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

October 1 - Friday - Sunny and Mild

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia meadows from about 6:45-10am: Black Throated Green Warbler (3), Palm Warbler (4), Yellow Rumped Warbler (26), Northern Parula (1), Common Yellowthroat (9), Red eyed Vireo (5), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (2), Eastern Phoebe (8), Lincoln's Sparrow (2), Swamp Sparrow (4), Savannah Sparrow (15), Chipping Sparrow (1), White Throated Sparrow (47), Song Sparrow (65+), Eastern Bluebird (4), Peregrine Falcon (1), Sharp Shinned Hawk (2), Coopers Hawk (1)..great views of perched juvenile bird, Osprey (1), House Wren (4), Wood Duck (3), and the other usuals. When I went back down to Arcadia this afternoon, the numbers of sparrows and warblers were both down but still had some groups of warblers moving around: Common Snipe (1)...flushed from the edge of the Ibis pool, and Red Tailed Hawks (3) soaring and calling adults. Also had a real neat sighting down there this afternoon...I got a several minute view of an adult Bobcat and two yearlings on the edge of a field. The adult chased a rabbit without success and then the two youngsters played a bit and then all three wandered off into the woods....absolutely great looks.

AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) Saw a Mourning Warbler at the Plum Brook Conservation Area off Potwine St.

October 2 - Saturday - Cloudy and cool

AMHERST+ (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I checked out the Plum Brook Conservation Area off Potwine St. We found a Marsh Wren and 4 Wood Ducks. We then walked along the KC Trail on the other side of the street. It was very birdy. Along with the more common birds we observed: Carolina Wren-1, Ruby-crowned Kinglet-2, Palm Warbler-1, Black-throated Green Warbler-1, Myrtle Warbler-2, Lincoln Sparrow-2, Song Sparrow-5, Swamp Sparrow-10, White-throated Sparrow-40+, Purple Finch-2f, Towhee-4+. I later checked numerous fields in HATFIELD and found only 1 Greater Yellowlegs.

SOUTH DEERFIELD (from David Mako) There was a large wave of birds in my backyard in the morning, including 12 flickers, 60 robins, 15 bluebirds, white-throated, chipping, Lincoln and savanah sparrows, goldfinches and the highlight: one evening grosbeak.

October 3 - Sunday - Cold front pushed through overnight. Sunny and cooler.

AMHERST (from David Mako) This morning I went to the flooded lawn of the electric company facility on Rt 116 in Amherst, just north of the intersection with Sunderland Rd (the extension of North Pleasant St.). Very easy access. I saw one sandpiper there last evening, but didn't have my binocs. This morning there were two solitary sandpipers at the side of the puddle closest to the road and another flew in at 9:15 am. Also present: several mallards, mourning doves and a kingfisher.

NORTH HADLEY+ (from Chris Gentes) Early this morning Heather and I saw on Knightly Road 1 Black-bellied Plover and 200 Cowbirds. Off North Maple there were 2 Semipalmated Plovers. Total Killdeers at both spots was 60. Also a Sharp-shinned Hawk and one Red-winged Blackbird. We then continued birding in Shutesbury with Kevin Weir with these highlights: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker-2, Red-bellied Woodpecker-1, Coopers Hawk-1, Sharp-shinned Hawk-1, Turkey Vulture-3, Red-tailed Hawk-3, Eastern Phoebe-30++, Catbird-3, Bluebird-8+, House Wren-1, Myrtle Warbler-5, Common Yellowthroat-3 and a vireo- yellow-throated? A trip to Northfield had no shorebirds.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations Eighty-six migrants from ten species. Many birds were spotted at great distances, making identification difficult at times. Five Bald Eagles were deemed migrants (at 9:30, 10:20, 11:45, 2:12, and 2:40 EDT); two others were not. Adult Peregrine passed close at 10:43 EDT; juvenile passed right over site only 30 ft up at 4:21 EDT. Non-raptor Notes Non-raptor Bird of the Day: ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER in low birches next to lookout (spotted by Sol Satin). Other birds: Canada Geese (80), Blue-headed Vireo (4), Warbling Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays (13), only five other species of warblers (BT Blue, Yellow-rumped, BT Green, Palm, Blackpoll). The Eastern Meadowlark of the past few days still lingered today.

October 4- Monday - Clear and Mild.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) I drove around the East Meadows late this afternoon and had the following highlights: 10 American Pipits (flying over fields), 3 Meadowlarks (near runway), 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pheasant.

NORTHAMPTON+ (fron Larry Therrien) In the Arcadia meadows I had the following: Yellow rumped Warbler (19), Palm Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (4), Eastern Phoebe (4), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (1), Common Raven (3) soaring overhead being harrassed by a Red tailed Hawk, American Kestrel (3), Red Tailed Hawk (4+), Sharp Shinned Hawk (4), Osprey (4) with three in view at one time, including one hunting the Mill River, Turkey Vulture (6+), Savannah Sparrow (10), Chipping Sparrow (3), White Throated Sparrow (35+), Song Sparrow (35+), Gray Catbird (2) only, and lots of Blue Jays (75+). Also a Monarch floating by...have not seen too many this year. In EASTHAMPTON had a Common Raven being harrassed by a few crows.

SOUTHWICK (Voice of Audubon) In Southwick were 18 AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 9 DUNLIN, a LEAST SANDPIPER, 15 AMERICAN PIPITS, and 2 HORNED LARKS. Reported in the Northampton meadows were a GREAT EGRET, 3 HOUSE WRENS, 5 RED-EYED VIREOS, 23 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 3 PALM WARBLERS, 2 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, 37 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, and 3 INDIGO BUNTINGS.

