The Massachusetts Birding List

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Recent Postings from
The Massachusetts Birding List

Updated on Wednesday, March 17 at 04:51 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

17 Mar South Boston: Tree Swallow, Scaup [Tim Factor ]
17 Mar Peregrines & eagle, Amherst [Nicholas Barber ]
17 Mar A great birding day ["Douglas Chickering" ]
17 Mar Wayland/Sudbury Tufted Duck relocated on River Road, Wayland, 14 March 2010 [Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore ]
17 Mar Forgot to put in address Sorry ["wildbird" ]
17 Mar Bird walk ["wildbird" ]
17 Mar Nine Acre Corner, Assabet Barrow's Goldeneyes, 3/16 ["Swain, David" ]
16 Mar CT Report 03/16/2010 [Roy Harvey ]
16 Mar Bear Creek walk Sunday March 21 ["Soheil Zendeh" ]
16 Mar My Reply to "Pileated Woodpecker location(s)": Minor Correction ["Walt Webb" ]
17 Mar Re: Pileated Woodpecker location(s) ["Glenn d'Entremont" ]
16 Mar Fw: eBird Report - Boston Nature Center Wildlife Sanctuary , 3/16/10 [Paul Peterson ]
17 Mar King eider, eurowidgeon, Cape. Newton cemetery []
16 Mar Deer Island, Winthrop, Revere: Iceland and Lesser Black-backed Gulls [Tim Factor ]
16 Mar Re: Pileated locations [kirk marshall ]
15 Mar Nine Acre Corner, Assabet Goldeneyes, Water Row Sudbury, 3/15 ["Swain, David" ]
15 Mar FYI: 2010 State of the Birds available []
16 Mar Reply to "Pileated Woodpecker location(s)" ["Walt Webb" ]
16 Mar Great Meadows flooded, Walk rescheduled (Concord) [Cherrie Corey ]
16 Mar 3/16 Duxbury Beach - more re Lesser B-b Gull(s) [Rick Bowes ]
16 Mar Seekonk Tufted Duck 3/16/10 [Ian Davies ]
16 Mar BARROW'S GOLDENEYE - YES ["jamoos AT earthlink.net" ]
16 Mar Fw: eBird Report - Suffolk Downs Oasis , 3/16/10 [Paul Peterson ]
16 Mar Spooner Pond Plymouth Today ["Myer" ]
15 Mar Seekonk, Cumbies, 3/14 [Bird Watchers Supply & Gift ]
14 Mar CT Report 03/14/2010 [Roy Harvey ]
15 Mar Pileated Woodpecker location(s) [alice morgan ]
15 Mar Birds n' Beers, Tonight [Eric LoPresti ]
15 Mar 3/15 Duxbury Beach - Lesser Black-backed Gull - not so black! [Rick Bowes ]
16 Mar CT Report 03/15/2010 [Roy Harvey ]
16 Mar Mt.Auburn Warbler ["Oakes Spalding" ]
15 Mar Fw: Canvasback [Paul Peterson ]
16 Mar RFI on Cape Ann storm damage/effects ["RMC" ]
15 Mar Seekonk, Cumbies, 3/14 [Bird Watchers Supply & Gift ]
15 Mar Numbers of waterbirds in Asia are rapidly declining. ["David K. Weaver" ]
15 Mar Seekonk, Cumbies, 3/14 [Bird Watchers Supply & Gift ]
14 Mar Birds and Beers - Tommorow! [Eric LoPresti ]
14 Mar Re: Harrier feeding on Goldeneye ["Suzanne & John" ]
15 Mar Pileated Woodpecker location(s) [alice morgan ]
14 Mar Re: Harrier feeding on Goldeneye ["Eric" ]
14 Mar 3/31/10 BBC MASS Waterfowl Prowl [Eddie ]
14 Mar Harrier feeding on Goldeneye ["George W. Gove" ]
14 Mar eBird Report - Nantucket - East End , 3/14/10 - Very stormy, nothing unusual ["Ken Blackshaw" ]
14 Mar Tufted duck 14 march []
14 Mar RE: BBC Trip - Saturday March 20th - Vernal Equinox Walk ["Laura de la Flor" ]
14 Mar Spring Great Meadows walk, Sat., March 20, 9-11 am [Cherrie Corey ]
13 Mar Birding RI 3/13 - Ducks [Strickland Wheelock ]
14 Mar 3/13 Duxbury & Beach, Killdeer [Rick Bowes ]
13 Mar Birding RI 3/13 - Ducks [Strickland Wheelock ]
13 Mar CT Report 03/13/2010 [Roy Harvey ]
13 Mar Red-shouldered Hawk - Mendon [Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore ]
13 Mar BBC trip to Newburyport and Vic. CANCELLED ["Jonathan Center" ]
13 Mar Maynard Barrow's Goldeneyes - yes 3/13 [Linda Ferraresso ]
14 Mar SSBC Trip to Plum Island cancelled ["Glenn d'Entremont" ]
13 Mar BBC, Newburyport, No bird of the day [wcdrummond ]
13 Mar Cape Ann 3/13 [Bird Watchers Supply & Gift ]
13 Mar Eurasian Widgeon in West Bridgewater ["Rob Sawyer" ]
13 Mar Bald Eagles Mating ~ Image Link []
13 Mar Displaying Red-winged Blackbirds [Ryan Schain ]
13 Mar Moose Hill and Borderland, SP, Sharon []
13 Mar Friday, March 12 - World's End, Hingham ["John Galluzzo" ]
13 Mar Birding and Baseball 2010 ["John Galluzzo" ]
13 Mar Mew Gull, Exeter [Bird Watchers Supply & Gift ]
13 Mar Re: previous Pine Warbler post, Plymouth ["Anne & Harry" ]
13 Mar First Marked Bahamas Piping Plover Re-sighted. [Peter Doherty ]
12 Mar Fw: eBird Report - Braintree/Randolph-Great Pond Reservoir , 3/12/10 [Paul Peterson ]
12 Mar The Holiest Red-tailed Hawks [Paul Peterson ]
12 Mar Red-tailed Hawks Flying Like Accipiters, and Red-shouldered with Slow Wingbeats [Paul Peterson ]
12 Mar 3/12 Great Pond Canvasback and Sunset Lake Great Cormorants etc. [Paul Peterson ]
12 Mar CT Report 03/12/2010 [Roy Harvey ]
12 Mar 3 Falcon Lunch, Cambridge ["Greg Dysart" ]
12 Mar Re: previous Pine Warbler post, Plymouth [Bennet Porter ]
12 Mar Edmund Hill Woods, Northborough, Pine Warbler 3/12 [Andrew Joslin ]
12 Mar Connecticut River Valley 3/12/10 [Ian Davies ]
12 Mar Halibut Point 3/21 NOT 3/14 [jzanich ]
12 Mar Seekonk Tufted Duck & Bourne King Eider - Yes [Mary Keleher ]

Subject: South Boston: Tree Swallow, Scaup
From: Tim Factor <tef617 AT gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:19:30 -0400

A lone Tree Swallow was winging north on Old Colony Ave in South Boston this afternoon. That's at least two weeks earlier than I've seen one before. Also, 100 to 200 Scaup have been at Old Harbor/Carson Beach for the last couple of weeks or so. The large tight rafts seem to be mostly if not entirely Greaters but some of the smaller flocks and stragglers are Lessers. They've been closest to shore on the north side and with the low light later in the day it's been possible to pick out species only using binoculars. It's a good opportunity for people hoping to hone their Scaup-distinguishing skills. Tim Factor Boston tef617 AT gmail.com
Subject: Peregrines & eagle, Amherst
From: Nicholas Barber <nabarber AT psis.umass.edu>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:45:02 -0400

At UMass-Amherst today around lunch I heard one of the local Peregrines cackling from atop the library and watched it bolt toward an immature Bald Eagle that was soaring over. It harrassed the eagle, then divebombed a second Peregrine that showed up. The two falcons then soared around and were joined by a third Peregrine. Does anyone know the relationship of these 3 birds? Is one a young bird from last year? -- Nick Barber Dept. of Plant, Soil, & Insect Sciences University of Massachusetts-Amherst nabarber AT psis.umass.edu
Subject: A great birding day
From: "Douglas Chickering" <dovekie AT comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:01:23 -0400

Massbirders: Today was a beautiful, almost perfect day to go birding and Lois Cooper and I spent the morning checking places, old and new, looking for spring birds. Technically, and historically it is still winter. There are Junco's at the feeder, and a Snowy Owl out at Plum Island. Recently I have viewed Razorbills at Plum Island and we found Snow Buntings at Salisbury. It may still be winter but today was a reasonable facsimile of spring and a warm day in mid March is right for pushing the season. We listened for Killdeer and searched Scotland Road for Snipe. We looked for Wood Duck at Ash Street and even kept our ears open to the possibility of hearing a Phoebe. I have seen Phoebe in Essex county as early as March 10. We found none of these. Still the day was anything but a disappointment. It was sunny and mild. When we walked along the new Rail Trail at Salisbury we were surprised and delighted when a Pileated Woodpecker flew right over us. At Cherry Hill Reservoir we were able to watch a male Bluebird perched at the top of a small cedar calling softly and luxuriating in the sun. We will still have to wait for true spring, but any day you can stand and watch a male Bluebird in the sun is a good day. And any day that features a Bluebird and a Pileated Woodpecker has got to be characterized as a great birding day. At least in my book. Doug Chickering Groveland dovekie AT comcast.net
Subject: Wayland/Sudbury Tufted Duck relocated on River Road, Wayland, 14 March 2010
From: Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore <barb620 AT TheWorld.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:02:12 -0400

