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

November 1 - Monday - Sunny, Breezy and Cool

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Migrant Bald Eagles: Adult at 11:47, immature (age unknown) at 3:05. Non-migrant: adult Bald Eagle seen moving north at 3:31 (very unlikely this is the same bird as the morning eagle, which went far to the WSW). Juvenile NORTHERN SHRIKE (probably same bird as one seen on Thursday, Oct. 28th), VESPER SPARROW (undoubtedly yesterday's bird), Snow Buntings (3).

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia meadows and Oxbow in AM: American Tree Sparrow (2), White Crowned Sparrow (2), Savannah Sparrow (7), White Throated Sparrow (8), Song Sparrow (20+), Eastern Bluebird (7), Coopers Hawk (2), Bald Eagle (3) near oxbow..one adult, two juveniles, Canada Geese (125+)..most in Mill River, Mallard (60+)...all in Mill River, Black Duck (4), Double Crested Cormorant (13), Great Blue Heron (1) in Mill River, Kingfisher (1). Roberts Meadow Reservoir: Canada Geese (130) in AM, recheck in afternoon with Canada Geese (600+). Old State Hospital at midday: Northern Shrike (1) adult...highlight of the stop there. Also had Golden Crowned Kinglet (2).

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Russ Titus and Alvin Cyr) A late afternoon trip to Longmeadow produced the following highlights: Great Blue Heron (4) Snow Goose (1 imm on sandbar) Wood Duck (2) American Wigeon (4) Green-winged Teal (20) Bald Eagle (1 2nd year over sandbar) Peregrine Falcon (1 adult in dead tree at dusk, beaver pond by RR tracks) American Woodcock (1 by Longmeadow DPW) Gray Catbird (1) Fox Sparrow (1) Swamp Sparrow (7) White-throated Sparrow (28) Red-winged Blackbird (400).

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, November 1)

PINE SISKINS have been reported at feeders in Northfield, Williamsburg, Amherst, Southwick, Great Barrington, and Monterey.

Seen during a visit to the Longmeadow Flats were a SNOW GOOSE, 4 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 2 WOOD DUCKS, 4 AMERICAN WIGEON, 20 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, a BALD EAGLE, a PEREGRINE FALCON, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK, a GRAY CATBIRD, a FOX SPARROW, and 400 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.

A NORTHERN SHRIKE was observed in New Salem and another in Granville. Also in Granville there were 4 BLACK VULTURES, 22 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 6 COMMON RAVENS, 9 AMERICAN PIPITS, a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, VESPER, FOX, and TREE SPARROWS, and 4 SNOW BUNTINGS.

Found in Northampton were a SNOW GOOSE, 2 RUBY-CROWNED and 11 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 BROWN CREEPERS, 3 FOX, 2 WHITE-CROWNED, and 2 TREE SPARROWS, and a female DICKCISSEL.

In Turners Falls there were 14 RING-NECKED DUCKS, a BUFFLEHEAD, and a PALM WARBLER. The ROSS'S GOOSE has not been seen since late Monday.

A check of Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield revealed 37 BLACK SCOTERS, a SURF SCOTER, 40 HOODED MERGANSERS, 6 BUFFLEHEADS, and a MERLIN. On Cheshire reservoir there was a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER.

A day long survey of parts of the Ware River Watershed in Barre, produced 5 RING-NECKED DUCKS, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK, 11 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS, 2 BARRED OWLS, 7 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 11 BROWN CREEPERS, 7 RUBY-CROWNED and 38 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 7 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 8 HERMIT THRUSH, a GRAY CATBIRD, 4 FOX SPARROWS, 9 SNOW BUNTINGS, 12 PURPLE FINCHES, and 5 PINE SISKINS.

Hawks noted migrating over Blueberry Hill in Granville this week were 11 TURKEY VULTURES, 2 BALD EAGLES, 9 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 19 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 4 COOPER’S HAWKS, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, and 43 RED-TAILED HAWKS.

A new hawk count on Shatterack Mt in Russell tallied 25 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, a COOPER’S HAWK, 6 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 82 RED-TAILED HAWKS, and 10 BLACK VULTURES. Also observed here were 2 COMMON LOONS, a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, 7 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and a FOX SPARROW.

November 2 - Tuesday - Overcast and Cool

CUMMINGTON (posted to Massbird by Barbara Spencer) Eight or so Pine Grosbeaks with one Cedar Waxwing seen this morning at the Community House in Cummington. They were in a crab apple tree as I emerged from voting.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Dave McLain) Since Thurs. 10/28/04, a Dickcissel has been in the weedy field at the west end of Pynchon Meadow Road in Arcadia Meadows. The field was planted in native grasses in 2002, and is gradually developing into grassland. The past 2 years however, weedy annuals have been dominant, making for excellent fall sparrow habitat. Others in the field include Grasshopper, Vesper, White-crowned, Fox, Swamp, Lincoln's, Savannah, Song, and White-throated Sparrows, all last seen on 11/1/04. A good place to watch is at the puddles on the road, or scan the field for teed-up birds. An orange-crowned warbler was seen on 10/28 along the edge of the shrubs bisecting the field. A note on the Ibis Pool in Arcadia Meadows. Many of you have probably noticed a change around the Ibis Pool area off Pynchon Meadow Road. We are managing the area adjacent to the depression for weedy annuals to attract fall migrants. Goldenrod had taken over the field, so we eliminated the goldenrod and planted a millet cover crop. The millet didn't have a chance to set seed, but will protect the soil over winter. Next spring, weedy annuals should take over and a fall bonanza is expected. This year, the bonanza is farther down the road.

HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) This morning I saw 35 Snow Buntings flying over the fields of the Honeypot.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Old State Hospital trials: Fox Sparrow (1), White Throated Sparrow (8), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (1), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Carolina Wren (1) and Canada Geese (325+) in field along Burts Pit Road.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Another virtually hawkless day. Non-migrant: immature Bald Eagle at 11:57. Canada Geese (39), American Crows (66), Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robins (10), Yellow-rumped Warbler, Snow Buntings (23 -- one of them landed ten feet from me), Finch species (7 -- sounded like mixed flock of Goldfinches and Siskins).