October 5 - Tuesday - Cool and Clear.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Ten species of migrants, including possibly our last Broadwing of the season. Birds flew high and low, near and far. Of eight sightings of Bald Eagles, four yielded birds we could classify as migrants. Snow Geese (190; first of season), Canada Geese (438), Goose species (60), Wood Duck (2), Duck species (10), Blue Jays (8), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebirds (8+), Gray Catbird, American Pipit, Yellow-rumped Warblers (dozens), Palm Warblers (6).

October 6- Wednesday - Mostly Sunny and Mild.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) First stop was the Arcadia meadows this AM at 9am-10:30 in the fog and cold. I had the following: Yellow Rumped Warbler (25), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (4), Red eyed Vireo (1), Blue headed Vireo (2), Eastern Phoebe (5), Ruby crowned Kinglet (1), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Lincoln's Sparrow (1), White Throated Sparrow (65), Savannah Sparrow (10), Chipping Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (60+), House Wren (1), Red tailed Hawk (1), Red winged Blackbird (50), Blue Jays (50+), and only one Gray Catbird, plus other usuals.Later in the day I made another trip through the Arcadia meadows near the Ibis Pool and had the following new birds: Bald Eagle (1) adult, Osprey (1), Swamp Sparrow (1), Northern Mockingbird (3) and a distant accipiter (1). A half hour walk late morning atFITZGERALD LAKE via N. Farms Rd had Common Yellowthroat (2), Golden Crowned Kinglet (3), Swamp Sparrow (1), White Throated Sparrow (10). A couple of hours at MOUNT TOM, including a stop at Goats Peak, had the following: Black Throated Green Warbler (1) flyby the tower, Black and White Warbler (1), Blue headed Vireo (2), Golden Crowned Kinglet (1), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (1), Sharp shinned hawk (1), Cooper's Hawk (1), Red Tailed Hawk (3), Turkey Vulture (4) and a quick view of an unknown type Thrush.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: A modest flight, but one containing our first GOLDEN EAGLE of the season. A juvenile, it swam into our ken at 1:05 EDT. Several Bald Eagles loitered in the vicinity of Cobble Mountain Reservoir a few miles to the NE -- the typical pattern in early to mid-October. Most of the day's birds flew during the above-mentioned period of NW winds. Non-raptor Bird of the Day: our second RED-HEADED WOODPECKER in the past four days. This bird was either an adult or a sub-adult, and flashed past at 10:58 EDT. Also: Canada Geese (51), Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jays (24), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebirds (7+), American Robins (6), Gray Catbird, American Pipits (2), Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warblers (100+), Palm Warblers (8+), Song Sparrows (2). Last week's Eastern Meadowlark reappeared this afternoon.

October 7- Thursday - Sunny and Mild.

NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbirdby Mark Taylor) This morning, while walking through a overgrown field, I heard a Ruby-crowned Kinglet chattering away. Once I pished a few times, the invasion began. At least 25-30 Ruby-crowns came in to investigate the disturbance. Quite unique in my experience and almost comical. A Blue-headed Vireo came in with its own alarm call as well and I almost stepped on a American Woodcock on my way out. A good morning walk.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) A Lincoln Sparrow seen in the East Meadows this morning.

AMHERST (from Larry Therrien) I went to Plum Springs Conservation area this morning and had the following: Yellow rumped Warbler (20), Magnolia Warbler (1), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Palm Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Blue Headed Vireo (6), Red eyed Vireo (1), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (9), Eastern Phoebe (1), Marsh Wren (1) heard, Carolina Wren (1), Sharp shinned Hawk (1), Pileated Woodpecker (1)...being chased by a robin, Green Heron (1), Gray Catbird (5), American Robin (50+). I also took a walk along the rail trail at station road and had Yellow rumped Warbler (2), Blue headed Vireo (1), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (2), Eastern Phoebe (2), Swamp Sparrow (1), Sharp shinned Hawk (2), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Great Blue Heron (2) and other usuals.

SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Russ Titus) At 1110 this morning an immature Red-headed Woodpecker flew high over my yard, headed NW. There were no obvious migrant raptors in a couple hours spent looking, but a Peregrine made an appearance flying low toward downtown Springfield.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Bird of the Day: Wilson's Snipe (Sol Satin). Also: Canada Geese (14), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays (14), Ruby-crowned Kinglets (two dozen), American Robins (12), Yellow-rumped Warblers (several dozen), Palm Warblers (6), Blackpolls (2). Mourning Cloak butterfly; a few singing Katydids persist.

October 8 - Friday - Sunny and Mild.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) In the West Meadows today: Yellow rumped Warbler (34), Nashville Warbler (1), Palm Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (2), Vesper Sparrow (1), Grasshopper Sparrow (1), Lincoln's Sparrow (2), Swamp Sparrow (4), Field Sparrow (5), Savannah Sparrow (23), White Throated Sparrow (75+), Song Sparrow (60+), Eastern Phoebe (1), Northern Harrier (2), Bald Eagle (1) juv, Sharp Shinned hawk (5), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Wood Duck (3), Carolina Wren (2), House Wren (1), Gray Catbird (5) and other usuals.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I saw an Orange-crowned Warbler briefly this morning near the big s-Curve.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Thirty-two birds, half of them Sharp-shins. Northern Goshawk at 11:30 EDT. Adult Bald Eagle at 11:40 EDT. Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warblers (down to a few dozen), Palm Warblers (2 or 3), Common Yellowthroat (female).