Thanks to John Hines for this update! Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA barb620 AT theworld.com * * * From: John Hines Subject: Wayland/Sudbury Tufted Duck relocated on River Road, Wayland, 14 March 2010 Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:34:16 -0400 After three weeks of negative reports of the Wayland/Sudbury Tufted Duck to MASSBIRD (none since 21 February 2010), and no definitive sightings of my own despite regular searches for waterfowl, I relocated the bird late Sunday afternoon (5:15 PM), 14 March 2010. The drake was back at the original location where I found a Tufted Duck (the same?) almost exactly a year ago on 12 March 2009: on the Sudbury River opposite the sharp bend of River Road, Wayland. Sunday's bird was in the main channel of the river just behind (upstream) USFWS marker #5 in the company of two Lesser Scaup (an ADULT male and a female), less than 100 feet from the road. Both drakes are in immaculate breeding plumage. I watched them for about 10 minutes until they disappeared into a flooded thicket of buttonbush. There were no other ducks in the immediate vicinity although there were scattered flocks of Ring-necked Ducks and other species of waterfowl at other locations up and down the river. Unfortunately, last weekend's nor'easter, following the heavy rain of two weeks ago, has produced a major flood, with the Sudbury River now resembling glacial Lake Sudbury of an earlier epoch. River Road is under water between Route 27 and Water Row, Water Row itself is flooded in four places, and Pelham Island Road is flooded at both ends. Worse still, Route 20 is closed at Wayland Center to eastbound traffic and Route 27 is closed in the vicinity of River Road and Water Row. Needless to say, searching for the Tufted Duck here is problematic at best. The Seekonk bird may be the better option for those still looking for Tufted Duck, at least until the flood recedes. John Hines Framingham, MA
Subject: Forgot to put in address Sorry
From: "wildbird" <wildbird AT charterinternet.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:29:38 -0400

Free Evening Bird Ramble and Woodcock Walk Thursday March 18, 2010 6:00pm Meet at The Bird Store and More in Sturbridge 508-347-2473 Join us to as we watch the birds settle in for the evening, and the Woodcock begin their nightly spring mating display. Please call to let us know you plan on comming. Free Local Birdwalk Claire Birtz Sanctuary Saturday March 20, 2010 7:30am Meet at the Bird Store and More in Sturbridge 508-347-2473 Join us as we explore Opacum Land Trusts Claire Birtz property in Southbridge. It will be a gorgeous day to get outside! For information on the Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary Please call to let us know you plan on comming. Bill Cormier Sturbridge, MA wildbird AT charterinternet.com
Subject: Bird walk
From: "wildbird" <wildbird AT charterinternet.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:14:50 -0400

Free Evening Bird Ramble and Woodcock Walk Thursday March 18, 2010 6:00pm Meet at The Bird Store and More in Sturbridge 508-347-2473 Join us to as we watch the birds settle in for the evening, and the Woodcock begin their nightly spring mating display. Please call to let us know you plan on comming. Free Local Birdwalk Claire Birtz Sanctuary Saturday March 20, 2010 7:30am Meet at the Bird Store and More in Sturbridge 508-347-2473 Join us as we explore Opacum Land Trusts Claire Birtz property in Southbridge. It will be a gorgeous day to get outside! For information on the Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary Please call to let us know you plan on comming.
Subject: Nine Acre Corner, Assabet Barrow's Goldeneyes, 3/16
From: "Swain, David" <D.Swain AT snhu.edu>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:55:41 -0400

Lovely day and virtually no cars on Rt. 117 due to road closures all around Nine Acre Corner. Nine Acre Corner: flock of Green Winged Teals was gone at 9:30 this morning, with only some ring-billed gulls remaining. No killdeer. Assabet River in Maynard: Barrow's Goldeneye's not visible from spillway at junction of 62 and 117, but were in great view from the White Pond Road bridge, out in the middle about 150 yards downstream of the bridge. Black spur on flanks just visible with binoculars if they turned just right (glass-smooth water helped!). David Swain Concord, MA d.swain at snhu.edu Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
Subject: CT Report 03/16/2010
From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:15:47 -0400

From Tina Green: 03/16/10 - Westport, Sherwood Island SP -- 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS(M & F) in the Mill Pond at the entrance, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 1 WILSON'S SNIPE. Southport, Southport Beach -- 45+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS at about 3PM, feeding, preening, bathing and then flying east. Westport, Sherwood Island SP -- 1 RED-NECKED GREBE. From Frank Mantlik: 03/15/10 - Westport, Compo Beach -- imm. (1st-cycle?) GLAUCOUS GULL on beach and inshore waters with foraging gull flock 1pm. Later (3:15) it was on the islet off off 39 Soundview. Very obvious, large, all creamy-white gull. From Marion Aimesbury via Stacy Hanks: 03/15/10 - Milford, Oyster River from Anderson Ave -- male and female Pintail at about 5 p.m. ********************************************************************** 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: Bear Creek walk Sunday March 21
From: "Soheil Zendeh" <szendeh AT rcn.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:27:01 -0400

Folks, On Sunday, March 21 we'll celebrate Noruz, the Iranian New Year, by taking a bird walk at 9 AM at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus on Salem Turnpike/Route 107. The sanctuary is largely open grassland on reclaimed landfill at the NE corner of Rumney Marsh and is not normally open to the public. The site's owner, Wheelabrator, and caretaker, Peter Young, have graciously invited birders to explore the property this Sunday. We have to sign in, and we have to stay together as a group with the leader, Peter. As guests of Wheelabrator, we have to heed their regs, which is to not wander off alone. The site is somewhat elevated and exposed so dress for wind and cold and we'll be walking a couple of miles on mostly dirt roads so wear appropriate shoes. We'll need to meet ahead of time at the Wheelabrator facility in order to be escorted onto the sanctuary so let me know if you'll be joining us to get particulars. Wheelabrator has stocked up on a small number of binoculars, so if you want to bring a friend who does not own binoculars, we should be able to help with that. If you haven't been there before, here is a map: http://tinyurl.com/c4nd37 If coming from the south or west, take Route 107 northeast from the intersection with Rte 60 in Revere. Wheelabrator is about 1.5 miles on the right. If you get to the Ballard Street bridge, you've gone too far. Turn back. If coming from the north, you can come southwest on Rte 107 and turn left into the Wheelabrator property right after the Ballard Street bridge. Or go south on 1A and turn right on Revere Street to get to Rte 60 and the rotary which leads to Rte 107. Also, Rte 1 intersects Rte 60 about 1 mile to the west of 107. Soheil Zendeh 42 Baker Ave Lexington, MA 02421 home phone 781-863-2392 cell phone 617-763-5637 office phone 617-528-4013
Subject: My Reply to "Pileated Woodpecker location(s)": Minor Correction
From: "Walt Webb" <wwebb24 AT verizon.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:41:11 -0400

In my reply to "Pileated Woodpecker location(s)," I inadvertently reversed the colors of the two eBird map flags. It should read yellow flags for bird sightings seen within the last 30 days and red flags if seen prior to the last 30 days. Sorry about that! Walt Webb Westwood, MA wwebb24 AT verizon.net
Subject: Re: Pileated Woodpecker location(s)
From: "Glenn d'Entremont" <gdentremont1 AT comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:08:12 +0000 (UTC)

There is a Pileated working a tree in the front yard of 400 Hillside Street in Milton Hillside goes west from Rt 28 north of Chickatawbut and runs between Rt 28 and Chickatawbut/Unquity Road. This male bird was using another tree in the yard as a drumming tree. The locals now know these birds are in the neighborhood and it seems to be a source of pride. Park on Stonehill as Hillside is narrow there or park farther west on Hillside close to the pond and walk back. Glenn Glenn d'Entremont: gdentremont1 AT comcast.net Stoughton, MA ----- Original Message ----- From: "alice morgan" To: massbird AT TheWorld.com, RIBirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 8:07:59 PM (GMT-0500) Auto-Detected Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pileated Woodpecker location(s) On behalf of a friend, I am trying to identify a place or places where there is a high likelihood of seeing a Pileated at this time of year. Many thanks for suggestions...Alice Morgan -- Alice & Dane Morgan Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Boston Nature Center Wildlife Sanctuary , 3/16/10
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:37:21 -0700 (PDT)

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Sent: Tue, March 16, 2010 8:36:45 PM Subject: eBird Report - Boston Nature Center Wildlife Sanctuary , 3/16/10 Location:� � Boston Nature Center Wildlife Sanctuary Observation date:� � 3/16/10 Notes:� � The American Woodcocks started displaying at 7:10p.m. in the large, open field near a large spruce tree. Number of species:� � 12 Canada Goose� � X Mallard� � 27 American Woodcock� � 5 Mourning Dove� � 3 American Crow� � 3 American Robin� � 20 Northern Mockingbird� � 2 Song Sparrow� � 12 White-throated Sparrow� � 3 Northern Cardinal� � 3 Red-winged Blackbird� � X Common Grackle� � 9 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Subject: King eider, eurowidgeon, Cape. Newton cemetery
From: maurice.gilmore AT comcast.net
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:18:41 +0000 (UTC)

Hi Folks, King Eider still present in a flock of about 200 common eider off the route 6, Bournedale parking lot at 10 this AM. (3/16) Eurasian Widgeon in Little Pond. Nothing left in Dutchman's Ditch this AM. Lot of water. Beautiful greater and lesser scaup in terrific light this AM on Little Pond, seen from a pull-off of Maravista. Brant and American Widgeon mixed in. All of this in Falmouth. Later, while visiting graves in Newton Cemetery, a pair of wood ducks in the first pond you hit, and a loudly kreeeing pair of red-tailed hawks in the act atop a pine tree by a friend's grave. The male then called and floated around his mate. Pete Gilmore Newton, MA maurice.gilmore AT comcast.net
Subject: Deer Island, Winthrop, Revere: Iceland and Lesser Black-backed Gulls
From: Tim Factor <tef617 AT gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:04:42 -0400

I headed to coastal Suffolk County this afternoon to survey the damage from this weekend's storms. Lots of sea life littered the beach, including clams, starfish, and on Winthrop Beach, lobsters ranging from finger size to dinner size. Four to five thousand gulls gathered at the shore from Deer Island to Revere to gorge themselves on the wreckage. In addition to the three regular gull species were two first cycle Iceland Gulls at Winthrop Beach and another first cycle Iceland and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull at the south end of Revere Beach. Tim Factor Boston tef617 AT gmail.com
Subject: Re: Pileated locations
From: kirk marshall <no6km AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:49:11 -0700 (PDT)

I've found the best places to see a pileated are Bald Hill Reservation in Boxford and Ravenswood Park in Gloucester. http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/northeast-ma/ravenswood-park.html http://www.ecga.org/properties/baldhill.html � Unfortunately Bald Hill trails around Crooked Pond are half-flooded even at the dry times of year! So Im sure its a reservoir right now! Ravenswood Park should be a better bet dryness-wise but Ive only ever seen one pileated there near the parking lot but alot of people say its a great place to see them! � Kirk Marshall Malden, MA no6km AT yahoo.com
Subject: Nine Acre Corner, Assabet Goldeneyes, Water Row Sudbury, 3/15
From: "Swain, David" <D.Swain AT snhu.edu>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:28:59 -0400

