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May 2004 Sightings FIRST OF THE YEAR IN RED
Hampshire, Hampden & Franklin Counties of Massachusetts

May 1 Saturday Sunny and Warm
LONGMEADOW+ (report from Chris Gentes) Heather and I walked from near the recycling station on Pondside Road way back into the Elliot section and back (7am-2pm) with the following birds seen: DC Cormorant (2), Great Blue Heron (3), Green Heron (3), Mute Swan (pair), Canada Goose (4 nests, 1 brood hatched), Wood Duck (6), Mallard, Northern Harrier (1), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Solitary Sandpiper (1), American Coot (1), Chimney Swift (1), Kingfisher (1) Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker (6), Red-bellied Woodpecker (3), Downy Woodpecker (5), Hairy Woodpecker (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (3), Warbling Vireo (15), Blue Jay (14 migrating), Tree Swallow (nest holes in snags), Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, WB Nuthatch, Winter Wren (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (15), Hermit Thrush (1), Wood Thrush (2), Robin (nest building), Gray Catbird (14), Starling, WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1), Northern Parula (7), Yellow (22), Yellow-rumped (131), Black-throated Blue (1), Black-throated Green (2), Palm (3), Black-and-white (3), American Redstart (1), Northern Waterthrush (2), Common Yellowthroat (8), Song Sparrow (5), White-throated Sparrow (7), Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5), Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird (2), Grackle, Cowbird (5), Orchard Oriole (1), Baltimore Oriole (4), Goldfinch (10+).
Then we went to LUDLOW where we saw 1 Upland Sandpiper and a Meadowlark at Westover.
Back in AMHERST - at the Harvey Allen Trail near Warner Wright Road we heard an Ovenbird and a Pine Warbler. That gave us a 13 Warbler Day! We didn't see the Moorhen when we walked by the spot it was seen Friday, but we did see birders looking for it.

SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) Early morning dog walk today 21 blue jays, 1 house wren, 1 rose-breasted grosbeak, 5 chipping sparrows, 1 red wing blackbird, 1 mourning dove, 1 red tail hawk, 2 bluebirds, 2 titmouse, 1 chickadee, 1 field sparrow, 11 goldfinch, 3 tree swallows.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Morning walk to Fitzgerald Lake blind by way of Marian St: Pileated Woodpecker (1), Wood Thrush (3), Warbling Vireo (1), Blue headed Vireo (2), Black and White Warbler (3), Black Throated Green Warbler (4), Black Throated Blue warbler (2), Ovenbird (2), Yellow Warbler (4), Yellow rumped Warbler (31), Common Yellowthroat (2), Swamp Sparrow (2) and a pair of Song Sparrows building a nest right in front of the blind.
Near the old state hospital:. Highlights include American Redstart (1), Yellow warbler (2), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Ovenbird (1), Blue headed Vireo (1).
Afternoon walk to Fitzgerald Lake by way of Boggy Meadow Trail to the lake --. This trip I had Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Northern Rough winged Swallow (3), Hermit Thrush (1), Ovenbird (2), Black Throated Blue Warbler (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (6), Nashville Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (1).
Returned at dusk to Fitzgerald Lake. This time went in by way of North Farms Rd. I had Pine Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (1), Black Throated Green warbler (1), Common yellowthroat (1), Wood Thrush (1), Wood Ducks (4)-two pairs nesting, Brown Thrasher (1), Hooded Merganser (2).

WESTFIELD (posted to Massbird by John Hutchison ) 26 people enjoyed a productive morning walk in Stanley Park Westfield Highlights as follows: 55 Species- 12 species of Warblers Solitary sandpiper(4), RedSh hawk(1), GCFlycatcher(7), EKingbird(2), Yellow-throated Vireo(1), Warbling Vireo (7), Blue-headed Vireo(4), Fish Crow(2), Golden-crowned Kinglet(1), RKinglet (3), Swainson's Thrush(1), Wood Thrush(7), Br Thasher(1), WARBLERS: Nashville(2), Parula(4), ChesnutSided(2), BTBlue (3), Pine (8), BandW Warb(6), Redstart(5), Louisiana Watherthrush (1 Low for walk, usually several) Baltimore oriole(1), RBGrosbeak(1).

AMHERST/QUABBIN PARK (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) Wentworth Conservation Area- 1 Co.Loon, 1 GB Heron, 1 Green heron, 10 turkey Vulture,Gr.Crested Fly(1), 2 E.kingbird, 2 Warbling vireo, 60 Blue Jay (migrating), 2 Wood Thrush, 4 Catbird, 7 Br.Thrasher, Warblers- Blue-winged (1), Yellow (5), Chestnut-sided (1), Black/White-(2), Co.Yellowthr (1), Rose-br.Grosbeak (2), E.Meadowlark (1), Baltimore Oriole (2) Orchard Oriole (1 male).
Quabbin (HQ)- (1)Co.Loon, (3) D.C.Cormorant, B.Eagle(1ad), Cooper's Hawk (1), R.B.Woodpecker(1), Y.B. Sapsucker (1), Least Fly (2), Gr.Crested Fly (1), E.Kingbird (2), B.H.Vireo (2), Blue Jay (60), Co.Raven (3 young/1Ad-Spillway), R.W.Swallow (4), (1) B/G Gnatcatcher, Wood Thrush(2), (1) Br.Thrasher, WARBLERS- Yellow (3), Chestnut-sided (3), Blk-Thr Blue (1), Yellow-umped (6), Blk-thr Green (1), Pine (5), Prairie (1), Black/White (5), Ovenbird (1), Co.Yellowthr (2),

ASHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Steve Sauter) A new early date for a Ruby-throated Hummingbird reaching my feeder in Ashfield. In each of the last 5 years the male has returned earlier: 2004 May 1, 2003 May 3, 2002 May 4, 2001 May 5, 2000 May 6, 1999 May 10.

NEW SALEM (posted to Massbird by Mark Lynch) Our MAS class had a morning hike into Gate 33 Quabbin (New Salem). Great company, lots of birds, beautiful scenery: what more could you ask for? The only definite non-breeding species were the cormorants, the swan, and the harriers. Common Loon (8: with three migrating north), Double-crested Cormorant (4 migrating), A. Bittern (2), Great Blue Heron (1), TUNDRA SWAN (1ad flew right over us), Canada Goose (3), Mallard (11), A. Black Duck (2+ breeding pair of a hybridXMallard and a female Black), Hooded Merganser (2f), Common Merganser (2), Turkey Vulture (1), Bald Eagle (1ad), N. Harrier (2), Broad-winged Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (1), Wild Turkey (4), Ruffed Grouse (4), N. Flicker (4), Pileated Woodpecker (2+ pair nesting in utility pole), Least Flycatcher (2), E. Phoebe (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), E. Kingbird (1), Tree Swallow (10), Blue Jay (93: numbers seen migrating north), Common Raven (1), Black-capped Chickadee (62), Red-breasted Nuthatch (17), Brown Creeper (2+ 1 carrying food to nest), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3), Hermit Thrush (5), Gray Catbird (4), Blue-headed Vireo (11,) WARBLERS: Yellow (2), Chestnut-sided (1), Nashville (4), Yellow-rumped (62), Black-throated Blue (3), Black-throated Green (23), Blackburnian (3), Pine (7), Prairie (2), Black and White (12), N. Waterthrush (2), Ovenbird (5), C. Yellowthroat (6), Rose-breasted Grosbeak. (1) E. Towhee (18), Field Sparrow (3), Swamp Sparrow (6), White-throated Sparrow (6), Purple Finch (1). OTHER STUFF: Marsh Marigolds, Trailing Arbutus, Porcupine (sleeping in tree), American Toad, Spring Peeper, Gray Tree Frog, Wood Frog (egg masses), Spring Azure, Brown Elfin, Pine Elfin, Painted Lady.

NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) Today I led a small group of BBC members through the town of Northfield . The weather was clear and warm with steady winds out of the south. Unlike last year at this time, the birds were numerous with good variety of species. Here's the list. Canada Goose ( 25), Wood Duck (3), Mallard (10), American Bittern, Great Blue Heron (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk (3), Sora, Killdeer (2), Solitary Sandpiper (5), Rock Pigeon (6), Mourning Dove (12), Chimney Swift (4), Red-bellied Woodpecker (2), Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (6), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe (2), Eastern Kingbird, Kingfisher, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo (6), Blue Jay (20), American Crow (10), Common Raven (2), Tree Swallow (36), Barn Swallow (2), Black-capped Chickadee (8), Tufted Titmouse (6), White-breasted Nuthatch (3), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4), Wood Thrush, American Robin (20), Gray Catbird, European Starling (8), WARBLERS: Blue-winged Warbler (3), Nashville Warbler (3), Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler (10), Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler (4), Yellow-rumped Warbler (20), Black-throated Green Warbler (3), Pine Warbler (4), Black and White Warbler (12), Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow (8), Song Sparrow (6), White-throated Sparrow (4), Dark-eyed Junco (2), Northern Cardinal (2), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2), Red-winged Blackbird (80), Common Grackle (60), Brown-headed Cowbird (12), Baltimore Oriole (4), Purple Finch, American Goldfinch (30), House Sparrow (10)

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by David Norton) While I have yet to see a warbler this spring in our yard.... our wood thrushes were back and singing this evening, along with an ovenbird, and our house wren reappeared this morning. I have heard orioles, but the orange halves on the feeder have not yet attracted them...maybe tomorrow.

May 2 Sunday Cloudy, Cool, Rain
HADLEY+ (report from Chris Gentes) Early this morning I was glad to hear and see a male Orchard Oriole in North Hadley. A late afternoon walk up Mount Warner Road the following birds were seen: Turkeys, Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, House Wren (1), Hermit Thrush (2), Catbird (6), Blue-winged Warbler (4), Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, ellow-rumped Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3), Oriole, White-throated Sparrow (15). At about 10am Heather and I drove up Mount Holyoke (Skinner House) to see if there were any Worm-eating or Cerulean Warblers. As we drove around the back side, before all the sharp turns, we heard a Cerulean Warbler singing. We parked up top and walked back down and got a few nice looks. Other birds there included a Northern Parula, a Black-throated Green Warbler and a Junco.
Earlier in Sunderland we observed: Hermit Thrush (2 singing), Catbird (2), Blue-winged Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Baltimore Oriole (1).
The mudpit on Still water Road in Deerfield had 2 Solitary Sandpipers.
We drove through the east and west meadows of Northampton hoping for shorebirds. We found none. In the east meadows there were 2 Warbling Vireos and in the west meadows we saw: Eastern Kingbird (2), Savannah Sparrow (4), and Yellow Warbler (1).