October 9 - Saturday - Mostly Cloudy, windy, mild.

HATFIELD+ (from Chris Gentes) Most of the birds we saw were near in a weedy patch near Great Pond. Phoebe (1), Bluebird (10), Common Yellowthroat (1), Song Sparrow, Lincoln Sparrow (1), Vesper Sparrow (2), Field Sparrow (1), Savannah Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow. No shorebirds seen at all the regular spots. We also found 20 Killdeer in a field off Knightly Road in Hadley, 3 Solitary Sandpipers and 5 Bluebirds near the electric transfer station in Amherst on Rte. 166, and in Northampton we looked for sparrows in the west meadows and saw a Lincolns and 20+ Savannah Sparrows.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Three or four Bald Eagles, of which only one (Basic I/II at 11:38 EDT) was counted as a migrant. One non-migrant Turkey Vulture observed with unusual markings: two symmetrically-placed white spots on the back just behind the bird's neck. Canada Geese (5). One porcupine eating leaves in the top of a birch tree, just before we quit at 4 PM EDT.

October 10 - Sunday - Mostly Cloudy, windy, mild. Cold Front pushed through overnight.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: An amazing number of Bald Eagles showed up today, with up to five in the sky at one time. We deemed eight of them to be migrants (the rest lingered near Cobble Mountain Reservoir just NE of us). Just as astonishing was the total dearth of Ospreys. Canada Geese (92), Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets (at least half a dozen each), Gray Catbird, Yellow-rumped Warblers (a few dozen), BT Green Warbler, Blackpoll.

SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Russ Titus) Highlights of today's "Big Sit" yard birds (38 species) included: N. Harrier (1) Sharp-shinned Hawk (3) Cooper's Hawk (1) Red-tailed Hawk (4) American Kestrel (1) Common Raven (4) - somewhat surprising only 1.5 miles from downtown Spfld Red-breasted Nuthatch (1) Purple Finch (3).

October 11 - Monday - Mostly Cloudy.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Birds moved all day, but never in the numbers we hoped to see. Many flew fast and far in the distance, resulting in a high number of unidentified raptors. Three Black Vultures appeared briefly far to the WSW, and returned westward (not counted as migrants). Two immature Bald Eagles (or the same bird twice) did not move south. Cormorants (2), Canada Geese (1580 -- without question an undercount), Goose species (80), Gull species (2), Horned Lark, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Pipit, a few Yellow-rumped Warblers.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia at the Ibis Pool and the Oxbow from 8am-9am. I had the following: Yellow Rumped Warbler (2), Savannah Sparrow (6), White Throated Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (9), Double Crested Cormorant (6) in oxbow, Canada Geese (35+) flyby's and a few other expected birds. Wind was strong this morning and I'm sure some of the birds were laying low.

WESTFIELD (from the Western Voice of Audubon) Migrants counted going over Little River in Westfield this week were 1,000 CANADA GEESE, 67 TURKEY VULTURES, 13 OSPREYS, 4 BALD EAGLES, 39 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPER’S HAWKS, 30 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 18 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 4 MERLINS, and 3 PEREGRINE FALCONS.

October 12 - Tuesday - Mostly Sunny, Cool and Breezy.

NORTHAMPTON+ (from Larry Therrien) Here is the list of birds I saw down in Arcadia in about an hour and a half of looking near the trolley line and Ibis pool: Chestnut sided Warbler (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (16), Palm Warbler (3), Blue headed Vireo (1), White Crowned Sparrow (6) with five of these adults, White Throated Sparrow (18), Savannah Sparrow (14), Song Sparrow (45+), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (1), Eastern Phoebe (2), Eastern Bluebird (2), and fairly large groups of Robins, Red winged Blackbirds and Canada Geese. Also took a stop by BARTONS COVE and the canal in Turners Falls with the following: Bartons Cove: Double Crested Cormorant (5), Bald Eagle (2) adults hanging around the nest, Mallard (67), Mute Swan (2), Great Blue Heron (2) and a Kingfisher. Power Canal: Mallard (44), Canada Geese (267), and a Kingfisher.

October 13 - Wednesday - Sunny, warm.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: A stunning paucity of birds, especially Kestrels. Canada Geese (85), Gull species (21), Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jays (11), Horned Larks (2), Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3), Eastern Bluebird, American Pipits (8), Yellow-rumped Warblers (2), Palm Warbler, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS (2 juveniles), Red-winged Blackbirds (3). Monarch butterflies: 1 (first in two weeks!). One Tiger Swallowtail.

NORTHAMPTON (from John Van de Graaf) Marylee and I saw a redtailed hawk fly into the large tree at King and Main in the center of Northampton (at ca. 1:35pm today, Wed.); it was chased out by two crows, but circled higher and higher over the area for at least 5 minutes.

October 14 - Thursday - Cloudy and Cool.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Made a run through the west meadows and saw a Lincoln's Sparrow, several White-crowned, a Field Sparrow, along with the regulars.

BEWARE THE BEARS!

10/14 NORTHAMPTON -- "Tonight I had one bear and three cubs in my yard, eating the sunflower seeds. After their snack, all four headed down the Trolley path from South Park Terrace! Everyone might want to keep an eye out when down in that area. I've also seen them climb way up in the large tree by the head of the same path!" -- from Bob Stevens

October 15 - Mostly Cloudy, Rain

October 16 - Saturday - Partly Sunny - Light Breeze.