I did a duck tour in the rain this morning to see what was around, and particularly to see if I could locate the Barrow's Goldeneyes on the Assabet in Maynard. Nine Acre Corner: around 40 Green Winged Teals up on the mud, and all that I could see clearly had vertical breast bars. 7 Great Black Backed gulls (5 adult, 2 first winter). No killdeer seen. In fields around Verrill Farm: around 200 Canada Geese, around 80 Ring Billed Gulls; no killdeer seen. Assabet in Maynard: from behind the Millpond Square office complex at the junction of 117 and 62 (opposite the Mobil), two Goldeneyes seen at the back of the bend, diving and drifting upwind toward the White Pond Rd. bridge. From the White Pond bridge, I could see them just over the reeds on the right shore, but very poorly. Returning to the first view, they had drifted around the bend and out of sight. Without a scope I was unable to confirm that these were Barrow's, but they fit the behavior and exact location of earlier reports. Hopefully they will be present when the sun returns. Lincoln Rd, private field: 13 Wild Turkeys, Red Tail circling overhead. Water Row Sudbury (by hunter's lot): 2 pair Hooded Mergansers, singing RWBBs. Road flooded and closed to traffic. David Swain Concord, MA d.swain at snhu.edu Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
Subject: FYI: 2010 State of the Birds available
From: radanca AT comcast.net
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:00:26 +0000 (UTC)

You can see the latest State of the Birds report at http://www.stateofthebirds.org/ >From the site: "In this 2010 State of the Birds report, we consider one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, climate change. How will the impacts of climate change influence our bird populations and their habitats? Accelerated climate change as a result of human activities is altering the natural world as we know it, diminishing the quality of our environment. This report calls attention to the collective efforts needed to protect nature’s resources for the benefit of people and wildlife." The report is a cooperative project of many bird-related organizations, including the American Bird Conservancy, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Klamath Bird Observatory, National Audubon Society, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Press release and summary at: http://www.stateofthebirds.org/newsroom/2010-news-release
Subject: Reply to "Pileated Woodpecker location(s)"
From: "Walt Webb" <wwebb24 AT verizon.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:53:34 -0400

One way to view the history of a specific species in a region is to go to eBird.org. Then: View & Explore Data > Maps > Select Species > (Pileated Woodpecker) > Change Location > Massachusetts > Counties > (select). Zoomable map will appear with flags denoting reported sightings (with dates) within the last 30 days (red) or prior to last 30 days (yellow). Hope this helps. Walter Webb Westwood, MA wwebb24 AT verizon.net
Subject: Great Meadows flooded, Walk rescheduled (Concord)
From: Cherrie Corey <cherrie.corey AT verizon.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:26:48 -0500

The swollen Concord River out did itself today, reaching all the way into the refuge to cover the parking lot and most of the trails, and benches were seen bobbing on the currents. The Spring Equinox walk that was scheduled for this coming Saturday has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 27, 9-11 am. It may take 7-10 days for the dike trail to be passable with some wading, so please wear calf to knee-high rubber boots. For more information and photos please visit http://sense-of-place-concord.blogspot.com/. Buffleheads, hooded mergansers, swans, black-backed and ring-billed gulls, and Canada geese were visible or audible from the tower this morning. Cherrie Corey Concord, MA -- Cherrie A. Corey Naturalist and photographer Concord, MA 978-760-1933 http://sense-of-place-concord.blogspot.com/
Subject: 3/16 Duxbury Beach - more re Lesser B-b Gull(s)
From: Rick Bowes <rbowes AT bowesweb.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:05:10 -0400

I went out this morning to try for a picture of the light-mantled LBBG I saw yesterday but as anticipated could not locate it. I did find a second, more typically marked bird, in the bay side water swimming with a flock of about 40 Ring-billed Gulls and 8-10 Herrings.(http://www.pbase.com/image/122785699) I have been advised by Jeremiah Trimble that LBBG's seen in the US are essentially all of the "graellsii" subspecies including what I think of as "regular " LBBG's such as the bird at Jenny's Pond or the one I saw this morning . The bird that I wrote about would seem to be well-explained by the following: "There is also a presumed hybrid swarm of 'lighter mantled' LBBGs, called 'Dutch integrades'". So please ignore my speculation about the darker ones being the "intermdius" subspecies. The books weren't much help with this one, and it's good to have such generous experienced birders available via MassBird to help things sort out! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rick Bowes rbowes AT bowesweb.com PO Box 1637, Duxbury, MA 02331
Subject: Seekonk Tufted Duck 3/16/10
From: Ian Davies <goshawk227 AT earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:30:22 -0400

Andrew Spencer and I headed down to Seekonk today to try for the Tufted Duck that has so conveniently moved to the Massachusetts side of the reservoir there. Immediately on arrival at the southern viewpoint on Arcade Ave we found the bird with a number of scaup, and watched it at our leisure for 10 minutes. From there we headed down to the Westport area to see if anything was kicking around. Not much, but we managed to dredge out three Eastern Towhees, a Fox Sparrow, and a Brown Creeper from the thickets in Acoaxet. However, other than that, things were pretty dead. Both branches of the Westport River were pretty much duckless, offshore at Horseneck Beach was more of the same, and only six American Wigeon at Allen's Pond for uncommon waterfowl, excepting the Brant, Common Eider, and American Black Ducks. 41 Greater Scaup on Cockeast Pond, but no hoped for Canvasback. List from Arcade Ave below, as well as a link to a photo of the Tufted Duck. Arcade Ave, Seekonk (1055-1105): Ring-necked Duck 12 Tufted Duck 1 **Rare. My state TUDU, after chasing the one in the Wayland area a couple times, and seeing this very individual in RI on multiple occasions, it was nice to finally get it for MA. Photo at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/uropsalis/4438355957/ Lesser Scaup 21 Common Merganser 14 Ruddy Duck 37 Fish Crow 2 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Good birding, Ian Davies Manomet, MA goshawk227 AT earthlink.net www.pbase.com/daviesphoto http://www.flickr.com/photos/uropsalis/ http://picasaweb.google.com/goshawk227
Subject: BARROW'S GOLDENEYE - YES
From: "jamoos AT earthlink.net" <jamoos@earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:32:57 -0400

Assabet River, Maynard - 2pm A pair of Barrow's Goldeneye in the center of the river's bend, and best seen from the North end of the White Pond Road bridge. The female had a bright yellow bill - breading plumage. They were near a female Merganser, probably red-breasted, but her head was all tucked in. I have a record of having seen this duck at Delaney, not far away, April, 2001. jamoos AT earthlink.net Jane Moosbruker, Ph.D. Bolton MA 01740
Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Suffolk Downs Oasis , 3/16/10
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:19:18 -0700 (PDT)

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Sent: Tue, March 16, 2010 4:12:42 PM Subject: eBird Report - Suffolk Downs Oasis , 3/16/10 Location:� � Suffolk Downs Oasis Observation date:� � 3/16/10 Notes:� � It was fun to watch the aerial antics of the Red-tailed Hawks. Wings pulled back and dive bombing each other. As i approached the beautiful Green-winged Teal, they started chirping. Number of species:� � 11 American Black Duck� � 2 Mallard� � 8 Green-winged Teal (American)� � 6 Bufflehead� � 5 Red-tailed Hawk� � 4 Blue Jay� � 1 American Crow� � 2 American Robin� � 1 Song Sparrow� � 1 Red-winged Blackbird� � 3 Common Grackle� � 7 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Subject: Spooner Pond Plymouth Today
From: "Myer" <mborn AT massmed.org>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:06:33 -0400

Stopped at Spooner pond. The Red-headed Duck was cooperative today and came close to the viewing area. There were also Coots, Mallards, Black Ducks, Gadwalls, Buffleheads, Swans and Ring-billed Gulls Here is the link to pictures of the Red-headed Duck and flight pictures of the swan and the Gulls: http://www.flickr.com/photos/photobee1/sets/72157623509074503/ Nice to have sun after all the rain Regards Myer Bornstein Taunton, MA mborn AT massmed.org
Subject: Seekonk, Cumbies, 3/14
From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg AT comcast.net>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:46 +0000 (UTC)

Margo Goetschkes and I birded Seekonk and Cumberland Farms amid the rain today: Location: Seekonk Canada Goose 4 greater scaup 18 TUFTED DUCK 1 Ruddy Duck 8 FISH CROW 1 Location: Cumberland Farms--IBA Observation date: 3/14/10 Number of species: 29 Canada Goose X American Black Duck 40 Mallard 50 Northern Pintail 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Northern Harrier 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 1 KILLDEER 1 Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull (American) X Mourning Dove 6 Northern Flicker 2 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 12 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 2 American Robin 26 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling X Song Sparrow 10 White-throated Sparrow 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 8 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 20 Common Grackle 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 28 House Finch 3 House Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) 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 MARCH MADNESS SALE This Week - 15% Off ALL In-Stock Optics Including NEW Swarovski Binoculars!
Subject: CT Report 03/14/2010
From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:06:58 -0400

From John Wagenblatt: 03/14/10 - Norwalk, LI Sound -- 1 Black-legged Kittiwake AT 7:45am about 1/2 south of Greens Ledge Light House outside Norwalk Harbor. From Nick Bonomo with Glenn Williams, Phil Rusch: 03/14/10 - Waterford, Harkness State Park -- 5 COMMON EIDER. 11:00am ferry from New London to Orient Point -- a single LARGE ALCID SPECIES (likely Razorbill) in CT waters. From SH Johnston: 03/14/10 - Farmington, Meadow Road, Farmington Meadows -- 2 NORTHERN PINTAIL (m,f,). FYI, the Harlequin Duck has not been seen for the past 2 weeks; I expect he has flown north at last. I check the area most days and will report any positive sightings. From Gene Leganza: 03/14/10 - Wilton, Allen's Meadow -- 7:05pm, American Woodcock near garden area. Began peenting at 7:15. From Steve Mayo: 03/14/10 - Bethany -- 9 Black Vultures soaring South. ********************************************************************** 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: Pileated Woodpecker location(s)
From: alice morgan <morgan.alice AT gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:07:59 -0400

On behalf of a friend, I am trying to identify a place or places where there is a high likelihood of seeing a Pileated at this time of year. Many thanks for suggestions...Alice Morgan -- Alice & Dane Morgan Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Subject: Birds n' Beers, Tonight
From: Eric LoPresti <eric_lopresti AT brown.edu>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:43:46 -0400

