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20 Nov HENSLOW'S SPARROW Allens Pond - MARC Documentation [Jeremiah Trimble ] 20 Nov Friday, November 20 - Duxbury Beach ["John Galluzzo" ] 20 Nov December Jeffries Pelagic ["Eric Masterson" ] 20 Nov King Eider Continues, Gloucester 11/20 [Bird Watchers Supply & Gift ] 20 Nov Cackling Goose, Turner's Falls - 11/19 ["James P. Smith" ] 20 Nov 11/19 - Cumbies Lark Bunting; Present [Kevin Bourinot ] 20 Nov Boston CBC-ONE month away! [rstymeist ] 19 Nov CT Report 11/19/2009 Pacific Loon [Roy Harvey ] 19 Nov East Gloucester King Eider photos and video [Richard Heil ] 19 Nov Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, TX ["Walt Webb" ] 19 Nov Orange-crowned Warbler [Kathryn Doyon ] 19 Nov great meadows - concord ["Joan Chasan" ] 19 Nov 11/18 Duxbury Beach - Ipswich Sparrows and Peregrine [Rick Bowes ] 19 Nov MacGillivray's: 3:15 PM, 11/19 [] 19 Nov Raven [kay langevin ] 19 Nov King Eider in Gloucester [Bill Ross ] 19 Nov Re: RFI: McGillivary's ["Marj. Rines" ] 19 Nov 11/19 As of 1:30pm MacGillivray's and Orange-crowned Warblers still in Victory Gardens [Ryan Schain ] 19 Nov RFI: McGillivary's ["Eddie Giles" ] 19 Nov 11/19/09 MacGillivray's Warbler - YES [Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore ] 19 Nov MacGillivray's Yes this a.m. ["Jeremy B. Dibbell" ] 19 Nov late birds in the victory gardens area earlier in the month [Ryan Schain ] 19 Nov fenway tweet (and chip) [Fred Bouchard ] 18 Nov Vox-Pop Radio Show on birds Friday ["Richard Guthrie" ] 18 Nov Barred Owl moved to Quincy Market [rstymeist ] 18 Nov CT Report 11/18/2009 Pacific Loon, King Eider [Roy Harvey ] 18 Nov Foxboro screech owl [] 19 Nov Re: Leucistic Junco ["Glenn d'Entremont" ] 18 Nov MacGillivray's Warbler ["Greg Dysart" ] 18 Nov Fw: eBird Report - Gloucester-UMass Marine Station , 11/18/09 [Paul Peterson ] 18 Nov Fw: eBird Report - Cape Ann--Halibut Point SP , 11/18/09 [Paul Peterson ] 18 Nov Victory Gardens 11/18 [Ryan Schain ] 18 Nov Fenway MacGillivray's Warbler pictures [] 18 Nov P'town seabirds - 11/18 [Blair Nikula ] 18 Nov Nbpt Wastewater Treatment Plant, Reservoirs, Plum Island - Parker River NWR - 11-18-09 ["David K. Weaver" ] 18 Nov Report to Gull Fans [wcdrummond ] 18 Nov Waterbird survey results 11/18/09 - Great Meadows NWR - Concord [Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore ] 18 Nov macgillivray's warbler - fenway area 11/18 pm [Bird Watchers Supply & Gift ] 18 Nov Allens Pond - Henslow's Sparrow - Yes [Richard Couse ] 18 Nov Re: MacGillivray's Warbler - YES 11.18 11:15 a.m. [] 18 Nov MacGillivray's Warbler, Fenway Victory Gardens, Boston, 18 November 2009 [Jeremiah Trimble ] 18 Nov Pacific Loon (CT) 11-18-09 ["a strauss" ] 18 Nov Cattle Egret - Nantucket ["Ken Blackshaw" ] 18 Nov Subject: Leucistic Junco [Tom Pirro ] 18 Nov MacGillivray's Warbler - YES 11.18 [Neil Hayward ] 18 Nov Seabrook Station Public Alert Testing [Sue McGrath ] 17 Nov CT Report 11/17/2009 Cave Sw, P Loon [Roy Harvey ] 17 Nov Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens [Linda Ferraresso ] 17 Nov Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens [Matt Garvey ] 17 Nov Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens ["RMC" ] 17 Nov [Arlington Birds] Leucistic Junco ["Marj. Rines" ] 17 Nov Aberrant RNDU @ Cherry Hill Reservoir, Sunday 11/15/09 [Rich stanton ] 17 Nov Daniel Webster -- Merlin, Orange-crowned, Nashville Warbler [Evan Dalton ] 17 Nov Leucistic Junco ["Marj. Rines" ] 17 Nov Pacific Loon? ["a strauss" ] 17 Nov MacGillivray's Warbler - eBird Report - Fenway Victory Gardens, Boston, MA , 11/17/09 [Jeremiah Trimble ] 17 Nov Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens [Susan Hedman ] 17 Nov MacGillivray's Clarification [Paul Peterson ] 17 Nov Re: Connecticut or Mourning Warbler-Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 [Ryan Schain ] 17 Nov MacGillivray's Warbler [Paul Peterson ] 17 Nov McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens [] 17 Nov Re: Connecticut or Mourning Warbler-Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 [Timothy Spahr ] 17 Nov MacGillivray's Warbler at Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 [Paul Peterson ] 17 Nov Connecticut or Mourning Warbler-Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 [Paul Peterson ] 17 Nov 11/17 - Duxbury Bluefish river - G Yellowlegs, Killdeer [Rick Bowes ] 17 Nov Western kingbird [David ] 17 Nov 11/17 RAVEN Abington, MA ["Eddie Giles" ] 16 Nov Western Tanager Public Garden - 11/16 NO] - Update [Linda Ferraresso ] 16 Nov CT Report 11/16/2009 Cave Sw, K Eider, P Loon [Roy Harvey ] 16 Nov Ivory-billed WP research and lecture ["Stuart Walker" ] 16 Nov Fw: Lark Bunting continues, no luck with Le Conte's Sparrow (Cumbies, 11-15-09) ["Stuart Walker" ] 17 Nov Red-headed Woodpeckers/stashing insects [Chris Sheridan ] 16 Nov Plum Island Lark Sparrow - Gloucester Western Kingbird - Nov. 16, '09 [Phil Brown ] 16 Nov Plymouth Beach Interesting Data [Paul Peterson ] 16 Nov Plymouth Highlights, 11/16 [Paul Peterson ] 16 Nov Lark Sparrow---yes [] Subject: HENSLOW'S SPARROW Allens Pond - MARC Documentation From: Jeremiah Trimble <jtrimble AT oeb.harvard.edu> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:01:38 -0500 Massbird, Thanks to those of you that responded to the earlier call for documentation on the Cumberland Farms Le Conte’s Sparrow. As a result Marshall and I received diagnostic images from 7 November and a description from 9 November, which have been passed along to the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee (MARC). This will help us establish an accurate end date for this bird. I also was recently sent an excellent image of the Henslow’s Sparrow from Allen’s Pond on 16 Nov. So far, that is the only date with documentation of that bird; one set of images I saw from later on turned out to not be the Henslow’s. This just illustrates why it is important to get documentation from multiple dates. If anyone has documentation for the Henslow’s Sparrow from a later date, please email me. Although this species was once more regular in Massachusetts, even as an uncommon breeder, it has become increasingly rare. For example, there have been only 7 records in the state in the last 16 years! This is particularly telling when you consider that there are the same number of Fork-tailed Flycatchers records for the state during that same time period. With advances in digital photography, much great documentation is being collected these days. We are currently trying to archive documentation for the many great rarities seen in recent months: Brown-chested Martin, Lark Bunting, Le Conte’s Sparrow, Scissor-tailed and Fork-tailed Flycatchers, etc. The primary role of the MARC is to archive this documentation, confirm that the images support the identification, and track these records in a database accessible to researchers working with bird occurrence. Ideally, we’d have a range of photos to work from, covering a range of dates, photographers and views of the bird. Even where specific identification is obvious, a good selection of photos can provide valuable clues to a bird's age, sex or even geographic origin. Anyone who sees a rarity can help support this process (you need not be the one to have found the bird initially), and the committee would love to see an increase in participation. Among other things, we have plans to provide a website summarizing rarity records which should be developed over the next year and hopefully will be of interest to the Massbird community. We need your participation to make this effort as complete and accurate as it can be! STAY TUNED! Best, Jeremiah Trimble Chair - MARC -- Jeremiah Trimble Curatorial Associate - Ornithology Museum of Comparative Zoology Harvard University 26 Oxford Street Cambridge, MA 02138 phone: 617-495-2471 fax: 617-495-5667 email: jtrimble AT oeb.harvard.edu Subject: Friday, November 20 - Duxbury Beach From: "John Galluzzo" <jgalluzzo AT massaudubon.org> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:44:14 -0500 Yes, we birded. Yes, we got soaked. Mass Audubon's South Shore sanctuaries Friday Morning Birders hit Duxbury Beach today, scoring 45 species in the driving rain, including the following highlights: Brant Surf scoters White-winged scoters Long-tailed ducks Buffleheads Red-breasted mergansers Red-throated loons Common loons Northern gannets! (amazing show) Great blue heron Northern harrier (flying well out over the ocean) Merlin Black-bellied plovers Sanderlings Dunlin Bonaparte's gulls 1 American tree sparrow Savannah sparrows Snow buntings (40+) John Galluzzo Adult Program Coordinator Citizen Science Coordinator Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries 2000 Main Street Marshfield MA 02050 781-837-9400 jgalluzzo AT massaudubon.org www.massaudubon.org/southshorejournal www.facebook.com/Mass-Audubon-South-Shore-Sanctuaries Subject: December Jeffries Pelagic From: "Eric Masterson" <emasterson AT plcnh.org> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:43:07 -0500 Birders: I am running a trip to Jeffries Ledge December 6th on the UNH Gulf Challenger out of Portsmouth NH (http://marine.unh.edu/facilities/vessels/rv-challenger_pictures.html) The trip is limited to 25 people and costs $75pp. There are a few spots left. If interested please contact me off list. Depart Portsmouth 8am, return to dock 3pm. The trip will be rescheduled to December 12th or 13th if the 6th is a weather cancellation (seas above 3 feet). Payment must be received in advance. Cancellation will be at 24 hours notice, in which case fare is returned or you have first option on the weather date. Expect to see loons (red-necked and common), fulmar, northern gannet, great cormorant, common eider, black-legged kittiwake, and up to six species of alcid (guillemot, dovekie, Atlantic puffin, common murre, thick-billed murre, razorbill). Thanks Eric Masterson Executive Director Piscataquog Land Conservancy www.plcnh.org Phone: 487-3331 Subject: King Eider Continues, Gloucester 11/20 From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:59:38 +0000 (UTC) Barbara Volkle called at 11;55am to report that the KING EIDER is still present "at point blank range" off Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. She also said that earlier they had a PACIFIC LOON off Andrew's Point in Rockport, but it disappeared as the weather improved. Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats Newburyport, MA USA REPLY TO: BirdWSG AT verizon.net 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com Subject: Cackling Goose, Turner's Falls - 11/19 From: "James P. Smith" <keenbirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:44:33 -0800 (PST) Greetings birders, The Richardson's Cackling Goose is still being seen at Turner's Falls power canal. It was present yesterday afternoon (11/19). These images were taken on 11/11/09; http://pioneerbirding.blogspot.com/2009/11/ma-cackling-goose-still-around-1111.html Otherwise, impressive Canada Goose numbers (1500+), and numbers of large gulls appear to be on the increase from recent visits. Also 2 Hooded Mergansers and a few Common Goldeneyes. I tried Riverview Drive in Gill for Marshall Iliff's Warbling Vireo, but didn't succeed. In fact, a few juncos and a Song Sparrow were the only passerines I could find in the thirty that I spent there. Also, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on North Whitney Street, Amherst on 11/18, and a drake Long-tailed Duck from Gate 5 at Quabbin Reservoir on the same date. Sent this message yesterday, but I'm not sure if went through. Best birding, James James P. Smith Amherst, MA http://pioneerbirding.blogspot.com/ Subject: 11/19 - Cumbies Lark Bunting; Present From: Kevin Bourinot <kevinbourinot AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:16:35 -0500 I went to Cumberland farms yesterday to find the Lark Bunting. I eventually located it where it was previously seen- along the trail that cuts throught the field along the drainage ditch. It would perch in the small maple directly above the large autumn olive bush (thanks to Tom Pirro for this description). There were about 6 white-crowned sparrows seen in this area also. Kevin Bourinot kevinbourinot AT hotmail.com West Boylston, MA _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ Subject: Boston CBC-ONE month away! From: rstymeist <rstymeist AT juno.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:18 -0500 To all Greater Boston CBC participants- past and future Mark your calandars- the 37th Greater Boston Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Sunday, December 20, 2009- exactly ONE month from today! Right now, we have some exciting birds within the Count circle, notably the MacGillivray's Warbler that is currently being seen in and near the Fenway Victory Gardens. As many of you recall a MacGillivray's Warbler was found there on November 28 1999 and remained right up to the CBC and was the ONLY one of it's kind reported from ALL the CBC's. I'm hoping that this bird will hang in there another month or more! What other great birds are just waiting to be found ? Now is one of the best times to start searching your CBC areas looking for that good bird that has found a favorite patch and will likely remain if there is no severe weather in the next month. (As of today there has been NO frost in many areas within the Boston circle with even Jewelweed still in bloom in the Fenway gardens!) If you are interested in helping out, even only for a part of the day you may contact me at bobstymeist AT gmail.com and I can get you in touch with one of the team captains for an area within the count circle. This is a plug for the Boston CBC- but other compilers may need help- The Christmas Bird Count season is December 14 through January 5 each year. There are 33 Count Circles in Massachusetts; there is a link on the Massbird.Org home page for the CBC dates or go directly to the Bird Observer web site and find them there:http://massbird.org/birdobserver/CBC/index.htm Thank you and good birding! Bob Stymeist, compiler Greater Boston CBC ____________________________________________________________ Wholesale Hardwood Floors Never pay retail again. Wholesale prices on all hardwood flooring! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=v13qhpBg43GQOCd_ugUXjAAAJ1DJfUSYJN-PYvGixxncVuG5AAQAAAAFAAAAAOZm5z4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANlcwAAAAA= Subject: CT Report 11/19/2009 Pacific Loon From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:00:46 -0500 From Marty Moore: 11/19/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- around noon, Pacific Loon about 200 yards off the beach, being harrased by a Great Black-backed Gull. From Alex Burdo and James Orrico with Greg Hanisek 11/19/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- 11:10-12:00, PACIFIC LOON continues. Seen swimming throughout the lake, covering a lot of ground. The bird went within distance where I could see it with my bare eye to a distant view through a scope. It also dove many times and then disappeared until it relocated, sometimes very far from where it dove. ********************************************************************** This CTDailyReport list is sponsored by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA). It is primarily meant to meet the informational needs of the active CT birder. Any other use requires written authorization from the board of directors of the COA. ********************************************************************** Visit the COA web site at http://www.ctbirding.org Reports should be sent to CTBirdReport AT ftml.net. Reports should include sender's name, date, location of sightings and species of note at each location. Reporting Guidelines are available at: http://www.ctbirding.org/ecommittee.htm#reporting To change your subscription options, or unsubscribe, please visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org Archives of these reports may be found at either of these locations: http://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/ctbird/latest.html http://lists.ctbirding.org/pipermail/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org/ Subject: East Gloucester King Eider photos and video From: Richard Heil <rsheil AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:33:14 -0500 There was an adult male KING EIDER diving for crabs in the creek alongside Nautilus Road, by Good Harbor Beach in East Gloucester mid-day today (19 November 2009). Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsheil/?saved=1 Videos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsheil/sets/72157622839081004/detail/ Back on 10 November I managed to shoot a short SNOW BUNTING video from Lanesville's Seaside Cemetery in Gloucester: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsheil/4094580800/in/set-72157622655152891/ Richard S. Heil S. Peabody, MA rsheil AT comcast.net Subject: Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, TX From: "Walt Webb" <wwebb24 AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:13:42 -0600 We just returned from the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, TX, with a list of 120 species, including 19 lifers. It was our first time there. Our selected field trips included visits to two national wildlife refuges (Santa Ana & Laguna Atascosa), two state parks (Estero Llano Grande & Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley), and two city parks (Frontera Audubon Center & Ramsey Nature Park). The new birds were as follows: --Plain Chachalaca --Least Grebe --White-tailed Hawk --Snowy Plover --Western Sandpiper --White-tipped Dove --Red-crowned Parrot --Common Pauraque --Buff-bellied Hummingbird --Ringed Kingfisher --Green Kingfisher --Golden-fronted Woodpecker --Couch's Kingbird --Scissor-tailed Flycatcher --Green Jay --Black-crested Titmouse --Long-billed Thrasher --Olive Sparrow --Altamira Oriole Walt Webb Westwood, MA wwebb24 AT verizon.net Subject: Orange-crowned Warbler From: Kathryn Doyon <gizzybird AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:48:14 -0800 (PST) I birded a very small area off of Beaver Dam Rd. today. Highlights were 2 Hermit Thrushes and 1 Orange-crowned Warbler. Kathryn Doyon Manomet, MA Gizzybird AT verizon.net Subject: great meadows - concord From: "Joan Chasan" <jec56 AT rcn.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:46:39 -0500 Today at great meadows around 2 pm there were a flock of cedar waxwings feeding on the red berries on the right side of the path on your way into the refuge. we also saw a few bufflehead ducks extremely far away on the right side of the dike (needed a scope to identify). Also a pair of mallards, several swans and lotsss of geese. Pictures of some cedar waxwings below. http://www.pbase.com/joanel/image/119535322 http://www.pbase.com/joanel/image/119535322 Joan Chasan Framingham, MA jec56 AT rcn.com Subject: 11/18 Duxbury Beach - Ipswich Sparrows and Peregrine From: Rick Bowes <rbowes AT bowesweb.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:44:02 -0500 Wednesday was one of those days that it was great to be birding - comfortable weather, no wind to speak of and essentially flat, sometimes glassy, water on both the ocean and bay sides. Most all birds were in good light though the low sun angle created more glare that normal at midday. I found no particularly unusual species other than getting some really nice looks at few Ipswich Sparrows. there was quite a bit of variation in their plumages as seen in this little gallery - especially the last two fuzzy shots: http://www.pbase.com/rickbowes/09_11_18_ipswich. I had good scope looks at a distant Peregrine. The Raptors of North America book describes what I saw as an "Eastern" type - that is, it had such a wide black malar mark that it covered the side of the head creating an unbroken dark hood. The bird was on a pole facing and my only view was head-on; the chest seemed to have a tawny tinge. the bird was on a pole way out on the Saquish portion of the beach near the Saquish Osprey pole and I saw it from the Saquish road. Despite excellent viewing across flat water I found- nary a Black Scoter among the several hundred other scoters our there and no Am. Goldeneye. Also very, very few Brant and cormorants. Sanderling numbers have dropped steeply. Found only 3 birds in a totally silent High Pines in 15 minutes of trying. Complete annotated eBird list follows: Wednesday:11/18/09 9:15am-2:00pm; HiTide 11:51am (11.3ft); mostly sunny; Wind 5 N; waters on both sides calm - sometimes glassy. Brant 19 Clear views of calm bay yet this was all I saw over a 4 hour period Canada Goose 6 one group at High Pines American Black Duck X Mostly in Gurnet Saquish area Common Eider X Scattered everywhere - bay and oceanside. No large rafts. Surf Scoter X Common, scattered on both sides White-winged Scoter X Common, scattered on both sides Long-tailed Duck X Dozens, scattered both sides Bufflehead X Plentiful on the bayside; only saw 8 on the ocean side Red-breasted Merganser 150 One large flock (120+) in center of bay, others scattered both sides in groups of 2 or 3 Red-throated Loon X many birds on ocean side both on the water and in the air. 10-12 on the bayside. Easily 50 birds seen overall Common Loon X many birds on ocean side both on the water and in the air. 4 on the bay side.Easily 50 birds seen overall Horned Grebe X One tight flock of 5 off 3rd xover. One not fully molted back to basic. Red-necked Grebe X Between 10-20 birds all on the ocean side. They were moving and hard to be sure about duplication. Mostly pairs. Northern Gannet X a diving few well offshore; mix of ages. Double-crested Cormorant 3 Only 3 individuals - flyby at High Pines and off Gurnet cliff and 1 on water at Gurnet rocks Great Blue Heron 13 High Pines 2, rest scattered at west end of Saquish marsh Northern Harrier 1 hunting across Gurnet and High Pines marshes Peregrine Falcon 1 Saquish on pole near osprey nesting pole. Sunning itself. Too far for photo. Hood almost complete - very little incursion of white at lower end of auricular area Black-bellied Plover 12 Scattered, often with Dunlin. Most immatures. Sanderling 15 One group of 9 others interspersed with Dunlin Dunlin 750 Groups of 200+ in 3 areas: Bridge to 1st xover bayside, between 3 xover and Plum Hills bayside, on rocks at Crescent Beach. Other smaller groups of 5-30 flying about. Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull X Great Black-backed Gull X American Crow X Horned Lark 11 One flock near road south of High Pines half way to 3 xover Black-capped Chickadee 1 Gurnet Northern Mockingbird 1 High Pines European Starling X Gurnet Savannah Sparrow X several spots - most between High Pines and 3rd xover. Mixed flock included at least 6 Ipswich Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich) 6 see Savannah sparrow. Photos of at least 4 possibly 5 different individuals Song Sparrow X Snow Bunting 52 Flocks of 7(between 1st & 2nd xover), 30 (s. of High Pines), 15 (near Bridge). American Goldfinch X Plum Hills House Sparrow X Gurnet This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rick Bowes rbowes AT bowesweb.com PO Box 1637, Duxbury, MA 02331 Subject: MacGillivray's: 3:15 PM, 11/19 From: maurice.gilmore AT comcast.net Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:43:59 +0000 (UTC) Folks, The MacGillivray's warbler put on a nice show in the brush and compost pile across the path from the large willow tree on the west side if the Muddy River, just south of the Boylston Street Bridge at 3:15. Killer looks, cooperative mood for th bird. I remember the spot where I saw Bob's MacGillivray's on December 14, 1999. Exactly Eddie's 10 years ago. A first year Nashville in the phrags. MacGillivry: Descended from the servant of Avery? Pete Gilmore Newton, MA maurice.gilmore AT comcast.net Subject: Raven From: kay langevin <lensantiques AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:14:44 -0500 On my dog-walk this morning, I had a raven flying overhead, calling. Also have golden-crowned kinglets in the Japanese maples outside the windows, a winter wren along the stone wall, and a hermit thrush chup- chupping in the woods. Kay Langevin, Acushnet lensantiques AT comcast.net Subject: King Eider in Gloucester From: Bill Ross <migratorius AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:57 +0000 (UTC) There was a male King Eider at noon today at the south end of Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, south of the wooden foot bridge that leads from the street onto the beach. He was by himself, around 40 yards from the street. Bill & Sue Ross Gloucester, MA Subject: Re: RFI: McGillivary's From: "Marj. Rines" <marj AT mrines.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:34:23 -0500 November 28, 1999, just shy of a decade ago. Eddie Giles wrote: > *Didn't Bob Stymeist find a McGillivary's Warbler in the same area about > 8-10 years ago? I can't put my hands on my old notes, but I know I got > my lifer near some public vegetable/flower gardens alongside a river in > Boston, and there was a bridge nearby. At that time there was a Chat > hanging out near the bridge, as I recall. I'm not too familiar with > Boston, but I think it was in the Fenway. My apologies if this has > already been discussed.* > ** > *Eddie* > > **************************** > *Eddie Giles* > *Digital Artwork Supervisor* > *Natural Color Imaging* > *eddie AT naturalcolorlab.com * > -- Marj. Rines Arlington, MA marj(at) mrines.com Subject: 11/19 As of 1:30pm MacGillivray's and Orange-crowned Warblers still in Victory Gardens From: Ryan Schain <ryanschain AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:48:01 -0500 As of 1:30pm today, MacGillivray's warbler was still holding its pattern from the phragmites under the Boylston Street bridge across the river near the playground, and then back to the phragmites again. There was one Orange-crowned warbler with it in the phrags at 11:45 or so, and then 2 were sighted in the gardens shortly after. Ryan Schain Boston - Fenway neighborhood ryanschain AT gmail.com Location: Fenway Victory Gardens Observation date: 11/19/09 Number of species: 21 Canada Goose 10 American Black Duck 4 Mallard 5 Herring Gull (American) 1 Mourning Dove 6 Downy Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 8 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Northern Mockingbird 5 European Starling 15 Cedar Waxwing 15 Orange-crowned Warbler 2 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 American Tree Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 4 White-throated Sparrow 25 Northern Cardinal 4 Common Grackle 5 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 10 House Sparrow 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2( http://ebird.org/massaudubon/) Subject: RFI: McGillivary's From: "Eddie Giles" <eddie AT naturalcolorlab.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:38:25 -0500 Didn't Bob Stymeist find a McGillivary's Warbler in the same area about 8-10 years ago? I can't put my hands on my old notes, but I know I got my lifer near some public vegetable/flower gardens alongside a river in Boston, and there was a bridge nearby. At that time there was a Chat hanging out near the bridge, as I recall. I'm not too familiar with Boston, but I think it was in the Fenway. My apologies if this has already been discussed. Eddie ************************** Eddie Giles Digital Artwork Supervisor Natural Color Imaging eddie AT naturalcolorlab.com Subject: 11/19/09 MacGillivray's Warbler - YES From: Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore <barb620 AT TheWorld.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:04:57 -0500 Thanks to Jeremy Dibbell for this update. Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA barb620 AT theworld.com >Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:03:15 -0500 >Subject: Re: [BostonBirds] 11/19/09 MacGillivray's Warbler - YES >From: "Jeremy B. Dibbell" > > >The MacGillivray's was still present from 8:15-9 this morning, in >the same maple tree (occasionally flitting down to the ground). My >fourth attempt was the charm! Beautiful bird, and good company as >always. Congrats to the birder from Rochester NY who happened to be >in town this morning and checked the listservs last night! > >The two orange-crowned warblers continue (sometimes in the same >field of view as the MacGillivray's), and the pied-bill grebe was in >the river again (easily viewable from the stone bridge). > >Jeremy B. Dibbell >Boston Subject: MacGillivray's Yes this a.m. From: "Jeremy B. Dibbell" <jbdibbell AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:46:22 -0500 The MacGillivray's was still present from 8:15-9 this morning, in the same maple tree (occasionally flitting down to the ground). My fourth attempt was the charm! Beautiful bird, and good company as always. Congrats to the birder from Rochester NY who happened to be in town this morning and checked the listservs last night! The two orange-crowned warblers continue (sometimes in the same field of view as the MacGillivray's), and the pied-bill grebe was in the river again (easily viewable from the stone bridge). Jeremy B. Dibbell Boston -- Jeremy B. Dibbell jbdibbell AT gmail.com http://philobiblos.blogspot.com Subject: late birds in the victory gardens area earlier in the month From: Ryan Schain <ryanschain AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:18:22 -0500 Massbirders, Since I recently joined massbird I was unable to submit any of my sightings in the Victory Gardens are from earlier this month. Due to the recent interest in the area, I figured I would report my sightings late. I bird the gardens and the rest of the Back Bay Fens almost daily, and on October 20th and 29th there were two palm warblers along the phrags near the Aggasiz Road side of the Victory Gardens. On October 29th I had a single Nashville Warbler in the phrags in the exact same spot where the Macgillivray's has been repeatedly sighted. I found the single Nashville again on November 3rd in the gardens near the Fenway, directly across the street from the gas station. On November 2nd, I had a single male Black-throated Blue Warbler on the opposite side of the Muddy River across the pathway from the playground. I was unable to find this bird again. On November 5th, I had two female Baltimore Orioles in the first patches of plots in the Victory Gardens along the Fenway (across from Fenway Park/gas station). They remained throughout the next week. Finally, on November 12th, I had a single female hooded merganser with the mallards in the Muddy River, working its way from the MFA down to Aggasiz Road. Also, there is a pretty cooperative Merlin who perches on the fire department building's antennae, and a regular Pied-Billed Grebe that works the river near the Boylston Street Bridge. Sorry these are late, I just wanted to get them out there, and maybe we can find some more. Have a great weekend, Ryan Schain Boston - Fenway neighborhood ryanschain AT gmail.com Subject: fenway tweet (and chip) From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:50:36 -0500 both Orange-crowned and MacGillivray's Warblers in maple next to Boylston Bridge from 8-8:30+ Thursday AM, observed by 6-8 at least. -- frederickbouchard AT gmail.com 78 farnham st belmont 02478 ma 617-484-6692 www.fredbouchard.com Subject: Vox-Pop Radio Show on birds Friday From: "Richard Guthrie" <gaeltic AT capital.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:31:35 -0500 Hello; Some might be interested in knowing that I've been asked to be on WAMC (Northeast Public Radio) on Friday afternoon from 2 to 3. This is unusually short notice. I guess I'm filling in for a scheduled guest. The topic will be "Birds, etc". Phone calls to the station are welcome. 800-34-TALK-1 (348-2551) I'd be interested in knowing about upcoming club programs - including Christmas Bird Count dates and contact information. The information can be e-mailed to me via my e-mail address listed below. WAMC transmits into western Massachusetts and can be picked up live via www.wamc.org Radio frequencies in the Massachusetts listening area are: WAMC 90.3 FM Albany, NY WAMQ, 105.1 FM Great Barrington MA Richard Guthrie gaeltic AT capital.net : Subject: Barred Owl moved to Quincy Market From: rstymeist <rstymeist AT juno.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:24:17 -0500 Tonight on the 11 o'clock news there was a story on "Hooter"- A Barred Owl that decided the best place in Boston was on TOP of the Christmas Tree that was just put up in Quincy Market. Presumably the "same bird that was in the Public Garden earlier this week. Great video , though they expect it to move when the lights are put on tomorrow. Bob Stymeist Arlington ____________________________________________________________ Regis University MBA Earn your MBA from Regis University, 100% online. Free info packs! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=VcQYoWI9Jh-6gAQDBhcFpwAAJ1DJfUSYJN-PYvGixxncVuG5AAQAAAAFAAAAADFFXD4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAiHkAAAAAA= Subject: CT Report 11/18/2009 Pacific Loon, King Eider From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:41:42 -0500 From Roy Zartarian with Marty Moore: 11/18/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- watched the Pacific Loon from the Quassy swimming beach between noon and 1 PM today (11/18). As other posts noted, the bird seemed to spend more time underwater than on the surface. Nonetheless it did present good though distant views. From Nancy Eaton: 11/18/09 - Middlebury -- Between 12:15 and 1:15 pm, the juv. Pacific Loon appeared numerous times quite close to the beach area of Lake Quassapaug, providing sunlit, textbook views to three observers. From Ray Belding with Patty Pickard and Ronnie Santo: 11/18/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- Pacific Loon was seen way across the lake at 8:30. From Andrew Block: 11/18/09 - Madison, Hammonasset State Park -- 1 KING EIDER, 15+ Common Eiders, 2 Black Scoters, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Winter Wren. From Chris Loscalzo: 11/18/09 - Woodbridge, in the Wepawaug Reservoir -- one GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. From Paul & Douglas Carrier: 11/18/09 - West Hartland, rt 20 -- about 6 PINE SISKIN feeding with American Goldfinch. ********************************************************************** This CTDailyReport list is sponsored by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA). It is primarily meant to meet the informational needs of the active CT birder. Any other use requires written authorization from the board of directors of the COA. ********************************************************************** Visit the COA web site at http://www.ctbirding.org Reports should be sent to CTBirdReport AT ftml.net. Reports should include sender's name, date, location of sightings and species of note at each location. Reporting Guidelines are available at: http://www.ctbirding.org/ecommittee.htm#reporting To change your subscription options, or unsubscribe, please visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org Archives of these reports may be found at either of these locations: http://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/ctbird/latest.html http://lists.ctbirding.org/pipermail/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org/ Subject: Foxboro screech owl From: brianrfg AT aol.com Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:04:50 -0500 Hi, This afternoon, several titmice and chickadees and a Carolina Wren and a black Gray Squirrel put up such a fuss in my neighbor's oak. One of them found an Eastern Screech Owl sitting down in a tree hole and they all went nuts. It got me out of yard work for a couple of minutes. Yesterday, just after sunset at Hale Reservation in Westwood, I tried to whistle up a few screech owls. The habitat seemed perfect and the air was still. No luck with the owls, but I did find four Southern Flying Squirrels. They are regular in woods along the road at Camp Grossman. Brian Cassie, Foxboro Subject: Re: Leucistic Junco From: "Glenn d'Entremont" <gdentremont1 AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:47:42 +0000 (UTC) Folks: Even though migration is instinctive, I believe the actual route is learned. Take examples such as the Agawam-Northampton Rufous Hummingbird, the Gloucester Eared Grebe, the Marston's Mills Eurasian Wigeon, the Wellfleet Chuck-will's-widow, the Essex Yellow-throated Warbler (many years ago-two years consecutive), etc, etc. If birds, proven through banding, show up in the exact wintering AND breeding thickets year after year it seems reasonable they also take the same routes to and fro. I doubt just wayward waifs follow a set route and the general population does not. We can use the example of the South Beach Curlew Sandpiper showing up for several years in a row while on migration and I also believe there was a hybrid White-rumped x something for a couple of years, too. So, if there is a population which drops into Marj's feeders and this population has genes which has albinism wouldn't this show up in the clientele from time to time? I recall many years ago albinism i! n a population of grackles which showed up year after year in West Newbury. I also observed two starlings in a flock of several hundred which stayed together and had the same two or three feathers in the tail white. Have to believe they came from the same nest. We may be able to use such identifiable individuals for other suppositions. There was a Song Sparrow which had a white "front" in Milton which spent it's entire life at one thicket (about 5 years) abutting Turner's Pond. This bird had me thinking that local Song Sparrows may not go all that far. It also looked like it had a headlight. Glenn Glenn d'Entremont: gdentremont1 AT comcast.net Stoughton, MA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marj. Rines" To: "arlington birds" , "massbird" Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 4:55:26 PM (GMT-0500) Auto-Detected Subject: [MASSBIRD] Leucistic Junco Yesterday a Junco showed up at my feeder with white markings around its eyes. It's always interesting to see these plumage oddities, but it's particularly interesting because for five consecutive seasons, starting in 1999, I had another junco with white markings around the eyes. The amount of white seemed to increase over the years (assuming it was not different birds). I've put together some photos of today's bird along with a series of photos of the previous bird at: http://mrines.com/Birds/Junco/ -- Marj. Rines Arlington, MA marj(at) mrines.com Subject: MacGillivray's Warbler From: "Greg Dysart" <dysart AT volume3.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:52:30 -0500 Here's my best shot. http://dysart.zenfolio.com/birds/hfa1ad6b#hfa1ad6b This was a great day to be out birding. Kudos to Paul Peterson for getting the word out on the bird. I can't get Bobby Day's 1958 hit out of my head - Rockin' Robin Every little swallow, every chickadee Every little bird in the tall oak tree The wise old owl, the big black crow Flapping them wings sayin' go bird go Greg Dysart volume3.com/birds dysart.zenfolio.com Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Gloucester-UMass Marine Station , 11/18/09 From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:31 -0800 (PST) ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Sent: Wed, November 18, 2009 7:59:44 PM Subject: eBird Report - Gloucester-UMass Marine Station , 11/18/09 Location:    Gloucester-UMass Marine Station Observation date:    11/18/09 Notes:    There were hundreds of presumed Sanderlings roosting on the rocks across the cove on Davis Neck near high tide. They definitely were light-plumaged. Awesome to get such a close look at a Black Guillemot. Number of species:    15 Mallard    1 Common Eider    8 Red-breasted Merganser    1 Common Loon    3 Double-crested Cormorant    3 Black-bellied Plover    6 Purple Sandpiper    1 Dunlin    6 Black Guillemot    1 Blue Jay    1 American Crow    3 Black-capped Chickadee    1 Tufted Titmouse    2 Carolina Wren    1 Song Sparrow    1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Cape Ann--Halibut Point SP , 11/18/09 From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:13:58 -0800 (PST) ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Sent: Wed, November 18, 2009 8:13:06 PM Subject: eBird Report - Cape Ann--Halibut Point SP , 11/18/09 Location:    Cape Ann--Halibut Point SP Observation date:    11/18/09 Notes:    The four female Purple Finches were on the Back 40 loop trail, gorging on cedar berries along with an American Goldfinch. Very handsome birds! Number of species:    28 Common Eider (Atlantic)    10 Harlequin Duck    33 Long-tailed Duck    1 Red-throated Loon    2 Common Loon    2 Red-necked Grebe    1    Nice to get good close looks at this species Northern Gannet    14 Double-crested Cormorant    1 Ring-billed Gull    X Herring Gull    X Great Black-backed Gull    X Mourning Dove    1 Downy Woodpecker    2 Blue Jay    5 American Crow    4 Black-capped Chickadee    20 Tufted Titmouse    4 White-breasted Nuthatch    1 Carolina Wren    1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)    2 Song Sparrow    1 White-throated Sparrow    3 Snow Bunting    1 Northern Cardinal    2 Purple Finch    4    This is a record number for me. I don't know what this says about me or the species. House Finch    2 American Goldfinch    4 House Sparrow    1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Subject: Victory Gardens 11/18 From: Ryan Schain <ryanschain AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:23:35 -0500 Massbirders, The MacGillivray's Warbler put on a fantastic show for everyone, and I have a few shots of it here (big crops) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryser915/(scroll down just a bit). I just recently signed up on Massbird, and I just wanted to say it was very nice to meet you all today. Aside from stepping in a manhole (I still can't believe that happened, and can't believe I didn't hurt myself), it was a great afternoon. I hope to see you all again soon. Ryan Schain Boston - Fenway neighborhood ryanschain AT gmail.com Location: Fenway Victory Gardens Observation date: 11/18/09 Number of species: 21 Canada Goose 25 American Black Duck 10 Mallard 15 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Merlin 1 Herring Gull (American) 1 Rock Pigeon 5 Downy Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 15 Black-capped Chickadee 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Northern Mockingbird 2 European Starling 5 Cedar Waxwing 10 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 American Tree Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 20 Northern Cardinal 1 House Sparrow 5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2( http://ebird.org/massaudubon/) Subject: Fenway MacGillivray's Warbler pictures From: m.goetschkes AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:09:07 +0000 (UTC) Hello Massbirders, The MacGillivray's Warbler put on a nice show for those who spent their lunch break at the Fens today. A few pictures can be seen at the following link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/24246528 AT N05/ Best Regards, Margo Goetschkes Cambridge, MA m.goetschkes (at) comcast.net Subject: P'town seabirds - 11/18 From: Blair Nikula <odenews AT odenews.org> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:35:10 -0500 Despite the benign weather, I was surprised to see another good eastward movement of seabirds past Race Point in Provincetown early this morning. Both wind and sea were nearly calm, but birds were still passing at a rate that made it difficult to keep up with the numbers, and most were quite close to shore (in fact I probably missed some birds that were too close to shore to be seen from my vantage point). The consistency with which seabirds have been viewable from shore in P'town this year, regardless of the weather conditions, has been unprecedented in my lifetime. Race Point Beach (0625 - 0730 hrs.; Mostly Cloudy; Wind N AT <5mph; Visibility excellent; Seas calm): Common Eider: 40 Surf Scoter: 10 White-winged Scoter: 12 dark-winged scoter sp: 20 Long-tailed Duck: 6 Red-breasted Merganser: 1700 Red-throated Loon: 38 Common Loon: 2 Greater Shearwater: 220 SOOTY SHEARWATER: 1 (late) Northern Gannet: 420 Double-crested Cormorant: 10 Great Cormorant: 2 Black-legged Kittiwake: 300 Bonaparte's Gull: 520 (95+% adult) 1 LITTLE GULL (adult) Ring-billed Gull: 4 Herring Gull: 10 Great Black-backed Gull: 3 Common Tern: 2 Pomarine Jaeger: 3 (one adult w/full tail extension) jaeger sp: 1 Razorbill: 26 large alcid sp.: 55 Blair Nikula 2 Gilbert Lane Harwich Port, MA 02646 USA mailto:odenews AT odenews.org web site: http://www.odenews.org/ Subject: Nbpt Wastewater Treatment Plant, Reservoirs, Plum Island - Parker River NWR - 11-18-09 From: "David K. Weaver" <cygnus-dkw AT verizon.