NORTHAMPTON (club trip) Before the trip Heather and I checked out a few fields andthe long pond near the higway where we sawa 60 Wood Ducsk.We met at the bottom of Olive Street in the West Meadows. Before we got started Seth Kellogg and friends stopped to say hello. They had come from the East Meadows where they hadn't seen anything of note. We then drove up to near the water ski club, and then walked along Ned's Ditch. There were numerous Song Sparrows in the grasses - along with a few Swamp Sparrows. In the woods there were some White-throated Sparrows. Near the trolley line there were more Song and White-throated Sparrows. A Blue-headed Vireo was observed by a few. We then went to the other side of the trolley line where we observed more sparrows - mostly Song, Swamp and White-throated. A few juncos were seen, as well as a single White-Crowned Sparrow, and a few Savannah Sparrows. A few got a brief look at a possible Grasshopper Sparrow that ducked down and didn't come back up. We then headed up to the dirt road where we observed a half-dozen White-crowned Sparrows, a Lincoln's Sparrow and more Juncos. We headed back down the other side of the trolley line where we got looks at a Bobcat that crossed the path, passed by up on the trolley line, and then crossed the path further up behind us. We then observed two Chipping Sparrows which we carefully observed to insure they weren't Clay-colored. Back near the Oxbow we observed a Pied-billed Grebe, a few Cormorants, a few dozen Ring-billed Gulls and two Great Blue Herons.

Other birds seen included: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Flicker, Phoebe, Blue Jay, Crow, BC Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, WB Nuthatch, Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, C. Grackle, Starling, Cardinal and Goldfinch. We also saw an American Lady butterfly.

October 17 -Sunday - Partly Sunny, Breezy

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: One juvenile Bald Eagle moved through low at 3:30 EDT. Movements of the Turkey Vultures were mostly enigmatic; only 16 counted as migrants. Canada Geese (10), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warblers (several dozen), Palm Warblers (2). At least one Eastern Towhee still has not departed from the hill.

QUABBIN PARK (posted to Massbird by Mark Lynch) We started out this brilliant New England fall day birding Quabbin Park (South Quabbin) off Rt. 9 in Belchertown. We birded part of our morning with Scott Serner and Val Miller. Common Loon (5) Horned Grebe (4) Double-crested Cormorant (2) Canada Goose (11) Ring-necked Duck (1) Hooded Merganser (6imm) Turkey Vulture (6) Bald Eagle (1ad+minimally 3imm: nice show at Enfield Lookout) Red-tailed Hawk (11) Peregrine Falcon (1ad migrating over Ram) Wild Turkey (8) Greater Yellowlegs (1) Ring-billed Gull (13) Red-bellied Woodpecker (2) Pileated Woodpecker (1) Blue Jay (32: on the move!) Common Raven (3) Winter Wren (3) Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8) Golden-crowned Kinglet (6) E Bluebird (3) Yellow-rumped Warbler (13) Chipping Sparrow (20) Field Sparrow (3) Savannah Sparrow (12: all on the Winsor Dam. At one point as I was walking across, they all perched on the wall facing into the sun like they were catching some rays) Song Sparrow (6) Swamp Sparrow (3) White Crowned Sparrow (2imm) White-throated Sparrow (10) Dark-eyed Junco (26) Red-winged Blackbird (16) E Meadowlark (1: I heard this bird high in the air while walking over the dam. It kept circling, giving the distinctive short buzzy note. I spished frantically and eventually it landed on the wall close by. This has to be the first time I have "spished in" a meadowlark) Plus: River Otter and White-tailed Deer.

October 18 - Monday - Mostly Sunny, Cool

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I made it down to Arcadia for just over an hour and looked along the road, the Ibis Pool and the oxbow and had the following: Yellow Rumped Warbler (10), White Crowned Sparrow (6) with 2 of them adults...all near the S curves, Savannah Sparrow (8), White Throated Sparrow (25+), Song Sparrow (22), Junco (2), Eastern Bluebird (7), Eastern Phoebe (1), Sharp Shinned Hawk (1) adult perched along road, Double Crested Cormorant (4), Bald Eagle (1) juv hanging out near oxbow, and mixed flocks of Grackles and Blackbirds with at least 2000+ birds. Also made a quick walk on some trails near the state hospital and had the following: Yellow Rumped warbler (6), Palm Warbler (2), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (3), Golden Crowned Kinglet (1), and White Throated Sparrow (15+)

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Juvenile Golden Eagle at 1009 EST (11:09 EDT) passed low and close to the west of Blueberry Hill. Possibly the same bird as one reported yesterday morning, about 30 miles to the NE along the Connecticut River at the Sunderland/Hadley town line. It had prominent white patches at the base of the primaries on the underwing, with much smaller spots of white visible at the corresponding location on the upperwings. (Basal two-thirds of tail was white.) Yellow-rumped Warblers (3 to 4 dozen), Palm Warbler.

October 19 - Tuesday - Rain and Cool

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Bob Bieda) Among the ten or so Double-crested Cormorants at The Oxbow Marina this morning (Fri.) there was a single juvenile Great Cormorant. The Great Cormorant was alone on it's own dock while the DCs were gathered together on their own dock. The Oxbow Marina is at the end of Island Rd. in Northampton.

