestation, effectiveness of the bait station, adjusting baits types or traps accordingly, implement extraction measures, and determining prevention measures which is what everyone should be driving to achieve.

Recently, I held a bait station overview presentation at the Mass Audubon’s Rescue Raptors Campaign monthly meeting. I’m also partnered with the EwA SGAR Brigade project. This project is documenting bait station locations, they’re contents, affected animals / birds found, and poor sanitation observations. All observations are mapped by GPS location and with analytics applied for correlation studies. Participation is open to the public. All information is free to the public for any types of education, community outreach, or to aid in policy making decisions. .
Please feel free to reach out to me directly with questions or additional information.

Best,

Jim

James Joyce II
Co-Founder / President
Friends of Horn Pond, Inc.
Woburn, MA 01801
<Jfjoyce2...>
<friendsofhornpond...>



Sent from Mail for Windows

From: Laura Markley
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 5:55 PM
To: Robert Ross
Cc: Shilo McDonald; Barbara Vockle
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] SGARs

What about the gray plastic "rocks," do those also contain the SGARs?   Are there alternatives to the SGAR poisons that are less harmful to birds and wildlife?

I see the boxes at Castle Island and the gray "rocks" at the Rose Kennedy Greenway.  A manager of the latter told me they contain bluetooth devices that monitor where the rats go so they can later be euthanized at the nest (I can't imagine how that works).  I think that manager was either misinformed or misinformed me.  I did call Yankee Pest Control as I've seen their trucks along the Greenway - and they wouldn't even talk to me. 

I would like to help as I see these boxes all over the place. 

Laura
South Boston,  MA
<Magrinha97...>

On Thu, Feb 29, 2024, 9:42 AM Robert Ross <plumisl...> wrote:
Dear Shilo:

We should remember this is far from the first time the issue has been brought to DCR. It might seem like this is a new issue to those who were unaware, but DCR has fielded complaints over the use of rodenticides for at least a decade. This has been brought to their attention repeatedly. Typically, they will pull the boxes and a few months later they reappear. 

It would be wise to consider new tactics other than simply calling them and complaining. Yes, they will take your call. They will promise to look into it. Nothing will change.

A petition might be a good start.

Sincerely,

Robert Ross
Newbury, MA 


On Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 8:41 AM Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> wrote:
Hello All,
I belong to MassAudubon's Rescue Raptors program. And I can confirm,
the DCR does in fact use Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides.

While federal law bans the retail sale of SGARs, these poisons remain
legal— and widely used—by licensed pest control professionals in
Massachusetts. SGARs come in labeled black bait boxes & include:
1. Brodifacoum (Brand names d-Con, Mouser, Ratak, Talon)
2. Bromadiolone (Maki Mini Blok, Contrac)
3. Difenacoum (Di-Kill)
4. Difethialone (First Strike, Hombre)

None of the four SGARs are safe for birds or other wildlife. And to be
clear, there is not one which is safer than another.

If you're interested in looking, many times I find the required labels
on the outside bottom of those black boxes. The label will tell you if
any of the four SGARs are contained within.

Happily, two communities have successfully banned SGARs: 1. Newbury
and 2. Arlington

So, banning is possible. It can be done. There is hope!

Shilo McDonald
Lynn, Massachusetts
<SMcDonald...>

Please join me Saturday, March 2nd for a Newburyport (and vicinity)
Bird Walk, 9 AM.
Everyone is welcome. And it's totally free! Compliments of the
Brookline Bird Club.


 

Back to top
Date: 2/29/24 8:26 pm
From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Contraception over SGARs
hey righteous birders--
Somerville has had some luck with lacing bait boxes with The Rat Pill.
slow but effective?
fred b
--
<frederickbouchard...>

Instructions for living a life:


*Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.*
--- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)

 

Back to top
Date: 2/29/24 2:40 pm
From: Laura Markley <lauramarkley14...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] SGARs
What about the gray plastic "rocks," do those also contain the SGARs? Are
there alternatives to the SGAR poisons that are less harmful to birds and
wildlife?

I see the boxes at Castle Island and the gray "rocks" at the Rose Kennedy
Greenway. A manager of the latter told me they contain bluetooth devices
that monitor where the rats go so they can later be euthanized at the nest
(I can't imagine how that works). I think that manager was either
misinformed or misinformed me. I did call Yankee Pest Control as I've seen
their trucks along the Greenway - and they wouldn't even talk to me.

I would like to help as I see these boxes all over the place.

Laura
South Boston, MA
<Magrinha97...>

On Thu, Feb 29, 2024, 9:42 AM Robert Ross <plumisl...> wrote:

> Dear Shilo:
>
> We should remember this is far from the first time the issue has been
> brought to DCR. It might seem like this is a new issue to those who were
> unaware, but DCR has fielded complaints over the use of rodenticides for at
> least a decade. This has been brought to their attention repeatedly.
> Typically, they will pull the boxes and a few months later they reappear.
>
> It would be wise to consider new tactics other than simply calling them
> and complaining. Yes, they will take your call. They will promise to look
> into it. Nothing will change.
>
> A petition might be a good start.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Robert Ross
> Newbury, MA
>
> On Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 8:41 AM Shilo McDonald <
> <smcdonald...> wrote:
>
>> Hello All,
>> I belong to MassAudubon's Rescue Raptors program. And I can confirm,
>> the DCR does in fact use Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides.
>>
>> While federal law bans the retail sale of SGARs, these poisons remain
>> legal— and widely used—by licensed pest control professionals in
>> Massachusetts. SGARs come in labeled black bait boxes & include:
>> 1. Brodifacoum (Brand names d-Con, Mouser, Ratak, Talon)
>> 2. Bromadiolone (Maki Mini Blok, Contrac)
>> 3. Difenacoum (Di-Kill)
>> 4. Difethialone (First Strike, Hombre)
>>
>> None of the four SGARs are safe for birds or other wildlife. And to be
>> clear, there is not one which is safer than another.
>>
>> If you're interested in looking, many times I find the required labels
>> on the outside bottom of those black boxes. The label will tell you if
>> any of the four SGARs are contained within.
>>
>> Happily, two communities have successfully banned SGARs: 1. Newbury
>> and 2. Arlington
>>
>> So, banning is possible. It can be done. There is hope!
>>
>> Shilo McDonald
>> Lynn, Massachusetts
>> <SMcDonald...>
>>
>> Please join me Saturday, March 2nd for a Newburyport (and vicinity)
>> Bird Walk, 9 AM.
>> Everyone is welcome. And it's totally free! Compliments of the
>> Brookline Bird Club.
>>
>>

 

Back to top
Date: 2/29/24 6:36 am
From: Robert Ross <plumisl...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] SGARs
Dear Shilo:

We should remember this is far from the first time the issue has been
brought to DCR. It might seem like this is a new issue to those who were
unaware, but DCR has fielded complaints over the use of rodenticides for at
least a decade. This has been brought to their attention repeatedly.
Typically, they will pull the boxes and a few months later they reappear.

It would be wise to consider new tactics other than simply calling them and
complaining. Yes, they will take your call. They will promise to look into
it. Nothing will change.

A petition might be a good start.

Sincerely,

Robert Ross
Newbury, MA

On Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 8:41 AM Shilo McDonald <
<smcdonald...> wrote:

> Hello All,
> I belong to MassAudubon's Rescue Raptors program. And I can confirm,
> the DCR does in fact use Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides.
>
> While federal law bans the retail sale of SGARs, these poisons remain
> legal— and widely used—by licensed pest control professionals in
> Massachusetts. SGARs come in labeled black bait boxes & include:
> 1. Brodifacoum (Brand names d-Con, Mouser, Ratak, Talon)
> 2. Bromadiolone (Maki Mini Blok, Contrac)
> 3. Difenacoum (Di-Kill)
> 4. Difethialone (First Strike, Hombre)
>
> None of the four SGARs are safe for birds or other wildlife. And to be
> clear, there is not one which is safer than another.
>
> If you're interested in looking, many times I find the required labels
> on the outside bottom of those black boxes. The label will tell you if
> any of the four SGARs are contained within.
>
> Happily, two communities have successfully banned SGARs: 1. Newbury
> and 2. Arlington
>
> So, banning is possible. It can be done. There is hope!
>
> Shilo McDonald
> Lynn, Massachusetts
> <SMcDonald...>
>
> Please join me Saturday, March 2nd for a Newburyport (and vicinity)
> Bird Walk, 9 AM.
> Everyone is welcome. And it's totally free! Compliments of the
> Brookline Bird Club.
>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 2/29/24 5:35 am
From: Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] SGARs
Hello All,
I belong to MassAudubon's Rescue Raptors program. And I can confirm,
the DCR does in fact use Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides.

While federal law bans the retail sale of SGARs, these poisons remain
legal— and widely used—by licensed pest control professionals in
Massachusetts. SGARs come in labeled black bait boxes & include:
1. Brodifacoum (Brand names d-Con, Mouser, Ratak, Talon)
2. Bromadiolone (Maki Mini Blok, Contrac)
3. Difenacoum (Di-Kill)
4. Difethialone (First Strike, Hombre)

None of the four SGARs are safe for birds or other wildlife. And to be
clear, there is not one which is safer than another.

If you're interested in looking, many times I find the required labels
on the outside bottom of those black boxes. The label will tell you if
any of the four SGARs are contained within.

Happily, two communities have successfully banned SGARs: 1. Newbury
and 2. Arlington

So, banning is possible. It can be done. There is hope!

Shilo McDonald
Lynn, Massachusetts
<SMcDonald...>

Please join me Saturday, March 2nd for a Newburyport (and vicinity)
Bird Walk, 9 AM.
Everyone is welcome. And it's totally free! Compliments of the
Brookline Bird Club.

 

Back to top
Date: 2/29/24 5:10 am
From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Leaping Raccoons!
Spoiler alert: non-avian observation.
I was woken at 4:25am from uneasy sleep by a twittering screech outside the
window. "Not caterwauling," I thought. "Not local owls. Not even birds." I
leapt from my bed to see what was the matter. There in the street, shrouded
from the lights, two dark, chunky quadrupeds were engaged in lively
altercation. Rounded ears, striped tail -- raccoons in a lovers' quarrel! I
ran for my bins. Under a gibbous moon, the two hesitated, meandered about,
then disappeared from view on our lawn. Rabbits had tunneled under our
grass and slyly camouflaged their warrens. But anticlimactically, the
'coons low-tailed it down the sidewalk, 40 yards to Cross Street. Thus
ended, in seven minutes, this bissextile encounter.