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Took a mid morning walk to Arcadia and had the following highlights: Great Egret (1) in Arcadia Marsh, Pine Warbler (1), Black-throated Green Warbler (1), Nashville Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (2), Wood Thrush (1), Fish Crow (1), lots of Tree Swallows building nests, Killdeer (1) in the wet area off Old Springfield Rd. Also some House Wrens and lots of Gray Catbirds.

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Deedee Minear) Harvey Allen and I heard a Black-billed Cuckoo. Earliest I have heard it. Harvey also heard a Sora and a Bittern.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) 14 Members of the Allen Bird Club toured Longmeadow along the river for 3+ hours and had 63 species. We did not find the Moorhen, but there is a lot cover to keep it hidden. Highlights: 1 Green Heron, 3 Green-winged Teal, 1 Coot, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 5 Fish Crow, 1 Winter Wren, 15+ Gnatcatcher, 10+ Wood Thrush, 1 Nashville Warble,r 6 Parula, 2 Chestnut-sided, 1 Northern Waterthrush, 1 Scarlet Tanager, 20+ Rose-brested Grosbeak, 5 Baltimore Oriole.

HADLEY (report from Janice Jorgensen) Today I found a pair of Orchard Orioles and first Hummer in my quince. Also a pair of Eastern Towhees.

NORTH GRANBY, CT (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) A Whip-poor-will kept us awake much of last night (Saturday to Sunday, 5/1-5/2). While our new residence is slightly extra-limital (1 mile south of the Mass. line), I thought this would still be of interest, esp. to Western Mass. birders.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by David Norton) I awoke this morning to catbirds and Rose breasted grosbeaks... two female and one male rose-breasted were at the feeder off and on all day-- arrived during the night, I assume. A quick walk through the Mark's Meadow area of Amherst this morning revealed-- Red-bellied woodpecker, Song Sparrow, LOTS of catbirds,common yellow throat ,blue-winged warbler, black and white warble,r Nashville warbler, song sparrow, chipping sparrow, and more Rose breasted grosbeaks.

HADLEY/AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) Horse Farm pond- Solitary Sandpiper. Race Track area-Orchard Oriole-singing from across 116 around Umass Stadium Marsh. Umass Stadium Marsh- Virginia Rail (1), E.Blubird, Blue-winged Warbler (1), Yellow (3), Co.Yellowthr (1), E.Meadowlark (1), Swamp Sparrow (2) Hadley-Bay Rd. Wood Thrush (1), Nashville Warbler (1), Yellow (2), Chestnut-sided (1), Ovenird (1), Louisiana Waterthrush (2) and (1) Indigo Bunting.

May 3 Monday Rain and Cold
AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Saw a Veery this morning on the bike path. Also heard a Sora.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Walked around Paradise Pond in the rain and the only thing I saw of note was a Solitary Sandpiper.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Only sighting I have for today was a group of at least 75 Chimney Swifts at the end of Conz Street.

May 4 Tuesday Sunny, Windy and Chilly
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Highlights from the Arcadia meadows today include Kestrel (1), Solitary Sandpiper (3), Least Sandpiper (1), Yellow Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Northern Waterthrush (1), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1), Eastern Meadowlark (1), Bobolink (1m), and Savannah Sparrow (2).

HADLEY-AMHERST (report from heather McQueen) On the bike trail between Hadley Garden Center and Bread & Circus: Catbirds building a nest, Brown Thrasher, Orchard Oriole, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. In Amherst Woods there were 2 Hermit Thrushes, 8 Ovenbirds, a few Black-throated Greens, and 2 Black-and-White Warblers At the Powerline Cut there were a pair of Kestrels, a Blue-winged Warbler, a Prairie Warbler, a pair of Towhees and calling Meadowlarks. Over near Brickyard I had a Blue-winged Warbler, a Nashville, a Redstart, and a Northern Waterthrush.

GRANBY (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) There are two male Baltimore Orioles visiting my oriole feeding station daily since Saturday. I have oranges, nectar and grape jelly out and they have ignored the oranges and the nectar. They often visit at the same time which is interesting. I've also had regular visits from two male and at least one female Rose Breasted Grosbeaks since last Friday. I saw one Ruby Throated Hummingbird on Sunday at my feeder, but no visits on Saturday or so far today. I heard two Barred Owls calling from Batchelor Brook area on Sunday morning about 7am.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Jan LaPointe) At Fannie Stebins this morning. 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Greater Yellowlegs all were in the pool on West Road Several Am. Redstarts including one female.

May 5 Wednesday Variable and Mild
LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by John Hutchison) Allen Bird Club walk at the Stebbins Refuge was an in-between migrant day. 12 species warblers. 71 Total species. Highlights follow: Osprey(1) Greater Yellowlegs(2) Lesser Yellowlegs(5) Solitary Sand(7) Spotty Sand(1) Least Sandpiper(5) Fish Crow(3) Winter Wren(1) Tennessee Warbler(1) Nashville(1) NParula(13) Yellow(100+) BTBlue(3) YRump(100+) BTGreen(3) BandWhite(3) Redstart(3) NWaterthrush(2) Savannah Spar(4) RBGrosbeak(12) BOriole (8)

SPRINGFIELD (report from Chris Patterson) The falcon on Monarch Place has at least one hatchling. Mom is not moving about too much so I can't tell if there are others, but I did see one peeking out -- just in time for Mother's Day.

DEERFIELD/WHATELY (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) On Stillwater Road in Deerfield this afternoon 12 not so Solitary Sandpipers were hanging out in the manure pond. On Deerfield Road in Whately a male Bobolink was singing. Another truly Solitary Sandpiper was nearby.

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney) At least 9 Solitary Sandpipers are in the hayfield puddle on Stillwater Road feeding and flitting around, bickering with the Red-winged Blackbirds. Also there are a Spotted Sandpiper, a pair of Mallards, pair of Wood Ducks, and some Canada Geese. The weekend brought many neighborhood arrivals as elsewhere: Eastern Meadowlark, Catbirds, a Wood Thrush, female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks to join the males, Black-throated Green Warbler, and our first ruby-throated Hummingbird, a male, arrived late Saturday afternoon. A male House Wren is claiming the nest box Chickadees used the past two years. Now a Baltimore Oriole has found the Hummingbird feeder.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Made a quick stop at Fitzgerald Lake by way of Boggy Meadow trail this morning and had Yellow rumped Warbler (9), Black and White Warbler (2), Nashville Warbler (1), Ovenbird (3), Black Throated Green warbler (1), Yellow throated Vireo (1), Blue headed Vireo (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Wood Thrush (1), and the resident Red Tail near the Moose Lodge. Next stopped at Arcadia meadows midday but then got rained out. Prior to the rain I had Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Yellow Rumped Warbler (7), Chestnut sided Warbler (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Eastern Kingbird (1). Final stop for the day was the trails near the state hospital with highlights of Chestnut sided Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (4), Nashville Warbler (3), Black and White Warbler (1), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Scarlet Tanager (1) male, Wood Thrush (5), Fish Crow (2), Gray Catbird (4).

HADLEY (report from Janice Jorgensen) Today I saw a Greater Yellowlegs was in the muddy spot across from my house . first time seeing a yellowlegs so close to the house.

May 6 Thursday Mild Sunshine
MOUNT TOM (posted to Massbird by Eileen Rutman) On a quick walk at Mt. Tom, I heard at least a dozen Worm-eating Warblers on a one mile walk into the park. Also seen and heard were numerous B+W, BT Green and Ovenbird Warblers as well as Winter Wren, Ravens, Red-eyed Vireos, Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, etc. Nice walk!

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Deedee Minear) Magnolia Warbler singing with the Myrtles in the poplars near Hop brook.

HADLEY- AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Behind Taylor Rental Least Flycatcher-1, Solitary SP-4, Brown Thrasher-2 Behind Target in the cornfield Pectoral Sandpiper-1, Solitary Sp-1, Killdeer-6, Brown Thrasher-2, Next to golf course Scarlet Tanager-1, BT Green -2, Black and White-2, Ovenbird-3, Redstart -1, Parula 1, South Amherst Bike Path Chimney Swifts-35, Warbling vireos-8, Myrtles-12, Nashville-2, BT Blue-2. Later in the day Chris saw a Greater Yellowlegs.

LONGMEADOW (seen by Lois & Al Richardson and Eileen Rutman) At the newly enlarged pool (beavers) on West Road -- 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 Wilson's Snipe, 15+ Lesser Yellowlegs, 7 Greater Yellowlegs, 5+ Solitary Sandpiper, 5+ Least Sandpiper. Along Pondside Road 1 Great Egret

HADLEY (report from Pete Yeskie) 2 Baltimore Orioles & a Red-eyed Vireo here today.

HADLEY (report from Janice Jorgensen) Saw a common yellowthroat in front of Porter Phelps Huntington House.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) A one hour walk around Wildwood Cemetery this morning produced the following.. Red-bellied Wood (1), Least flycatcher (1), B.H.vireo(1), R.B.Nuthatch (2), House Wren (2), R.C.Kinglet (1), B/g Gnatcatcher (1), Gray Catbird (4), Br.Thrasher (1) Warblers Blue-winged (2), Nashville (2), Parula (2), Yellow-rumped (20), B.T.G. (3), Pine (2), Black/White (2), Ovenbird (4), Co.Yellowthr (1), Scarlet Tanager (2), R.B.Grosbeak (2), Baltimore Oriole (1).

GRANVILLE (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) An early morning (5:15-6:45) car tour through part of Granville produced the following highlights of birds singing on territory despite the cool temps. A lot more is yet to come. 6 Sapsucker, 1 Pileated, 2 Least Flycatcher, 5 Blue-headed Vireo, 2 Hermit Thrush, 12 Wood Thrush, 3 Catbird, 1 Blue-winged Warbler, 2 Nashville Warbler, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 6 Black-thr Green, 1 Black & White, 18 Ovenbird, 3 La Waterthrush, 3 Yellowthroat, 6 Towhee, 4 Junco, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) I keep checking the swan puddle in the East Meadows, but no shore birds yet. This morning there were about forty mallards and a pair of Green-winged Teal. Also heard singing Horned Lark and Savannah Sparrows. In the "Reeve Pool" there was a Solitary Sandpiper. The West Meadows empty early afternoon - just a few savannah sparrows. Just off South park there was a Black-throated Blue Warbler.

GRANBY (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) I had a single Pine Siskin at my thistle feeder and drinking from my bird bath yesterday. I have three Baltimore Orioles coming to my Oriole feeder; one female and two males. Sometimes all three arrive at once and a battle ensues! I had one RT Hummingbird at my feeders yesterday.

