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
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.
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/
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/
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.
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
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...>
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
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.
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.
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 19â-34âF.
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/
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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/
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/
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
------------------------------------ (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...>
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
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
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/
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.
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
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/
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
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!
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...>
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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.
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...>
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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:
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 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/
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/
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
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...>
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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
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...>
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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
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...>
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* * *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.
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...>
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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.
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
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/
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/
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...>
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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
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/
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.
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/
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/
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...>
-----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.
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.
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...>
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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
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!
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
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
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:
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:
* 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
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. :-)
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
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.
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...>
*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.
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.
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.
>>
>>
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.
>
>
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.
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)
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
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...> >
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
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.
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
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.
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.
> 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
>
>
>
>
>
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 ~* >>>> >>> >>> >> >> >
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 ~*
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>
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
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 ~* >>> >> >> > >
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 ~*
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>
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.
> 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 ~* > > > >
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 ~*
> >
>
>
>
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 ~* >
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.
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
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.