--
<frederickbouchard...>
78 farnham st
belmont 02478 ma
617-484-6692
www.fredbouchard.wordpress.com

'One ought, every day, to hear a little song, read a good poem, sip a tasty
wine,
see a fine picture, and if possible, to speak a few reasonable words.'
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1836)

Instructions for living a life:


*Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.*
--- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 8:54 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 2/26+2/27 Winter Wrens in Malden and Marblehead
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:58:20 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 2/26+2/27 Winter Wrens in Malden and Marblehead

At Pine Banks Park and Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Also,
Cooper's Hawks calling in both places. There was a pair at Marblehead Neck

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 7:15 pm
From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Quincy CBC changing of the guard to Brian Vigorito
This is my 30th year as compiler and my last. It has been enjoyable, but need another who is more tech savvy and plugged in to the entire birding community. I will continue to participate as long as I can.

There have been several memorial days like the four warbler day (Yellow!, Pine, Orange-crowned, Blue-winged!!!!), the 8 inches of snow day with a Hermit Thrush feeding in a pine, the 15 screech-owl day, the first Bald Eagle day, the Goshawk day on the then functional S Weymouth Naval Airstation, the sick day I guided via phone the participants and all those compilations with surprises like Townsend's Solitaire, Northern Fulmar, Blue-headed Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Bullock's Oriole, and this count's Bell's Vireo.

This is one of the first CBCs beginning in 1946 and have encountered about 245 species and we still added one this year with the Bell's Vireo.

Looking through the years we have seen the decline of Black Duck, American Kestrel, Nothern Bobwhite, Ruffed Grouse, Greater Scaup (20000 on one count), Black-headed Gull (can you imagine 26!), Sanderlings, Barn Owl (used to nest on the harbor islands), Starlings (counted 110000 on one count-thank goodness we don't have to do that anymore!), and Evening Grosbeak.

Likewise we have seen the steady increase in Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, (watch for Yellow-bellied Sapsucker increase in the next few years), Peregrine Falcon, Common Raven, and those that were not here until the '60s: Tufted Titmouse/Carolina Wren/Northern Mockingbird (and decline again)/Northern Cardinal.

Thank you to all those who have participated over the years and those before me: Sibley Higgenbothom, Bob Abrams, and Patty O'Neill.

It's been a blast!

Humbly,

Glenn

Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 4:35 pm
From: Kirk Elwell <gentilisfinder...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] woodcock anyone?
Just had #1 displaying over my home in East Kingston , NH.
Happy birding all.
Kirk Elwell.

On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 3:43 PM Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:

> It's almost that time! In some parts of Massachusetts, American Woodcock
> may already be displaying. Check out this article by David Sibley and
> the American Woodcock Display guide available for download.
>
>
> https://www.sibleyguides.com/2015/04/the-mysterious-sounds-of-the-american-woodcock/
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough,MA
> <barb620...>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 12:33 pm
From: Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Double-crested Cormorant, Lynn 27-FEB
Hello All,
Yesterday I found a Greater Scaup, a Ruddy Duck, a Ring-necked Duck
and... a Double-crested Cormorant! All at Floating Bridge Pond in
Lynn.

eBird report with 21 really nice photos:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S163189810

Text only report below.

Good birding,
Shilo McDonald
Lynn, Massachusetts
<SMcDonald...>

Please join me Saturday, March 2nd for a Newburyport (and vicinity)
Bird Walk, 9 AM.
Everyone is welcome. And it's totally free! Compliments of the
Brookline Bird Club.

Floating Bridge Pond, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Feb 27, 2024 1:39 PM - 1:54 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.15 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Not used to seeing these birds here. 54 ºF.
16 species

Canada Goose 20
Mallard 20
Ring-necked Duck 1
Greater Scaup 1 First on record for this location. White wing
stripe extends nearly to the tip of the wing.
Ruddy Duck 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 2
Ring-billed Gull 4
Herring Gull 12
Double-crested Cormorant 1 Immature. Photos attached.
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
American Robin 1
House Sparrow 14
Song Sparrow 1

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 12:32 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] woodcock anyone?
It's almost that time! In some parts of Massachusetts, American Woodcock
may already be displaying. Check out this article by David Sibley and
the American Woodcock Display guide available for download.

https://www.sibleyguides.com/2015/04/the-mysterious-sounds-of-the-american-woodcock/

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 12:26 pm
From: Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Double-crested Cormorant, Lynn 27-FEB
Hello All,
Yesterday I found a Greater Scaup, a Ruddy Duck, a Ring-necked Duck
and... a Double-crested Cormorant! All at Floating Bridge Pond in
Lynn.

eBird report with 21 really nice photos:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S163189810

Text only report below.

Good birding,
Shilo McDonald
Lynn, Massachusetts
<SMcDonald...>

Please join me Saturday, March 2nd for a Newburyport (and vicinity)
Bird Walk, 9 AM.
Everyone is welcome. And it's totally free! Compliments of the
Brookline Bird Club.