May 7 Friday Sunny and Warm
NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) The stand out bird heard today was a Golden-winged Warbler in the field opposite the parking lot past the community gardens in N'hamp. I looked but could not get a visual on the bird. There is no doubt about the song...the only problem is the chance of a hybrid instead of a full Golden winged.
Stopped at Graves Farm this morning and had a couple Broad-winged Hawks including one perched in a tree just off the raod, an Osprey flyby, Blue headed Vireo (1), Blue Jay (50+)...several bird groups moving past heading north,Winter Wren (1), Wood Thrush (3), Cliff Swallow (10+), Ovenbird (11), Black throated Green Warbler (5), Black and White Warbler (5) including a female building a nest at the base of a tree about 10 feet off the road, Pine Warbler (2), Blackburnian Warbler (1), Black-throated Blue warbler (2), Yellow Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Northern Waterthrush (2), Bobolink (2),
Next stopped at Fitzgerald lake by way of North Farms Rd. Highlights of Hermit Thrush (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Black and White Warbler (2), Pine Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped warbler (1), Ovenbird (4), Yellow Warbler (2), Nashville Warbler (1), Baltimore Oriole (3), Swamp Sparrow (1), and many Red-winged Blackbirds gathering nest material.
Next stop at the trails near the old state hospital. Fish Crow (1), the probable Golden-winged Warbler mentioned above, Yellow Warbler (3), Blue winged Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (3), Northern Parula (1), Field Sparrow (2).
Final stop for the day was Arcadia with a stop at the HQ area and a drive through the meadows. Highlights of Solitary Sandpiper (1) in the spot off Old Springfield rd., Least Flycatcher (1), Ruby crowned Kinglet (1), Blue-winged warbler (1),Pine Warbler (2), Yellow-rumped warbler (7), Magnolia Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Bobolink (1).

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) This morning in the swan puddle in the East Meadows there was a single Greater Yellowlegs. Nearby was a singing Vesper Sparrow

SKINNER ST PARK (posted to Massbird by John Van de Graaff) Marylee Bomboy and I saw a male cerulean warbler this morning (ca. 7:30-8:30), singing constantly, at Skinnner State Park in South Hadley. It was around the extended parking area on the road just below the summit house. Also seen: male scarlet tanager, male Am. redstart, several yellow-rumps.

SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) Latest sightings: rose-breasted grosbeaks, white-throated sparrows, chipping sparrows, goldfinch, bluejays, towee, bluebirds, house wrens, tree swallows, phoebes at house, eastern kingbirds, yellow rumped warblers, spotted sandpiper, blue heron, mallards, canadian geese, chipping sparrows, chickadees at Atkins.

LONGMEADOW (report from Seth Kellogg) Wilson's Snipe, 14 Lesser Yellowlegs, 3 Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Semipalmated Plover, 6 Least Sandpiper, 5 Fish Crow, 2 Green-winged Teal.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Janis LaPointe) This morning at Fannie Stebbins: Blue-winged Warbler (1) On Bark Haul Road Pondside Road: BT, Blue Warbler (5), Yellow-rumped (7), BT Green (1) on Mill Road outside the refuge, Northern Waterthrush (4), Yellow (many), Chestnut-sided (2), Redstart (3), Wood Thrush (2), West Road: 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 3 Least Sandpipers Also, Warbling Vireo Rose-breasted Grosbeck N. Oriole Mute Swan with 3 Gygnets BG Gnatcatcher Coot And all the other regular nesters.

May 8 Saturday Sunny and Mild
SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Janice LaPointe) Carol Shumway reported a Red-headed Woodpecker at Hillcrest Cemetery.

SOUTH AMHERST -- This was a NBWC trip. Species Seen - 58. Participants: Heather McQueen, Amy Bouvier, Larry Therrien, Nick Bovier, Chris Suprenant, Janice Jorgensen, Dave Mako, John Goodchild, Marylee Bomboy, Chris Patterson, Chris Gentes, John Van De Graaff, Rachel. It was a chilly start to this trip with night time winds out of the north-west not bringing in any new migrants, however there were plenty of nesters and a few surprises.

Here is our list: Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose ( w/4 goslings), Wood Duck, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Chimney Swift, Kingfisher, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Cuckoo Species (seen briefly), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (went in nest hole), Eastern Kingbird, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Warbling Vireo (half built nest), Solitary Vireo (one heard), Blue Jay, American Crow, Starling, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (one male on nest), Wood Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Robin, Catbird, WARBLERS Blue-winged (1), Nashville (2), Yellow (3), Chestnut-sided (1), Magnolia (1), Black-throated Blue (heard), Yellow-rumped (11), Black-throated Green (1), Black-and-white (2), Ovenbird (heard), Northern Waterthrush (heard), Common Yellowthroat (2), Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Bobolink (5), Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole (building nest above path), American Goldfinch. Also Seen - Water Snakes, Garter Snakes, Red Squirrel, Chipmunks, Painted Turtle

HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) Before the club trip Janice, Heather and I saw a Solitary Sandpiper and a Least Sandpiper on East hadley Road. Also - John Van de Graaff and Marylee Bomboy made a stop at Skinner State Park and saw the Cerulean Warbler along with some Blackburnans, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Redstarts and Scarlet Tanagers.

HADLEY (report from Pete Yeskie) At the birdbath today- Baltimore Oriole, C Yellowthroat,chipping sparrow, chestnut sided warbler, redstart- white-crowned sparrow, Black-throated Blue warbler, Catbird and some regular locals. Some made repeated trips, but I don't know if they were the same ones because they all wore the same clothes.

DEERFIELD (report from Chris Gentes) Still Water Road mud puddle had a nice group of shorebirds: Solitary Sandpiper (31), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Spotted Sandpiper (5), Least Sandpiper (2).

SPRINGFIELD (report from Chris Patterson) There are now 3 Peregrine Falcon chicks hatched on Monarch Place.

May 9 Sunday Cold and Rain - Clearing Later
SHUTESBURY - This was a NBWC trip to a private grassland/upland habitat. The location includes open fields, a year-round running brook, riparian edges, as well as mixed-deciduous and old Hemlock/White Pine forests. The weather was very cold and raw, but fortunately the rain held off until the end of the walk. There were 36 species were seen or heard - Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, WARBLERS Blue-winged, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Ameican Goldfinch.

BLANDFORD-GRANVILLE (Allen Bird Club) Trip led by Myles and Kathy Conway in Blandford and Granville had 65 species. Highlights were: 1 American Bittern, 3 Common Merganser, 3 Broad-winged Hawk, 1 Carolina Wren, 2 Winter Wren, 4 Nashville, 6 Parula, 1 Magnolia, 1 Blackburnian, 1 Palm.

NORTH AMHERST (report from Deedee Minear) Tenessee Warbler, also 2 Blackburnians.

LONGMEADOW (report from Seth Kellogg) 5 Lesser Yellowlegs, 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 16 Solitary Sandpiper, 18 Least Sandpiper, 2 Green-winged Teal

SOUTHWICK (report from Seth Kellogg) Today at my feeder 1 White-crowned Sparrow

HADLEY (report from Janice Joergensen) In the soggy weather, 2 White-Crowned Sparrows arrived in the quince.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Janice LaPointe) A Great Egret was in the Pond at the corner of Pondside and Emeson Roads in Longmeadow this morning.

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) I walked on the Rail Trail early this morning. Highlights: Magnolia, Black and White, BT Green, Yellow Rumped, Wood Thrush, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow. I parked in the parking lot on Station Road and someone broke into my car and stole my purse and my fanny pack. Beware if you park here, the police said it happens often.

May 10 Monday Sunny, Breezy and Warm
SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Janice LaPointe) Carol Shumway reports the Red-headed Woodpecker is still in Hillcrest Cemetery. She just saw it this morning in the same tree where she saw it Saturday. Hillcrest is on Parker Street, in Springfield. Directions: Take the main gate into the cemetery. See the paved road on your left. Go left on the paved road. You will be going down a slight incline towards the woods and heading east. When you see a brush pile on your left (about 5 feet high), park the car. This is where the cemetary dump branches. Turn around a walk back up the road a few paces. This is an open area ahead of you. You will see a small Birch tree and a few Oaks on your (now) right, The bird has been feeding in the Oak this is closest to the Birch tree and the paved road. Please remember this is a cemetery and to respect any funerals and other visitors. The Red-headed Woodpecker continued to be seen Monday afternoon by several more birders.

HADLEY-AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) The rail trail between East Street and the Mall was very birdy this morning. highlights included Flickers (mating), Least Flycatcher (1), Warbling Vireo (8), Wood Thrush (6), Brown Thrasher (2) WARLERS N Parula (9), Yellow (4), BT Blue (3),Yellow-rumped (34), BT Green (4), Blackpoll (Hadley), Black-and-white (3), Redstart (5), Ovenbird (7), C Yellowthroat (6), 2 Wilson's Warbler (Hadley), Tanager (2), Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Towhee, White-throat Sparrow (6), White-crowned Sparrow (3).

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Deedee Minear) Two Wilson Warblers in South Amherst. Both on working RR side 1 last water after hop bridge, 2 first water after brickyard.

HADLEY (report from Pete Yeskie) Just got back from Mitch's Way. I saw an Eastern Wood-pewee and oodles of Yellow Warblers and a Scarlet Tanager

HADLEY (report from Larry Therrien) Went down to Skinner S.P. this AM Black and White Warbler (2), Yellow rumped Warbler (18), Amer redstart (2), Cerulean Warbler (1), Ovenbird (3), Northen Parula (3), Black Throated Green warbler (4), Blue headed Vireo (1), Warbling Vireo (1), Red eyed Vireo (2), Scarlet Tanager (3), Eastern Towhee (2), Red Breasted Grosbeak (2), Wood thrush (6) including pair building nest near entance to park, Veery (1), Ruby throated Hummingbird (1), Common Raven (2), Baltimore Oriole (3), Indigo Bunting (4), Great Crested Flycatcher (2), Junco (2).
Next took a walk down the road near Mitch's Marina. Magnolia Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (4), Yellow rumped Warbler (10), Black and White Warbler (1), Nashville Warbler (1), Chestnut sided Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (3), Black billed Cuckoo (1), Wood Thrush (2), Least Flycatcher (1), Baltimore Oriole (6), Rose Breasted Grosbeak (3), Sharp shinned Hawk (1), and lots of the usuals.
Next went to the bike path from Mill Ln to Hop Brook.. Blue winged Warbler (1), Amer Redstart (2), Common Yellowthroat (1), Yellow Warbler (4), Black and White Warbler (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (2)...still on nest, Baltimore Oriole (2) with a nearly complete nest near Hop Brook, Killdeer (1) calling, Mallard (5), female with four ducklings in Hop Brook.
Next stop early afternoon at Larch Hill with highlights of Yellow rumped warbler (1), Ovenbird (1), Magnolia Warbler (1), Pine Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (1), Ruby crowned Kinglet (1), Wood Thrush (3), House Wren (4).
In afternoon made stop by trails near state hospital...weather turned rather breezy so not alot of activity. Highlights of Black and White Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (4), Blackburnian Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Baltimore Oriole (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Chimney Swift (20+).