This didn't appear to get posted yesterday... Hey guys, Since I am sure everyone was upset about missing a weekend of birds; (except for those who braved the weather - hats off to you guys) but there will be an opportunity to talk birds/drown your sorrows over lost birds tonight (Monday 3/15) night at 7ish at Doherty's East Ave Pub in Pawtucket, RI, right near the Attleboro, MA line and just a couple hundred yards off 95 for all coming from the North. Last time we had a great showing and alot of fun. The Tufted Duck and the Eurasian Widgeon are still around for those interested, and daylight savings time just took effect, so plenty of afternoon/evening light... then a really quick ride up to the pub. Eric LoPresti Providence, RI/Wrentham, MA
Subject: 3/15 Duxbury Beach - Lesser Black-backed Gull - not so black!
From: Rick Bowes <rbowes AT bowesweb.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:28:10 -0400

I made a cursory drive down to Gurnet and back about 4:30-5:15 in a steady rain birding only from the car. The east wind was strong enough that car itself was moving in the gusts making scoping unsteady much of the time when not in the lee of Plum Hills or High Pines. . The flat peat plain that is the Gurnet marsh right now (until the grasses start growing again) resembles a fairly broad tableland with a few shallow puddles scattered about. A number of small groups of gulls dotted the plateau as they rested from the really strong winds on the ocean side. Some would rise up, determinedly buck the strong winds as they headed out to the ocean and then swoop back riding the wind at high speed, and make a sharp turn back into the east wind and alight with the others to rest awhile before making its next sortie. The wind was still strong on the marsh, but not like it was on the ocean side. These gulls were nearly all Herrings and Great Black-backs in a ratio of about 3 to 1. There were a very few Ring-bills here; many more were concentrated in and around High Pines and points north. I went through the groups systematically hoping to find one of the white-winged gulls, but no luck with that quest. However, when I noticed what I first thought was an unusually dark mantled Herring Gull, I grabbed my scope and gave it a more careful look. I was surprised to see very yellow legs! I was thrown off at first because the Jenny's Pond LBB gull has a dark slaty back looking every bit like a small version of the Great Black-backed (http://www.pbase.com/rickbowes/image/122421380/large). This bird was notably lighter than that - more or less 1/2 way between the typical Herrings and GBB's that it was standing with. I was unaware of any subspecies variation and resolved to check my books. On doing so, I learned that there is, indeed, a lighter subspecies (graellsii) and a darker one (intermedius) both of which can be found here. I didn't have my camera with me so was unable to capture today's individual for comparison. If I get out later in the week I'll try to get a shot of it but the odds are long. The difference can be nicely seen in Plate 52 (pg 369) of Gulls of North America, Europe, and Asia by Olsen & Larsson. I will look more carefully at dark Herring Gulls in the future! Rick Bowes Duxbury, MA rbowes(at)bowesweb.com
Subject: CT Report 03/15/2010
From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:56:50 -0400

***** Reminder!!! ***** Saturday, March 20, 2010 ***** 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM ***** COA Annual Meeting ***** Chapman Hall ***** Middlesex Community College ***** Middletown, CT ***** ***** http://www.ctbirding.org/2010docs/2010COA_AnnualMtg.pdf ***** This is the major event of the year fo the Connecticut Ornithological Association, which brings you these daily reports as well as the CTBirds open discussion list. From Barbara de Rienzo: 03/15/10 - Branford, near Kelsey Island -- One Eurasion Wigeon (male)�noted amongst� a group�of�American Wigeon. From John Anderson: 03/14/10 - Norfolk, Aton Forest -- at dusk, a lone Woodcock singing from the fields. From Jack Barclay: 03/12/10 - Westford -- 6:05 to 6:08 p.m., I heard one male woodcock peent for 3 minutes, then quit, with no flights on or off site, nor any display flights. The developing storm and rain were obvious deterrents to display, but this appears to have been the first courtship display effort of the year on a customary site by my house. ********************************************************************** 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: Mt.Auburn Warbler
From: "Oakes Spalding" <ospalding AT comcast.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:32:43 -0400

I caught a glimpse of a dingy-yellow breasted warbler at Mt.Auburn Cemetery this morning,west of Willow Pond,in the vicinity of Pansy Path,but across Story Road from it. It was probably an Orange-crowned,but possibly a Pine. I hung around for a half hour but could not relocate the bird. Oakes Spalding Cambridge ospalding AT comcast.net
Subject: Fw: Canvasback
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:56:32 -0700 (PDT)

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Paul Peterson To: erickneipfer AT yahoo.com Sent: Mon, March 15, 2010 2:50:29 PM Subject: Canvasback Hi, It was on the left side of the dike, directly in line with the brick building that has the blue water tower next to it. It wasn't to far out initially, but then it moved further out, probably because of my arrival. It remained visible the whole time however.
Subject: RFI on Cape Ann storm damage/effects
From: "RMC" <r.cressman.xyz.1928 AT gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:14:42 -0400

I am planning a trip to Cape Ann tomorrow : Eastern Point - Andrew's Point - Halibut Point - & ?? If anyone is aware of any storm damage which might interfere with road conditions, access, etc. I would be interesting in knowing about it. Also any specialties that might be residual from the storm. Rich Richard Cressman East Boston, MA r.cressman.xyz.1928[at]gmail.com
Subject: Seekonk, Cumbies, 3/14
From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg AT comcast.net>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:46 +0000 (UTC)

Margo Goetschkes and I birded Seekonk and Cumberland Farms amid the rain today: Location: Seekonk Canada Goose 4 greater scaup 18 TUFTED DUCK 1 Ruddy Duck 8 FISH CROW 1 Location: Cumberland Farms--IBA Observation date: 3/14/10 Number of species: 29 Canada Goose X American Black Duck 40 Mallard 50 Northern Pintail 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Northern Harrier 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 1 KILLDEER 1 Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull (American) X Mourning Dove 6 Northern Flicker 2 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 12 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 2 American Robin 26 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling X Song Sparrow 10 White-throated Sparrow 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 8 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 20 Common Grackle 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 28 House Finch 3 House Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) 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 MARCH MADNESS SALE This Week - 15% Off ALL In-Stock Optics Including NEW Swarovski Binoculars!
Subject: Numbers of waterbirds in Asia are rapidly declining.
From: "David K. Weaver" <cygnus-dkw AT verizon.net>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:52:13 -0400

Hello, Massbirders -- This sent along with the blessing of the moderator. I had to do a bit of editing to make it acceptable -- I hope that nothing was lost in translation. 'Tis a rather sobering message. Is there ever any good news these days relative to the birds of the world?? Dave Weaver Manchester, MA 01944 cygnus-dkw AT verizon.net ----- Original Message ----- From: John O Albertsen Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 8:12 AM Subject: Fwd: Numbers of waterbirds in Asia are rapidly declining ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: 2010/3/15 Subject: Numbers of waterbirds in Asia are rapidly declining To: swanspecialistgroup AT gmail.com Dear John O Albertsen, See below our latest - alarming news based on many years of waterbird monitoring in Asia. Best, Alex Kaat 12-Mar-2010 Waterbirds in Asia are in trouble. Rapid and poorly-planned human development leading to a lack of adequate official conservation of their important wetland sites are key reasons for their declining numbers. These are the conclusions of the newly published report by Wetlands International, covering over 6,700 wetland sites in 27 Asian countries. Every year, millions of waterbirds migrate up and down between Australia, South and Southeast Asia towards Russia, China and Alaska. These waterbirds depend on networks of productive wetland sites in all the countries. They need these chains of wetlands to rest, feed and breed during their incredibly long and exhausting annual migrations and to help them survive the severe winters in more northern latitudes. Unfortunately, a critical gap exists in designation and proper management of many important wetland sites, together with a lack of international measures leaving them vulnerable to human development pressures. Wetland reclamation is the most destructive cumulative threat to the wetlands and their use by waterbirds. Others include over-fishing, agriculture, hunting, excessive cattle grazing, pollution of wetlands through pesticides, fertilizers, and sewage. Yellow Sea wetlands For example, new industries, urban development and pollution along the Yellow Sea are reducing habitats of critical importance to millions of waterbirds. Tidal flats are being reclaimed to create port facilities, agricultural land and other purposes. This happens so quickly that existing field monitoring capacity is being challenged to keep track of the impacts on biodiversity, or on the livelihoods of the human communities who depend on the many natural services these productive coastal regions provide. Counts of shorebirds around the coast of the Yellow Sea between China, Korea and Japan have revealed that this enormous wetland complex is a vital link in the lifecycles of at least 20 species of these waterbirds. It is home to the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus), the endangered Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis), and vulnerable Relict Gull (Larus relictus), amongst others. The degradation of Yellow Sea�s wetlands will push these species further towards extinction. Impact mitigation The impacts of economic development on the wetlands can be mitigated by carefully planned and enforced national wetland conservation and management measures of the remaining important sites. One example is to designate a specific wetland site to the Ramsar List of Internationally Important Wetlands and to manage it properly. This and other protection measures contribute to the reversing of significant declines in waterbird species. Therefore, Wetlands International urges governments in the region to improve the management and conservation status of these wetlands. New waterbird publication Wetlands International has gathered the results of twenty years of waterbird monitoring in Asia in the new publication entitled Status of Waterbirds in Asia - Results of the Asian Waterbird Census: 1987-2007. For the first time using rigorous statistical methods, the publication indicates that four of the eight most numerous dabbling duck species in East Asia are declining, with habitat loss identified as the principal cause. The species which is identified to be in strongest decline in East Asia is the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, decreasing by around 10% per year over the past ten years. Furthermore, example trend graphs indicate that Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Common Teal Anas crecca and Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha decreased around 1% per year between 1998 and 2007. The news is not all bad. The Baikal teal (Anas Formosa) and Black-faced Spoonbill (Latalia minor) in East Asia have increased over the monitored period. Wetland sites The results of the analysis in Status of Waterbirds in Asia include information on waterbird numbers at a large variety of sites designated under various international and national instruments including: 116 Ramsar sites, nine World Heritage sites, eight Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage sites, nine Man and Biosphere (MAB) reserves, 502 Important Bird Areas, 55 East Asian-Australasian Flyway Network sites and 417 nationally protected areas. This means that out of 6,700 wetland sites in Asia covered by the report only 1116 have some form of protected status. The publication highlights the value of long term monitoring of waterbirds and wetlands, and the need for strengthening national networks of thousands of volunteers who collect the necessary data. To order a copy online: http://www.nhbs.com:80/status_of_waterbirds_in_asia_tefno_174342.html. For further information: www.wetlands.org/awc www.wetlands.org/flyways www.wetlands.org/iwc www.wetlands.org:80/WatchRead/tabid/56/mod/1570/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2181/Invisible-Connections.aspx Contact: Taej Mundkur Programme Manager Flyways Wetlands International Taej.mundkur AT wetlands.org Tel. +31 (0) 318 660 940 or: Alex Kaat Wetlands International Alex.kaat AT wetlands.org Tel.+31 (0) 6 50 60 1917 Notes: Status of Waterbirds in Asia - Results of the Asian Waterbird Census: 1987-2007 The publication covers 349 waterbird species and 74 wetland-dependent species recorded during this period by the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) (http://www.wetlands.org/Whatwedo/Biodiversitywaterbirds/InternationalWaterbirdCensusIWC/AsianWaterbirdCensus/tabid/928/Default.aspx). It provides species status accounts, accompanied by 328 maps, for 396 species, including 52 Globally Threatened species and 24 Near Threatened species. The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) was initiated in 1987 and runs in parallel with other internationally coordinated waterbird censuses carried out in Africa, Europe, Central and West Asia and Latin America under the umbrella of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), which is organised by Wetlands International. The IWC is the largest and longest-running internationally coordinated faunal monitoring programme in the world. The AWC started on the Indian subcontinent in January 1987 and has grown rapidly to cover the rest of Asia, Australasia and eastern Russia. The AWC is conducted annually, during mid January, and is carried out by thousands of volunteers interested in collecting information on waterbirds and wetlands to promote their conservation. The AWC has been extremely successful in achieving its primary objectives of: providing the basis for estimates of waterbird populations; monitoring changes in waterbird numbers and distribution by regular, standardised counts of representative wetlands; improving knowledge of little-known waterbird species and wetland sites; increasing awareness of the importance of waterbirds and their wetland habitats at local, national and international levels. The AWC has also built and strengthened national networks of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers and facilitated their training as an integral part of achieving its objectives. As a result of their increased awareness, local people and governments are now setting about the conservation of important sites in most of the countries covered by the census. However, coverage and conservation efforts vary considerably, and the increasing pressure on wetlands and their biodiversity highlights the need to strengthen the programme to tackle ever-growing challenges. These include global climate change and its far-reaching impacts on changes in distribution and types of wetlands, as well as seasonal variations linked to probable changes in the carrying capacities of the wetlands used by the waterbirds for feeding, nesting and roosting. The Asian Waterbird Census programme has produced a wide range of publications, reports and reviews that are available online on the Wetlands International website. The full reference to latest publication is: Li, Z.W.D., Bloem, A., Delany S., Martakis G. and Quintero J. O. 2009. Status of Waterbirds in Asia - Results of the Asian Waterbird Census: 1987-2007. Wetlands International, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ISBN: 978-90-5882-012-9 (http://www.wetlands.org:80/WatchRead/tabid/56/mod/1570/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2458/Status-of-Waterbirds-in-Asia.aspx) The publication is available from the Natural History Book Service and can be downloaded from the Wetlands International website www.wetlands.org/awc More... -- John O. Albertsen Swan Specialist Group Coordinator swanspecialistgroup AT gmail.com
Subject: Seekonk, Cumbies, 3/14
From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg AT comcast.net>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:46 +0000 (UTC)