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:28:37 -0500 Hilda Dorgan and I led today's edition of Joppa Flats' Wednesday Morning Birding on a beautiful, beautiful day. The skies were clear, the winds little to nothing, and the temps ranged from low 40s to 52 degrees. There was very little action at the Newburyport wastewater treatment plant, the tide being a bit too high. However, there was a nice flock of about 40 Long-tailed Ducks, but too far out for very satisfying looks. Only five Mallards were seen on the Upper Artichoke Reservoir, but there was a nice gathering of ducks on Cherry Hill Reservoir: about 15 Common Mergansers (males and females), a few Buffleheads, lots of Ruddy Ducks (~ 200), about 40 Ring-necked Ducks, and, under the category of "who knows from where," a single hen, perhaps first winter, Long-tailed Duck. The latter had obviously lost its way from the group! The sea was flat calm off of lot #1 on the refuge where there were Northern Gannets, Red-throated and Common Loons, and a flock of about 30 Black Scoters. At the main pan, it was darned near standing room only for ducks! It was chock-a-block full of black ducks, Gadwalls, American Wigeons, Northern Pintails, five Green-winged Teal, and over there on the far side, a pair of Hooded Mergansers. Our list for the morning: Merrimack River from Newburyport wastewater treatment plant: Long-tailed Ducks (~ 40) Double-crested Cormorants (3) - juvs. Upper Artichoke Reservoir: Mallard (5) Cherry Hill Reservoir: Canada Goose (1) Ring-necked Duck (~ 40) - did not see aberrant bird seen by Rich Stanton. Long-tailed Duck (1) Bufflehead (4) Common Merganser (~ 15) Ruddy Duck (~ 200) Plum Island - Parker River NWR: Canada Goose Mute Swan (4) - main pan. Gadwall American Wigeon American Black Duck Mallard Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal (~ 15) - 5, main pan; ~ 10, North Pool Overlook. Black Scoter (~ 30) - lot #1. Bufflehead (1) - the Wardens, PI Sound. Hooded Merganser (2) - pair, main pan. Red-throated Loon (5) - lot #1. Common Loon (2) - lot #1. Northern Gannet (~ 15) - lot #1. Great Blue Heron (2) Northern Harrier (3) Red-tailed Hawk (1) Semipalmated Sandpiper (~ 30) - fly by, main pan. Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Rock Pigeon Blue Jay (1) American Crow (4) European Starling Snow Bunting (4) - the Wardens We will meet next Wednesday at Friendly's on the traffic circle, Rt. 128, Gloucester, at 0930, for our first seasonal monthly trip around Cape Ann. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call Bill Gette or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998. Dave Weaver Manchester, MA 01944 cygnus-dkw AT verizon.net Subject: Report to Gull Fans From: wcdrummond <wcdrummond AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:20 -0500 Dear Friends,         Our friend Ken MacKenzie responded that the juvenile tagged Ring-billed Gull seen in New Haven, CT harbor  on November 7 was captured,  tagged and released at White City Plaza in Shrewsbury on November 4.   It was the first sighting of that gull.   Ken is Senior Wildlife Biologist at DCR, Division of Water Supply Protection.   As many of you reported to me,  Ken is happy to have such information.   You can send him sightings of tagged gulls.        Ken.Mackenzie AT state.ma.us Good birding, everyone! Bill Drummond North Andover, MA WCDrummond AT aol.com WCDrummond AT verizon.net http://web.mac.com.crossbillsbirding P.S.   Hold onto the MacGillivray's for us until Saturday morning. Subject: Waterbird survey results 11/18/09 - Great Meadows NWR - Concord From: Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore <barb620 AT theworld.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:14:43 -0500 Thanks to Jason St.Sauver of US FWS for the following report. Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA barb620 AT theworld.com * * * The following species of waterfowl and other birds were counted during a recent waterbird survey conducted at the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; Concord Impoundments on Tue., Nov. 10, 2009. If you have any questions regarding this survey or management at the Concord Impoundments, please contact the Refuge biological staff at 978-443-4661 x37, 24 or 23. Canada Goose 330 Mute Swan 2 Mallard 11 Wood Duck 4 Green-winged teal 6 Ring-necked duck 1 Bufflehead 5 Hooded Merganser 5 Ruddy Duck 7 American Coot 13 Pied-billed grebe 1 Great Blue heron 1 Jason St. Sauver Biological Technician US Fish & Wildlife Service Eastern Massachusetts NWR Complex 978.443.4661 x23 Subject: macgillivray's warbler - fenway area 11/18 pm From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:15:19 +0000 (UTC) Larry Geffin called at 1:50 pm to report that the macgillivray's warbler was present at lunchtime. The bird is being seen right near the stone bridge AT boylston street and the muddy river. Good views of the bird popping out of the phragmites. Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats Newburyport, MA USA REPLY TO: BirdWSG AT verizon.net 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com Subject: Allens Pond - Henslow's Sparrow - Yes From: Richard Couse <rustysflyingelvis AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:40:47 -0800 (PST) This morning at the Allens Pond Sanctuary in North Dartmouth, MA the Henslow's Sparrow was still there in the area where Paul Champlin had found it.   I first spotted it easily enough, perched low in the brush though it only afforded me two quick glimpses then dissappeared. The glimpses were enough to confirm it was an Ammodramus sparrow. I pished for a few minutes to no avail then decided to walk on out to the fresh pond and return after it hopefully forgot about me.   When I returned I squeeked a few times and with the assistance of a Song Sparrow whose interest I peaked, I heard a higher pitched call note than the Song Sparrows and the Henslow's popped up and perched in the open, all the while moving closer and remaining in good view.   It's flight was short and twittery (audible) with it's short tail pointed downward. Judging from it's overall buffiness and faint streaking I believe this is a first year bird. It's greater coverts and tertiasl were an obvious deep rufous and there was an overall olive cast to it's face with a dark streak to it's ear coverts. In the photos I took it also appeared flat headed, all pretty much diagnostic field marks.   Other birds sited were:   Bufflehead Mallard Black Duck Hooded Merganser Green-winged Teal Mute Swan Great Blue Heron Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Blue Jay Northern Flicker Northern Mockingbird Gray Catbird Carolina Wren Yellow-rumped Warbler   Good Birding   Richard Couse Fall River, MA Subject: Re: MacGillivray's Warbler - YES 11.18 11:15 a.m. From: tattler1 AT verizon.net Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:46:59 -0600 (CST) Subject: MacGillivray's Warbler, Fenway Victory Gardens, Boston, 18 November 2009 From: Jeremiah Trimble <jtrimble AT oeb.harvard.edu> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:19:48 -0500 MASSBIRD, The MacGillivray's Warbler was present through at least 1245pm this afternoon though it was somewhat mobile and would disappear for long periods down the river in amongst the Phragmites. It was seen across the river at least once during the time I was there. Along with other folks, I managed a few more images of the bird. These can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrtrimble/sets/72157622830827166/ Also in the area were, 1 Merlin, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, and at least 2 Orange-crowned Warblers. Good birding, Jeremiah Trimble Cambridge, MA -- Jeremiah Trimble Curatorial Associate - Ornithology Museum of Comparative Zoology Harvard University 26 Oxford Street Cambridge, MA 02138 phone: 617-495-2471 fax: 617-495-5667 email: jtrimble AT oeb.harvard.edu Subject: Pacific Loon (CT) 11-18-09 From: "a strauss" <ansch100 AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:36:04 -0500 Subject bird seen this morning first in small cove near beach very close--poped up right in front of me. Then studied from "beach". The bird sometimes was far on the opposite shore then made approaches closer to the sandy beach area. Continues the behavior of long submerges and pops up far from where it went under. Immature plumage see Sibley Birders Guide (Imm Pacific Loon), also Advanced Birding. Has thin clean white trim on feather edges on back. Very noticable pale gray nape, looks almost smooth or shiny contrasts with front of neck which is black. Clean demarkation between hind neck and very front of neck which is pure white. Slender, light colored, pointy bill held horizontal very different from thicker, dagger, bill of Common Loon and no "bend" like in Red-throated. I watched the bird from 9 to 12. The fact that this bird is in a lake and on a calm day no waves provides a great opportunity to study this hard- to- find and -identify bird which usually shows up out in the ocean. Take advantage of this treat if you can. Scopes are a must. This makes up for the so-called breeding plumage bird that was seen at Marblehead last year or so that was ultimately considered misidentified. AE Strauss, Providence distant videos and stills recorded E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.1.0.447) Database version: 6.13730 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/ Subject: Cattle Egret - Nantucket From: "Ken Blackshaw" <kenandcindy1 AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:22:47 -0500 Hi All - Just wanted you to know that one of our crack observers just spotted a Cattle Egret at the little puddle just south of Cisco Brewery on the Bartlett Farm Road. It's becoming an annual occurrence it seems to have one or two of these birds show up about this time. Last year one lasted until our CBC. Ken Blackshaw -- (Better, Better & Better) Amateur Radio W1NQT (Never Quits Talking) Nantucket Island -- 30 miles at sea Subject: Subject: Leucistic Junco From: Tom Pirro <alurap AT verizon.