SOUTH DEERFIELD (from David Mako) A silent flock of about 200 snow geese flew south over Frontier Regional HS in at about 4:30 this afternoon.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: One Merlin on site when I arrived. Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warblers (6), Savannah Sparrow.

October 20 - Wednesday - Mostly Cloudy

SOUTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Bob Bieda) A beautiful drake Long-tailed Duck was bobbing along in the late afternoon sunlight on Pequot Pond of Hampton Ponds on the Westfield/Southampton line. I'm sure it was just the sunlight but this bird looked like every feather was brand new and perfect.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Surprisingly few hawks today. Adult Bald Eagle at 3:38 EDT. Non-migrant sub-adult (Basic IV) Bald Eagle at 12:46 EDT. Canada Geese (45), American Black Ducks (18), Northern Flicker, Blue Jay (1 migrant), American Crows (851), Eastern Bluebird, American Robins (234), Yellow-rumped Warblers (9), Field Sparrow, plus numerous flocks of unidentifiable songbirds. In these days of West Nile Virus, it was good to see so many Crows.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I made a trip in the area around the oxbow and a drive through the Arcadia meadows and had the following this morning from about 8:15-9:30: Yellow Rumped Warbler (12), White Crowned Sparrow (4) all juveniles, Savannah Sparrow (4), White Throated Sparrow (20+), Song Sparrow (30+), Junco (6), Eastern Bluebird (3), Eastern Phoebe (1), Coopers Hawk (1) going after flocks of Starlings, Double Crested Cormorant (11)...tried to find a Great Cormorant in the group without any luck, Bald Eagle (1) juv hanging out near oxbow. Also had quite a few Crows moving by...as well as several groups of geese flying by. Also made a quick walk on some trails near the state hospital and had the following: Yellow Rumped warbler (8), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (8), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Gray Catbird (1), Eastern Phoebe (1) and White Throated Sparrow (15)...some very birdy areas there today.

October 21 - Thursday - Overcast

Ross's Goose - photo by Rob Ranney-Blake

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Al Richards) Acting on a call from Jeff Johnstone I traveled to the Cabot Woods Power Canal in Turners Falls to check on a report of a Ross's Goose. Sure enough there was the bird with c. 200 Canada Geese. I got excellent looks with a 60X scope. The bird was obviously smaller than the Canadas, in fact it was only slightly larger than a parallel Mallard. The bill was stubby with no evidence of a "grin mark" and with a "bluish" area at its base. Unfortunately about 12-15 minutes after I arrive the bird in question rose with 5 Canada Geese and flew up the canal and out of sight. All the rest of the geese, an American Wigeon, a female pintail and the famous female American Goldeneye stayed put. Efforts to relocate the bird at Barton Cove, the Turners Falls Rod & Gun, a return visit to the canal proved fruitless. A further check at the Tritown Beach in Whately (a location where many geese loaf at this season and which has hosted Barnacle Goose, Snow Goose and White-fronted Goose) also came up empty. Jeff Johnstone indicated to me that he was able to obtain some good pictures of the bird.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Mark Fairbrother) This afternoon after 5:00 I saw what I very strongly believe was an adult Ross' Goose just above the dam at Turners Falls. It was in company with approx 100 Canada Geese. I was suspicious first of its size, or lack of, compared to the Canadas, and the very short neck and small head. As I watched the bird picking at bits of water plants on the surface the smallness of the head, bill, and neck convinced me that this was indeed a Ross' Goose. I have since had a third-hand report of a Ross Goose being seen earlier on the power canal a mile to the south, but I have no details.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Second Harrier was a male flying directly over the site (2:18 EDT). Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese (31), American Crows (500), Horned Lark, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebirds (4), American Robins (180), Yellow-rumped Warblers (70), Palm Warbler.

HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) A male harrier flying over some fields.

October 22 - Friday - Mostly Cloudy, Cool

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) The Ross's Goose that was reported yesterday was present at Barton Cove in Gill from 0700-0715. It was just getting light enough to get great looks up close from Riverview Rd. The bird put up with a group of Canada Geese and headed south toward Turners Falls. This bird is a snow white adult and in flight, head looks small and neck look short. My guess is that they headed back to the Silvo Conte Fish Lab area of the power canal where it was originally found by Jeff Johnstone.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Migrant Bald Eagle (immature) at 2:08 EDT, harassed by a Raven. Non-migrants: two or three Red-tails, one Cooper's and a sub-adult (Basic IV) Bald Eagle at 11:36 EDT. American Crows (256), American Robins (257 !), Yellow-rumped Warblers (two dozen).

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Bob Stevens and I went owling tonight and had at least two Screech Owls.

NORTHAMPTON + (from Larry Therrien) Oxbow and quick drive through Arcadia meadows this AM: Great Cormorant (1), Double Crested Cormorant (12), Sharp shinned Hawk (2) pair chasing each other along road, Bald Eagle (1) adult perched, Pileated Woodpecker (1), Eastern Phoebe (1), Eastern Bluebird (1), Mute Swan (5). TURNERS FALLS CANAL: Common Goldeneye (1), Canada Geese (140+), Mallard (28), Double Crested Cormorant (2). BARTONS COVE: Mute Swan (4), Mallard (1), Double Crested Cormorant (1) TRI-TOWN BEACH: Canada Geese (70) TRAILS NEAR STATE HOSPITAL: Yellow rumped Warbler (6), Hermit Thrush (3), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (4), Eastern Phoebe (1), Cedar Waxwing (25+), and flock of Grackles and Blackbirds (3000+)...mainly Grackles. Also other usual birds.FITZGERALD LAKE via North Farms Rd: Yellow rumped warbler (5), Winter Wren (1), Eastern Phoebe (2), Golden Crowned Kinglet (5), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (2), Swamp Sparrow (1) and other usuals. Only birds on the lake were a half dozen Mallards.