Margo Goetschkes and I birded Seekonk and Cumberland Farms amid the rain today: Location: Seekonk Canada Goose 4 greater scaup 18 TUFTED DUCK 1 Ruddy Duck 8 FISH CROW 1 Location: Cumberland Farms--IBA Observation date: 3/14/10 Number of species: 29 Canada Goose X American Black Duck 40 Mallard 50 Northern Pintail 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Northern Harrier 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 1 KILLDEER 1 Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull (American) X Mourning Dove 6 Northern Flicker 2 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 12 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 2 American Robin 26 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling X Song Sparrow 10 White-throated Sparrow 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 8 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 20 Common Grackle 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 28 House Finch 3 House Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) 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 MARCH MADNESS SALE This Week - 15% Off ALL In-Stock Optics Including NEW Swarovski Binoculars!
Subject: Birds and Beers - Tommorow!
From: Eric LoPresti <eric_lopresti AT brown.edu>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:44:53 -0400

Hey guys, Since I am sure everyone was upset about missing a weekend of birds; (except for those who braved the weather - hats off to you guys) but there will be an opportunity to talk birds/drown your sorrows over lost birds tomorrow (Monday 3/15) night at 7ish at Doherty's East Ave Pub in Pawtucket, RI, right near the Attleboro, MA line and just a couple hundred yards off 95 for all coming from the North. Last time we had a great showing and alot of fun. The Tufted Duck and the Eurasian Widgeon are still around for those interested, and daylight savings time just took effect, so plenty of afternoon/evening light... then a really quick ride up to the pub. Eric LoPresti Providence, RI/Wrentham, MA
Subject: Re: Harrier feeding on Goldeneye
From: "Suzanne & John" <kestrel2009 AT gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:08:58 -0400

Suzanne saw the same sick or injured Common Goldeneye last Sunday (a week ago) in the same location. Today we witnessed its carcass being picked over by two adult, and later one first-winter, Great Black-backed Gulls. John Keeley Stoneham, MA kestrel2009 AT gmail.com
Subject: Pileated Woodpecker location(s)
From: alice morgan <morgan.alice AT gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:07:59 -0400

On behalf of a friend, I am trying to identify a place or places where there is a high likelihood of seeing a Pileated at this time of year. Many thanks for suggestions...Alice Morgan -- Alice & Dane Morgan Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Subject: Re: Harrier feeding on Goldeneye
From: "Eric" <elabato AT verizon.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:18:00 -0400

Recently on Plum Island I observed a male Common Goldeneye resting on the shore in that little pond that's in the field just south of the Wardens. It wasn't moving at all and I thought that was an unusual spot for a Goldeneye. I think it is possible that Goldeneye was sick or injured and the Harrier spotted it and took advantage of the opportunity for an easy meal. Eric Labato Malden, MA elabato AT verizon.net
Subject: 3/31/10 BBC MASS Waterfowl Prowl
From: Eddie <emgiles AT verizon.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:47:48 -0400

*Yesterday, Mary Keleher and I led our 3rd Waterfowl Prowl for the Brookline Bird Club. The intent of this trip is to try and find as many of the 30 possible species of duck found in the Massachusetts. The weather forecast was for intermittent rain which would get worse as the day progressed. We decided to give it a go anyway, and three other hardy birders joined us. We covered the lower Cape in the morning, and around noon we decide to leave the Cape and head for Fairhaven, Westport, Acoaxet & Seekonk. At that point, a yellow light and a bad cell phone managed to divide the group; a two car rollover and it's resulting one hour traffic jam on Route 25 essentially ended the trip. We ended the day at West Island in Fairhaven with 20 species of duck, 44 species for the day. Duck highlights only: DUCKS Wood Gadwall Eurasian Widgeon - Dutchman's Ditch American Widgeon American Black Duck Mallard Redhead - Little Pond Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup - Siders Pond, Little Pond Lesser Scaup - Siders Pond, Little Pond King Eider - Bournedale/Cape Cod Canal Common Eider White-winged Scoter Black Scoter - Bournedale/Cape Cod Canal (with Eider flock) Long-tailed Duck - Monument Beach Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser - Salt Pond Common Merganser - Lovell's Pond Red-breasted Merganser On my way home, I stopped by Walnut Street in Halifax to look for the Greater White-fronted Goose. There was approximately 150 Canadas, but the GWFG was not among them. I then checked the Cumberland Farms fields and the flooded fields **were loaded with waterfowl - Canada Goose (**500+)**, Mallards, American Black Duck, Wood Duck, American Widgeon and Northern Pintail. There must have been over 2,000 birds there - the skies were in constant motion. I also got to watch a large coyote trying to hunt ducks in the flooded fields.* * Eddie **************************** Eddie, Maura & Jason East Bridgewater, MA emgiles AT verizon.net*
Subject: Harrier feeding on Goldeneye
From: "George W. Gove" <gwgove AT verizon.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:20:24 -0400

On Friday, Mar 12, 2010, we saw an adult female Northern Harrier feeding on an adult male Common Goldeneye about 60 m out in the field just south of the parking lot at the Warden's on Plum Island. We thought this was unusual prey for a Marsh Hawk. Sibley gives the weights of these two species as 420 g for the hawk and 850 g for the duck, a seemingly large difference. Wheeler, in Raptors of Eastern North America, says that harriers mainly feed on small prey but that females often capture avian prey that are somewhat heavier than themselves by holding them down and may drown small ducks in this manner and then drag the prey to shore and eat it. However, the location where the hawk was eating the duck was 500 to 1000 feet from the nearest shore. When we arrived and noticed the hawk, it had been plucking the duck for some time, judging by all the feathers around the area, and was consuming the duck. The hawk had an apparently full crop and continued to feed. Later, on our way back off the island, we stopped and I walked out to where the hawk had been feeding; the hawk was no longer in the area. The duck's breast and some of the entrails had been consumed. We hadn't realized that a harrier would capture, kill, and eat a bird as large as a goldeneye, and we were amazed that the hawk could carry a large prey item as far as it must have assuming it captured the duck in the sound west of the area. The small bodies of water neat the site were ice covered. Where it captured the duck is only speculation as we did not see the capture. George Gove & Judy Gordon Southboro
Subject: eBird Report - Nantucket - East End , 3/14/10 - Very stormy, nothing unusual
From: "Ken Blackshaw" <kenandcindy1 AT comcast.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:43:44 -0400