NORTHFIELD (from Mark Taylor) We had 50 Pine Siskins in the yard. Now waiting for some Pine Grosbeaks to arrive!

November 3 - Wednesday - Clear and Cool

TURNERS FALLS+ (from Larry Therrien) . BARTON COVE: Bufflehead (3), Hooded Merganser (1), Mallard (102), Canada Geese (450+) POWER CANAL: Bufflehead (1), American Wigeon (1), Common Goldeneye (1), Black Duck (6), Mallard (88), Canada Geese (700+) TRITOWN BEACH: Canada Geese (31), Junco (6), Eastern Bluebird (5) ARCADIA, trails near visitor center and Mill River: Northern Pintail (1), Black Duck (10), Mallard (41), Canada Geese (6), Great Blue Heron (2), Eastern Bluebird (5), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2)

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: First ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK of the season (light-morph juvenile) at 11:24. Adult Bald Eagle at 9:45. Non-migrants: several Red-tails, one adult Bald Eagle. NON-RAPTORS OF THE DAY: Two NORTHERN SHRIKES, apparently squabbling over turf near our lookout. One was almost certainly the juvenile first seen on 10/28. The other was probably also a juvenile, but they flew off chasing one another before we could get a definitive look. Also: Canada Geese (2), American Crows (35), American Robins (3), Snow Buntings (3).

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Mark Faherty) Pine Siskin (1, yard) Wild Turkey (40+ in the field east of Rt. 116 where there are always turkeys. I refer to it, cleverly, as the Turkey Field.) And finally, I recently heard four Great Horned Owls at once from my bedroom window on a cold still night. The more distant pair sounded like they were in Hadley, and it took some serious listening to discern them.

November 4 - Thursday - Cloudy early then Rain

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Jan Ortiz) Bob Bieda just called to report a female Blue Grosbeak in the Arcadia Meadows. (Bird Finding Guide to Western Massachusetts pg. 181) It is near the S curve on Pynchon Road about a 1/4 mile past the Ibis Pool. For those of you who remember the Say's Phoebe a couple? of years ago, it is in the same area. The bird has been flying around a bit. When Bob called, it was south of the curve.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Black Vulture at 11:55 (it actually flew SSW, like a real migrant). The juvenile Northern Shrike, first seen a week ago today, was still very much present. Also: American Robins (31), American Pipit.

AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) Five Golden-crowned Kinglet behind Amherst College.

HADLEY (from Janice Jorgenson) I had a red bellied woodpecker at my feeder first time ever.. that I have seen on property.

HADLEY (from Pete Yeskie) Two Hooded Mergansers in the Conn. River.

November 5 - Friday - A Blustery Day - Rain - a Snow Squall over the Range.

NORTHAMPTON (from L Therrien) Arcadia in the fields near the S-curves: American Tree Sparrow (8), Savannah Sparrow (12), Song Sparrow (15+), Common Raven (2) and a Great Blue Heron (1). NO BLUE GROSBEAK

SHUTESBURY (update from Kevin Weir) We have 4 purple finches 1 male, pair of cardinals, lots of juncos, chickadees, goldfinches, jays, 1 white breasted nuthatch, downey, pair of hairys, crows, bluebirds, chipping sparrows.

November 6 - Saturday - Mostly Sunny - Cool

VARIOUS LOCATION (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I spent the day looking for waterfowl.
HADLEY
North Hadley Pond: 1 DC Cormorant.
River Drive/Honeypot area of Conn River: 2 Mallards.
Hadley Cove: 50 Mallards.
Mitch's Way: Nothing.
SOUTH HADLEY
Pond near Mount Holyoke: Nothing.
Canal Park: 2 female Buffleheads.
Power Dam: Mute Swan (6), Mallard (2), DC Cormorant (4), Great Black-back Gull (4), Ring-billed Gull (5).
South Hadley Falls Boat Ramp: Many Gulls and Canada Geese.
LONGMEADOW:
Pondside: A few mallards and C Geese. Water very high.
Conn River: Nothing
SPRINGFIELD
Forest Park: Regular crew of mallards, 2 Wood Ducks, 10 Black Ducks, C Geese.
AGAWAM
Bondi's Island: Nothing
HOLYOKE
Jones Ferry: 1 DC Cormorant, 1 Great Blue Heron, 3 Common Mergansers.
Ashley Pond: Ruddy Duck (1male), Ring-necked Duck (1f), Pied-billed Grebe.
Whiting Street Reservoir: C Geese, Mallards, Black Ducks (2), Ring-necked Duck (24), Lesser Scaup (1female), Common Merganser (13), Raven, GC Kinglets.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Few migrants, as expected, due to the wind direction and strength. Non-migrants: one Turkey Vulture, one immature and one adult Bald Eagle, and several Red-tails. Eastern Bluebirds (2), American Robins (11). The juvenile Northern Shrike made several appearances today. It has been present, and fairly tame, since Oct. 28th.

SHUTESBURY (from Kevin Weir) I saw my first pair of hooded mergansers at Ashley Res, and four mourning doves, one pine siskin and one fox sparrow to my feeder today.

November 7 - Sunday - Sunny

SHUTESBURY (from Kevin Weir) There is a Goshawk working our feeders this am.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I tried again for that Grosbeak this morning without any luck...thought today may be the last day it may be around because of a front coming through tonight...it may have already gone or is still there and remaining hidden...who knows. Anyway here is what I did have down there this morning at Arcadia. American Tree Sparrow (10), Savannah Sparrow (3), White Throated Sparrrow (4), Song Sparrow (12), Eastern Bluebird (4), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Cooper's Hawk (1), Carolina Wren (1), House Finch (8) and a Northern Flicker (1).