MOUNT TOM (posted to Massbird by Russ Titus) There was a good movement of hawks this morning at Mt. Tom before the sky became completely overcast and drizzle started. From 0920-1040 the following were deemed to be migrating: Turkey Vulture (2) Bald Eagle (1 white belly) Sharp-shinned Hawk (4) Cooper's Hawk (1) Northern Goshawk (1) Red-tailed Hawk (6) Rough-legged Hawk (1 light phase) Golden Eagle (1 imm.) A Peregrine that disappeared to the west may have been migrating or not. The only passerines moving were 3 Purple Finches and 36 robins.

October 23 - Saturday - Mostly Cloudy, Cool

HADLEY+ (from Chris Gentes) In North Hadley Heather and I saw a flock of about 20 shorebirds flying over some fields. They never put down. We think they may have been Dunlin based on size and time of year. In Hatfield we say 40+ Savannah Sparrows.

MOUNT TOM (from Larry Therrien) Made a hike up the M & M trail to Goats Peak and had the following: At Goats Peak tower I had Red Tailed Hawks (3), Common Raven (1), Great Blue Heron (1) in about 15 minutes of viewing. Along the trail I had Hermit Thrush (1), Brown Creeper (2) very vocal, and Golden Crowned Kinglet (4). Actually fairly quiet throughout the area.

TURNERS FALLS+ (posted to Massbird by Mark Lynch) Scott Surner, Val Miller and I started the day early at the Turner's Falls Canal. When we arrived, Mike Resch was already on the ROSS' GOOSE, extremely easy to spot among what eventually would be 829 Canada Geese and about 23 Mallards and 4 Double-crested Cormorants. For those of you who have never birded this area, the gates open at 7AM, but you can walk in any time. The canal is not terribly wide, so if the bird is here, you get very nice views. At about 8:20AM, the Ross' Goose suddenly took off, gained some altitude and headed NE and out of sight. It was immediatley followed by a group of about 35 Canadas, apparently following the Ross'. After that, the majority of the Canadas left in small flocks one after the other, all heading in the same direction. According to some locals who walk this canal regularly, the timing of this flight out is pretty typical for the geese in the canal. They probably headed to some fields nearby to feed but as reports to Massbird have indicated, they evntually returned to the canal. Part of the reason they returned may have to do with the fact that in these parts, the phaesant hunting season is in full swing and many fields we came across had one or more contingents of hunters with guns blasting away. Other birds at the canal not mentioned by Mike's post included a Belted Kingfisher, a female Common Goldenye (could this be the same bird that has been here for years?), and a Red-tailed Hawk. We then headed to the fields of DEERFIELD near the marsh. In very short order we had: Great Blue Heron (1) Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Horned Lark (36) American Pipit (50+) Palm Warbler (1) Savannah Sparrow (100+) Song Sparrow (50+) Swamp Sparrow (2: most seemed to have now moved through) White-crowned Sparrow (2imm) White-throated Sparrow (40+) Dark-eyed Junco (3) Rusty Blackbird (2) Plus: hunter's everywhere, so think about wearing orange when out and about. Finally, we stopped by QUABBIN PARK, off Rt. 9. Birds were scarce, but we found in our short stop: Common Loon (2) Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1) Hermit Thrush (2) Black-throated Blue Warbler (1m+1f)

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney-Blake ) The Ross's Goose in the Turner's Falls Canal was settled down, with head under wing much of the time from 4:00 to 4:30 PM today, Saturday Oct. 23.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Adult Bald Eagle flying very low at 9:50 EDT (100th of the season). American Crows (163), American Robins (35), Yellow-rumped Warblers (half a dozen).

WARE (posted to Massbird by David Norton ) The Marsh on Rt. 9 in Ware this afternoon had a few ducks..... 3 hooded mergansers (2 male, one female), 2 American Black Ducks, and a female (?lesser) scaup. There was also, per usual, a kingfisher zipping around. Yesterday there were at least 9 common mergansers on the marsh-- but I had no time to stop and count-- none there today.

October 24 - Sunday - Cloudy

TURNERS FALLS+ (from Larry Therrien) I made a trip up to the power canal and Bartons Cove this AM...Great views of the Ross's Goose. I got up there prior to 7am and the Ross's stayed around until about 7:50. Here is a list of what I had this AM up that way. Power Canal: Ross's Goose (1), Canada Goose (600+), Common Merganser (19)...all females, Common Goldneye (1) female, Mallard (20+), Double Crested Cormorant (3). BARTONS COVE : Canada Geese (300+), Common Merganser (6)..again..all females, Mallard (130+), Mute Swan (4) and Bald Eagle (2) adults in nest. Tri-town Beach: nothing NORTHAMPTON: Fitz lake via Boggy meadows - Yellow Rumped Warbler (2), Hermit Thrush (2) near swamp, Ruby crowned Kinglet (3), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2) and other expected birds.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Jonathan Center) The Ross's Goose was seen this afternoon from about 3:00pm to 4:00pm in Barton's Cove near the Gill side(Riverview Dr. off of Rt. 2 near the bridge) or the north-west part of the cove near the dam. It was in the company of about 100 Canada geese. It was also easily visible from the Turner's Fall near what I think is called Unity Park. I had first checked the Power Canal in Turner's Fall in the early afternoon, but was unsuccessful in locating it there despite their being several hundred Canada geese present. A non-birder gentleman that spoke to as I was leaving said the "white goose" was present at 7:30am and their had been several birders present studying it. Apparently at some time in the middle of the day it had moved to the cove.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Davis Chapman) The Ross's Goose at Barton Cover in Turners Falls was there this evening at 5pm. It and the flock of Canada Geese were in between the big floats and the dam itself. Best views from the small neighborhood tucked in between Rt 2 and the water. It looked like the flock was settling in for the night. Also seen was a lone white-winged scoter.

NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Bob Stymeist) This morning after seeing the Ross's Goose at sun up and leaving with 70 Canada Geese at 7:50AM, I spent the day searching for Carolina Wrens in Gill and Northfield. Yes I'm still looking for these wrens in every town in the state, I'm at 288 towns with 63 still to go. Well, needless to say I didn't find any wrens today but the consolation is birding in new areas and finding some good birds. Today's highlights: Northfield: Killdeer 6, Pectoral Sandpiper 1, Red bellied Woodpecker 3, Eastern Bluebird 9, Cedar Waxwing 72, Fox Sparrow 3, Evening Grosbeak 9, The Evening Grosbeak, 65 Cedar Waxwings and 2 Fox Sparrows were found on East Northfield Road in town (Sub Shop on corner of Rte 63) Gill: Bald Eagle 2 adults, Red bellied Woodpecker 3, Hermit Thrush 6, Eastern Bluebird 14, Ruby crowned Kinglet 9, Fox Sparrow 4.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: The sixth straight day of NE wind and overcast skies brought the expected diminishing returns -- down to three migrants today. Non-migrants: juvenile Bald Eagle (seen twice, at 10:25 and 3:00 EDT), juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk, two Red-tails. American Crows (22), Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warblers (half a dozen), Palm Warbler.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I went owling with Larry Therrien and tallied 3 gray-phase Screech Owls, 1 each in 3 different spots.

October 25 - Monday - Mostly Sunny - Pleasant.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) OXBOW: Canada Geese (40), Double Crested Cormorant (11) and Mute Swan (8) with 4 juveniles. ARCADIA MEADOWS along Old Springfield Rd: Yellow Rumped Warbler (2), Palm Warbler, Wood Duck (38), Hooded Merganser (1) female, Great Blue Heron (2), White Throated Sparrow (30+), and Song Sparrow (35+)...all birds in pond and along edge of corn field. OLD STATE HOSPITAL: Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Hermit Thrush (1), White Throated Sparrow (15) and other usuals. FITZGERALD LAKE out to the narrows: Golden Crowned Kinglet (2) and Brown Creeper (1)...no waterfowl on the lake, but it looks like quite a group of Canada Geese have been there recently.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Tom Mongeon) The Ross's Goose was located in Barton Cove at 7:00 A.M. Excellent views were had from Riverview Road. The bird was in the company of five particular Canada Geese among a flock of over one hundred. An adult Bald Eagle was perched on a high stump no more than ten feet from the Ross's Goose and its pals. All of the geese totally ignored the eagle. The Ross's Goose and its five friends took to the air at 7:40 A.M. in the direction of Turner's Falls.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) I made a run through Barton Cove IBA and Turners Falls Canal without seeing the Ross's Goose. The time frame was between 1100-1130. Many Canada Geese at both locations.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Goshawk and Sharp-shin soaring together during noon hour (EDT). The Sharpie looked minuscule -- about the size of the other bird's tail. Non-migrant: Red-shouldered Hawk. American Crows (122), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robins (16), American Pipits (2), Yellow-rumped Warblers (about two dozen), Palm Warbler.

VOICE OF AUDUBON HIGHLIGHTS: TURNERS FALLS - a female NORTHERN PINTAIL, an AMERICAN WIGEON, a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, the resident COMMON GOLDENEYE, 25 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 BALD EAGLES, 9 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 14 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 6 HERMIT THRUSHES, and 4 FOX SPARROWS.

A RUDDY DUCK in Ludlow, and a LESSER SCAUP in Ware.

A PALM WARBLER and a MAGNOLIA WARBLER were seen in Longmeadow, and a flock of over 5,000 COMMON GRACKLES was present in Southwick.

AMERICAN ROBINS and AMERICAN CROWS were migrating by the hundreds over Blueberry Hill in Granville.

October 26 - Tuesday - Sunny - Pleasant.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia meadows and oxbow: Dickcissel (1) adult female, Yellow Rumped Warbler (3), Fox Sparrow (3), American Tree Sparrow (1), White Crowned Sparrow (2) juveniles, Savannah Sparrow (55+), White Throated Sparrow (25+), Song Sparrow (45+), Common Raven (2), Northern Harrier (1), Sharp shinned Hawk (1) juvenile harassing blue jays, Eastern Bluebird (10) flyby, Eastern Phoebe (1), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Wood Duck (29), Double Crested Cormorant (10), Mute Swan (8), Mallard (80+) in Mill River, House Finch (15+), and other usuals. STATE HOSPITAL TRAILS: Barred Owl (1)...great views of a perched bird, Hermit Thrush (1), Carolina Wren (1), Savannah Sparrow (1), White Throated Sparrow (25), Song Sparrow (5), House Finch (15+), Junco (3), Cedar Waxwing (15), Canada Geese (76) in field across from compost dump, and a great view of a Red Fox. Also quite a group of junco's in the yard this afternoon...25+...biggest group so far this season.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) I saw a dozen Pipits and 6 Horned Larks in the east meadows this afternoon.