Location: Nantucket - East End Observation date: 3/14/10 Notes: Nantucket Birders Sunday morning adventure. Three cars with 8 birders. WX Very windy and rainy. Temp low 40s. First to Tom Never's, then Codfish, Hoick's Hollow, Sachacha, Polpis Harbor, UMass Field Station and finally, Life Saving Museum. Number of species: 31 Canada Goose 6 American Black Duck 8 Mallard 4 Greater Scaup 40 Sachacha Common Eider 75 Surf Scoter 1 Sachacha - with scaup! Black Scoter 2 Long-tailed Duck 50 Bufflehead 75 Mainly off Codfish Common Goldeneye 1 Polpis Harbor Hooded Merganser 4 Quaise Pond Red-breasted Merganser 4 Red-throated Loon 1 Off Hoick's Common Loon 5 Great Cormorant 1 Polpis Harbor Great Blue Heron 2 Herring Gull X Iceland Gull 6 Tom Never's Lesser Black-backed Gull 16 Tom Never's Great Black-backed Gull X Rock Pigeon 4 Mourning Dove 8 American Crow 20 Carolina Wren 3 Heard American Robin 10 European Starling 15 Song Sparrow 8 Northern Cardinal 6 Red-winged Blackbird 8 Wires near Polpis Harbor Common Grackle 1 Wires near Polpis Harbor American Goldfinch 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Subject: Tufted duck 14 march
From: <m.goetschkes AT comcast.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:18:32 +0000 (UTC)

The tufted duck is still present in Seekonk, viewed from Newman Ave. At 2pm. Margo & Steve Cambridge Sent from Comcast Mobile
Subject: RE: BBC Trip - Saturday March 20th - Vernal Equinox Walk
From: "Laura de la Flor" <anhinga AT verizon.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:29:26 -0400

PS - My e-mail address is: anhinga AT verizon.net From: Laura de la Flor [mailto:lhdelaflor AT verizon.net] Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 1:19 PM To: MassBird Posts (massbird AT world.std.com) Subject: BBC Trip - Saturday March 20th - Vernal Equinox Walk Hi MassBirders - With the onset of Spring less than one week away I wanted to let you know that I will be leading my Vernal Equinox Walk for the Brookline Bird Club on Saturday, March 20th. This will be a "Leader's Choice - All Day" trip so if you would like to join us please send me an e-mail no later than 7:00 PM on Friday, March 19th for details. FYI - On March 20, 2010, at precisely 1:32 P.M. EDT, the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/riteofspring1.html Think Spring! Laura Laura H. de la Flor Salem, MA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So much to learn about Mother Nature .. ... always racing with father time." (lhf)
Subject: Spring Great Meadows walk, Sat., March 20, 9-11 am
From: Cherrie Corey <cherrie.corey AT verizon.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:52:58 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE First Spring Walk at Great Meadows - Saturday, March 20, 9-11 am A continuing series of monthly walks exploring the landscape, plants, and seasonal wonders of Great Meadows in Concord. The damp and warming earth, freshening breezes, returning birds, and first blush of new growth are hallmarks of the March landscape. Rising waters, lingering ice, returning birds, and first flowers all await us on the trail. Dress for mud and the potential for some calf-deep flooding! No pre-registration required. A $5/person voluntary donation will be gratefully accepted. Led by Cherrie Corey, local naturalist, botanist, and photographer Co-sponsored by Musketaquid and Friends of the Assabet River NWR. Meet at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, MA. Take Monsen Road, off Rte. 62 to the driveway on left where the road curves right. Visit http://sense-of-place-concord.blogspot.com/ online for rain/flood dates, updated information on walks and events, seasonal photos, and reference links. For more information email cherrie.corey AT verizon.net or call 978-760-1933. -- Cherrie A. Corey Naturalist and photographer Concord, MA 978-760-1933 http://sense-of-place-concord.blogspot.com/
Subject: Birding RI 3/13 - Ducks
From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:48:04 -0800 (PST)

Three vans of hardy birders from Drumlin Farm WS braved the rain & winds searching out ducks in RI - also a good test of the rain gear! We started in light rain at East Providence Reservoir around 9:30am on Sat 3/13 where we had many Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Common & Hooded Mergansers, Bufflehead, Mallards plus both D-c and Great Cormorants - no Tufted Duck. We returned around 3 pm and spotted the Tufted Duck from the causeway with several scaup which suddenly took off & headed to the north end of the reservoir. We went up there but the ducks were missing. >From the reservoir in the morning, we went to Squantum Point via Boyden Blvd. The pond by the bike path had several Am. Wigeon and Red-b Mergansers but no Eurasian Wigeon. I figured the bird had to be close by so at the end of Boyden Blvd, take a left on Sunnyside Ave to end[short distance] and check overlook of river/harbor. The Eurasian Wigeon was along the edge with several Am. Wigeon, Brant, Black Ducks plus a large flock of Greater Scaup further out in the harbor. At Sabin Park, we had Am. Goldeneyes, many Brant, 3 Horned grebes plus many Red-b Mergansers & Buffleheads. The wild experience of the day was going to Beavertail SP in Jamestown figuring Sachuest NWR would be worse - the wind was blasting, horizontal rain pelting us but we checked the lee side where we had excellant looks at Harlequin Ducks, Black Scoters, Common Eider, Common Loon plus a large flock of Purple Sandpiper on the rocks. We had a Greater Yellowlegs in the Marsh Meadows. We checked out several ponds in Middletown for new species of ducks but only St. Mary's Pond had several species with Gadwalls being new. With the rain and the wind, a lack of ducks in general, we quickly headed home stopping on the way for the Tufted Duck. We found a total of 18 species of ducks on a super challenging day for the birders - the ducks seemed fine with the weather. Strickland Wheelock Uxbridge, Ma.
Subject: 3/13 Duxbury & Beach, Killdeer
From: Rick Bowes <rbowes AT bowesweb.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:07:58 -0500

3/13 10:00-12:10; HiTide: 9:45 (9.9ft); Temp 40; Steady rain; ENE wind increasing from 5 to 15; Bay quiet, Ocean big waves rolling in. Birded the Beach including Gurnet's Boat Hole but not the cliff - would have been useless. The big wintering flock of Dunlin was scattered all along the bayside shoreline either side of High Pines for about 1/4 mile. A large flock of Brant (92) indicative of a growing numbers of these handsome birds (no black bellies to date). Full ebird list below. Looked hard for Piper but none yet. During the week several flat areas on the east side of the road between High Pines and the 3rd xover that are above the high tide line have been cleared by the town to make new nesting areas for Piping Plovers. There is a big expanse and then several smaller areas. Hopefully the birds will nest there and not in the spots where spring high tides can wash them out as happened the last 2 years. This will be an interesting experiment to watch. My most regular spot for early (and breeding) Killdeer in Duxbury the last few years has been the athletic field (track) behind the Middle School complex. I had my first ones (2) for the year today right by the parking lot. They were bathing vigorously in a fairly deep puddle that had formed on the running track. Brant 200 One flock of 92 counted, numerous other groups of 2-10. Est total at least 200 Canada Goose 7 One flock north of High Pines American Black Duck X Mallard 5 in Gurnet marsh a group of 3 and a pair Common Eider X White-winged Scoter X Bufflehead X Red-breasted Merganser X Common Loon 3 on bay side. includes the regular with deformed bill Horned Grebe 1 Bay side north of 1st xover Great Cormorant X Dunlin 1000 The big flock (counted several times at 1200+) flew together and then had spread out along bayside above at and below High Pines. 1000 is a conservative estimate. Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull X Great Black-backed Gull X Rock Pigeon X American Crow X Horned Lark 18 Flock or 13 another of 5 American Robin 1 European Starling 60 On flock at Gurnet Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich) 1 just north of 3rd xover in bush Song Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rick Bowes rbowes AT bowesweb.com PO Box 1637, Duxbury, MA 02331
Subject: Birding RI 3/13 - Ducks
From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:48:04 -0800 (PST)

Three vans of hardy birders from Drumlin Farm WS braved the rain & winds searching out ducks in RI - also a good test of the rain gear! We started in light rain at East Providence Reservoir around 9:30am on Sat 3/13 where we had many Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Common & Hooded Mergansers, Bufflehead, Mallards plus both D-c and Great Cormorants - no Tufted Duck. We returned around 3 pm and spotted the Tufted Duck from the causeway with several scaup which suddenly took off & headed to the north end of the reservoir. We went up there but the ducks were missing. From the reservoir in the morning, we went to Squantum Point via Boyden Blvd. The pond by the bike path had several Am. Wigeon and Red-b Mergansers but no Eurasian Wigeon. I figured the bird had to be close by so at the end of Boyden Blvd, take a left on Sunnyside Ave to end[short distance] and check overlook of river/harbor. The Eurasian Wigeon was along the edge with several Am. Wigeon, Brant, Black Ducks plus a large flock of Greater Scaup further out in the harbor. At Sabin Park, we had Am. Goldeneyes, many Brant, 3 Horned grebes plus many Red-b Mergansers & Buffleheads. The wild experience of the day was going to Beavertail SP in Jamestown figuring Sachuest NWR would be worse - the wind was blasting, horizontal rain pelting us but we checked the lee side where we had excellant looks at Harlequin Ducks, Black Scoters, Common Eider, Common Loon plus a large flock of Purple Sandpiper on the rocks. We had a Greater Yellowlegs in the Marsh Meadows. We checked out several ponds in Middletown for new species of ducks but only St. Mary's Pond had several species with Gadwalls being new. With the rain and the wind, a lack of ducks in general, we quickly headed home stopping on the way for the Tufted Duck. We found a total of 18 species of ducks on a super challenging day for the birders - the ducks seemed fine with the weather. Strickland Wheelock Uxbridge, Ma.
Subject: CT Report 03/13/2010
From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:21:11 -0500

From Frank Mantlik: 03/13/10 - Westport, Compo Beach -- 12:30, 1st-winter ICELAND GULL, and 30+ Bonaparte's Gulls foraging with the usual gulls in the turbulent waters near the "cannon" point. I last saw the wintering adult Iceland Gull here on 5 March; it appears to have moved on. 03/13/10 - Stratford, 600 Long Beach Blvd -- 5:15, lots of ducks in the 'warehouse pond', including 3 male NORTHERN SHOVELERS. From From-Rick Macsuga 03/13/10 - South Windsor, Vibert Rd -- 2 Wilson's Snipe. ********************************************************************** 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: Red-shouldered Hawk - Mendon
From: Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore <barb620 AT TheWorld.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:16:48 -0500

Thanks to CM Gangas for this report from earlier today. Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA barb620 AT theworld.com * * * Subject: Red-shoulder Hawk Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:13:09 -0500 Good morning! I'd like to report spotting a Red-shouldered Hawk this morning in Mendon, MA. The hawk was spotted flying through the yard and perching on a tree on the bordering wood line. We're on the Uxbridge line about 1/2 mile south on Rt 16. Thanks, and good birding! CM Gangas
Subject: BBC trip to Newburyport and Vic. CANCELLED
From: "Jonathan Center" <jbcenter AT comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:04:08 -0500