NORTHAMPTON - Blue Grosbeak seen today by D. McKenna.

HOLYOKE (from Casey Surprenant) Chris and I went to Ashley Res. and saw a Long-tailed duck. (no Ruddy)

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Non-migrants: two Turkey Vultures, one adult Bald Eagle and several Red-tails. American Robins (35), Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Tree Sparrow. The juvenile Northern Shrike remains on the hill, keeping its perch high in an oak tree even when the Sharp-shinned Hawk passed overhead.

November 8 - Monday - Mostly Cloudy, Colder, Breezy

NORTHAMPTON+ (from Chris Gentes) In the Oxbow area this afternoon highlights included a Great Blue Heron, some Ring-billed Gulls, a Hooded Merganser and a Kingfisher. NorthHadley Pond early am was empty as was the Conn River north of the HoneyPot.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Ian Lynch) I spent three hours on Pynchon Meadow Road in Northampton today hoping to find the recently reported Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel and/or Orange-crowned Warbler. No luck on any of them! Highlights were a Fox Sparrow, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a Palm Warbler. Full list below. Mallard 33 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Ring-billed Gull 2 Mourning Dove 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 56 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 8 Carolina Wren 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 3 European Starling 19 Cedar Waxwing 35 PalmWarbler 1 American Tree Sparrow 26 Fox Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 7 White-throated Sparrow 2 Northern Cardinal 3 Red-winged Blackbird 6 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 3

HOLYOKE+ (from Larry Therrien) I made a few stops today looking for waterfowl without much luck. I did have a group of 500+ Canada Geese in the fields opposite the compost dump on Burts Pit Rd this morning. Other stops at Ashley Reservoir had a Mallards (2) and Canada Geese (3) and Golden Crowned Kinglet (2). Peqout Pond had Mallard (2) including a female that was diving below the surface for a several seconds at a time, Canada Geese (6). Quick stop at the oxbow had no waterfowl in sight....overall not productive at all.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, Pam Witaszek Weather: Mostly sunny until noon, then mostly cloudy with intermittent snow showers in the afternoon. One major snow squall between 3:00 and 3:30 briefly reduced visibility from 50 miles down to 50 yards -- with near-whiteout conditions -- after which visibility reverted to 50 miles! Wind NW at 10-20 mph (gusting to 25-30 mph). Temperature 39-41 F. Exact start time: 9:10 EST. Observations: An unusually high number of raptors went unidentified in the first hour, before a telescope was available. The last two migrant Red-tails of the day were seen flying behind a curtain of driving snow. Non-migrants: Turkey Vulture, adult Bald Eagle (at 11:53), a few Red-tails. Snow Geese (60), Canada Geese (33), Common Ravens (4), Eastern Bluebirds (8), American Robins (8), American Tree Sparrows (2). The juvenile Northern Shrike put in two appearances (that we noticed), perching only thirty feet away on one occasion.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, November 8)

Early in the week a BLUE GROSBEAK and DICKCISSEL were reported from the Arcadia Meadows of Northampton, but they have not been relocated for at least several days. More recent sightings in Northampton were a NORTHERN PINTAIL, a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, a PINE WARBLER, 26 TREE SPARROWS, 2 FOX SPARROWS, and 7 PINE SISKINS.

Two BUFFLEHEAD, a LESSER SCAUP, and 25 RING-NECKED DUCKS were noted in Holyoke and 4 BUFFLEHEAD and an AMERICAN WIGEON were in Turners Falls.

SNOW BUNTINGS have been observed, including a flock of 35 in Hadley and a flock of 14 at south Quabbin Reservoir. PINE SISKINS are coming to feeders, with the largest number in one place being 50 in Northfield.

Farther west in the hill town of Windsor there were 11 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, an AMERICAN PIPIT, a NORTHERN SHRIKE, 3 FOX SPARROWS, 3 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, 2 PINE GROSBEAKS, and 8 PURPLE FINCHES.

The Berkshire Lakes have been busier. More than 800 RING-NECKED DUCKS, and 4 RUDDY DUCKS were seen during a visit to Mud Pond. A BRANT, 4 PIED-BILLED GREBES, 21 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 6 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 51 RING-NECKED DUCKS, and 2 AMERICAN COOTS were at Cheshire Reservoir. At Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield there were 31 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, a LONG-TAILED DUCK, an AMERICAN COOT, a BONAPARTE’S GULL, 25 HOODED MERGANSERS, and 6 AMERICAN WIGEON. Seen on Onota Lake in Pittsfield were a COMMON LOON, 2 HORNED GREBES, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, and an OSPREY. On Cleveland Reservoir in Hinsdale there was a SURF SCOTER.

Seen around Blueberry Hill in Granville were 60 SNOW GEESE, 8 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, an AMERICAN PIPIT, and 3 SNOW BUNTINGS. One NORTHERN SHRIKE was present much of the week and two were seen on one day. Hawks counted in Granville were a BLACK VULTURE, 2 TURKEY VULTURES, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 3 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, a COOPER’S HAWK, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 76 RED-TAILED HAWKS and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.

Hawks migrating past Shatterack Mt in Russell were 3 TURKEY VULTURES, 3 BALD EAGLES, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 5 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, a COOPER’S HAWK, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 36 RED-TAILED HAWKS, and a GOLDEN EAGLE.

November 9 - Tuesday - First freeze over night - thawed out during day. Sunny, Cool. Northern Lights 9pm.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) In the West Meadows I saw 6 Bluebirds, 20 Tree Sparrows, 1 Field Sparrow and 1 Fox Sparrow.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Andrew Magee, Janice Zepko, John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek, Seth Kellogg Weather: Very sunny until 1 PM, then partly cloudy. Wind NW (turning W late) 10-15 mph, gusting to 20-25 mph. Temperature 29-31 F. Observations: Red-tails finally took the cue from the weather. Bald Eagles at 11:25 (1st-year bird) and 11:45 (adult). Adult Goshawk at 10:15 near parking area (seen by Andrew Magee only). Dark-morph Rough-legged Hawk at 2:05. Non-raptor highlight was the presence of TWO Northern Shrikes: an adult perched close by at 11:30, followed by the now-regular juvenile at 12:02. Also: Canada Geese (6), Goose species (20), Horned Larks (5), American Robins (43), American Pipits (2), Snow Buntings (2), Blackbird species (15), Common Grackles (100).