HADLEY (from Heather McQueen) Behind the Hadley Garden Center there were five Rusty Blackbirds.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Nice day; disappointingly few raptors. One adult Bald Eagle at 10:28 EDT was not counted; a second adult, at 12:15 EDT, was logged as a migrant. Canada Geese (10), Blue Jays (3), American Crows (180), Common Ravens (6 in one kettle, possibly shifting south), Eastern Bluebirds (6), American Robins (10), Thrush species (probably Hermit or Swainson's, in flock of 31), American Pipits (2), Common Grackles (3).

October 27 - Wednesday - Sunny - Pleasant.
WORLD CHAMPS!

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) A Screech-owl was calling on its own under the light of the full moon at 7:15pm.

NORTHFIELD+ (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) An instant response to putting out thistle seed was the arrival of 4 Pine Siskins today. Mike Polana reported seeing a adult Northern Shrike at Jonathan's Bridge on Fay Rd. in New Salem. Snow is next!

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: A minor first for this site: three male Northern Harriers in rapid succession (first and last were just over 45 minutes apart). Three right royal princes of the air! Non-migrants: 3-4 Red-tails, and one Black Vulture (at 12:45 EDT) that flew off to the east. Canada Geese (21), American Crows (564), Eastern Bluebirds (12 in one flock), American Robins (43). The grove of larches (tamaracks) on a nearby ridge -- the last trees to begin turning here -- have just started to yellow noticeably.

October 28 - Thursday - Sunny - Pleasant.

TURNERS FALLS+ (from Larry Therrien) Made a quick stop at Bartons Cove and the power canal - no Ross's Goose noted, but I was not up there until mid morning. BARTONS COVE: Canada Geese (340+), Mallard (20), Mute Swan (6). POWER CANAL: Bufflehead (1) male, Common Goldeneye (1) female, Canada Geese (250+), Mallard (23), Double Crested Cormorant (3). NORTHAMPTON - Trails near state hospital: American Tree Sparrow (2), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (1), House Finch (22) and the other usual birds.

TURNERS FALLS (Posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) I checked Barton Cove and the Power Canal for the Ross's Goose without luck. 1 Bufflehead, 1 Common Goldeneye(fm.), and 2 American Wigeon (juv) were the highlights at the Power Canal.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) Among the hundreds of Canada Geese on the Leeds Reservoir in Northampton this morning were one adult Snow Goose, one male Hooded Merganser, and two female Common Mergansers.

HADLEY (from Pete Yeskie) Two Hooded Mergansers in the river and two Carolina Wrens in the yard.

October 29 - Friday - Sunny - Pleasant.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Seven birds tallied in six hours. Am trying to put a brave face on this situation: "Oh well, we're in a pause between the accipiter flight and the buteo flight coming in November." We desperately need a change in the weather ... for the worse. American Crows (63), Eastern Bluebirds (6), American Robins (9), Yellow-rumped Warbler, Snow Bunting.

October 30 - Saturday - Rainy

October 31 - Sunday - Sunny and warm early - cloudy and cooler later. Breezy.

NORTHFIELD+ (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I checked out a few spots today. In NORTHFIELD there were 3 Ring-necked Ducks and 2 Common Merganseres in the Conn. River and 30 Horned Larks in a nearby field. Over at Hell's Kitched there were 14 more Ring-necked Ducks. In GILL we observed 30 Cedar Waxwings, a Palm Warbler, a Tree Sparrow 4 Chipping Sparrow and 30 Goldfinches. In DEERFIELD we saw 30 Horned Larks.

HAYDENVILLE (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) At my feeder today, a flock of 15 Pine Siskins dropped in for a bit. Five were here yesterday. Also one Purple Finch.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Fitzgerald Lake from 7:30-9:30am: Golden Crowned Kinglet (8), Brown Creeper (2), Wood Duck (2), Canada Geese (800+) flying from somewhere in Northampton toward Williamsburg around 9am...this count is probably quite a low estimate, Mallard (5), Pileated Woodpecker (2), Kingfisher (1). Trails near state hospital: Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Carolina Wren (1).

HADLEY (from Heather McQueen) There were 20 Turkeys on Mount Warner Road. I also heard some Golden-crowned Kinglets.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Adult Bald Eagle at 9:57. Non-migrants: 3 or 4 Bald Eagles (2 adults and either 1 or 2 immatures) lingering near Cobble Mountain Reservoir a few miles to NE; 2-3 Redtails. Four Black Vultures came from W, flew just N of site headed NE. American Crows (64), Eastern Bluebirds (4), American Robins (8), Tree Sparrow, VESPER SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, Snow Bunting.

WARE (posted to Massbird by David Norton) There were 15 (at least) hooded mergansers on the marsh in Ware on Rt. 9 this morning, at least one black duck, and 16 Canada Geese, one of which had amostly white head... very littel black at all on the head, although the rest of the goose looked like a typical Canada goose, and the bill was black. So would this be some sort of leukistic version, as opposed to some hybrid? If anyone else sees the bird, I'd be curious to know. There were also 5 or 6 mallards on the marsh, all on the south side of the road.