QUABBIN (posted to Massbird by David Norton) A far too brief stop (15 minutes) at the Windsor Memorial in the was a bit of a tease... Lots of orioles and scarlet tanagers calling, and three orioles seen, also Red-bellied woodpecker, Least flycatcher (2), Blue gray Gnatcatcher (2-- cute pair), chipping sparrows, Magnolia warbler, Yellow Warbler, Northern Parula, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-rumped warbler, Black and White Warbler. There is a Canada Goose sitting on a nest easily seen in the marsh on Rt. 9 in Ware (south side)-- I hope her wee babies stay out of the road when they hatch! In our yard in Amherst we have had scads of blue jays the past couple days, scattering the orioles and Rose-breasted grosbeaks away from the feeders, a pine warbler last night, scarlet tanagers, and quite visible wood thrushes. Ovenbirds quite vocal this am.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) I was at Fanny Stebbins this morning and the Common Moorhen is still there. It was about 1/3 of the way between where it was originally seen and Bark Haul Road. There is a small dead tree in the water there, just before three dead trees that are closer to Bark Haul. It was just to the left of the small dead tree. Other highlights: Warblers: Magnolia, N. Parula, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Rumped, BT Green, BT Blue, Black and White, Baltimore Oriole, BG Gnatcatcher, Warbling Vireo, Wood Thrush, Waterthrush (heard but not seen, I'm pretty sure it was a Northern).

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) I went over to the State Hospital Grounds looking for the possible Golden-winged Warbler that Larry heard on Friday. I found a blue-winged warbler with a call that had one hig note followed by two distinct lower ones. The bird Larry heard had three lower notes. Also heard a Tennessee Warbler singing right on Green Street but by the time I got out there with my binoculars someone scared it off.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Jim Marcum) This morning a walk through the Mark's Meadow area revealed a nice wave of warblers including: Northern Parula, Wilson's, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Yellow, Common Yellow-throat, Black-and-White, several Magnolia, several Yellow-rumped, plus Warbling Vireo, Bobolink, Baltimore Oriole.

DEERFIELD (posted o Massbird by Rob Ranney) The count of Solitary Sandpipers is up to at least 25 at the dairy farm hayfield mud puddle on Stillwater Road. Also, two Greater Yellowlegs and a Spotted Sandpiper. I watched two Solitaries fly down to the stream at the far side of the field, so there may be more. (Veit & Peterson note a state record high of 67 Solitaries in Hudson in 1990.) The view here is to the south, so sunny midday viewing is challenging. Up to five White-crowned Sparrows have been hanging around the feeder this past week. They won't stay much longer, but I enjoy their thin, rambling song. When they raise their head feathers in aggression, it's the white eyebrow stripes that really flash. A House Wren has moved into our yard. This is the first time I've lived with a wren, and I notice he has a lot to say. He stayed pretty invisible the first few days, but he's accepted us now, and perches openly. Haven't seen a second one yet, but he's pulled some hefty twigs into the nest box.

May 11 Tuesday Sunny and Very Warm
SOUTH AMHERST (report from Janice Jorgensen) I went biking on the rail trail and I saw a gorgeous male Canada Warbler with its necklace. Also saw more mallards, baltimore orioles, gnatcatcher in its nest, and I think a northern waterthrush - I almost stepped on it. It was walking on the ground right near the KC Trail. Also found a greater yellowlegs. Also saw turkey vulture, great-crested flycatcher, yellow-rumped warblers, song sparrows, canada geese, zillions of catbirds..etc.

LONGMEADOW+ (report from Larry Therrien) Went down to Stebbins this AM arriving, there around 6:15. The highlight by far was a male Cape May Warbler seen and heard within the first 10 minutes. It was located near the intersection of Bark Haul Rd and Pondside Rd and it was moving up Pondside Rd. Tried to relocate it later in the morning without luck. Other highlights were Yellow Warbler (35+), American Redstart (2), Northern Parula (2), Yellow rumped Warbler (25+), Warbling Vireo (5), Red eyed Vireo (2), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (8), Baltimore Oriole (2), Green Heron (2), Great Blue Heron (4), Mute Swan (2) pair with nest, Gray Catbird (10+), Wood Duck (5), Solitary Sandpiper (1), Spotted Sandpiper (5), Double Crested Cormorant (2), Wood Thrush (2), Chimney Swift (20+), Canada Geese (28) with a couple groups of little ones, plus lots of other usuals. Sandbar in the Connecticut (not much in the way of dry land). I had Greater Yellowlegs (2), Least Sandpiper (13), Green Winged Teal (5) and a couple Wood Ducks. Flooded area West St and had Mallard (51), Green Winged Teal (6), Black Duck (1), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Least sandpiper (27) and a Northern Parula (1).
LUDLOW Westover -- Upland Sandpiper (1), Bobolink (3), Grasshopper Sparrow (2), Chimney Swift (20+), Barn Swallow (3), Killdeer (1). Stony Brook Conservation Area .-- Yellow Warbler (7), Common Yellowthroat (5), Black and White Warbler (5), Blue winged Warbler (2), one of which had an odd song...started with a high note, then low and then a different type of high note...got a great look at the bird singing, not a hybrid. Magnolia Warbler (1), American Redstart (1), Ovenbird (2), Black Throated Green Warbler (2), Black Throated Blue warbler (2), Northern Parula (1), Pine Warbler (2), Eastern Towhee (5), Field Sparrow (1), Gray Catbird (10+), Baltimore Oriole (3), Rose breasted Grosbeak (3), Wood Thrush (3), Bald Eagle (1) adult quite low, Coopers Hawk (2)...pair soaring overhead, Sharp shinned Hawk (1), Eastern Kingbird (2), Great Crested Flycatcher (2). Also at the end of the main trail in the pond there were LOTS of turtle..they were everywhere.
DEERFIELD Stillwater Rd -- Solitary Sandpiper (24), Spotted Sandpiper (3), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Lesser Yellowlegs (1), Mallard (2).
NORTHAMPTON Fitzgerald lake. -- From Cooke Ave to the lake I had the following. Ovenbird (6), Black and White Warbler (1), Black Throated Green Warbler (2), Black Throated Blue Warbler (3), Yellow rumped Warbler (3), Pine Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (1), Red eyed Vireo (2), Blue headed Vireo (2), Scarlet tanager (4), House Wren (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Wood Thrush (3), Yellow bellied Sapsucker (1), Pileated Woodpecker (1), and Baltimore Oriole (1).

HADLEY-AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Warbling Vireo-4 WARBLERS Tennessee-1 Parula-3 Yellow-5 Magnolia-3 Black-throated Blue-7 Yellow-rumped-27 Pine-1 Black-and-white-4 Redstart-8 Ovenbird-5 Common Yellowthroat-8 Scarlet Tanager-4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak-3 Towhee-1 Meadowlark-1 Baltimore Oriole-7

HATFIELD (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) At Great Pond: Green Heron-5 Canada Goose-2 Wood Duck-3 Downy Woodpecker-2 Red-bellied Woodpecker-4 NFlicker-1 Mourning Dove-1 Rock Pigeon-1 Greater Yellowlegs-1 Solitary Sandpiper-9 EKingbird-4 Great Crested Fly-3 no empidonax in yet(Willows breed here) Redwing-26 CGrackle-6 BHCowbird-1 Grey Catbird-7 Mockingbird-1 ARobin-6 Wood Thrush-2 Warbling Vireo-3 Tree Swallow-1 Barn Swallow-2 TTitmouse-3 BCChickadee-2 ARedstart-1 Yellow Warbler-17 Chestnut-sided Warbler-2 CYellowthroat-4 ACrow-4 Bluejay-59-many migrating north in loose flocks Starling-5 RBGrosbeak-3 Scarlet Tanager-1 female NCardinal-2 Song Sparrow-8 Swamp Sparrow-2 Savannah-1 Baltimore Oriole-8 AGoldfinch-4 Also there were over 50 Painted Turtles, at least 5 Snappers, AToads and Green Frogs calling, and a few Fragile Forktails.

May 12 Wednesday Sunny and Very Warm
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Bob Stevens and I took a brief stroll along Ned's Ditch and saw - Red-bellied coming out of a nest hole, Great-crested Flycatcher, House Wrens, Carolina Wren, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Redstart, Yellow-rumpeds, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

GREENFIELD (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) One of my favorite warbler hotspots in May is the road to Poet's Seat Tower in Greenfield. This ridge line that runs North/South has been very productive in the past and illustrated that today . I didn't have time to explore the trail system off this road(Worm-eating Warbler has been found here) but found a few nice migrants along with summer breeders. These are a few highlights. Eastern Wood Pewee, Tennessee Warbler (male singing incessantly near tower), Cape May Warbler (heard), Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler (female, same location as the Tennessee W.)

HADLEY-AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Solitary Sandpiper-1 Warbling Vireo-3 WARBLERS Blue-winged-1 Nashville-1 Parula-6 Yellow-6 Chestnut-sided-1 Black-throated Blue-3 Yellow-rumped-14 Black-throated Green-5 Black-and-white-4 Redstart-2 Ovenbird-7 Common Yellowthroat-5 Canada-1 Tanager-2 Towhee-1

QUABBIN (posted to Massbird by David Norton) Another far too brief stop at the Quabbin this morning on my way to work...but interesting in three ways.. --- many red-eyed vireos-- at least 5-6 calling around the Winsor Memorial-- and Monday I had heard none... ---- a black-billed cuckoo calling below the road in the trees...couldn't find him, tho'! ---- a pair of yellow-throated vireos-- a first for me! Also a beautiful scarlet tanager, and many orioles.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by J LaPointe) A nice day of birding for the Allen Bird Club's Wednesday walk at Fannie Stebbins. Best Birding was at the intersection of West Road and Bark Haul, inside the refuge, and on the Sherwood Trail. But, beware, the mosquitos have hatched and are hungry. Blue-winged Warbler, N. Parula, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rump, Black-throat Green, Black and White, Am. Redstart, N. Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Canada.Also, 2 Am Bluebirds (m,f), 2 Scarlet Tanagers (m,f), Heard - 1 Great Horned Owl, 2 Great Crested Flycatchers on West Road, 6 Least Sandpipers, 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper, 2 Solitary Sandpipers, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Killdeer

May 13 Thursday Sunny and Warm
AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) I had great looks at a gorgeous male Mourning Warbler at the Hitchcock Center this morning at 8:30am. It was on the left of the dirt path that goes to the left (toward the pasture next to the Hitchcock Ctr) a short distance down the boardwalk from the parking lot. It was singing consistently while I was there and I got several good looks at it. What a beautiful bird! I went to Quabbin Park next and had some nice birds. Highlights: Blackburnian, Prairie(5) Chestnut Sided, Black Throated Green, No Parula, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Red-eyed Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, Veery, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow.