Floating Bridge Pond, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Feb 27, 2024 1:39 PM - 1:54 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.15 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Not used to seeing these birds here. 54 ºF.
16 species

Canada Goose 20
Mallard 20
Ring-necked Duck 1
Greater Scaup 1 First on record for this location. White wing
stripe extends nearly to the tip of the wing.
Ruddy Duck 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Mourning Dove 2
Ring-billed Gull 4
Herring Gull 12
Double-crested Cormorant 1 Immature. Photos attached.
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
American Robin 1
House Sparrow 14
Song Sparrow 1

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 10:45 am
From: Leigh Scott <l_scott...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
The regulation cited below (333 Mass Reg 13.08) pertains to boxes placed INSIDE a bluidling. “Section 13.08 - Commercial Application of Pesticides to Indoor Settings”

So I went straight to the source and called MA Dept of Agriculture and spoke to a pesticide inspector. According to him, if boxes are placed outside, the label must be on the inside cover of the box. However, nobody should be touching these boxes with possible poisons inside of them, so there is no easy way to determine what pesticides are being used.

Leigh Scott


On Feb 28, 2024, at 1:18 PM, <dh...> wrote:

 (f) Rodenticide bait stations shall carry a label which indicates the following:1. Name and phone number of the company making the application;2. Date of the application;3. Name and EPA Registration Number of the pesticide product; and4. Active ingredients in product.
https://casetext.com/regulation/code-of-massachusetts-regulations/department-333-cmr-pesticide-board/title-333-cmr-1300-standards-for-application/section-1308-commercial-application-of-pesticides-to-indoor-settings



On Feb 28, 2024, at 1:05 PM, Andy Sanford <asanford2000...><mailto:<asanford2000...>> wrote:

RE: all bait boxes are supposed to have a label on the top that says what poisons are inside:

Yes, I’ve heard that too - does anyone know what the federal or Mass laws are on this?

I could not see any information on the boxes about the specific contents - there was just a label for the pest company; you can see some photos here:

https://www.anecdata.org/posts/view/256807

BTW, folks can report sightings of potential rodenticide boxes or impacted wildlife here at the EwA SGARs Brigade Anecdata project:

https://www.anecdata.org/projects/view/1268

Regards,
-Andy Sanford, Marblehead






 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 10:17 am
From: <dh...> <dh...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
(f) Rodenticide bait stations shall carry a label which indicates the following:
1. Name and phone number of the company making the application;
2. Date of the application;
3. Name and EPA Registration Number of the pesticide product; and
4. Active ingredients in product.

https://casetext.com/regulation/code-of-massachusetts-regulations/department-333-cmr-pesticide-board/title-333-cmr-1300-standards-for-application/section-1308-commercial-application-of-pesticides-to-indoor-settings




> On Feb 28, 2024, at 1:05 PM, Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> wrote:
>
> RE: all bait boxes are supposed to have a label on the top that says what poisons are inside:
>
> Yes, I’ve heard that too - does anyone know what the federal or Mass laws are on this?
>
> I could not see any information on the boxes about the specific contents - there was just a label for the pest company; you can see some photos here:
>
> https://www.anecdata.org/posts/view/256807
>
> BTW, folks can report sightings of potential rodenticide boxes or impacted wildlife here at the EwA SGARs Brigade Anecdata project:
>
> https://www.anecdata.org/projects/view/1268
>
> Regards,
> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>
>
>
>
>


 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 10:10 am
From: Andy Sanford <asanford2000...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
RE: all bait boxes are supposed to have a label on the top that says what poisons are inside:

Yes, I’ve heard that too - does anyone know what the federal or Mass laws are on this?

I could not see any information on the boxes about the specific contents - there was just a label for the pest company; you can see some photos here:

https://www.anecdata.org/posts/view/256807

BTW, folks can report sightings of potential rodenticide boxes or impacted wildlife here at the EwA SGARs Brigade Anecdata project:

https://www.anecdata.org/projects/view/1268

Regards,
-Andy Sanford, Marblehead






 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 9:29 am
From: <dh...> <dh...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
As I understand it, all bait boxes are supposed to have a label on the top that says what poisons are inside.