I have reluctantly decided to cancel the Brookline Bird Club trip to Newburyport & Vicinity scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday, March 14) due to the forecast of heavy rain, wind, and possible coastal flooding. Sorry for any convenience this may cause. Jonathan Center Chelmsford jbcenter(AT)comcast.net
Subject: Maynard Barrow's Goldeneyes - yes 3/13
From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1 AT verizon.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:06:32 -0500

The pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes were seen at 8:45 a.m. this morning from the bridge on White Pond Rd as reported yesterday by Jane Lothian. Parking at the Assabet River NWR was perfect. There were no other waterfowl observed. Karsten Hartel and I then went on to Water Row in Sudbury were we flushed an adult Bald Eagle. Other highlights: American Wigeon 3 Hooded Merganser 3 White-throated Sparrow 12 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Tree Sparrow 1 At Nine Acre Corner, we had: Green-winged Teal 18 (no Eurasian Green-winged Teal was observed) Bald Eagle 2nd year Cheers! Linda -- 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: SSBC Trip to Plum Island cancelled
From: "Glenn d'Entremont" <gdentremont1 AT comcast.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:32:44 +0000 (UTC)

Due to the weather, tomorrow's (3/14) South Shore Bird Club trip to Plum Island is cancelled. Glenn Glenn d'Entremont: gdentremont1 AT comcast.net Stoughton, MA
Subject: BBC, Newburyport, No bird of the day
From: wcdrummond <wcdrummond AT aol.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:23:46 -0500

Dear Friends, �� I drove to Newburyport today to see if anyone showed up for the 1 PM meeting time. � No one else showed up. � People used very good judgment as it would have been a very difficult afternoon to go birding. � At 1:20 I drove over to Mass. Audubon Joppa to see my friends there and look at the bird sightings reports. � No Snowy Owl reported today but good looks from there at the Bald Eagles, but earlier in the day. � So no bird of the day for me in Newburyport. � � �I headed home in the driving rain and saw lots of the sparrows, juncos, woodpeckers and goldfinch at our feeders. � Good birding, everyone! Bill Drummond North Andover, MA WCDrummond AT aol.com � � � � WCDrummond AT verizon.net http://web.mac.com/crossbillsbirding � � � � � �South Texas next February and California next March are now on the website. �
Subject: Cape Ann 3/13
From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg AT comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:31:00 +0000 (UTC)

Margo Goetschkes and I birded Cape Ann today with the following results: Location: Cape Ann Observation date: 3/13/10 Number of species: 38 Canada Goose 75, Waring Field Mute Swan 3 American Black Duck 40 Mallard 50 Greater Scaup 1, Gloucester harbor Common Eider 120 Harlequin Duck 30 Surf Scoter 3 White-winged Scoter 15 Bufflehead 60 Common Goldeneye 50 Red-breasted Merganser 35 Wild Turkey 4, Eastern Point Red-throated Loon 1 Common Loon 4 Horned Grebe 1, Pebble Beach Great Cormorant 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Purple Sandpiper 11, Andrew's Point Black-legged Kittiwake 14, Andrew's Point Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull X Iceland Gull 7, Eastern Point Glaucous Gull 1, Eastern Point Great Black-backed Gull X Razorbill 8, Andrew's Point large alcid sp. 15 Rock Pigeon X Mourning Dove 2 American Crow 18 Black-capped Chickadee 43 American Robin 3 European Starling 20 Song Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 1 Red-winged Blackbird 3 Common Grackle 2 House Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) 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 MARCH MADNESS SALE This Week - 15% Off ALL In-Stock Optics Including NEW Swarovski Binoculars!
Subject: Eurasian Widgeon in West Bridgewater
From: "Rob Sawyer" <robert.sawyer AT comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:58:44 -0500

This morning at 9:00 (thanks to a tip from a fellow birder), I viewed the adult male Eurasian Widgeon in the flooded fields on the north side of Scoland Road in West Bridgewater. I understand the widgeon hasbeen present for several days. Despite the cold, wind and rain, the bird was actively feeding and was easily scoped from the model airplane club shelter (a small orange wind sock flies on the roof). Also present were several Pintails, blacks, mallards and innumerable (100 plus) green winged teal. Rob Sawyer Marion, Ma
Subject: Bald Eagles Mating ~ Image Link
From: jfenton AT natureandwings.com
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:21:40 -0700

An occasion and an image from 3/9/10 that was special to me which I'd like to share if you'd like to take a look (there is a paragraph of accompanying story line which go with it) With the high wind warnings for tonight through Monday, lets all keep our fingers crossed for bald eagles throughout the region as many of the nests are in awfully precarious positions...and some were already lost apparently during the last storm. http://www.pbase.com/soonipi1957/image/122705573/original Jim Fenton 42 11th Ave Haverhill, MA 01830 Cell: 978-420-6363 Images at: www.pbase.com/soonipi1957
Subject: Displaying Red-winged Blackbirds
From: Ryan Schain <ryanschain AT gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:01:29 -0500

Yesterday morning was my last day attending training in Grafton, so I brought my camera equipment out to photograph some of the birds I have been seeing there. There were a few hundred Red-winged Blackbirds in the treetops above a marshy area (my counting estimate was 350), and 5 or 6 males at a time would come down low in the marsh and duke it out with the other males. I've seen this many times, but this was happening at close range, in nice light, for just about an hour. Also seen were at least 10 Eastern Bluebirds, 100 Common Grackles and a high flying adult Sharp-shinned Hawk. Here are the resulting photographs - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryser915/sets/72157623611650166/detail/ Ryan Schain Boston ryanschain AT gmail.com Location: Institute Road, Grafton Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 26 Mallard 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Mourning Dove 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 5 Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 4 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Eastern Bluebird 10 American Robin 20 European Starling 15 Song Sparrow 2 White-throated Sparrow 13 Dark-eyed Junco 20 Northern Cardinal 4 Red-winged Blackbird 350 Common Grackle 100 House Finch 5 American Goldfinch 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Subject: Moose Hill and Borderland, SP, Sharon
From: dp32 AT aol.com
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:53:12 -0500

Yesterday evening around 6:15, at the large meadow across Moose Hill St from sanctuary director's house, in the gathering darkness, I heard the "peent" and wing fluttering sounds of a woodcock in it's mating ritual. Unfortunately it was too dark for me to see the wonderful spiraling flight. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, I heard several Barred Owls calling near the beehive meadow on Billings Path at Moose Hill. Red-Winged Blackbirds were singing at edge of pond near large (farmhouse) meadow at Borderland State Park last weekend. Ah, Spring! Debby Radovsky Sharon dp32 AT aol.com
Subject: Friday, March 12 - World's End, Hingham
From: "John Galluzzo" <jgalluzzo AT massaudubon.org>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:45:07 -0500

I took a brief late afternoon walk at World's End yesterday, the highlight sighting of which was three EASTERN MEADOWLARKS on the southeast slope of Planters Hill. John Galluzzo Adult Education Coordinator Citizen Science Coordinator Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries 2000 Main Street Marshfield MA 02050 jgalluzzo AT massaudubon.org www.massaudubon.org/southshorejournal Find us on Facebook! 781-837-9400
Subject: Birding and Baseball 2010
From: "John Galluzzo" <jgalluzzo AT massaudubon.org>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:24:26 -0500

Hi all - Just a quick note to say that we still have a few seats left for Birding and Baseball in Baltimore. This year's edition, due to the Red Sox schedule, is April 29-May 2, which puts us on Chesapeake Bay for the beginning of spring migration. We'll be focusing more on the birding this year, with only one Sox-Orioles game. But for that Friday night game we got tickets in the 18th row behind the Sox' dugout! Charlie Nims will be co-leading the trip with me this year. If anybody has any questions, please contact me directly. Go Sox! John Galluzzo Adult Education Coordinator Citizen Science Coordinator Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries 2000 Main Street Marshfield MA 02050 jgalluzzo AT massaudubon.org www.massaudubon.org/southshorejournal Find us on Facebook! 781-837-9400
Subject: Mew Gull, Exeter
From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg AT comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:11:46 +0000 (UTC)

David Deifik called the store at 9:50 this morning to report that he and Denny Abbott were looking at the Mew Gull at the Exeter waste water treatment plant. The gull was seen in the main pond feeding with a flock of Ring-necked Gulls. Barrett Bacall for SG 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 MARCH MADNESS SALE This Week - 15% Off ALL In-Stock Optics Including NEW Swarovski Binoculars!
Subject: Re: previous Pine Warbler post, Plymouth
From: "Anne & Harry" <walker.middleton AT comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:17:01 -0500

We've had two and sometimes three Pine Warblers feeding and chasing one another in our yard since December. Anne Middleton South Yarmouth, MA walker.middleton AT comcast.net
Subject: First Marked Bahamas Piping Plover Re-sighted.
From: Peter Doherty <leasttern AT hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:35:19 -0500

Greetings, all: They are coming. And very soon. The initial resighting of a Piping Plover marked on February 17, 2010 on Andros Island, The Bahamas was made (and photographed) in Duval County, FL on March 13 by Pat Leary. It is ~440 air miles between those points. Pictures and additional information are posted on the First Landing blog at www.cvwo.org. Peter Doherty leasttern AT hotmail.com
Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Braintree/Randolph-Great Pond Reservoir , 3/12/10
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:42:38 -0800 (PST)