GRANVILLE (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Today I found a Blue-winged Warbler giving a perfect rendition of the Golden-winged's song. This was in the old orchard at the Granville end of Sodom Mountain Road. (Yes, Sodom.) Among the other 33 species noted was a Worm-eating Warbler (singing on territory), two Prairies and my first Blackpoll of the season. A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak gathered stalks of dried grass from the ground not 15 feet away from me. The WEWO was in the woods at the top of the steep section of the road (in the town of Southwick).

AGAWAM (posted to Massbird by John Hutchison) On a quick walk in Robinson park 14 species of warblers Highlights as follows: Blackpoll(8) Tennessee Warbler(2) Magnolia(7) Wood pewee(3) yrs first ScarTanager(7) In Southwick, Sunnyside Road farms ancestral home of a large bobolink colony. A remnant flock of Bobolinks arrived from the Pampas or Argentina to find several homes on there lands and more torn up. This year marks the end of this bobolink colony. Where will they go??? Pastures are all disappearing.

ASHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Steve Sauter) Highlight of my daily walk in the woods was flushing a Hermit Thrush from her nest under a seedling hemlock less than a yard from my trail. Four beautiful eggs. The Hermit Thrush sent me packing after I photographed the nest.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) I went to check the Turners Falls Airport to look for grassland birds this morning. I found two Grasshopper Sparrows, one very close to the parking area off Montague Rd.(across from Country Cremee stand) and was singing from perches on the guard rails that divide the runway area from the parking lot. The North access to the airport fields is now closed unless you check in at the airport office first. I could definitely determine that this one bird had no leg bandings.

NORTH HADLEY (report from Heather McQueen) Spotted Sandpiper (1), Woodcock (6-all flushed together), Chimney Swift (12), Great-crested Flycatcher (4), Waxwing (4), Hermit Thrush (3), Robin egg shells found, Catbird (14), Thrasher (2), House Wren (2),Red-eyed Vireo (2), WARBLERS Blue-winged (9),Yellow (8), Chestnut-sided (4), Black-throated Blue (2), Black-throated Green (1), Prairie (6), Black-and-white (3), Redstart (2), Ovenbird (1), Common Yellowthroat (10), Wilson's (1), Tanager (1), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8), Indigo Bunting (1), Baltimore Oriole (6), Field Sparrow (4).

NORTHAMPTON+ (report from Larry Therrien) First stop this morning was at Arcadia. Went through by Pynchon Meadow Rd and then to the trails near the visitors center. Highlights: Eastern Kingbird (1). Fish Crow (1), Eastern Bluebird (4) bringing food to nest boxes, Wood Thrush (3), Red eyed Vireo (1), Northern Parula (5), Yellow Warbler (4), Chestnut sided Warbler (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (6), Black and White Warbler (1), Amer Redstart (1), Scarlet Tanager (1), Baltimore Oriole (1), Bobolink (3),
Next went to Mt Tom and made a few stops along the road in from Rt 141. Didn't have a lot of time here, but did have the following.Pileated Woodpecker (1),.Great Crested Flycatcher (2), Wood Thrush (2), Blue headed Vireo (1), Red eyed Vireo (9), Northen Parula (1), Black Throated Green Warbler (5), Chestnut sided Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (2), Ovenbird (5), Scarlet Tanager (3)
Early afternoon went to trails near the state hospital Sharp shinned Hawk (1). Wood Thrush (3), Barn Swallow (2), Red eyed Vireo (2), Northern Parula (1), Yellow Warbler (6), Black Throated Blue warbler (2), Amer Redstart (2), Black and White Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (3), Wilsons Warbler (1), Indigo Bunting (2), Bobolink (1).
Final stop was a walk at Fitzgerald Lake from North Farms Rd to the Narrows section of the lake. Yellow bellied Sapsucker (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Wood Thrush (3), Veery (1), Red eyed Vireo (3), Blue headed Vireo (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1),Yellow Warbler (2), Black Throated Green Warbler (3), Yellow rumped Warbler (1), Black Throated Blue warbler (4), Ovenbird (4), Common Yellowthroat (3), Scarlet Tanager (2).

May 14 Friday Sunny and Warm
PELHAM (report from Heather McQueen) Saw and heard 1 Acadian Flycatcher today in the usual spot at Gate 15..

AMHERST (report from Deedee Minear) The Mourning Warbler was still at the Hitchcock Center early this morning.

SOUTHWICK (report from Joe Wojtanowski) Black Vulture

WILBRAHAM (report from Joe Wojtanowski) At 7:30PM in Wilbraham, we started the Allen Bird Club May Census with 7 Common Nighthawks, Bank, Barn and Tree Swallows.

May 15 Saturday Sunny and Hot - Thunderstorms Late
LONGMEADOW (report from Chris Suprenant) At Pondside and Bark Haul Rd. there was a Common Nighthawk perched in a tree that had no leaves on it. If standing with your back to the sign with the map facing Bark Haul rd. as it comes over Route 91 the tree was little ways up Bark Haul on the right. Other birds on Pondside rd --Great-crested Flycatcher, Yellow Warblers, Blackpoll, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole. At the flooded field on West Street -- many Mallards, 1 Black Duck, Black bellied Plover, 3 Lesser Yellow legs, 3-5 Least Sandpipers, a Semipalmated Sandpiper, a Fish Crow, Sharp-shinned Hawk. We then went to Laughing Brook and saw a Red-eyed Vireo and a Phoebe.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Mark Fairbrother) Early this past saturday morning there was a Common Tern above the dam at Turners Falls.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Old state hospital at mid morning. I heard the Golden winged call and finally tracked the bird down...looked like just a normal Blue winged....not sure if it was the same one as before, but it certainly could be. Highlights from here were Black billed Cuckoo (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Eastern Kingbird (1), Red eyed Vireo (1), Barn Swallow (5), Cedar Waxwing (5), Blue Winged Warbler (3), Northern Parula (1), Yellow Warbler (7), Black Throated Blue Warbler (1), Chestnut Sided Warbler (1), Common yellowthroat (3), Scarlet Tanager (1), Indigo Bunting (3), Baltimore Oriole (3), Field Sparrow (1). Arcadia from late morning through early afternoon with stops at the visitors center area and Pynchon Meadow Rd and along Old Springfield Rd. I had Great Blue Heron (3) flyby's, Green Heron (1) flyby, Kingfisher (1), Ruby Throated Hummingbird (1), Eastern Kingbird (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (4) with nesting material being collected at two seperate spots, Wood Thrush (4), Brown Thrasher (2), Warbling Vireo (2), Red eyed Vireo (2), Cedar Waxwing (7), Blue Jay (20+), Yellow Warbler (10), Pine Warbler (1), Blackpoll Warbler (3), Magnolia Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (1), Common yellowthroat (7), Scarlet Tanager (1), Baltimore Oriole (5), Bobolink (17) with 7 of these in the field immediately after the bridge on Old Springfield Rd, Vesper Sparrow (1).

WILBRAHAM (report from Joe Wojtanowski) Allen Bird Club May Census continues -- some highlights, Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 Ruffed Grouse,18 Turkey, 3 Woodcock, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, 4 Barred Owls, Rough-winged Swallow, 4 Pewee, 3 Phoebe , 8 Kingbirds, Bluebird, 12 Veery, 3 Hermit Thrush, 25 Wood Thrush, 3 Brown Thrashers, Warbling Vireo, 15 Red-eyed Vireo, 21 Baltimore Orioles, 5 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 5 Towhee, 7Scarlet Tanagers, WARBLERS; 7 Blue-winged, 21 Yellow, 5 Magnolia,15 Yellow-rumped,Black-throated Green, Pine, 8 Black and White,7 Common Yellowthroat. 22 Ovenbirds. Observers were Joe, John and Terry Wojtanowski, Kate Leary. Total Species 70, Total Birds 750, Total Hours 22.5

May 16 Sunday Partly Cloudy - Warm
NORTHAMPTON (report from Deedee Minear) Scott Surner discovered a Kentucky Warbler this afternoon on the Northampton Bike Path in the area between Stop & Shop and Jackson St.

LONGMEADOW (report from Chris Suprenant) Everything was still at shorebird spot (see 5/15) along with 2 displaying male turkeys and one female turkey, 2 Semipalmated Plovers, 1 Peregrine Falcon flying over, and a Magnolia Warbler on Pondside rd.

QUABBIN PARK (as reported by Mark Lynch) We had the following this morning under cloudy skies: Common Loon (12); Double-crested Cormorant (11); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (14); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (7); White-winged Scoter (5m); Common Merganser (3); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Barred Owl (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E. Wood Peewee (7); Least Flycatcher (4); E. Phoebe (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E. Kingbird (7); Tree Swallow (14); N. Rough-winged Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (3); Common Raven(pair attending nest. We could make out 1 young which looked just about fledged and was standing on the edge, flapping it's wings); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (7); Veery (8); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (7); Cedar Waxwing (4); Gray Catbird (15); Yellow-throated Vireo (9); Red-eyed Vireo (42); WARBLERS: N. Parula (1); Tennessee (1); Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (22); Black-throated Blue (3); Magnolia (7); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (3); Prairie (7); Pine (5); Cerulean Warbler (1f: the territorial males that have been seen for the last several years have not been reliably seen this year. We spent some time and came back to the traditional spot and spoke to several veteran South Quabbin birders, and the males just have not been seen); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (6); Black and White (11); A. Redstart (35); Worm-eating Warbler (1); Ovenbird (20); Mourning (1m); C. Yellowthroat (22); Scarlet Tanager (16); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Indigo Bunting (16: at one point we had 4m actively pursuing a female and fighting among themselves in one small field); E. Towhee (17); Bobolink (10 overhead); Baltimore Oriole (29); PLUS: River Otter, White-tailed Deer, and Beaver.