Danielle Hanrahan
Salem, MA

> On Feb 28, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> wrote:
>
> Thanks, Josh & Madeleine. Good points and info. Yes, whether the observed boxes contain rodenticide was part of the inquiry I sent to DCR. DCR has now contacted me and said they will take up the issue soon.
>
> Regards,
> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>
>> On Feb 28, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Josh <opihi...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi MassBirders,
>>
>> Not all rodent baits are anticoagulant rodenticides, or even toxic. My wife and I are customers of a pest control guy who places boxes around our home containing rodent birth control baits. We still have Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and (in season) Broad-winged Hawks in our neighborhood regularly, as well as plenty of chipmunks and squirrels raiding my bird feeders. Our neighbors who have chickens in their yard reported a Bobcat visiting them a few times recently as well; I saw it dash across the road in front of my car once last week. It is worth asking what the bait boxes mentioned on the list contain, before assuming the worst.
>>
>> JSR
>>
>>
>>
>> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
>> Amherst, MA
>> https://www.facebook.com/opihi
>>
>> Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
>> https://hampshirebirdclub.org/
>>
>> Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
>> https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa
>>
>> Citizen science pages:
>> http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
>> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
>> https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Feb 28, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> wrote:
>>>
>>> I see bait boxes in our area also and when I asked at one place, I was told they just hire a local pest control company. Of course I explained the bad consequences of such a control program.
>>>
>>> I wonder if a State Park could rely on local park volunteers to set up and check the old fashioned rat snap traps. The traps are very effective. Back when we lived in Minnesota, I had to use them in our chicken coop when the local landfill closed and we had an invasion of Norway rats. With chickens, I could only set the traps at night (peanut butter is a great bait) when the chickens were on the roost. I trapped for a couple of weeks until no more were caught. Our local vet was very strongly opposed to the poison bait because of all the secondary poisoning it caused in farm animals.
>>>
>>> Here I tried talking to our local Tractor supply but I made no impression even though I shop there for chicken feed.
>>>
>>> It would take some dedicated local volunteers and a way to keep the public away from the traps. Just some thoughts on this important subject.
>>>
>>> Madeleine Linck
>>> Rehoboth, Bristol County
>>>
>>> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 9:00 AM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> wrote:
>>> I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside the visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where many raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I last visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to requests I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that could help with this issue? Thanks!
>>>
>>> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>>>
>>>>> On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
>>>>
>>>> In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to get on his mailing list.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Barbara Volkle
>>>> Northborough, MA
>>>> <barb620...>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *
>>>>
>>>> From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
>>>> Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
>>>> Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
>>>>
>>>> Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
>>>> wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
>>>> environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their home
>>>> community and on the state and local level to help effect real change and
>>>> save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link are
>>>> here if people want to join:
>>>> https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
>>>> *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>


 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 9:25 am
From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
That is all good information. I will check with a local pest control in our
town to see what they use. Years ago I remember reading about many dead
owls found on the Boston Harbor Islands due to rodentcide use. I believe
several were Snowy owls.

Madeleine Linck
Rehoboth, Mass

On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 12:16 PM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> wrote:

> Thanks, Josh & Madeleine. Good points and info. Yes, whether the
> observed boxes contain rodenticide was part of the inquiry I sent to DCR.
> DCR has now contacted me and said they will take up the issue soon.
>
> Regards,
> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>
> > On Feb 28, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Josh <opihi...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi MassBirders,
> >
> > Not all rodent baits are anticoagulant rodenticides, or even toxic. My
> wife and I are customers of a pest control guy who places boxes around our
> home containing rodent birth control baits. We still have Red-tailed,
> Red-shouldered, and (in season) Broad-winged Hawks in our neighborhood
> regularly, as well as plenty of chipmunks and squirrels raiding my bird
> feeders. Our neighbors who have chickens in their yard reported a Bobcat
> visiting them a few times recently as well; I saw it dash across the road
> in front of my car once last week. It is worth asking what the bait boxes
> mentioned on the list contain, before assuming the worst.
> >
> > JSR
> >
> >
> >
> > Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
> > Amherst, MA
> > https://www.facebook.com/opihi
> >
> > Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
> > https://hampshirebirdclub.org/
> >
> > Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
> > https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa
> >
> > Citizen science pages:
> > http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
> > https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
> > https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Feb 28, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Madeleine Linck <
> <madeleine.linck...> wrote:
> >>
> >> I see bait boxes in our area also and when I asked at one place, I was
> told they just hire a local pest control company. Of course I explained the
> bad consequences of such a control program.
> >>
> >> I wonder if a State Park could rely on local park volunteers to set up
> and check the old fashioned rat snap traps. The traps are very effective.
> Back when we lived in Minnesota, I had to use them in our chicken coop when
> the local landfill closed and we had an invasion of Norway rats. With
> chickens, I could only set the traps at night (peanut butter is a great
> bait) when the chickens were on the roost. I trapped for a couple of weeks
> until no more were caught. Our local vet was very strongly opposed to the
> poison bait because of all the secondary poisoning it caused in farm
> animals.
> >>
> >> Here I tried talking to our local Tractor supply but I made no
> impression even though I shop there for chicken feed.
> >>
> >> It would take some dedicated local volunteers and a way to keep the
> public away from the traps. Just some thoughts on this important subject.
> >>
> >> Madeleine Linck
> >> Rehoboth, Bristol County
> >>
> >> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 9:00 AM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...>
> wrote:
> >> I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside
> the visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where
> many raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I
> last visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to
> requests I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that
> could help with this issue? Thanks!
> >>
> >> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
> >>
> >>>> On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
> >>>
> >>> In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to
> get on his mailing list.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Barbara Volkle
> >>> Northborough, MA
> >>> <barb620...>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> *
> >>>
> >>> From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
> >>> Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
> >>> Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
> >>>
> >>> Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
> >>> wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
> >>> environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their
> home
> >>> community and on the state and local level to help effect real change
> and
> >>> save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link
> are
> >>> here if people want to join:
> >>> https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
> >>> *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 9:20 am
From: Richard Veit <rrveit23...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
I am very suspicious of any rodenticide claimed to be "safe"; there are at
least three types commonly sold, and as far as I know, they are all toxic
to birds and mammals.

dick veit

On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 12:03 PM Liz Pease <lizpease...> wrote:

> Josh,
>
> That sounds amazing! Any idea what the name of the product is so we can
> share with others/request it from pest control companies? The only thing
> I've ever been offered by a pest control company when we had rat issues was
> something they claimed was less toxic and besides, they said, the rats go
> underground to die anyway so it's not a problem. (Insert eye roll.) I
> passed.
>
> Would be great to have the info on this!
>
> Thanks for sharing,
> Liz
>
> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM Josh <opihi...> wrote:
>
>> Hi MassBirders,
>>
>> Not all rodent baits are anticoagulant rodenticides, or even toxic. My
>> wife and I are customers of a pest control guy who places boxes around our
>> home containing rodent birth control baits. We still have Red-tailed,
>> Red-shouldered, and (in season) Broad-winged Hawks in our neighborhood
>> regularly, as well as plenty of chipmunks and squirrels raiding my bird
>> feeders. Our neighbors who have chickens in their yard reported a Bobcat
>> visiting them a few times recently as well; I saw it dash across the road
>> in front of my car once last week. It is worth asking what the bait boxes
>> mentioned on the list contain, before assuming the worst.
>>
>> JSR
>>
>>
>>
>> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
>> Amherst, MA
>> https://www.facebook.com/opihi
>>
>> Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
>> https://hampshirebirdclub.org/
>>
>> Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
>> https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa
>>
>> Citizen science pages:
>> http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
>> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
>> https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA
>>
>>
>>
>> > On Feb 28, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Madeleine Linck <
>> <madeleine.linck...> wrote:
>> >
>> > I see bait boxes in our area also and when I asked at one place, I was
>> told they just hire a local pest control company. Of course I explained the
>> bad consequences of such a control program.
>> >
>> > I wonder if a State Park could rely on local park volunteers to set up
>> and check the old fashioned rat snap traps. The traps are very effective.
>> Back when we lived in Minnesota, I had to use them in our chicken coop when
>> the local landfill closed and we had an invasion of Norway rats. With
>> chickens, I could only set the traps at night (peanut butter is a great
>> bait) when the chickens were on the roost. I trapped for a couple of weeks
>> until no more were caught. Our local vet was very strongly opposed to the
>> poison bait because of all the secondary poisoning it caused in farm
>> animals.
>> >
>> > Here I tried talking to our local Tractor supply but I made no
>> impression even though I shop there for chicken feed.
>> >
>> > It would take some dedicated local volunteers and a way to keep the
>> public away from the traps. Just some thoughts on this important subject.
>> >
>> > Madeleine Linck
>> > Rehoboth, Bristol County
>> >
>> > On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 9:00 AM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...>
>> wrote:
>> > I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside
>> the visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where
>> many raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I
>> last visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to
>> requests I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that
>> could help with this issue? Thanks!
>> >
>> > -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>> >
>> > > On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
>> wrote:
>> > >
>> > > Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
>> > >
>> > > In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to
>> get on his mailing list.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Barbara Volkle
>> > > Northborough, MA
>> > > <barb620...>
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > *
>> > >
>> > > From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
>> > > Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
>> > > Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
>> > >
>> > > Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the
>> havoc
>> > > wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
>> > > environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their
>> home
>> > > community and on the state and local level to help effect real change
>> and
>> > > save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link
>> are
>> > > here if people want to join:
>> > > https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
>> > > *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Liz Pease
> (she, her, hers)
>
>

--
Richard R. Veit
Professor, Biology
CSI/CUNY
2800 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-354-9802

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 9:08 am
From: Andy Sanford <asanford2000...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
Thanks, Josh & Madeleine. Good points and info. Yes, whether the observed boxes contain rodenticide was part of the inquiry I sent to DCR. DCR has now contacted me and said they will take up the issue soon.

Regards,
-Andy Sanford, Marblehead

> On Feb 28, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Josh <opihi...> wrote:
>
> Hi MassBirders,
>
> Not all rodent baits are anticoagulant rodenticides, or even toxic. My wife and I are customers of a pest control guy who places boxes around our home containing rodent birth control baits. We still have Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and (in season) Broad-winged Hawks in our neighborhood regularly, as well as plenty of chipmunks and squirrels raiding my bird feeders. Our neighbors who have chickens in their yard reported a Bobcat visiting them a few times recently as well; I saw it dash across the road in front of my car once last week. It is worth asking what the bait boxes mentioned on the list contain, before assuming the worst.
>
> JSR
>
>
>
> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
> Amherst, MA
> https://www.facebook.com/opihi
>
> Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
> https://hampshirebirdclub.org/
>
> Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
> https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa
>
> Citizen science pages:
> http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
> https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA
>
>
>
>> On Feb 28, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> wrote:
>>
>> I see bait boxes in our area also and when I asked at one place, I was told they just hire a local pest control company. Of course I explained the bad consequences of such a control program.
>>
>> I wonder if a State Park could rely on local park volunteers to set up and check the old fashioned rat snap traps. The traps are very effective. Back when we lived in Minnesota, I had to use them in our chicken coop when the local landfill closed and we had an invasion of Norway rats. With chickens, I could only set the traps at night (peanut butter is a great bait) when the chickens were on the roost. I trapped for a couple of weeks until no more were caught. Our local vet was very strongly opposed to the poison bait because of all the secondary poisoning it caused in farm animals.
>>
>> Here I tried talking to our local Tractor supply but I made no impression even though I shop there for chicken feed.
>>
>> It would take some dedicated local volunteers and a way to keep the public away from the traps. Just some thoughts on this important subject.
>>
>> Madeleine Linck
>> Rehoboth, Bristol County
>>
>> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 9:00 AM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> wrote:
>> I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside the visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where many raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I last visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to requests I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that could help with this issue? Thanks!
>>
>> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>>
>>>> On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
>>>
>>> In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to get on his mailing list.
>>>
>>>
>>> Barbara Volkle
>>> Northborough, MA
>>> <barb620...>
>>>
>>>
>>> *
>>>
>>> From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
>>> Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
>>> Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
>>>
>>> Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
>>> wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
>>> environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their home
>>> community and on the state and local level to help effect real change and
>>> save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link are
>>> here if people want to join:
>>> https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
>>>
>>>
>>> *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
>>> *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 8:53 am
From: Liz Pease <lizpease...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
Josh,