November 10 - Wednesday - Freeze overnight. Cold. Mostly Cloudy

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Andrew Magee, John Weeks, John Wojtanowski Weather: Partly cloudy to start, with clouds increasing to nearly 100% cover: then the sky cleared dramatically -- too late to boost the day's flight -- around 3:00. Wind SW 0-5 mph. Temperature 30-35 F. Observations: Immature Bald Eagle at 12:52 EST. Canada Geese (20), Common Mergansers (3), Horned Larks (14), Snow Buntings (3). The juvenile Northern Shrike appeared once, at 9:48 EST.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Someone put out some seed near the S-curve and if you sit in your car you get a nice look at the sparrows when they get used to you. There were 40 Tree Sparrows, 2 Song Sparrows and a few Tufted Titmice. The titmice were going after Ragweed seed. In the waters around the Oxbow were 50 Mallards and a Mute Swan.

HADLEY (from Pete Yeskie) 2 Pine Siskins in the yard.

SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Eileen Rutman) While refilling the backyard suet feeders at 2PM, I noticed a small bird flitting around. My first thought was goldfinch but when the bird landed a short distance from me, it had all the field marks of an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. What a great yard bird!

November 11 - Thursday - Partly Sunny - Mild.

HADLEY (from Pete Yeskie) A tern flew down the river about 9:30am. It seemed to be a Caspian. Large and dark wingtips.

GRANBY (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) I've had a female Purple Finch at my feeders for the last three days. Today the male was there as well. Also, had my first Pine Siskin of the season at the feeder today.

GRANBY (posted to Massbird by Bill Benner) One male Purple Finch with the Goldfinches at the feeder this morning here as well.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) 40+ Tree Sparrows, 1 Field Sparrow, and second-hand report of a few Fox Sparrows. Also a report of a Snow Goose at Barton's Cove.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Doug James, John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek Weather: Mostly cloudy. Wind SW 5-15 mph. Temperature 43-53 F. Observations: Non-migrants: Black Vulture (flew ENE), Cooper's Hawk (flew NE), 3-4 Red-tails (kite-hunting in area). Horned Larks (one flock of 14), Eastern Bluebird, Snow Buntings (6). The juvenile Northern Shrike appeared twice, at 11:56 and 2:58 EST.

November 12 - Friday - Snow

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Checked the oxbow area and only had a Bald Eagle, 2 Great Blue Herons, 2 Mute Swans, and also 40+ Tree Sparrows, 2 Song Sparrows, 3 White-crowned Sparrows, 1 Field Sparrow at the S-Curve.

November 13 - Saturday - Sunny, Cold, Breezy

DEEFIELD (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney-Blake) Our first American Tree Sparrow of the season arrived at our feeders with the thin crusty snow this morning. Purple Finches have been here a week. I haven't seen a Chipping Sparrow here in several days, and the three Pine Siskins came and went weeks ago. The Carolina Wren is still here.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Cliff Hague, John Weeks, Pam Witaszek, Ruth Wheeler Weather: Sunny, with haze in the afternoon. Wind NE to NW, 10-15 mph, gusting to 25 mph. Temperature 31-35 F. Observations: Red-tails all day long, high and low. Non-migrant raptors: immature Bald Eagle (Basic III), which appeared three times but never moved south for long; adult Northern Goshawk (probably the bird that first arrived in the area on Nov. 9th); several Red-tails. Goose species (60), American Crows (21), Horned Larks (8), American Robins (11), Snow Buntings (3). At 12:50, the juvenile Northern Shrike got in among the Snow Buntings briefly, but did not catch any of them.

HOLYOKE (from Bob Bieda) A few Horned Grebes were seen at Ashley Res.

HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) Before the waterfowl survey Heather and I saw 15 Horned Larks, 1 Lapland Longspur, and 60 Snow Buntings in the Honeypot. The snow on the fields brought them to the road for grit and they were easily observed from the car.

3rd Annual Northampton Waterfowl Census
Nov 13-14, 2004

Participants: Heather McQueen, Chris Gentes, Pete Yeskie, Janice Jorgensen

Totals: 9 species, 1821 individual birds

It snowed overnight Friday, but Saturday morning was clear. Mostly sunny with a bit of a breeze. Cold. Water levels were high throughout the area. Saturday night was very cold and clear. Most of the ponds froze over. Sunday was clear and pleasant with a slight breeze.

Pied-billed Grebe (1) One was seen at Fitzgerald Lake on both days. Sunday it was observed swallowing a sunfish after a bit of a struggle getting it in postition.
Canada Goose (1322) Most seen at Roberts Meadow Reservoir (770) and Look Park (480).
Mute Swan (4) Seen on Saturday in the Oxbow area.
Wood Duck (3) Two males and a female seen Sunday in Arcadia Marsh.
Mallard (223) Most in the two usual spots - Look Park (112), Arcadia Marsh (67).
Black Duck (44) Fifteen seen Sunday in the Arcadia Marsh may have been the same group seen Satruday in the Old Mill River (frozen on Sunday).
Northern Pintail (1) Male in fresh plumage seen Sunday in Arcadia Marsh.
Hooded Merganser (13) Three in the Old Bed both days, 3 at Roberts Meadow Reservoir Saturday and 7 females at Fitz. Lake Saturday.
Common Merganser (161) The old bed had 127 on Saturday and 137 on Sunday. Other locations included 3 on Conn River, 7 Roberts Meadows Reservoir, 27 on Oxbow.