PELHAM (as reported by Mark Lynch) A hike in gate 15 did NOT find any Acadian Flycatchers, despite some hiking around beyond the usual spots. But we did have: E. Wood Peewee (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Winter Wren (1); Hermit Thrush (5); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (9); Chestnut-sided Warbler (2); Magnolia Warbler (1); Black-throated Blue Warbler (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Black-throated Green Warbler (13); Blackburnian Warbler (7); Pine Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (2); Ovenbird (10); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); Dark-eyed Junco (1); Purple Finch (1); PLUS: many Red Efts, a nice patch of Painted Trillium and a gogolplex of mosquitoes and Black Flies.

SHUTESBURY (report from Chris Gentes) A few notable sightings from a walk with friends - Winter Wren (2), Black-throated Green (20+), Blackburnian (3), Louisiana Waterthrush (1).

May 17 Monday Mostly Sunny - Warm
OLD DEERFIELD (Western Mass Voice of Audubon) In the Old Deerfield marsh today a possible King Rail was heard calling. Also seen were an American Bittern and a Virginia Rail.

WEST SPRINGFIELD (Western Mass Voice of Audubon) A Dunlin and a Swainson's Thrush were noted in West Springfield

HAMPDEN (Western Mass Voice of Audubon) Two Gray-cheeked Thrushes were seen in Hampden

NORTHAMPTON+ (report from L Therrien) I made a morning walk on the lower part of the bike trail near Stop and Shop. I had a Sora (1) calling in the swamp, Fish Crow (2), Red eyed Vireo (1), Wood Thrush (2), Common Yellowthroat (4), Yellow Warbler (3).
I then went down to Mt Tom and walked around the area of Lake Bray: Common Yellowthroat (3), Ovenbird (5), Yellow warbler (1), Northern Parula (2), Amer Redstart (1), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Pine Warbler (1), Louisiana Waterthrush (1), Nashville Warbler (1), Red eyed Vireo (12), Warbling Vireo (1), Baltimore Oriole (2),Wood Duck (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (2), Wood Thrush (2), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (3), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Rose Brested Grosbeak (1), Eastern Phoebe (3) Chipping Sparrow (3) gathering nesting material, Hermit Thrush (1) singing, Northen Rough winged Swallow (2).
Next made a swing through Arcadia: Yellow Rumped Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (6), Blackpoll Warbler (3), Yellow Warbler (4), Amer Redstart (1), Red eyed Vireo (3), Warbling Vireo (2), Willow Flycatcher (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Wood thrush (3), Eastern Wood Pewee (2), Kingfisher (2), Wood Duck (2), Spotted Sandpiper (1) in Arcadia Marsh, Boblink (10+), Eastern Bluebird (3), Cedar Waxwing (8) flycatching, Barn Swallow (1), Eastern Kingbird (1), Red tailed Hawk (1).
I next went up to Stillwater Rd Solitary Sandpiper (2), Spotted Sandpiper (3), Least Sandpiper (6), Semipalmated Plover (1) and a Northern Mockingbird (1).
Old Deerfield had Common Yellowthroat (4), Yellow warbler (3), Blackpoll Warbler (2), Barn Swallow (4), Willow Flycatcher (1) and Savannah Sparrow (3).
Bartons Cove had the Bald Eagles still on the nest, but no other activity...lots of boats out in the cove.
I then went up to Poets Seat Tower and had Black Throated Green Warbler (2), Ovenbird (3), Black and White Warbler (1), Blackpoll Warbler (1), Amer. Redstart (1), Nashville Warbler (1), Red eyed Vireo (5), Yellow Throated Vireo (1) being very vocal, Scarlet Tanager (2), Wood Thrush (2), Eastern Wood Pewee (2), Osprey (1), Eastern Phoebe (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (2).
Bashin area of Hatfield had Yellow warbler (4), Warbling Vireo (1), Bald Eagle (1) adult, Red Shouldered Hawk (1), Double Crested Cormorant (1), and numerous others.
Final stop for the day was a walk through the trails near the state hospital with Yellow Warbler (6), Common yellowthroat (4), Black and White Warbler (2), Warbling Vireo (2), Red eyed Vireo (1), Field Sparrow (1) and Pileated Woodpecker (1).

LONGMEADOW (report from Chris Patterson) I checked the fields on West Street today, at 230 PM and the Black-bellied Plover was still there. Most often seen on or around the "island" in the water.

HADLEY-AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) I heard Blackpolls calling nonstop for five miles on the bike path. Assuming I heard one calling every 200 feet that would make at least 130 of them.

May 18 Tuesday Mostly Cloudy - Warm
SOUTH AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) On the Harvey Allen Trail near the swamp I heard a Black-billed Cuckoo call this morning. Other than that just the usual birds.

WILLIAMSBURG (report from Larry Therrien) Graves Farm -- Black Throated Green Warbler (3), Ovenbird (11), Common Yellowthroat (6), Black Throated Blue Warbler (1), Blackburnian Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (2), Pine Warbler (1), Blue winged Warbler (1), American Redstart (1), Red eyed Vireo (5), Cliff Swallow (10+), Eastern Bluebird (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Bobolink (6) probably more, Rose Breasted Grosbeak (1)Baltimore Oriole (2), Hermit Thrush (2), Wood Thrush (1), Kingfisher (1).

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) A stop at the trails near the state hospital had Common Yellowthroat (5), Yellow Warbler (4), American Redstart (1), Black and White Warbler (1), Red eyed Vireo (3), Indigo Bunting (3), Wood Thush (3), Eastern Kingbird (1), Brown Creeper (1), Baltimore Oriole (1) and other usual stuff. Later in the evening I had 2 Common Nighthawks overhead in Florence -- at least one of the two was calling.

NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) The male Orchard Oriole still singing. Other birds incude Warbling Vireo and a few Blackpolls.

May 19 Wednesday Mostly Sunny - Warm
AMHERST+ (report from Larry Therrien) Bike Trail in Amherst from Mill Lane down to the trail into the Brickyard Conservation area, as well as the length of the Misty Bottom Trail. Canada Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (4), Common Yellowthroat (11), Amer Redstart (5), Yellow Warbler (13), Blue Winged Warbler (5), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Northern Parula (1), Warbling Vireo (5), Red eyed Vireo (2), Sora (1) heard, Great Crested Flycatcher (4), Willow Flycatcher (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (3), Ruby Throated Hummingbird (1), Eastern Kingbird (6), Hermit Thrush (3), Bobolink (6), Northern Rough winged Swallow (2), Baltimore Oriole (11), Gray Catbird (30+), Killdeer (1), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Barn Swallow (2), Scarlet Tanger (2), Rose Brested Grosbeak (4), Brown Thrasher (6), Eastern Bluebird (1), and lots of other usual stuff.
At Plum Spring Conservation Area I had Black and White Warbler (2), Yellow Warbler (4), Common Yellowthroat (5), Warbling Vireo (2), Red eyed Vireo (1), Orchard Oriole (1) beautiful singing male, Baltimore Oriole (1), Green Heron (2) perched in a dead snag, Eastern Bluebird (2), Ruby Throated Hummingbird (1).
Larch Hill: Common Yellowthroat (2), Ovenbird (2), Blue headed Vireo (1), Indigo Bunting (1), Chiiping Sparrow (2), House Wren (2), Eastern Phoebe (1) and a few other usuals.
Trails near the state hospital in Northampton: Yellow Warbler (4), Common yellowthroat (5), Blue Winged Warbler (1), Blackburnian Warbler (1), Magnolia Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (2), Warbling Vireo (2), Red eyed Vireo (1), Blue headed Vireo (2), Bobolink (1), Chimney Swift (23), Indigo Bunting (3), Fish Crow (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Fitzgerald Lake from North Farms Rd to the Narrows of the lake. Highlights of Yellow Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (4), Black Throated Blue Warbler (2), Nashville Warbler (1), Pine warbler (1) Red eyed Vireo (8), Veery (2), Hermit Thrush (3), Green heron (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1) Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1).

QUABBIN PARK+ (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) We traveled down the South Quabbin Park this morning and had one Worm-eating Warbler, several Blackpoll Warblers, and a pair of Yellow-throated Vireos along with most of the usual breeders. No Cerulean Warblers seen or heard here. Heading down from here to Skinner S.P. off of Rt. 47 in Hadley, oddly enough, no Cerulean Warblers were singing or seen. Either a bad day for seeing these birds or they're beginning to lose their foothold in the area. I hate to be pessimistic, so keep trying. Also of note, the Alder Flycatcher is back at Jonathan's Bridge on Fay Rd., New Salem.

ASHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Steve Sauter) I was out along the Swift River this morning tagging along with a researcher who is studying Wood Turtles. All along the river are grassy openings mixed with Alder stands. As we examined one Wood Turtle we were serenaded by an Alder Flycatcher singing above us. Fine looks but the song was the identifier.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Amy Moeckel) I have been watching for several years now as the winter goldeneyes on the Turners Falls power canal move on, leaving the resident (presumed flightless) female behind. She has been a year round occupant of the canal, even managing to survive the annual drawdown when the power canal is drained for a week during the summer. This year she has found a male who has stayed with her...so far. I have been hesitant to post thinking that he would be leaving soon, but I have been seeing them together regularly. It will be interesting to see if they are able to breed successfully. If she is indeed flightless, tree cavity nesting is out! This brings up some questions. I read that the common goldeneye often breeds before spring migration and that it is the female who incubates the eggs. Does the male stick around normally? When breeding up north in the normal breeding range, do the pairs stay together throughout rearing of the young? I have not found an average outmigration date for inland Massachusetts, but read that the goldeneyes are gone form the coast by May 1 or earlier. The large numbers that were present on the canal have been gone for some time, although on Monday night I did see two females and one male. Even though this female is a special case because she is resident, I looked briefly and did not locate any records of goldeneyes nesting in the area, but perhaps someone has more information? Should be interesting either way.

WARE (as reported by Chris Buelow) A flock of at least 17 Common Nighthawks was seen at dusk from the bridge over the Ware River near Main Street. They remained in the immediate area, feeding over the river and around the mills for the 20 minutes that we watched.

May 20 Thursday Partly Cloudy - Pleasant
NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) Almost as if on cue, an annual Olive-sided Flycatcher was on the tallest snag in the far north corner of the first swamp on the right, in the Satan's Kingdom region. There are the first deep water impoundments on both sides of Old Vernon Rd., followed by the swamp with the snags (pulloff on left opposite swamp). The bird seems to favor this tallest dead tree in the back. When I last checked, it was being harassed and displaced by a Great Crested Flycatcher. Be aware that a scope may be necessary here. No wonder they don't stick around too long.

HADLEY+ (report from Heather McQueen) There was a Willow Flycatcher behind the mall and another up at Hop Brook. Also a Northern Waterthrush on the Caroline Arnold Trail. Also a mallard with just hatched youngsters.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Saw a Willow Flycatcher in the Arcadia Meadows.