That sounds amazing! Any idea what the name of the product is so we can
share with others/request it from pest control companies? The only thing
I've ever been offered by a pest control company when we had rat issues was
something they claimed was less toxic and besides, they said, the rats go
underground to die anyway so it's not a problem. (Insert eye roll.) I
passed.

Would be great to have the info on this!

Thanks for sharing,
Liz

On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM Josh <opihi...> wrote:

> Hi MassBirders,
>
> Not all rodent baits are anticoagulant rodenticides, or even toxic. My
> wife and I are customers of a pest control guy who places boxes around our
> home containing rodent birth control baits. We still have Red-tailed,
> Red-shouldered, and (in season) Broad-winged Hawks in our neighborhood
> regularly, as well as plenty of chipmunks and squirrels raiding my bird
> feeders. Our neighbors who have chickens in their yard reported a Bobcat
> visiting them a few times recently as well; I saw it dash across the road
> in front of my car once last week. It is worth asking what the bait boxes
> mentioned on the list contain, before assuming the worst.
>
> JSR
>
>
>
> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
> Amherst, MA
> https://www.facebook.com/opihi
>
> Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
> https://hampshirebirdclub.org/
>
> Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
> https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa
>
> Citizen science pages:
> http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
> https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA
>
>
>
> > On Feb 28, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...>
> wrote:
> >
> > I see bait boxes in our area also and when I asked at one place, I was
> told they just hire a local pest control company. Of course I explained the
> bad consequences of such a control program.
> >
> > I wonder if a State Park could rely on local park volunteers to set up
> and check the old fashioned rat snap traps. The traps are very effective.
> Back when we lived in Minnesota, I had to use them in our chicken coop when
> the local landfill closed and we had an invasion of Norway rats. With
> chickens, I could only set the traps at night (peanut butter is a great
> bait) when the chickens were on the roost. I trapped for a couple of weeks
> until no more were caught. Our local vet was very strongly opposed to the
> poison bait because of all the secondary poisoning it caused in farm
> animals.
> >
> > Here I tried talking to our local Tractor supply but I made no
> impression even though I shop there for chicken feed.
> >
> > It would take some dedicated local volunteers and a way to keep the
> public away from the traps. Just some thoughts on this important subject.
> >
> > Madeleine Linck
> > Rehoboth, Bristol County
> >
> > On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 9:00 AM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...>
> wrote:
> > I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside
> the visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where
> many raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I
> last visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to
> requests I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that
> could help with this issue? Thanks!
> >
> > -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
> >
> > > On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
> > >
> > > In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to
> get on his mailing list.
> > >
> > >
> > > Barbara Volkle
> > > Northborough, MA
> > > <barb620...>
> > >
> > >
> > > *
> > >
> > > From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
> > > Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
> > > Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
> > >
> > > Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
> > > wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
> > > environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their
> home
> > > community and on the state and local level to help effect real change
> and
> > > save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link
> are
> > > here if people want to join:
> > > https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
> > >
> > >
> > > *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
> > > *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

--
Liz Pease
(she, her, hers)

 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 8:34 am
From: Andy Sanford <asanford2000...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 8:33 am
From: Josh <opihi...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
Hi MassBirders,

Not all rodent baits are anticoagulant rodenticides, or even toxic. My wife and I are customers of a pest control guy who places boxes around our home containing rodent birth control baits. We still have Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and (in season) Broad-winged Hawks in our neighborhood regularly, as well as plenty of chipmunks and squirrels raiding my bird feeders. Our neighbors who have chickens in their yard reported a Bobcat visiting them a few times recently as well; I saw it dash across the road in front of my car once last week. It is worth asking what the bait boxes mentioned on the list contain, before assuming the worst.