OTHER BIRDS OF NOTE SEEN

Saturday - DC Cormorant-4, GB Heron-3, Killdeer-1, Hermit Thrush-1.
Sunday: DC Cormorant-1, GB Heron-6, Bald Eagle-3, Kingfisher-2.

November 14 - Sunday - Sunny, Cool

HADLEY (from Janice Jorgensen) Fox Sparrow returnes to the feeder.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by David Norton) We had two female purple finches along with the gang of juncos at the feeders this morning...no siskins yet. A Carolina wren was busy at the feeder off and on yesterday.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observations: Seven species of migrants today, including two GOLDEN EAGLES (juvenile at 1200, adult at 1315). At one point, there were five Bald Eagles (four immatures, one adult) in the sky at once. Of these, three were deemed migrants: one at 1159 (age unknown), and two at 1210 (adult and immature). Snow Geese (two flocks of 90 and 200, respectively), Ruffed Grouse (on nearby North Lane), Horned Lark, Snow Bunting. The larger flock of Snow Geese traced a vibrant white portrait high overhead: a knowing face etched in the deep blue by Matisse.

November 15 - Monday - Sunny, Pleasant

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia meadows and Oxbow: American Tree Sparrow (30+), Song Sparrow (8), White Throated Sparrow (2), Bald Eagle (2) adults near Oxbow-quite vocal, Red tailed Hawk (3), Sharp Shinned Hawk (1), Wood Duck (3) males flyby, Common Merganser (110) in oxbow, Hooded Merganser (2), Mute Swan (1), Black Duck (2), Mallard (57)...most in Mill River, Canada Geese (29), Great Blue Heron (1), Kingfisher (1), Golden Crowned Kinglet (1), and usual others.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek Visitors: Area residents Chris and Joe Roit, and pet ferret Norton. Weather: Sunny but hazy. Wind NW 5-15 mph, gusting to 20 mph. Temperature 34-53 F. Observations: Non-migrant raptors: Two Bald Eagles (adult and three-year-old), Cooper's Hawk. Canada Geese (10), Gull species (probably Ring-billed, 12), Snow Bunting. The juvenile Northern Shrike visited twice, coming very close, at 1235 and 1306.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, November 15

Observed in Northampton were a PIED-BILLED GREBE, 4 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 6 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 3 WOOD DUCKS, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, 13 HOODED MERGANSERS, 175 COMMON MERGANSERS, a KILLDEER, a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, an EASTERN BLUEBIRD, a HERMIT THRUSH, a PALM WARBLER, and a FOX SPARROW.

The Honeypot section of Hadley held 65 SNOW BUNTINGS, a LAPLAND LONGSPUR, and 15 HORNED LARKS.

An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was discovered in a Springfield yard on Wednesday.

Observed in West Springfield were a BARRED OWL and 80 CEDAR WAXWINGS.

On Ludlow Reservoir there were 18 RUDDY DUCKS, a PIED-BILLED GREBE, 5 HOODED MERGANSERS, and 2 BUFFLEHEAD.

At Quabbin Park there was a COMMON LOON, 15 HOODED MERGANSERS, and 3 FOX SPARROWS.

A probable TUNDRA SWAN was present most of the week on Smiley's Pond in South Egremont. Also there were 2 SNOW GEESE, a HOODED MERGANSER, and 24 GREEN-WINGED TEAL.

Four AMERICAN WIGEON, 2 NORTHERN PINTAIL, a COMMON LOON, and an AMERICAN COOT were located on Pontoosuc Reservoir in Pittsfield, and 2 BUFFLEHEAD were on Ashmere Lake in Hinsdale.

On Congamond Lake in Southwick there were 15 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 8 HOODED MERGANSERS, 3 BUFFLEHEAD, and 2 AMERICAN COOT.

An immature NORTHERN SHRIKE has been seen all week on Blueberry Hill in Granville, while an adult was there only one day. SNOW BUNTINGS, HORNED LARKS and AMERICAN PIPITS have also been noted on the hill. Migrating over the hill during the week were 290 SNOW GEESE, 6 BALD EAGLES, 6 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 9 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPER'S HAWKS, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 8 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 246 RED-TAILED HAWKS, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and 2 GOLDEN EAGLES.

November 16 - Tuesday - Sunny, Pleasant

SHUTESBURY (from Kevin Weir) We continue to have between 3-11 fox sparrows at one of our feeders. Pretty consistant number of purple finches 5. Two tree sparrows

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I stopped by the old state hospital trails this AM and had American tree Sparrow (6), Eastern Bluebird (4), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2) and the usual others.

LEEDS - Report of a possible Barn Owl (more to follow)

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Out in the West Meadows the regular crowd - 6 Bluebirds, 10 Tree Sparrows, 2 White-throated Sparrows, Several dozen Common Mergansers in the Oxbow...

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Weather: Overcast until 1 PM, then partly cloudy. There was thick haze all day. Light NW wind to start, gradually changing to moderate W wind. Temperature 46-49 F. Exact start time was 10:25 EST. Observations: Non-migrant raptors: one Red-tail, adult Northern Goshawk (seen on two previous occasions). The juvenile Northern Shrike put in two appearances, at 12:01 and 1:19 EST.

November 17 - Wednesday - Cloudy, Cool

NORTHAMPTON+ (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia meadows and Oxbow: American Tree Sparrow (45+), Savannah Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (6), Junco (9), Eastern Bluebird (3), Common Merganser (31), Mute Swan (3), Mallard (17), Great Blue Heron (1), Bald Eagle (1) adult. STATE HOSPITAL: Hermit Thrush (3)...may have been a fourth there too, Fox Sparrow (2), American Tree Sparrow (3), White Throated Sparrow (3), Song Sparrow (1), Carolina Wren (2), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Northern Mockingbird (1), House Finch (10+). ASHLEY RESERVOIR: No waterfowl at all.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek Weather: Mostly cloudy, becoming overcast in the afternoon. Wind NW, 0-3 mph, shifting by degrees to S by 1:00. Temperature 45-51 F. Observations: The cloudy skies and virtually windless conditions produced a rueful first for Blueberry Hill -- seven straight hours without a raptor of any kind. Common Mergansers (8), Gull species (23), Common Ravens (2), Horned Larks (14), Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robins (2), Cedar Waxwings (7), American Tree Sparrows (7), Snow Buntings (4). No sign of the juvenile Northern Shrike today.