May 21 Friday Mostly Sunny - Warm
NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Fitzgerald Lake from Marian St to the blind: Black Throated Green warbler (1), Blue winged Warbler (2), Yellow Warbler (6), Common Yellowthroat (5), Black and White Warbler (1), Magnolia Warbler (1), Ovenbird (4), Red eyed Vireo (8), Blue headed Vireo (1), Ruffed Grouse (1) flushed from the same spot we had one at a few weeks ago, Swamp Sparrow (2), Willow Flycatcher (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (2), Eastern Kingbird (1), Veery (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Rose Brested Grosbeak (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (2), Hermit Thrush (3), Wood Thrush (2), Wood Duck (1). There was a note in the book at the blind that someone had a Bittern there...hopefully tomorrow too.
Trails near state hospital: Yellow warbler (10), Common Yellowthroat (5), Black and White warbler (2), Blue Winged Warbler (2), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Blackpoll Warbler (1), American Redstart (2), Warbling Vireo (1), Red eyed Vireo (2), Field Sparrow (1), Bobolink (1), Indigo Bunting (3), Gray Catbird (15+), Fish Crow (1), Bald Eagle (1) immature, Great Crested Flycatcher (3), Eastern Kingbird (1), Northern Flicker (1), Wood Thrush (3).

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Deedee Minear) Bikepath going from Station Road toward Warren Wright road. when the swamp on the right starts to close (far end of swamp) I heard an Olive-sided Flycatcher, not close to the path. did not see it. too many green trees in the way. there was an alder fly calling in the same area. mosquitoes abundant.

SOUTH HADLEY (report from Kevin Weir) I saw a Piliated Woodpecker on my way to work right by the roadside on River Road.

NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) The Bank Swallow colony is in full swing off of Upper Farms Road.

GOSHEN (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) At my sister's thistle feeder three Pine Siskins.

MOTAGUE (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) In the Montague Plains : Great Blue Heron-13-these fly over every morning, Hairy Woodpecker-1, Pileated-1, Barred Owl-1-calling late morning, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER-1, EWPewee-1, EKingbird-2, GCatbird-6-one pair building nest, Brown Thrasher-2, Hermit Thrush-5, Veery-1, ARobin-5, ACrow-6, Blue Jay-6, CWaxwing-2, BCreeper-1, WBNuthatch-1, RBNuthatch-6, TTitmouse-1, BCChickadee-5, BGGnatcatcher-1, Warblers: Chestnut-sided-3, Prairie-10, Pine-6, Black and White-7, Redstart-2, Ovenbird-7-female on eggs, Yellowthroat-4, STanager-2, ETowhee-10, NCardinal-2, Field Sparrow-8, Chipping Sparrow-9, Balt Oriole-1, BHCowbird-9, AGoldfinch-6

May 22 Saturday Cloudy, Cold and Rainy
LONGMEADOW (report from Chris Gentes) In the flooded fields on West Street we saw a Snowy Egret, 20+ Semipalmated Plovers, a few Greater Yellowlegs, a Lesser Yellowlegs, 40+ Short-billed Dowitchers. Pondside a Great Egret flew in briefly before being chased off by a Great-blue Heron.

NORTHAMPTON+ (report from Larry Therrien) Arcadia: Black Throated Green warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (3), Common Yellowthroat (6), Blackpoll Warbler (7), Black and White Warbler (1), American redstart (2), Pine warbler(1), Red eyed Vireo (3),Warbling Vireo (4), Wood Thrush (6), Bobolink (30+), Eastern Kingbird (3), Eastern Bluebird (5), Gray Catbird (20), Great Crested Flycatcher (3), Wood Duck (8), Carolina Wren (1), Brown Thrasher (1), Willow Flycatcher (2 or 3), House Wren (1), Great Blue Heron (9), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Baltimore Oriole (4), Barn Swallow (2), Savannah Sparrow (2), Rose Brested Grosbeak (1)
At Graves Farm: Black and White Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (3), Black Throated Green Warbler (3), Black Throated Blue Warbler (1), Blackburnian warbler (1), Pine Warbler (1), Ovenbird (4), Red eyed Vireo (3), Cliff Swallow (2), Bobolink (2), Veery (1), Wood Thrush (1), Indigo Bunting (1), Baltimore Oriole (1)

Pelham+ (as reported by Mark Lynch) A morning walk into Gate 15 this morning had the following: Acadian Flycatcher (1 bird heard singing continuously and seen. Also Veery (3); Hermit Thrush (1); Red-eyed Vireo (3); WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (5); Blackburnian (6); Black-throated Green (6); Pine (2); Black and White (3); A. Redstart (3); Ovenbird (9); Further north on Rt. 202, at the New Salem scenic overlook sometimes called "Lover's Leap" we had: Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Red-eyed Vireo (3); Chestnut-sided Warbler (4); C. Yellowthroat (3); Indigo Bunting (2); Evening Grosbeak (3).

May 23 Sunday Mostly Cloudy, Mild
SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) A Prothonotary Warbler was found late this afternoon at the Station Road Entrance to the bike trail in Amherst. The Warbler was found around 4:00pm by Sol Satan and later seen by Harvey Allen around 7:00pm. Park at the Station Road parking lot of the Bike Trail and head west (towards Amherst) on the trail about 300 Yds?. When you start to approach the large body of water on your right, start looking and listening for the bird. Good luck.

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) In the Deerfield Meadows just northwest of the ballfield was one Black-bellied Plover at about 10 AM. In the small pond at the gate to the Deerfield Academy playing fields off Mill Village Road were 16 Short-billed Dowitchers. About 11:30 AM. Full list, with Pat Serrentino and Jennifer Strules: Great Blue Heron-1 Green Heron-2 Canada Goose-2 pair, both w/ young-adults being bombed by male Redwing Mallard-4 Wood Duck-4 Redtail-1 Black-bellied Plover-1 Semi Plover-5 Killdeer-4 Spotted Sandpiper-3 Least Sand-2 SBDowitcher-16 (The manure pond on Stillwater Road has been plowed and drained, so no shorebirds) RBGull-2 Rock Pigeon-1 MoDo-4+ Yellow-billed Cuckoo-1-heard calling from large maple, but never seen. CSwift-5+ RTHumminbird-1 Kingfisher-2 RBWoodpecker-2 Downy Wood-1 Flicker-2 EWPewee-3 Willow Fly-3 Least Fly-3 EPhoebe-1 Great-crested Fly-1 EKingbird-1 REVireo-1 Warbling Vireo-5 Blue Jay-2 ACrow-4 NRWSwallow-8 Bank Swallow-4 Barn Swallow-10+ Tree Swallow-4+ TTitmouse-4 WBNuthatch-1 House Wren-1 BGGnatcatcher-2 EBluebird-4-one pair w/ nest hole in lower surface of horizontal willow branch. ARobin-10+-at least three nests. Veery-2 Wood Thrush-1 Catbird-5+ Mockingbird-2 Brown Thrasher-1 Starling-10+ CWaxwing-5-one pair feeding eachother Yellow Warb-app 8 Chestnut-sided-2 Blackpoll-9 Black and White-1 ARedstart-3 Yellowthroat-5 Canada Warb-1 NCardinal-4-saw female on nest RBGrosbeak-2 Indigo Bunting-2 Chipping Sparrow-4 Savannah-3 Song Sparrow-4 Swamp Sparrow-3 Bobolink-2+ BHCowbird-5+ Redwing-10+ CGrackle-10+ Balt Oriole-3 AGoldfinch-10+ House Sparrow-2

DEERFIELD (report from Dave Mako) I went to check out the Deerfield sites but the black-bellied and the dowitchers had already moved on. But I did find both an orchard oriole and a warbling vireo, both singing in the same tree! And I also found an olive-sided flycatcher!

HADLEY (report from Pete Yeskie) Yesterday around the cove & Aqua Vita Road area - 1 yellow-throated vireo, 1 warbling vireo, 3 wood thrushes chasing each other around, 4 lesser yellowlegs, 4 greater yellowlegs, 1 great blue heron, 1 short-billed dowitcher.

NORTHAMPTON+ (report from Larry Therrien) Trails near state hospital: Yellow Warbler (4), Common Yellowthroat (5), Black and White warbler (1), Blackpoll warbler (1), Red eyed Vireo (3) , Field Sparrow (2), Indigo Bunting (4), Brown Thrasher (1), Wood Thrush (3), Eastern Wood Pewee (1).
Graves Farm:Black Throated Green Warbler (5), Ovenbird (7), Tennessee Warbler (1) singing constantly, Chesnut sided Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (3), Black and White Warbler (1), Blackpoll warbler (2), Black Throated Blue Warbler (2), Yellow rumped Warbler (1), Blackburnian Warbler (4), Pine Warbler (3), Nashville Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (2), Red eyed Vireo (7), Cliff Swallow (12), Winter Wren (1), Wood Thrush (1), Hermit Thrush (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Bobolink (5), Eastern Bluebird (2), Baltimore Oriole (3), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Red Shouldered Hawk (1) calling and seen, Scarlet Tanger (1), Indigo Bunting (2).

May 24 Monday Scattered Thunderstorms
SOUTH AMHERST (report from Eileen Rutman) The Prothonotary Warbler found yesterday at the Station Road bike trail in South Amherst was still present today, Monday at 2:30PM. The bird was teed up and singing in the same approximate spot he was found yesterday. The bird is in a stand of dead pines on the right side of the trail just before the tree the Piliated Woodpeckers have nested in which has 2 round, large holes.

SOUTH AMHERST+ (report from Larry Therrien) Bike path from station road to the end of the first swamp: Prothonotary Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (2), Black and White Warbler (1), American redstart (1), Pine Warbler(1), Warbling Vireo (2), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Common Nighthawk (1) perched on dead branch, Eastern Kingbird (2), Eastern Bluebird (2), Great Crested Flycatcher (2), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Baltimore Oriole (2), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (2), Kingfisher (1), Green Heron (1), Coopers Hawk (1) or so it appeared...it was a big accipite but would not come in very close, Hermit Thrush (1), Northen Flicker (1) at nest hole.
Area off Stockbridge Rd in North Hadley: Yellow warbler (3), Common Yellowthroat (1), Pine Warbler (1), Blackpoll Warbler (2), Black Throated Blue Warbler (1), Red eyed Vireo (2), Warbling Vireo (1), Orchard Oriole (1) male...flew by fairly close but I could not relocate it again. Baltimore Oriole (2), Eastern Kingbird (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), and Kingfisher (1)
Trails near state hospital: Yellow Warbler (3), Common Yellowthroat (1), Blue winged Warbler (1), Red eyed Vireo (2) , Field Sparrow (1), Indigo Bunting (1), Wood Thrush (2), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Bobolink (1), Fish Crow (2).