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:51:44 -0600 (CST) Subject: MacGillivray's Warbler - YES 11.18 From: Neil Hayward <neil.hayward AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:29:32 -0500 Dear birders, The MacGillivray's Warbler was refound this morning around 8:30 am by Mark Lipsholm (sp?) It was first seen in the phragamites on the West side of the muddy river, to the south of the stone bridge on Boylston Street. It was opposite a compost area of the gardens. The bird moved slowly north, and when I left around 9am, it was probably 75 feet south of the bridge. The bird was not vocalizing much, and staying in the phrags, periodically coming out for good, albeit brief, views. At least 2 Orange-Crowned Warblers were also seen on this side of the river - in the phrags, as well as the oak and willow trees. Great bird and some nice birding friends too! Neil Hayward Cambridge, MA neil.hayward AT gmail.com Subject: Seabrook Station Public Alert Testing From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:35:55 -0500 Essex County Birders, Today, Wednesday, 11/18, at 12:30 pm the public alert & notification system will be sounded twice ~ two different siren tones will be heard in a 3-5 minute period. Good birding, Sue Sue McGrath Newburyport Birders Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify Newburyport, MA 01950 USA 978-462-4785 newburyportbirders AT comcast.net www.newburyportbirders.com Subject: CT Report 11/17/2009 Cave Sw, P Loon From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:15 -0500 From Nick Bonomo via Bill Banks: 11/17/09 - New Haven, Lighthouse Point Park -- 2 CAVE SWALLOWs. From Alberta and Rob Mirer, Ernie Harris: 11/17/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- Pacific Loon continues, 10-11 am. Did not make a close approach and spent a lot of time underwater. From Mike Resch: 11/17/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- Pacific Loon very cooperative at 3:15 PM, swimming quite close to the amusement park in the very smooth water, though diving often. Madison, Hammonasset State Park -- no luck with the Western Kingbird from Noon to 2 PM. Many other birders present and no one I talked to had any success either. From Carolyn Cimino: 11/17/09 - Mystic/Stonington, Enders Island -- 2 RED-NECKED GREBES. From Ed Hagen with Ken Elkins: 11/17/09 - Southbury, Cassidy Rd, behind the Training School -- 9:30 AM, 12 Eastern Meadowlarks, 20-25 American Pipits, 5-6 White-crowned Sparrows. From Bill Banks & Co: 11/17/09 - New Haven, Lighthouse Point Park -- 15 Snow Buntings. From SH Johnston: 11/17/09 - Farmington, Dunning Lake -- 1 CANVASBACK (male) continues. ********************************************************************** This CTDailyReport list is sponsored by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA). It is primarily meant to meet the informational needs of the active CT birder. Any other use requires written authorization from the board of directors of the COA. ********************************************************************** Visit the COA web site at http://www.ctbirding.org Reports should be sent to CTBirdReport AT ftml.net. Reports should include sender's name, date, location of sightings and species of note at each location. Reporting Guidelines are available at: http://www.ctbirding.org/ecommittee.htm#reporting To change your subscription options, or unsubscribe, please visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org Archives of these reports may be found at either of these locations: http://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/ctbird/latest.html http://lists.ctbirding.org/pipermail/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org/ Subject: Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1 AT verizon.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:50:02 -0500 Clarification: In my haste to post this from a very busy day at work, I failed to indicate that Bob was clear to mention that this warbler was found by Paul Peterson. Nice find Paul! Thanks Linda tattler1 AT verizon.net wrote: > Bob Stymeist just called and asked that I post a McGillivray's Warbler > in the Fenway Victory Gardens. The bird is located by the Boylston St > Bridge at the beginning of the gardens, in the phragmites. He, Matt > Garvey and Jeremiah Trimble are looking at the bird now. > > Linda > > Linda Ferraresso > tattler1 AT verizon.net > Watertown,MA > > "€œFaith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the > dawn is still dark" - Tagore > -- Linda Ferraresso Watertown, MA tattler1(at)verizon(dot)net “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore Subject: Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens From: Matt Garvey <mattpgarvey AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:10:59 -0500 The MacGillivray's Warbler spot is less than a five minute walk from the Hynes Convention Center T stop. Just head west on Boylston across Mass Ave., walk a block and cross the Riverway (staying on Boylston), and you'll be at a scenic stone bridge. The bird was seen along the trees and phrags to the left of the bridge (downriver from the Charles), on both sides of the muddy river, right along the muddy river very close to the bridge. Listen for the chip and watch for the rich bright yellow belly and undertail coverts, much richer than the dull yellow on the nearby Orange-crowneds. Good luck! Matt Garvey Brookline, MA mattpgarvey AT gmail.com On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 8:16 PM, RMC wrote: > I might get a chance to go there tomorrow. If so, it will probably be > between 10 & 11. However I am totally unfamiliar with that area. It seems > the Kenmore & Hynes CC T stations are about equidistant. --any > recommendations. Looks like the Hynes might be better. Will the spot be > obvious if I follow what directions are given? or might I need something a > little more detailed to find the exact place or accessing it? I have > looked it over in Google. > > Rich > > Richard Cressman > East Boston, MA > r.cressman.xyz.1928[at]gmail.com > 617-406-9150 (cell) > > > > > > Subject: Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens From: "RMC" <r.cressman.xyz.1928 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:16:43 -0500 I might get a chance to go there tomorrow. If so, it will probably be between 10 & 11. However I am totally unfamiliar with that area. It seems the Kenmore & Hynes CC T stations are about equidistant. --any recommendations. Looks like the Hynes might be better. Will the spot be obvious if I follow what directions are given? or might I need something a little more detailed to find the exact place or accessing it? I have looked it over in Google. Rich Richard Cressman East Boston, MA r.cressman.xyz.1928[at]gmail.com 617-406-9150 (cell) Subject: [Arlington Birds] Leucistic Junco From: "Marj. Rines" <marj AT mrines.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:55:26 -0500 Yesterday a Junco showed up at my feeder with white markings around its eyes. It's always interesting to see these plumage oddities, but it's particularly interesting because for five consecutive seasons, starting in 1999, I had another junco with white markings around the eyes. The amount of white seemed to increase over the years (assuming it was not different birds). I've put together some photos of today's bird along with a series of photos of the previous bird at: http://mrines.com/Birds/Junco/ -- Marj. Rines Arlington, MA marj(at) mrines.com Subject: Aberrant RNDU @ Cherry Hill Reservoir, Sunday 11/15/09 From: Rich stanton <rich_stanton2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:01:39 -0800 (PST) Greetings all, While scanning the flock of Ring-necked and Ruddy Ducks on Cherry Hill Reservoir in Newbury Sunday evening, I noted one bird which looked like a drake Ring-necked Duck except for a large white patch covering most of its head, from the auriculars to the lores, and from the crown to perhaps the malar area were pure white. The feathers in this area also altered the typical peaked head shape of a ring-necked, creating a rounded profile. The bill was the same size and shape as that of neighboring RNDU's, and with white stripe across it near the tip, again like a typical RNDU. However, the bill was lighter in color, a grayish to off-white tone. Has anyone else seen this bird? Does anyone have an opinion on whether this represents leucism or a possible hybrid? Thanks in advance for your feedback. Rich Stanton Ipswich, MA Subject: Daniel Webster -- Merlin, Orange-crowned, Nashville Warbler From: Evan Dalton <evanndalton AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:28:42 -0500 Today I tried for the Western Kingbird that was last seen Sunday (while I was there but missed it!) at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfileld. No luck with the Kingbird, but I did get great looks at an adult male Northern Harrier, a fantastic Merlin, an Orange-Crowned Warbler and a Nashville Warbler. I spotted the two warblers along the Sparrow Loop whilst looking for (you guessed it) sparrows. I was alerted to their presence by the noise of them hopping through the dense blackberries and other vegetation in the center of the loop. They did not vocalize at all and only pished in once, forcing me to get down low to identify them satisfactorily (weak broken eyering and yellowish, lightly streaked coloration on the OC; complete eyering, white vent area of the Ville.) It was interesting to see the two Vermivoras associating together. Also seen were five Green-winged Teal (flyovers in a tight, wheeling flock) and a hand full of American Tree Sparrows. Cheers, Evan Dalton Kingston, MA evanndalton AT gmail.com Subject: Leucistic Junco From: "Marj. Rines" <marj AT mrines.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:55:26 -0500 Yesterday a Junco showed up at my feeder with white markings around its eyes. It's always interesting to see these plumage oddities, but it's particularly interesting because for five consecutive seasons, starting in 1999, I had another junco with white markings around the eyes. The amount of white seemed to increase over the years (assuming it was not different birds). I've put together some photos of today's bird along with a series of photos of the previous bird at: http://mrines.com/Birds/Junco/ -- Marj. Rines Arlington, MA marj(at) mrines.com Subject: Pacific Loon? From: "a strauss" <ansch100 AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:04:42 -0500 Did anyone see the Pacific Loon today (Tuesday) in CT? Alan Strauss, Providence E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.1.0.447) Database version: 6.13720 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/ Subject: MacGillivray's Warbler - eBird Report - Fenway Victory Gardens, Boston, MA , 11/17/09 From: Jeremiah Trimble <jtrimble AT oeb.harvard.edu> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:05 -0500 Dear MASSBIRD, After seeing the report of the Mourning/Connecticut Warbler at the Fenway Victory Gardens; Bob Stymeist and I headed straight down suspecting that this bird might in fact be a MacGillivray's Warbler given the time of year and some on the description of the bird posted by Paul Peterson. It did not take us long to find the bird and identify it as a MacGillivray's. Bob spotted the bird in the phragmites along the river right next to the Boylston Street bridge as described by Paul. We had great looks at the bird and heard it calling emphatically, though briefly. The bird disappeared rather quickly but we were able to refind the bird later on the other side of the river. I first refound the bird in the oaks that are immediately next to the bridge on the opposite side of the river from the gardens. It quickly flew south along the river into another patch of phragmites. While birding the area, along with Tim Factor and Matt Garvey, we found three different Orange-crowned Warblers. A word of caution to birders looking for the MacGillivray's Warbler. Orange-crowned Warbler is a rather variable species and in some plumage aspects can resemble an Oporornis (MacGillivray's/Mourning etc). For example, they share the grayish coloration to the head, yellow underparts, and even can have rather bold broken whitish (not usually pure white) eye rings such as is exhibited in MacGillivray's. When searching for the MacGillivray's listen for its distinctive dry 'chik' call. We heard the bird give this note many times and was the best way to find it. The other noteworthy sighting of the afternoon was a House Wren found by Bob Stymeist and I in the gardens themselves. I managed one lousy picture of the MacGillivray's Warbler which I have posted to my flickr site. One of the Orange-crowned Warblers was more cooperative and I have posted some more images of that bird as well. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrtrimble/ Good Birding, Jeremiah Trimble Cambridge, MA Location: Fenway Victory Gardens, Boston, MA Observation date: 11/17/09 Number of species: 33 Canada Goose 32 In two flocks flying southward overhead; American Black Duck 1 Mallard 9 Great Blue Heron 3 *Interesting| Flew in from the river; one of these birds landed on the chimney of one of the large apartment buildings between the Victory Gardens and the river!; Cooper's Hawk 1 Ring-billed Gull 1 Herring Gull (American) 2 Rock Pigeon 15 Mourning Dove 5 Downy Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Carolina Wren 1 House Wren 1 **Very Unusual| getting late; bird seen well and heard calling in Victory Gardens; American Robin 45 Northern Mockingbird 2 European Starling 75 Cedar Waxwing 8 Orange-crowned Warbler 3 **Unusual| Good count; at widely separated locations/seen at one time; all appeared to be over the eastern subspecies although one was quite yellow underneath and on the upper parts; grayish hood seemed more in line with eastern birds; MacGillivray's Warbler 1 ***MEGA| Personal first for Suffolk County; RHS and I saw a report of a possible Mourning/Connecticut Warbler at the Victory Gardens and immediately headed down suspecting it was probably a MacGillivray's; It only took us a few minutes to confirm that it was; The bird was found in the phragmites along the edge of the river by the Boylston Street bridge; Bob spotted it pop up and we both got great looks at it; Immediately obvious was the grayish hood extending down onto the breast and over the top of the head; the throat itself was grayish white with no hint of yellow; BOLD white eye arcs above and below the eye separated in front and behind the eye with black were very obvious; The mantled down to the uppertail were greenish; underparts, below the gray hood, were fairly bright yellow all the way and including the undertail coverts; The legs and feet were completely pinkish; We relocated the bird several times over the next hour usually by keying in on the birds distinctive call note a loud dry 'chik' which reminds me of a distant Northern Cardinal; Common Yellowthroat 1 *Unusual| calling in the Victory Gardens plots; American Tree Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 12 Swamp Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 28 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 2 Northern Cardinal 6 Red-winged Blackbird 4 Common Grackle 15 House Finch 4 American Goldfinch 6 House Sparrow 35 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- Jeremiah Trimble Curatorial Associate - Ornithology Museum of Comparative Zoology Harvard University 26 Oxford Street Cambridge, MA 02138 phone: 617-495-2471 fax: 617-495-5667 email: jtrimble AT oeb.harvard.edu Subject: Re: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens From: Susan Hedman <winterwren2 AT verizon.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:29:12 -0600 (CST) Wow! That's approximately the same spot one was found a bunch of years ago. I remember seeing it with Steve Leonard. It was my life McGillivray's warbler. Someone with better record keeping will be able to come up with the date. winterwren2 AT verizon.net Susan Hedman, Gloucester "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright Nov 17, 2009 02:17:29 PM, tattler1 AT verizon.net wrote: Bob Stymeist just called and asked that I post a McGillivray's Warbler in the Fenway Victory Gardens. The bird is located by the Boylston St Bridge at the beginning of the gardens, in the phragmites. He, Matt Garvey and Jeremiah Trimble are looking at the bird now. Linda Linda Ferraresso tattler1 AT verizon.net Watertown,MA "€œFaith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore Subject: MacGillivray's Clarification From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:27:59 -0800 (PST) I should have made clear that the bird is in the Fenway Victory Gardens area, along Boylston Street, where the Boylston Street Bridge is. Boylston Street in the Back Bay becomes Boylston St. in the Fenway once you cross Mass. Ave. heading west. A short distance west of Mass. Ave. is the bridge. THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO BRIDGES, ONE SMALL AND STONE AND BEAUTIFUL THAT CROSSES OVER THE MUDDY RIVER THAT GOES LEFT, TURN LEFT OVER THIS BRIDGE. DON'T TURN RIGHT OVER THE BIG BRIDGE THAT SPANS THE MASS. TURNPIKE. now you're here, and find a parking spot, if you can. sorry, I don't drive. Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston  Subject: Re: Connecticut or Mourning Warbler-Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 From: Ryan Schain <ryanschain AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:45:57 -0500 Hi Paul, A couple weeks ago I had a juvenile nashville in that exact same spot, and followed it into the gardens. Ryan Schain On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 1:22 PM, Timothy Spahr wrote: > > > Hi Paul, Birders: > > The Connecticut Warbler's flight note is a buzzy 'zeet' > similar to Blackpoll, Yellow, and Bay-breasted Warblers. > Mourning and MacGillivray's, I believe, have a clear > 'seep' note. It is worth nothing I've never heard either > of the later give flight notes, and I *have* heard > Connecticut Warblers say 'zeet' in this fashion. > > The regular chip notes of these 3 species are very different, > and probably don't match what you heard here. > > The season suggests this is a MacGillivray's Warbler. > Definitely a bird we should get another look at! > > Nice find. > > Tim > > > > > On Tue, 17 Nov 2009, Paul Peterson wrote: > > > Hi, I flushed from the ground just below the Boylston St. bridge into the > phragmites grass either a Connecticut or a Morning Warbler. It is an adult. > When I get hold of a identification guide, I may know for sure. It has an > all gray head and hood, with a broken eye ring. When I flushed it, it > immediately gave a sort of high, clear, chip call. It continued to > give chip while in the phrags. The belly of course is bright yellow, as are > the undertail > > coverts. > > Paul Peterson > > petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com > > Boston > > > > > > > > > > Subject: MacGillivray's Warbler From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:46:35 -0800 (PST) Hi, it's on the Victory Garden sideof the bridge. I believe its either a 1st year female or an adult female. Also, the bird flew a very short distance into the phrags, and gave the same hard chek call in its short flight as the call while in the phrags(responding to my pishing). in other words, it never gave its flight call, which is a hard svit. Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston Subject: McGillivray's Warbler Fenway Victory Gardens From: tattler1 AT verizon.net Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:49:03 -0600 (CST) Subject: Re: Connecticut or Mourning Warbler-Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 From: Timothy Spahr <tspahr AT cfa.harvard.edu> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:22:05 -0500 (EST) Hi Paul, Birders: The Connecticut Warbler's flight note is a buzzy 'zeet' similar to Blackpoll, Yellow, and Bay-breasted Warblers. Mourning and MacGillivray's, I believe, have a clear 'seep' note. It is worth nothing I've never heard either of the later give flight notes, and I *have* heard Connecticut Warblers say 'zeet' in this fashion. The regular chip notes of these 3 species are very different, and probably don't match what you heard here. The season suggests this is a MacGillivray's Warbler. Definitely a bird we should get another look at! Nice find. Tim On Tue, 17 Nov 2009, Paul Peterson wrote: > Hi, I flushed from the ground just below the Boylston St. bridge into the phragmites grass either a Connecticut or a Morning Warbler. It is an adult. When I get hold of a identification guide, I may know for sure. It has an all gray head and hood, with a broken eye ring. When I flushed it, it immediately gave a sort of high, clear, chip call.  It continued to give chip while in the phrags. The belly of course is bright yellow, as are the undertail > coverts. > Paul Peterson > petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com > Boston  > > > > Subject: MacGillivray's Warbler at Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:23:59 -0800 (PST) Hi, IT'S A LIFE BIRD! This bird has prominent eye-arcs, and a call that was similar to Common Yellowthroat(a hard chek call.(i know that I had said previously that the call was a sort of high chip, but I realize it was more like what the Sibley says, definitely a hard chek call) The other calls described in Sibley for mourning and Connecticut do not fit. Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston  Subject: Connecticut or Mourning Warbler-Fenway at 12:30, 11/17 From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:55:04 -0800 (PST) Hi, I flushed from the ground just below the Boylston St. bridge into the phragmites grass either a Connecticut or a Morning Warbler. It is an adult. When I get hold of a identification guide, I may know for sure. It has an all gray head and hood, with a broken eye ring. When I flushed it, it immediately gave a sort of high, clear, chip call.  It continued to give chip while in the phrags. The belly of course is bright yellow, as are the undertail coverts. Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston  Subject: 11/17 - Duxbury Bluefish river - G Yellowlegs, Killdeer From: Rick Bowes <rbowes AT bowesweb.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:33:47 -0500 11/17/09 - Tues - 8:45. Tide high approx 11:05. At the Bluefish river Bridge, a small amount of flat was exposed on the incoming mid-tide, and on it were 2 Greater Yellowlegs and 4 Killdeer. It is getting late for both species here along the coast. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rick Bowes rbowes AT bowesweb.com PO Box 1637, Duxbury, MA 02331 Subject: Western kingbird From: David <davidely AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:58:33 -0500 Massbirders, The previously reported western kingbird near the Mass Marine Station in Gloucester was present again at 0840. It was along Colburn Street, caught several insects, then flew east across the inlet into some trees amongst the houses there. David Ely Salem, MA Sent from my iPhone Subject: 11/17 RAVEN Abington, MA From: "Eddie Giles" <eddie AT naturalcolorlab.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:37:17 -0500 This morning at around 7:40 AM I had a RAVEN off of Chestnut Street in Abington. The bird was perched in the top of a large dead snag and was being mobbed by five American Crows. The Raven dwarfed the Crows of course, which is what drew my attention. Chestnut Street froms the nothern boundary of Ames Nowell State Park. Eddie ************************** Eddie Giles Digital Artwork Supervisor Natural Color Imaging eddie AT naturalcolorlab.com Subject: Western Tanager Public Garden - 11/16 NO] - Update From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1 AT verizon.