LUDLOW (from Harvey Allen) On a group walk the highlights were Ruddy Ducks, a Coot, Horned Grebes and a Pine Warbler.

November 18 - Thursday - Mostly Cloudy - Warm

TURNERS FALLS+ (from Larry Therrien) BARTON COVE: Mute Swan (9) Power Canal: Mallard (11), Ring Billed Gull (75+) OLD STATE HOSPITAL: Fox Sparrow (4), American Tree Sparrow (2), White Throated Sparrow (4), Eastern Bluebird (6), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Northern Mockingbird (1), Carolina Wren (1). FITZGERALD LAKE at the Boardwalk: Pied Billed Grebe (1), Mallard (11).

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Weather: Partly cloudy to start, increasing to 90% cover, with moderate haze. Wind W 3-7 mph, shifting to SW 5-10 (15) mph. Temperature 55-59 F. Actual start time: 10:40 EST. Observations: Three immature Bald Eagles (at 10:54, 11:48 and 1:13 EST). All three moved through very sluggishly. One Red-tail tagged along with the second eagle, and a second Red-tail made a beautiful glide -- northeast -- and was not counted. The juvenile Northern Shrike was back, appearing several times (and coming within 20 feet of me). Also: 3 Eastern Bluebirds, 1 Red-winged Blackbird

HADLEY (from Pete Yeskie) A Winter Wren visited the yard.

November 19 - Friday - Mostly Cloudy - Warm

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Sol Satin Weather: Overcast to start, becoming partly cloudy. Visibility much reduced by haze all day. Wind WNW to NW 5-15 (20) mph. Temperature 50.5 to 54 F. Observations: No migrating raptors today. At least four different immature Bald Eagles flew back and forth in the area, but none continued south. One Red-tail also lingered nearby. The juvenile Northern Shrike hunted the hilltop from all of its favorite perches.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia: Fox Sparrow (5), American Tree Sparrow (65+), Savannah Sparrow (1), White Throated Sparrow (8), Song Sparrow (13), Golden Crowned Kinglet (4), Carolina Wren (2), Sharp shinned Hawk (1), Common Merganser (10), Mute Swan (3), Black Duck (15), Mallard (27), Northern Flicker (1), Junco (24), House Finch (22), Cedar Waxwing (25), Red Winged Blackbird (11), Common Grackle (3) and other usuals. STATE HOSPITAL: Fox Sparrow (2), White Throated Sparrow (4), Golden Crowned Kinglet (1).

November 20 - Saturday - Mostly Cloudy - Cold - Rain Overnight

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Visitors: A father, his daughter and his two sons (all from Southwick). Weather: Overcast; light NE wind shifting gradually to E. Temperature 43-46 F. Today is the 80th day of coverage at Blueberry Hill this fall. Observations: At 11:48 EST, three Redtails appear, circling and migrating together. Huzzah! An honest-to-God kettle! At 1:59 EST, just as a light rain is settling in to stay, one male Northern Harrier rows gracefully past. My heart swells -- after days of monotony, the world seems full of possibility again. American Crows (10), Horned Larks (6), Eastern Bluebirds (5), American Robins (19). One small plane towing a banner ballyhooing a local bank. The Northern Shrike was a no-show today.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) A few highlights from the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area this morning with Bruce Hart: Great Horned Owl-1-flew out of the marsh and perched on the lower branches of a pine tree for nice long looks. Kingfisher-2 Flicker-1 Hairy Woodpecker-1 GCKinglet-6+ EBluebird-18 ARobin-2 CWaxwing-13 Tree Sparrow-2 Swamp Sparrow-1

November 21 - Sunday - Cloudy - Cool - Foggy

HOLYOKE+ (from Chris Gentes) Near Dinosaur Tracks on Conn. River there were 8 Common Goldeneyes. At Ashley Res. there was 1 Common Loon and a Pileated Woodpecker. Whiting Street Res. held 13 Common Mergansers. In WEST SPRINGFIELD on the river at Jones Ferry there were 5 Common Goldeneyes and 8 Hooded Mergansers. Over at Canal Park there was nothing. In a flooded field behind an old cemetary off Route 47 in SOUTH HADLEY there were a dozen Mallards and five Hooded Mergansers.

NEW SALEM (posted to Massbird by Bill Lafley) Hiked down to the base of Soapstone Hill. Birding was very slow with landbirds essentially non-existent and leaving me wonder "where have all the waterfowl gone". Still a beautiful hike though: C. Loon 5 (one was calling) H. Grebe-3 RN Grebe-1 C Merganser-3 B. Eagle (ad)-1 DE Junco-1(?) BC Chickadee-4 (approx-had trouble counting them all) WB Nuthatch-2 The Pine Siskin population doubled at my feeder this week... from 1 to 2.

ORANGE (from Joan and Larry Duprey) There was a Northern Shrike sighting at the Orange airport today.

November 22 - Monday - Mostly Cloudy - Cool

HADLEY (posted to Massbird by Janice Jorgenesen) 1 fox sparrow under quince in morning and 1 cooper's hawk in quince hunting other birds at feeder in the afternoon. It is a juvenile.

AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) Two Pine Siskins in with Goldfinches eating Birch catkins.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Weather: Overcast to start. The sun came out briefly, then the sky clouded over again by 1:00 EST. Wind WNW 5-10 (12-15) mph. Temperature 43-48 F. Observations: Bald Eagle (Basic I -- it came close enough for retained juvenile secondaries to be easily observed) passed southwest between 9:43 and 9:50 EST. Three other Bald Eagles (adult, immature and juvenile) appeared between 12:20 and 1:00 EST, but none of them moved south. Two Red-tails also lingered in the area. Common Ravens (3), Horned Larks (5), Eastern Bluebirds (3), American Robins (8), Cedar Waxwings (5, eating winterberries close to lookout), Snow Bunting.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, November 22

On Smiley¹s Mill Pond in Egremont the TUNDRA SWAN has returned as of today and also there were several GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Two unusual late species in Becket were an AMERICAN WOODCOCK, and a BLUE-HEADED VIREO. Ducks were few on the Berkshire Lakes, but there were 3 NORTHERN PINTAIL on Cheshire reservoir, a COMMON LOON, 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 4 AMERICAN WIGEON, and an AMERICAN COOT on Pontoosuc, a COMMON LOON and 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Onota Lake, and a COMMON LOON and 8 COMMON GOLDENEYE on Richmond Pond.

Found in Hadley were a COOPER¹S HAWK, a WINTER WREN, and a FOX SPARROW.

In Shutesbury as many as 11 FOX SPARROWS and 5 PURPLE FINCHES were coming to a feeder.

Present in New Salem on the Quabbin Reservoir were 5 COMMON LOONS, 3 HORNED GREBES, and a RED-NECKED GREBE, while a feeder there had 2 PINE SISKINS.

Observed on the Connecticut River in Holyoke were a COMMON LOON and 8 COMMON GOLDENEYE, and just to the south in West Springfield were 5 HOODED MERGANSERS.

In Northampton there was a BELTED KINGFISHER, a NORTHERN FLICKER, 6 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 18 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 3 HERMIT THRUSHES, 13 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 7 FOX SPARROWS, and 65 TREE SPARROWS.

Noted in Southwick were a GREAT BLUE HERON, a COOPER¹S HAWK, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, an EASTERN PHOEBE, 5 HOODED MERGANSERS, a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, and 500 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.

The Blueberry Hill Hawkwatch in Granville was quiet, with only 6 BALD EAGLES, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 5 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, and 9 RED-TAILED HAWKS counted all week. Other birds seen at the watch were 11 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 5 SNOW BUNTINGS, 25 HORNED LARKS, and 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. The NORTHERN SHRIKE was last seen there on Friday.

November 23 - Tuesday - Fog - Cleared to Mostly Sunny - Cold

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Weather: Clouds increased from 5 to 65% during the watch. Wind SW/SE 3-7 (10) mph. Temperature 47-49 F. Observations: Bald Eagles at 11:43 (adult) and 12:51 (immature) EST. All the migrants went fairly high before gliding southwestward. The juvenile Northern Shrike (first seen here Oct. 28th) made a circuit of the hilltop today, even landing on one of the upright pipes fixed to our lookout platforms. Also: eight Common Ravens cavorting in the air, and 20 Horned Larks.

November 24 - Wednesday - Cloudy - Rain late afternoon

November 25 - Thursday - Warm, Cloudy, Light Breeze - Windy later with rain

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Visitors: None; all home basting (or laying waste to) their turkeys. Weather: An interlude of partly sunny skies between squall lines associated with a major cold front advancing from the west. The blue window slammed shut abruptly after 1.5 hours, as the temperature began to nosedive from the day's unseasonable warmth. Temperature 59 F dropping in ten minutes to 54 F as the watch ended. Observations: Two immature Bald Eagles and three Red-tails observed, of which only one Red-tail actually moved south(west). Gull species (14), two Common Ravens (harassing a Red-tail), three Horned Larks, Golden-crowned Kinglet.

CLARKSBURG (from Larry Therrien) Eastern Towhee.

November 26 - Friday - Sunny

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, Pam Witaszek Weather: Variable clouds, with one period of light snow between 1:00 and 2:00 EST. Wind W 5-15 mph, gusting to 20 mph. Temperature 28-32 F. Actual start time: 8:20 EST. Observations: A minimum of nine Bald Eagles put on a considerable show today. Four adults soared together, with two engaging in a prolonged chase that must have been exhausting. Three adults flew together with two immatures at another time. One juvenile flew directly into the snow squall bearing down from the west, then turned back and dropped into the trees north of us. Of the total, four Balds were deemed (with some effort) to be migrants. The adult Northern Goshawk first seen on Nov. 9th put in a brief appearance at 12:54 EST. Five Robins eating winterberries with evident reluctance; one Snow Bunting.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Old state hospital -- Pileated Woodpeckers (2)...pair which were quite close, Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Fox Sparrow (2) and Carolina Wren (1).

November 27 - Saturday - Mostly Sunny

HADLEY (from Pete Yeskie) A Wood Duck has been on the river for a week now.

HOLYOKE (from Chris Gentes and Heather McQueen). At Whiting St. Res. there were 2 Black Ducks, 5 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Scaup Species (probable Greater), 4 Hooded Mergansers, and 15 Common Mergansers.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Doug James, John Weeks Weather: Mostly cloudy; hazy; wind SW to SE 5-10 (15) mph. Temperature 40-45 F. Observations: Good variety of birds (for the date), but only two species were migrants. Reckoned non-migrants: four Bald Eagles (two adults, one juvenile and an immature with a matched pair of distinctively pale primaries -- retained juvenile feathers? -- seen several times this season); one Turkey Vulture (flying NE); one Cooper's Hawk (ditto); a couple of Red-tails. Common Loon, American Robins (8).

November 28 - Sunday - Cloudy and Breezy early. Steady Heavy Rain late.

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) Not much happening in North Hadley this morning. On the river were 6 Black Ducks and 4 Common Mergansers. On North Hadley Pond were 4 Mallards and 1 Common Mergansers. The only other birds of note were 8 Bluebirds.

TURNERS FALLS (from Chris Gentes) At the Rod and Gun Club there were hundreds of Mallards/Black Ducks as well as a pair of Wigeon and a female Ring-necked Duck.