JSR



Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
Amherst, MA
https://www.facebook.com/opihi

Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
https://hampshirebirdclub.org/

Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa

Citizen science pages:
http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA



> On Feb 28, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> wrote:
>
> I see bait boxes in our area also and when I asked at one place, I was told they just hire a local pest control company. Of course I explained the bad consequences of such a control program.
>
> I wonder if a State Park could rely on local park volunteers to set up and check the old fashioned rat snap traps. The traps are very effective. Back when we lived in Minnesota, I had to use them in our chicken coop when the local landfill closed and we had an invasion of Norway rats. With chickens, I could only set the traps at night (peanut butter is a great bait) when the chickens were on the roost. I trapped for a couple of weeks until no more were caught. Our local vet was very strongly opposed to the poison bait because of all the secondary poisoning it caused in farm animals.
>
> Here I tried talking to our local Tractor supply but I made no impression even though I shop there for chicken feed.
>
> It would take some dedicated local volunteers and a way to keep the public away from the traps. Just some thoughts on this important subject.
>
> Madeleine Linck
> Rehoboth, Bristol County
>
> On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 9:00 AM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> wrote:
> I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside the visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where many raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I last visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to requests I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that could help with this issue? Thanks!
>
> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>
> > On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
> >
> > In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to get on his mailing list.
> >
> >
> > Barbara Volkle
> > Northborough, MA
> > <barb620...>
> >
> >
> > *
> >
> > From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
> > Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
> > Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
> >
> > Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
> > wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
> > environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their home
> > community and on the state and local level to help effect real change and
> > save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link are
> > here if people want to join:
> > https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
> >
> >
> > *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
> > *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
> >
>
>


 

Back to top
Date: 2/28/24 7:48 am
From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
I see bait boxes in our area also and when I asked at one place, I was told
they just hire a local pest control company. Of course I explained the bad
consequences of such a control program.

I wonder if a State Park could rely on local park volunteers to set up and
check the old fashioned rat snap traps. The traps are very effective. Back
when we lived in Minnesota, I had to use them in our chicken coop when the
local landfill closed and we had an invasion of Norway rats. With
chickens, I could only set the traps at night (peanut butter is a great
bait) when the chickens were on the roost. I trapped for a couple of weeks
until no more were caught. Our local vet was very strongly opposed to the
poison bait because of all the secondary poisoning it caused in farm
animals.

Here I tried talking to our local Tractor supply but I made no impression
even though I shop there for chicken feed.

It would take some dedicated local volunteers and a way to keep the public
away from the traps. Just some thoughts on this important subject.

Madeleine Linck
Rehoboth, Bristol County

On Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 9:00 AM Andy Sanford <asanford2000...> wrote:

> I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside the
> visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where many
> raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I last
> visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to requests
> I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that could help
> with this issue? Thanks!
>
> -Andy Sanford, Marblehead
>
> > On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
> >
> > In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to get
> on his mailing list.
> >
> >
> > Barbara Volkle
> > Northborough, MA
> > <barb620...>
> >
> >
> > *
> >
> > From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
> > Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
> > Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
> >
> > Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
> > wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
> > environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their home
> > community and on the state and local level to help effect real change and
> > save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link are
> > here if people want to join:
> > https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
> >
> >
> > *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
> > *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
> >
>
>
>

 

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Date: 2/28/24 5:54 am
From: Andy Sanford <asanford2000...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
I have been seeing what look like rat poison bait boxes right outside the visitor center at Mass DCR’s Halibut Point State Park (a place where many raptors visit) for most of this year - they were still there when I last visited on 2/15/24. So far I haven’t received any response to requests I’ve sent to Mass DCR. Does anyone know someone at Mass DCR that could help with this issue? Thanks!

-Andy Sanford, Marblehead

> On Feb 27, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
>
> Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.
>
> In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to get on his mailing list.
>
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough, MA
> <barb620...>
>
>
> *
>
> From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
> Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
> Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
>
> Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
> wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
> environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their home
> community and on the state and local level to help effect real change and
> save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link are
> here if people want to join:
> https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982
>
>
> *Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
> *Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*
>


 

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Date: 2/27/24 11:42 am
From: Andrew Prazar <andrew.prazar...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY Pine Warbler
The last two mornings there has been a pine warbler singing at Camp Denison
(along with a large flock of red-winged blackbirds and other usual
suspects) in Georgetown. In my recollection, this is the earliest I've
heard one by at least a couple of weeks.

Andrew Prazar
Georgetown
<andrew.prazar...>

 

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Date: 2/27/24 10:36 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides
Thanks to Gary Menin, Sr. for this post.

In order to get news on this topic, contact him directly in order to get
on his mailing list.


Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>


*

From: gcmeninsr <gcmeninsr...>
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:01:17 -0500
Subject: The Havoc Wrought By Rodenticides

Tonight - Laura Kiesel - a highly experienced investigator on the havoc
wrought by rodenticides - will be giving a virtual presentation on the
environmental impacts of rat poisons and what people can do in their home
community and on the state and local level to help effect real change and
save treasured wildlife, pets and people. Registration info and link are
here if people want to join:
https://www.facebook.com/masspollinators/posts/706332045006982


*Gary Menin, Sr. Talkin' Birds Ambassador https://www.talkinbirds.com
*Advocate For Keeping Our Raptors Poison Free ~*

 

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Date: 2/27/24 7:35 am
From: Bill Lafley <blafley...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Red Crossbills feeding
Hello,

Red Crossbills are most often associated with pine and other cone bearing trees. The last three times I have been fortunate to watch crossbills they have been pecking away at the buds of Black Oak, Cottonwood and this morning I watched a flock of 8 (males, females and a couple juveniles) going to several Red Maples and pecking at buds. I also remember a few years ago at the North Street WMA in Montague watching them feed in what I think was a Red Maple.

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>

 

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