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Chris Gentes) Along with the Prothonotary Warbler and the perched Nighthawk there was an Olive-sided Flycatcher at the bikepath.

May 25 Tuesday Mostly Cloudy and Mild
NORTHAMPTON+ (report from Larry Therrien) Arcadia: Common Yellowthroat (8), Pine Warbler (1), Chestnut Sided Warbler (1), American redstart (1), Magnolia Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (8), Warbling Vireo (2), Red eyed Vireo (4), Brown Thrasher (3) including one with nesting material, American Kestrel (1) male, Eastern Bluebird (5), Eastern Kingbird (3), Cedar Waxwing (35), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Least Flycatcher (1), Willow Flycatcher (3), Great Crested Flycatcher (4), Wood Thrush (2), Bobolink (20+), Baltimore Oriole (3)Barn Swallow (7), Savannah Sparrow (4), Indigo Bunting (3) and lots of Song Sparrows. Also had a couple White tailed Deer walking around one of the freshly plowed fields.
Trails near state hospital: Yellow warbler (5), Common Yellowthroat (8), American Redstart (3), Blue Winged Warbler (3), Black and White Warbler (2), Nashville Warbler (1), Red Eyed Vireo (2), Field Sparrow (2), Wood Thrush (2), Indigo Bunting (4), Fish Crow (1), Brown Thrasher (1) and Great Crested Flycatcher (1).
Graves Farm: Common yellowthroat (5), Black and White Warbler (1), Blackburnian Warbler (4), Black Throated Green Warbler (3), Black Throated Blue warbler (1), Magnolia Warbler (2) including one making an odd two note call, Yellow Rumped Warbler (1), Pine Warbler (3), Ovenbird (5), Red eyed Vireo (4), Winter Wren (1), Empidonax Flycatcher (1), Brown Creeper (1), Eastern Bluebird (2), Cliff Swallow (10+), Eastern Wood Pewee (2), Hermit Thrush (4), Bobolink (4), Wid Turkey (2), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Baltimore Oriole (1), Kingfisher (1), Wood Thrush (1)...Also had quite a few Pink Ladyslippers blooming.

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) The Prothonotary Warbler was still present.

May 26 Wednesday Cloudy, Damp, Chilly
EASTHAMPTON - Bob Bieda discovered a male Wilson's Phalarope at 3:15 pm in a flooded plowed cornfield near Arcadia. It is in the vicinity of Fort Hill Road in Easthampton. Was present until at least 8pm.

BARTON'S COVE - A Black Tern was discovered.

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Betsy Higgins) The Prothonotary Warbler in South Amherst was singing and showing himself nicely this morning at 6:30.

May 27 Thursday Sunny and Warm
GREENFIELD (report from Larry Therrien) Bartons Cove: Common Loon (3), two adults with some calling going on, White Winged Scoter (4), Bank Swallow (125+)..they were everywhere, Greater Yellowlegs (1), Semipalmated Plover (3), Semipalmated Sandpiper (1), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Common yellowthroat (2), Yellow Warbler (1), Black Throated Green Warbler (2), Blackpoll Warbler (1), Warbling Vireo (1), Double Crested Cormorant (13), Great Crested Flycatcher (2), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Mute Swan (2), Eastern Kingbird (2), Barn Swallow (15), Baltimore Oriole (1) and a couple Great Blue Herons. Water was drawn down quite a bit today.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Arcadia: Common yellowthroat (9), Yellow Warbler (5), Pine Warbler (1), Blackpoll warbler (5), Black and White Warbler (1), Warbling Vireo (7), Red eyed Vireo (5), Greater Scaup (1) in oxbow, Bank Swallow (6), Eastern Kingbird (3), Eastern Bluebird (3), Willow Flycatcher (3), Least Flycatcher (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Savannah Sparrow (5), Bobolink (12+), Baltimore Oriole (2), Turkey Vultures (7)...all perched in atree waiting to come down to finish off a rather large fish on the side of the road. Also had a few Monarch Butterflies in the fields too. The Wilson's Phalorope was no where to be found...the flooded area had shrunk quite a bit.
State Hospital trails: Chestnut sided warbler (1), Common yellowthroat (4), Yellow Warbler (2), American Redstart (3), Red eyed Vireo (3), Warbling Vireo (1), Indigo Bunting (2), Fish Crow (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Chimney Swift (46).
Fitzgerald Lake..short walk from North Farms Rd: Common Yellowthroat (2), Yellow warbler (2), Pine Warbler (1), Ovenbird (4), Blue headed Vireo (1), Red eyed Vireo (3), Northern Rough Winged Swallow (3), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Hermit Thrush (2), Wood Thrush (2) and Red Winged Blackbirds bringing food back to nests and some noisy nestlings.

May 28 Friday Overcast - Rainy
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) I saw 18 Common Merganser chicks with one female adult.

SOUTH AMHERST (reported on Massbird by John Hoye) The Male Prothonotary Warbler singing vigorously at 3 P.M.

SOUTH AMHERST+ (posted to Massbird by Ian Lynch ) The previously reported Prothonotary Warbler was still present and singing persistently today. The Common Nighthawk was also roosting on a snag in the same area. I had three singing Cerulean Warblers on Skinner Mountain in Hadley. One was at the halfway point across from the barn and the other two were near the parking just below the summit. I had no luck with Worm-eating Warblers there (although I heard one suspicious song near Taylor Notch, but couldn't hear it well enough or long enough). Has anyone had any there this year? And/or has the one at Quabbin continued?

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Gina Martel) The continuing Prothonotary warbler was singing at 5:30 pm. The warbler was observed carrying some moss to a hole near the top of a 5 foot stump quite near the edge of the northbound bike lane about 20 feet south of the snag that previously this week had held a Common Nighthawk. I've read the male Prothonotary makes dummy nests, but only females make the real nest. Other birds seen there this evening included Great Crested Flycatcher, Green heron, and 2 pairs of Canada geese (with goslings) hissing at bicyclists, dog walkers, rollerbladers, joggers, and birders.

VARIOUS (posted to Massbird by Glenn d'Entremont) The Prothonotary continues in Amherst. There were three Acadian Flycatchers at Quabbin Gate 15 - They were difficult to find until I realized they were calling much closer to the ground than usual. There are two eaglets in the nest in Turner's Falls (Barton Cove). The two adults were also present. The pair of Goldeneye were present at the Turner's Falls canal. There were at least two Grasshopper Sparrows seen from the parking area at Turner's Falls airport.

May 29 Saturday Partly Cloudy - Windy and Cool
WHATELY (report from Chris Gentes) Evidence of a Red-shouldered Hawk nest in the Great Swamp included a lot of white wash under a pine and a continually calling hawk in the pine.Over in Hatfield we heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo calling but couldn't find it.

AMHERST (report from Kevin Weir) There were about 30 cedar waxwings near the bagel shop/Henion Bakery about 8am today.

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) The Prothonotary Warbler was still present in the same location at 6:45 PM. We heard it sing half a dozen times and Chris caught one glimpse of it before it retreated back into the swamp. The chilly, windy weather seemed to inhbit the bird from moving around or singing very much.

QUABBIN PARK (posted to Massburd by Mark Lynch) On a MAS class to Quabbin Park (South Quabbin) Saturday AM in pretty windy weather we had the following: Common Loon (1) Double-crested Cormorant (13: migrating north) Great Blue Heron (3) Canada Goose (13) Hooded Merganser (1f sitting atop a Wood Duck box trying to coax the young out) Common Merganser (2) Turkey Vulture (19) Bald Eagle (2imm+adult pair attending nest visible from Enfield Lookout) Red-tailed Hawk (11: from Enfield Lookout, Red-tailed pairs began to soar all over from the western shore and along the Prescott) Chimney Swift (13) Belted Kingfisher (1) Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Pileated Woodpecker (2) E Wood Peewee (8) Least Flycatcher (3) E. Phoebe (2) Great Crested Flycatcher (3) E. Kingbird (5) Tree Swallow (16) N. Rough-winged Swallow (4) Common Raven (2ad each carrying food ( young nestlings that may have been robins) to at least 1 pretty fledged young (1 seen on nest still)) Brown Creeper (1) House Wren (3) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (7) Veery (10) Hermit Thrush (1: low) Cedar Waxwing (17) Yellow-throated Vireo (2: very low) Blue-headed Vireo (1) Red-eyed Vireo (51) WARBLERS: Yellow (3) Chestnut-sided (21) Black-throated Blue (2) Black-throated Green (2) Blackburnian (3) Pine (8) Prairie (4) Black and White (4) Blackpoll (2) Bay-breasted (1f) A. Redstart (39) Ovenbird (15) C. Yellowthroat (8) Scarlet Tanager (4) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5) Indigo Bunting (4: mating observed) Song Sparrow (3) Dark-eyed Junco (1) Purple Finch (2) Baltimore Oriole (12)

May 30 Sunday Sunny
SOUTH AMHERST+ (posted on Massbird by Tim Spahr) Took off for central/western Massachusetts with Jane Moosbruker today in hopes of catching the Prontonotary and Cerulean Warblers. We were successful on both birds. The Prothonotary was very cooperative, see a screencapture here: http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/~tspahr/IMAGES/prothon1.jpg and there are 3 vids here: http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/~tspahr/MOVIES/ be warned, 2 - 5 meg. Next we headed to Skinner State Park, and we found at least one Cerulean Warbler up near the summit, as described previously by other posters. No video on that bird, it wasn't nearly as cooperative! But definitely worth the drive. Other nice birds up near the summit were Dark-eyed Juncos and nesting Indigo Buntings. good birding!

May 31 Monday Sunny and Warm
SOUTH AMHERST (from John Van de Graaff) The Prothonotary Warbler was NOT present for some two hours (ca. 7:40-9:30 a.m., neither visible nor audible; several observers).

QUABBIN PARK (posted on Massbird by Glen Tepke) Quabbin Park, 5/31 Cape May Warbler - 1 heard singing repeatedly but not seen despite a good half hour of staring at trees; at Gate 52 near the ruins of some sort of structure, Yellow-throated Vireo - 2 chasing each other non-stop for about an hour, belying the stereotype of vireos as sluggish; about 100 yards south of the Winsor Memorial, Prairie Warblers and Indigo Buntings at the tower and Goodnough Dam Alder Flycatcher - at least 3 in the marsh south of Goodnough Dam, Black Bear - one in same marsh.

FLORENCE (from Tom Gagnon) I HEARD a Clay-colored Sparrow call 3 times this afternoon but could not locate it.