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:30:34 -0500 Being a diehard, I put in one more lunchtime at the Public Garden (and was pleased to find I wasnt alone!) but no luck on finding the Western Tanager. The silver lining - it was nice seeing some birding friends 'during the week' some of which reported no luck with the Barred as well. It was a lovely break from work, regardless. Cheers, Linda -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [MASSBIRD] Western Tanager Public Garden - 11/16 NO Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:44:59 -0600 (CST) From: tattler1 AT verizon.net Reply-To: tattler1 AT verizon.net To: MASSBIRD AT world.std.com Birders at the Public Garden between 7 and 8:50 a.m. when I left this a.m. had not relocated the Western Tanager or Barred Owl previously reported though some were still looking at that time. If I get a chance, I'll run over at lunch and give it one more look. Cheers! Linda Linda Ferraresso tattler1 AT verizon.net Watertown,MA "Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore -- Linda Ferraresso Watertown, MA tattler1(at)verizon(dot)net “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore Subject: CT Report 11/16/2009 Cave Sw, K Eider, P Loon From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:32:47 -0500 From Greg Hanisek: 11/16/09 - New Haven, Lighthouse Point hawk watch -- 1 CAVE SWALLOW, one Black Vulture, 3 American Pipits; 1 Purple Finch. From Jerry Connolly: 11/16/09 - Madison, Hammonasset SP -- 2 KING EIDERS first fall male and female with the continuing COMMON EIDERS seen from end of jetty at Meigs Pt at 2 PM (got pics of male), WESTERN KINGBIRD continues before main rotary on entrance road, LAPLAND LONGSPUR Nature Center parking lot. From Judy Moore: 11/16/09 - Woodbury, Lake Quassapaug -- The Pacific Loon was still present at 11:15, ranging widely but providing some very good views.  From John Schwarz: 11/16/09 - Madison, Hammonasset SP -- 2:45-4 PM; WESTERN KINGBIRD now at the East end parking lot, prominent at the top of a bare tree. One LAPLAND LONGSPUR on the nature center field. COMMON EIDERS by the rocks beyond the jetty now number 26, accompanied by 4 BLACK SCOTERS including one adult male. From Tom Zissu: 11/16/09 - Woodbury backyard feeder -- 1 Pine Siskin. From SH Johnston: 11/16/09 - Farmington, Dunning Lake -- 1 CANVASBACK (male) continues. Farmington Meadows -- 50+ AMERICAN PIPITS. From Paul Carrier: 11/16/09 - ?????, Bristol Res #7 -- 3:30, a large raft of Scoter (50 plus), I think mostly WHITE-WINGED SCOTER; also more Scoter way out near the back. From Gary & Carol Lemmon: 11/16/09 - Branford -- noon, Common Raven over Brookhills Rd/Deborah Lane.  This is a first for us in our neighborhood. From Carolyn Cimino: 11/16/09 - Waterford, mouth of Niantic River, behind Sunset Ribs, on path which separates the two ponds/marshes -- 1 late imm. m. BALTIMORE ORIOLE, perhaps the same one I reported on Nov. 11. From Dave Rosgen, w/ Margaret Sellers & John Eykelhoff (all, or in part): 11/16/09 - Litchfield, N. Shore Rd. (Bantam Lake's N. Bay) - 1 RED-NECKED GREBE. (Litchfield Town Beach) -- 1 Fox Sparrow. From Dave Rosgen: 11/15/09 - Barkhamsted, Rt. 318 (Barkhamsted Reservoir, as viewed from the Saville Dam) -- 2 RED-NECKED GREBES. Beach Rock Rd. (Cemetery) -- 5 Common Ravens, 2 Rusty Blackbirds, 1 Purple Finch. ********************************************************************** This CTDailyReport list is sponsored by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA). It is primarily meant to meet the informational needs of the active CT birder. Any other use requires written authorization from the board of directors of the COA. ********************************************************************** Visit the COA web site at http://www.ctbirding.org Reports should be sent to CTBirdReport AT ftml.net. Reports should include sender's name, date, location of sightings and species of note at each location. Reporting Guidelines are available at: http://www.ctbirding.org/ecommittee.htm#reporting To change your subscription options, or unsubscribe, please visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org Archives of these reports may be found at either of these locations: http://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/ctbird/latest.html http://lists.ctbirding.org/pipermail/ctdailyreport_lists.ctbirding.org/ Subject: Ivory-billed WP research and lecture From: "Stuart Walker" <stuarttwalker AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:26:13 -0500 I attended a lecture this afternoon at MIT entitled "Flight mechanics of the Ivory-billed Woopecker", delivered by Dr. Michael D. Collins of the National Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. He presented compelling evidence of the persistence of IBWO in a tract of bayou and swamp in Louisiana, including video clips and photos from as recently as two weeks ago (Nov. 3). The talk discussed "quantitative evidence and the first putative new science on this species since the last known nest sites were discovered in the 1930s....Video footage of a bird that was identified in the field as an IBWO provides detailed wingtip elevation and span curves that match the signature of a large woodpecker. The flap rate and flight speed are well above the ranges of the Pileated Woodpecker...but consistent with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in terms of historical accounts and the two leading flap rate models. All of the characteristics of the bird in the video are consistent with IBWO, but at least two characteristics are inconsistent with every other candidate species." There were a lot of bewildering equations but also a lot of interesting photos, both historical and recent, and an incredible video clip of a bird flying along a bayou, taken from high above in a tree, that showed the rowing wing movement of a bird with an approximately 30-inch wingspan and that showed extensive white areas all along the trailing edge of the wings. The bird was also reflected in the water, so there is a remarkable double image allowing for fairly precise imagery and measurement. I think he said he has had eight or nine sightings over the past 3 years, including one that took off from the ground behind a log in front of him as he approached in a kayak. Great stuff and yes, controversial. Stuart Walker Jamaica Plain, MA stuarttwalker AT comcast.net Subject: Fw: Lark Bunting continues, no luck with Le Conte's Sparrow (Cumbies, 11-15-09) From: "Stuart Walker" <stuarttwalker AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:48:12 -0500 Arrrgh. This is Exactly where Ed and I heard what we ID'd as the LB warble and saw the flick of movement in the bushes last Weds, the 11th. Not quite enough to check the little beggar off the list, sadly. We also couldn't find the LCSP. Stuart Walker ----- Original Message ----- From: Matt Garvey To: Massbird Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 2:54 PM Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lark Bunting continues, no luck with Le Conte's Sparrow (Cumbies, 11-15-09) 11/15 Lark Bunting still at Cumberland Farms On Sun. 11/15, Michelle Cranwell, Nannette Orr and I had the Lark Bunting at Cumberland Farms right around where it's been: the exact place where the road cuts through the hedgerow on the way to where the LCSP was (did not find the LCSP). Good birding Tait Johansson Lewisboro, NY Matt Garvey Brookline, MA mattpgarvey AT gmail.com Subject: Red-headed Woodpeckers/stashing insects From: Chris Sheridan <cmsbirds AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:47:11 +0000 (UTC) Better luck today with the Red-headed Woodpeckers in Dracut, and a beautiful day! A juvenile appeared shortly after I arrived at the pond around noon, with an adult flying in a few minutes later. They were immediately recognisable in flight, with their flashy white wing markings. The juvenile stayed near the far end of the pond, flying back and forth from the woods to the dead trees, apparently busy storing acorns. The adult was more "laid back" and spent most of the time sitting in the sun, apparently soaking up its rays, and occasionally hunting insects, some of which it appeared to be stashing under loose bark. (This seemed preposterous, but I looked it up, and yes, they do stash insects.) At one point, the adult began to call loudly. It was eventually answered by another Red-headed Woodpecker, with flew out from the woods and landed on the side of a dead tree, on the opposite side from where I was standing. I didn't get a good look, and couldn't rule out the juvenile I'd seen before. I expected to be able to get only "record shots" of the birds, but the adult flew to a dead tree fairly close to me, and I was able to get some pictures of it carrying a large insect it to an area on the snag with loose bark, and apparently tucking it under the bark. It then climbed to the top of the snag and flew away. Some photos here: /www.pbase.com/cmsbirds/november_2009 Chris Sheridan cmsbirds at comcast.net Nashua NH Subject: Plum Island Lark Sparrow - Gloucester Western Kingbird - Nov. 16, '09 From: Phil Brown <nebirdsplus AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:38:48 -0500 Highlights from a lovely mid November day on the North Shore: Ipswich - Argilla Rd - 8:45 am 7 Cackling Geese in the field closest to the road Parker River NWR - Wardens 1 Lark Sparrow - photos: http://www.nebirdsplus.com/LarkSPar.htm Gloucester, Rte 127 & Colburn St. 1 Western Kingbird - the same bird found by Susan Hedman on Nov 7 is still hawking insects along Colburn St. photo at: http://www.nebirdsplus.com/LarkSPar.htm Gloucester, Bass Rocks 6 Greater Shearwater following a fishing boat Gloucester, Eastern Point 2 Greater Shearwater following a fishing boat inside the breakwater, photo of one at: http://www.nebirdsplus.com/LarkSPar.htm Gloucester - City Hall 1 Peregrine Falcon on the tower Enjoy, Phil Brown Essex, MA 01929 nebirdsplus AT comcast.net Subject: Plymouth Beach Interesting Data From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:37:07 -0800 (PST) Hi, I've birded Plymouth Beach on August 7 and November 15 of this year, and I have seen Brant and White-rumped Sandpiper on both of my trips! Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston Subject: Plymouth Highlights, 11/16 From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:07:25 -0800 (PST) Hi, The weather was nice today for a very long walk in a very lovely section of Plymouth. Here are my highlights: Pied-billed Grebe 3 Mute Swan 19 in same pond Eurasian Wigeon 1 American Wigeon 70 Northern Pintail 1 male-beautiful Ring-necked Duck 20 Gadwall 20 Red-tailed Hawk-2 flying together Fish Crow 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Brown Creeper 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Cedar Waxwing 20 Chipping Sparrow 5   Two Day Plymouth Species Total=62(all on foot with no spotting scope!) Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston Subject: Lark Sparrow---yes From: MRMakynen AT aol.com Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST The Lark Sparrow was at the Warden's on Plum Island at 2:00 today. Mike Makynen Hopkinton, MA