----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Sent: Sat, March 13, 2010 12:42:31 AM Subject: eBird Report - Braintree/Randolph-Great Pond Reservoir , 3/12/10 Location:� � Braintree/Randolph-Great Pond Reservoir Observation date:� � 3/12/10 Notes:� � I also had one Canvasback here last spring(same one?) The Turkey Vultures were all seen simultaneously, so it is an exact count. There may have been an additional seventeen scaup, but I was afraid of overcount. I don't have a spotting scope, and so I do much walking here. It sometimes can be difficult to be sure whether or not certain birds have just flown to a different spot or are ones I haven't seen/counted yet. in these cases i am conservative in my count. Number of species:� � 33 Canada Goose� � 40 Mute Swan� � 1 Mallard� � 6 Canvasback� � 1 Greater Scaup� � 2 Lesser Scaup� � 1 Greater/Lesser Scaup� � 17 Bufflehead� � 15 Common Goldeneye� � 12 Hooded Merganser� � 2 Common Merganser� � 30 Wild Turkey� � 10 Turkey Vulture� � 10 Herring Gull (American)� � X Great Black-backed Gull� � 5 Downy Woodpecker� � 3 Hairy Woodpecker� � 2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)� � 1 Blue Jay� � 3 American Crow� � X Fish Crow� � 2 Black-capped Chickadee� � 11 Tufted Titmouse� � 6 Red-breasted Nuthatch� � 1 White-breasted Nuthatch� � 10 Golden-crowned Kinglet� � 4 American Robin� � 16 Song Sparrow� � 5 Swamp Sparrow� � 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)� � 12 Northern Cardinal� � 3 Red-winged Blackbird� � X Common Grackle� � X American Goldfinch� � 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Subject: The Holiest Red-tailed Hawks
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:52:32 -0800 (PST)

Hi massbirders, In my neighborhood is the world's holiest Red-tailed Hawk. Having perched on the crucifixes of my local Catholic and Presbyterian churches, as well as the mosque, he or she now has the power to heal. Come by for the laying on of claws. Holy Claws(Santa Claws) Ho! Ho! Ho! Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston
Subject: Red-tailed Hawks Flying Like Accipiters, and Red-shouldered with Slow Wingbeats
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:43:36 -0800 (PST)

Hi, Does anyone want to give input on this forum as to why a pair of Red-tailed Hawks seen on Friday in Randolph were flying like they were accipiters? They remained together for at least two minutes at the Higashi School, and then flew out of sight. They were alternating flapping with gliding. At first I thought they were possibly Red-shouldered Hawks. According to Sibley, Red-shouldered Hawks have an accipiter-like flight.(Although he also says their wingbeats are quick, and the one I saw in Concord on Sunday over the Sudbury River had slow wingbeats, just like the National Geographic guide to Birds of Eastern North America says. �HELP! Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com�
Subject: 3/12 Great Pond Canvasback and Sunset Lake Great Cormorants etc.
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:20:19 -0800 (PST)

Hi, Here are my highlights from Great Pond in�Braintree/Randolph: Common Merganser 30 Hooded Merganser 2 Bufflehead 15 Lesser Scaup 1 Greater Scaup 2 Scaup sp. 17-34 CANVASBACK 1-beautiful male(same one as last spring?) Common Goldeneye 12 TURKEY VULTURE 10 in same area of sky Wild Turkey�10 Fish Crow 2 Swamp Sparrow 1 White-tailed Deer 2 �� SUNSET LAKE(Braintree): �� GREAT CORMORANT 2-AD. AND JUV. on one of the "cormorant" rocks-retired to a tree at 5:30p.m.! �� RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 1 �� Ring-necked Duck 2 males �� Brown Creeper 2 Paul Peterson petersonpaul63 AT yahoo.com Boston
Subject: CT Report 03/12/2010
From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:09:51 -0500

From Jim and Carol Zipp: 03/12/10 - Hamden yard -- 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDs. One male and one female briefly on the ground under our feeders. From Tony Hager: 03/12/10 - Middletown, west of Wesleyan -- 1 Black Vulture. From Paul Cianfaglione: 03/12/10 - Farmington, Batterson Pond -- 1 drake RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. From John Marshall: 03/12/10 - Milford, Milford Point -- between 6:30 and 7:00, 1 Eurasian subspecies Green-winged Teal. From Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe: 03/12/10 - Meriden, Woods by Red Bridge -- 7-8am, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. From Hank Golet: 03/12/10 - Old Lyme, Griswold Pt -- 1 SNOW BUNTING. ********************************************************************** 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: 3 Falcon Lunch, Cambridge
From: "Greg Dysart" <dysart AT volume3.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:53:09 -0500

Friday, March 12, '10 No, I didn't eat the Falcons, but I did see three falcons on my lunch walk today. I walked from Central Square down Bishop Allen Drive to Vassar Street, just off Main Street and while standing in front of the Stata Center, Frank Gehry's building, I saw two Peregrines soaring just over the buildings. While heading back to Central Square, I noticed two high flying hawks. One was smaller than the other and not the typical Red-tail form. As I got the birds in my binoculars, I realized that a Red-tail was being buzzed by a Peregrine and somewhat vice versa. I assumed the Falcon to be one of the earlier seen birds. As I returned via Bishop Allen near Douglass Street, I checked to see if the male Kestrel I've seen all winter was around and I was pleased to see that he was once again on his regular perch. This is a five story building on Mass Ave next to McDonald's. He hangs out there frequently on the building's metal stack. Cambridge sure doesn't have the natural beauty of my favorite birding spots in the state, but it continues to lend falcons easily. I'm hoping the Kestrel finds a mate again this year. Nesting boxes in these urban areas are something to consider. A friend tells me he saw a pair nesting last year in a building on Mass Ave, Boston at Newbury Street and has seen one Kestrel there this week on another Frank Gehry building, the former Tower Records building. Good birding, Greg Greg Dysart dysart AT volume3.com natick ma http://dysart.zenfolio.com/
Subject: Re: previous Pine Warbler post, Plymouth
From: Bennet Porter <bennet.porter AT gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:08:26 -0500

According to eBird, Pine Warblers have been recorded in Massachusetts every week of the year. Somewhat surprising, but apparently early sightings shouldn't be discounted. And a number of the "early" sightings have been in Plymouth, too! Of course, it still makes sense to scrutinize winter sightings. Bennet Porter Falmouth, MA bennet.porter AT gmail.com
Subject: Edmund Hill Woods, Northborough, Pine Warbler 3/12
From: Andrew Joslin <andrew AT natureclimber.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:05:22 -0500

Edmund Hill Woods is a tract of town conservation land in Northborough, MA. The pine warbler was singing from a white pine in a swampy area near the Proctor Trail. A mixed flock was in the same area with the warbler, the following were counted: Brown Creeper, 1 Pine Warbler, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (working cones up high) White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (down low) Dark-eyed Junco, 12 American Robin, 25 American Crow, 2 Andrew Joslin Jamaica Plain, MA
Subject: Connecticut River Valley 3/12/10
From: Ian Davies <goshawk227 AT earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:12:11 -0500 (EST)

Andrew Spencer and I birded the Connecticut River Valley today from south to north, starting at Fannie Stebbins in Longmeadow and ending in Northfield in the afternoon. Birds were scarce in general, as is to be expected inland in early March, but there were a few goodies. The most surprising were probably FIVE Tree Swallows at Fannie Stebbins, a single and a group of four, as well as two American Wigeon there, and three Fox Sparrows at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. We checked many fields in the Hadley and Northampton areas, as well as driving along fields from Hatfield to Deerfield, and checking Northfield later on. Despite all of that we saw less than 75 Canada Geese all day! There were no big flocks whatsoever, and most fields were empty entirely. Barton's Cove had quite a few gulls when we were there in early afternoon, but nothing of interest except a high ratio of Great Black-backed Gulls. Lists from select places today below. Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge (0805-0845): Canada Goose 12 Mute Swan 2 Wood Duck 6 American Wigeon 2 *Uncommon. A pair in the third pond from the south. American Black Duck 11 Mallard 26 Green-winged Teal (American) 2 Flying by the southmost pond. Ring-necked Duck 3 Northmost pond Hooded Merganser 1 Northmost pond Common Merganser 2 CT river Red-tailed Hawk 1 Rock Pigeon 3 Mourning Dove 8 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Blue Jay 5 American Crow 6 Tree Swallow 5 *Early. One bird over the second pond from the south and a flock of four flying overhead by the third pond from the south. Black-capped Chickadee 3 Carolina Wren 1 American Robin 35 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 80 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 Song Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 5 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 48 Common Grackle 18 Brown-headed Cowbird 12 Mixed in with starlings. House Sparrow 3 30 species Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and West Meadows--IBA (1105-1135): Mallard 8 Common Merganser 4 Turkey Vulture 1 Ring-billed Gull 5 Herring Gull (American) 1 Blue Jay 5 Black-capped Chickadee 12 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Eastern Bluebird 4 American Robin 5 Northern Mockingbird 1 American Tree Sparrow 4 In thickets at base of Combs Road turnoff to the visitors center. Fox Sparrow (Red) 3 *Nice count. Two in thickets at base of Combs Road turnoff to the visitors center, one at feeder by parking lot edge. Photographed. Song Sparrow 5 White-throated Sparrow 4 In thickets at base of Combs Road turnoff to the visitors center. Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 5 Northern Cardinal 3 Red-winged Blackbird 2 House Finch 6 American Goldfinch 9 House Sparrow 20 22 species Turner's Falls--Barton's Cove (1315-1325): Canada Goose 2 Ring-necked Duck 6 Common Goldeneye 3 Ring-billed Gull 116 Herring Gull (American) 30 Great Black-backed Gull 61 *High count, especially in proportion to the numbers of other gulls there. Sitting around on the water above the dam. American Crow 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Good birding, Ian Davies Manomet, MA
Subject: Halibut Point 3/21 NOT 3/14
From: jzanich <jzanich AT verizon.net>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:45:27 -0800 (PST)

Dear Massbirders: The Halibut Point State Park walk that is scheduled in the BBC Blue Book for this coming Sunday, March 14, is actually a week from Sunday, March 21. All other trip details are the same. For more info, visit the website of the Trustees of Reservation, which is co-sponsoring the trip. Jane Zanichkowsky, Newton, field trip coordinator jzanich AT verizon.net
Subject: Seekonk Tufted Duck & Bourne King Eider - Yes
From: Mary Keleher <maryeak AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:13:39 -0800 (PST)

Today Ashley and I headed down to Seekonk to look for the previously reported male Tufted Duck. We parked along Newman Ave where the road crosses the Reservoir and walked back to Arcade Ave. We scoped along the way as we walked down Arcade Ave with no luck. We ended up viewing the small cove across the street from a house that looks like a castle with a gray wall & an American flag in front of it. After scanning all the scaup & Ring-necked Ducks several times a lone duck flew in and landed with the others. It was the TUFTED DUCK! We had nice close scope views of it. On the way home we stopped along the canal in Bourne and found the previously reported male KING EIDER. There were approximately 650 Common Eider in the area in a few separate rafts but it didn't take long to find the King Eider. Even Ashley picked it out on her own with the scope! Mary Keleher, Mashpee, MA

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