November 29 - Monday - Mostly Cloudy, Cool.

TURNERS FALLS (posted on Massbird by Mark Taylor) Migrating ducks have been sparse so far this November in the area and today was no exception. I managed to find 1 Greater Scaup swimming among a large flock of Canada Geese at Barton Cove. At the canal in Turners Falls, 3 pair of Common Goldeneye were the only divers around. Over at the Turners Falls Rod and Gun Club region of the river, I picked out 2 female Common Mergansers and 1 American Wigeon out of the groups of Black Ducks and Mallards. Slim pickings. Northfield cornfields have been slow to attract ducks this fall as well. Note: Shotgun deer season has begun in Massachusetts, so be aware this before heading out in the woods.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek Weather: Sunny, with increasing but high, thin clouds. Wind WNW/NW at 10-20 mph. Temperature 33-42 F. Observations: Adult Bald Eagle at 12:15 EST. Three other Bald Eagles (adult and two immatures) appeared to be non-migrating. Three Black Vultures appeared at 12:33, moved NE, disappeared, then reappeared just to E of the site (not counted as migrants). The juvenile Northern Shrike showed itself several times; the bird has been present since October 28th. Also: one Snow Bunting.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, November 29

A HERMIT WARBLER was found at Ashley Ponds in Holyoke this afternoon. It was seen along the road that circles the main pond on the north side in pines in the company of a flock of chickadees. From exit 15 off Interstate 91 go west (away from mall) and through lights at Homestead Ave., up the hill and park before the gate. Follow the road straight in and around to the right at the buildings and then look for a small vernal pool on the left half way back to the dike.

A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER is coming to a feeder in Leverett.

Also in Holyoke at Whiting Reservoir there were 5 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 HOODED MERGANSERS, and 15 COMMON MERGANSERS.

Still present on Ludlow Reservoir were 18 RUDDY DUCKS, a PIED-BILLED GREBE, and 5 HOODED MERGANSERS.

At Turners Falls there was a GREATER SCAUP, a RING-NECKED DUCK, 2 AMERICAN WIGEON, and 6 COMMON GOLDENEYES.

Noted on Congamond lakes in Southwick were 280 COMMON MERGANSERS, a COMMON LOON, and a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Elsewhere in Southwick were a calling GREAT HORNED OWL, 3 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, a SWAMP SPARROW, and a FOX SPARROW.

Three WOOD DUCKS were observed in Hadley and an EASTERN TOWHEE in the town of Clarksburg.

On Blueberry Hill in Granville the NORTHERN SHRIKE is still being seen. Also observed enjoying the mild weather were 9 BALD EAGLES, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, a COOPER’S HAWK, a TURKEY VULTURE, 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 23 HORNED LARKS, 10 COMMON RAVENS, 13 AMERICAN ROBINS, and 2 SNOW BUNTINGS. Migrants going past Blueberry Hill for the week were 7 BALD EAGLES, a NORTHERN HARRIER, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, and 42 RED-TAILED HAWKS.

HOLYOKE (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) Al and Lois Richardson studied a bird at Ashley Ponds in Holyoke this afternoon which they identified as a Hermit Warbler. This bird had a completely yellow cheek and crown with no eye stripe, a black throat, and mostly clean white underparts with hardly a hint of streaking. The bird was found in large pines with a flock of chickadees along the road that circles the main pond on the north side half way between the dike road and the buildings on the western end. Quickest access is from exit 15 off Rte 91 and go west through the lights to the gate and park. Walk the road to the far end and as it bends to the right. The bird was seen near a small vernal pool on the left. Bird Finding Guide - page 187-88.

November 30 - Tuesday - Mostly Cloudy, Cool.

HOLYOKE (posted to Massbird by Bob Bieda) Several people searched for the Hermit Warbler at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke this morning with negative results. A large mixed flock of chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches were found but the observers could not find a Hermit Warbler among them. Ashley is a large area filled with the pine habitat this bird prefers so we will keep trying.

HOLYOKE (posted to Massbird by Linda Pivacek) At about 2:15 PM this afternoon I saw the reported Hermit Warbler, close to the vernal pool where it was found by the Richardson's yesterday. The bird was high in a White Pine with a large mixed flock: Chickadees, Titmice, WB Nuthatches, Creeper, Goldfinches, GC Kinglets, D Woodpecker. I was able to see a warbler with a clear yellow cheek, a small black throat patch, clear white breast and wing bars. There was no apparent eyeline or cheek patch, nor streaking on the breast or flanks. I'm sure it's the same vernal pool in Ashley Ponds, Holyoke, previously described - but after I parked I walked there by a more direct route: Follow the previously posted directions from RT 91 to get to the WESTFIELD Rd gate and park. Walk in behind the gate and take the first right in about 100yards onto a dike road over the reservoir. Go left at the end and in a short distance you will reach the vernal pool on your right. From here Joan and Larry Duprey and I continued on the road a short distance to a building and green water tank where we took an acute right which ran back on the opposite side of the vernal pool (not visible). The warbler was in a large mixed flock next to a small pond on the left. The flock then moved through the trees back to the vernal pool, where Joan got a brief look at the warbler.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Weather: Mostly cloudy; very light, variable wind; temperature 39-45 F. Observations: Two Bald Eagles passed through, at 1:50 EST (immature) and 2:58 (age unknown). The first bird soared exquisitely right overhead for several minutes before going off to the SW. I am so confused after studying Brian Wheeler's superb eagle photographs (in Raptors of Eastern Northern America) that any age I gave for this bird would be just a guess. Leave it at "immature." A juvenile Harrier came through low at 11:28, reappearing briefly fifteen minutes later. Reckoned non-migrants were three other Balds (one adult, two immatures) and a Red-tail. White-winged Scoters (3, whirring up fast from Cobble Mtn Reservoir). The juvenile Northern Shrike showed up just before the end of the watch (at 2:55 EST).