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

December 1 - Wednesday - Rain squalls in the morning, clearing and very windy later.

December 2 - Thursday - Cool and Clear - River high.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Checked a few spots around the Oxbow and only saw many Mallards and Geese, Ring-billed Gulls and an Eagle. Water very high flooding a few fields.

HOLYOKE (posted to Massbird by Daniel Schell) As of 2:30 pm on Thursday, 12/2, the Hermit Warbler had not been located despite the efforts of at least a dozen or so people searching for it. There were several mixed feeding flocks in the general area of the vernal pool but none included the Hermit Warbler. There was enough of a breeze to move the tops of the pine trees making it nearly impossible to pick out individual birds. If you intend to look for the bird getting to the vernal pool is much easier if you access the reservoir from the Elks Club entrance rather than the Lower Westfield Road entrance (and there's less impact on the neighborhood). To get there take exit 15 off I-91, head West through the stoplight at Homestead Ave. At the top of the small hill turn right and park in the lot behind the Elks club next to the soccer field. Enter through the gate and continue for about 1/2 a mile through a four-way intersection and up a short rise. The vernal pool will be on the right with the pump house an! d green water tanks visible ahead. Most of the feeding flock activity today was in the trees behind and South of the pump house. Good Luck.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Joe Wojtanowski, John Weeks Visitors: Mike Noland. Weather: Mostly cloudy. Wind W 15-20 (gusting to 30) mph during the morning hours; wind dropped to 5-10 mph by end of the watch. Temperature 39.5 - 42 F. Today was the 90th day of coverage at Blueberry Hill for Fall 2004. Observations: Three immature Bald Eagles migrated SW together at 10:18 EST. Three other Bald Eagles, plus two to three Red-tails, appeared to be lingering in the area today. Great Black-backed Gulls (4), Horned Larks (4). The juvenile Northern Shrike appeared twice, at 12:37 and 1:26 EST.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) At the state hospital I had Golden Crowned Kinglet (4), Carolina Wren (2), Eastern Bluebird (1), Cedar waxwing (6), Sharp shinned Hawk (1) harassing gulls.

December 3 - Friday - Cold and Cloudy.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Visitors: Mike Noland, from Cambridge, who watched yesterday and today in hopes of seeing his first Northern Shrike in Hampden County -- today he succeeded. Weather: Partly cloudy; hazy; wind SW to WNW 10-20 (gusting to 25-30) mph. Two periods of snow (the second one becoming steady and ending the watch). Temperature 37-40 F. Observations: Two Red-tails counted as migrants. Judged not to be migrating: two other Red-tails and four Bald Eagles (three immatures and one adult). Canada Geese (21), Common Mergansers (7), Common Ravens (8 in one sportive flock), Horned Larks (5), American Robins (50 to 100; hard to count, as they swirled around the hilltop), Cedar Waxwings (10), Snow Buntings (5). Both Robins and Waxwings ate fruit from a winterberry bush (Ilex verticillata) near the lookout. Four of the Waxwings had distinctly orange, rather than yellow, tail-tips. The juvenile Northern Shrike put in two appearances, at 11:41 and 12:30.

AMHERST (psoted to Massbird by Bob Packard) Today among the large flock of Canada's on the UMass Amherst Campus Pond was an adult Snow Goose. Peregrine Falcon on top of the UMass library, moving relatively quickly by sidling along the top edge of the building with his feet. Odd. A Hairy Woodpecker at the feeder at home fighting w/ a Starling over the suet. The Hairy was pounding the Starling's chest viciously with its bill, and the starling was holding its ground, at least for a few hits, but it looked very painful. Also at the feeder were four Purple Finch and a Pine Siskin.

HOLYOKE (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) I walked to the area in Holyoke where the Hermit Warbler had been seen. I spent less than an hour there and viewed a mixed flock of 5 species (Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Golden-crowned Kinglet, WB and RB Nuthatch) in the pines and cedars. This morning the lighting was excellent and doubt seriously the warbler was in with this group as these birds stayed put in one area for quite a while. Other than that it was pretty quiet with virtually no waterfowl on the great expanses of water at this location.

HOLYOKE (posted to Massbird by Daniel Schell) From 2:30 to 4:00 this afternoon there was no sign of the Hermit Warbler at the vernal pool at Ashley Reservoir. However at 3:00, as if on cue and with the Richardsons in attendance, a small mixed feeding flock descended upon the pool to bathe and preen followed by another flock about 20 minutes later.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia and the oxbow I had American Tree Sparrow (20+), Eastern Bluebird (2), Coopers Hawk (1), Bald Eagle (2)..one adult, one juv, Canada Geese (34) fly by with one obviously smaller individual in the flock. Over King St in Northampton I had flights of Canada Geese (600+) moving away from the river.

December 4 - Saturday - Mostly Sunny, Cool.

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) 6 Bluebirds were observed going into the top hole of a Barred Owl nesting box. The door of the box was open and when the next bluebird would go in the top hole, one would come out the opening on the bottom.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Visitors: Deer hunters kept visitors away from the asylum. Weather: Sunny and hazy. Wind W/SW 0-10 mph. Temp 27.5 - 34 F. Observations: Five Red-tails counted, all moving through sluggishly. Non-migrants: immature Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, two Red-tails. Common Mergansers (6), Duck species (19), American Robins (21+), Snow Bunting. One fuschia-and-blue hang glider a mile to SE.

December 5 - Sunday, Mostly Sunny.

NORTH HADLEY+ (from Chris Gentes) This morning in North Hadley there were 3 Hooded Mergansers on the Pond and on the river there were 4 Black Ducks. Also seen were a Belted Kingfisher, Red-tailed Hawk, 200+ Mourning Doves, Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, 10 Cedar Waxwings, 1 Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, and the usual assortment of goldfinches, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, white-throated Sparrows (10). Later at the Conn River Boat Ramp in Sunderland we saw 4 Common Goldeneyes. As we walked toward the water down the ramp we heard a scolding call from above us. It was a Peregrine Falcon perched forty feet up a tree.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Weather: Variable cloudiness with a.m. haze. Wind W10-20 mph, gusting to 40 mph. Temperature rose from 44.5 to 47 F, then fell to 40-42 F as the wind picked up. Observations: All migrants observed between 10:00 and 12:00 EST. Bald Eagles at 10:02(ad), 10:43(ad) and 11:52(age unknown). All four Redtails moved between 11:12 and 11:30. Non-migrants: two Bald Eagles (adult, immature), Red-tail. Canada Geese (63; one flock), Common Mergansers (6), duck species (4), Common Ravens (4), Horned Larks (3). The juv. Northern Shrike performed three sets, at 10:18, 12:40 and 1:36.

SOUTH QUABBIN+ (posted to Massbird by Mark Lynch) We spent the morning birding Quabbin Park/South Quabbin (off Rt. 9). Loons and eagles were obvious, BUT: Landbirds were in very short supply: NO winter finches, NO Red-breasted Nuthatches, few jays and actually few other landbirds other than Chickadees. Waterfowl were likewise in poor numbers and variety with NO mergs what so ever, surprsing at this time of the year. Many of the small to medium ponds here are now covered with skim ice. A later trip up the west side of Quabbin, poking into areas in Pelham, South New Salem, New Salem and Petersham revealed more of the same: few juncos, no bluebirds or robins either. The food crop appears to be local and sparse at least in these areas. Total list for South Quabbin as follows: Common Loon (7) Horned Grebe (1: these seem to be in lower than typical numbers inland this fall) Long-tailed Duck (3) Bald Eagle (3ad+2imm) Ring-billed Gull (5 heading east) Downy Woodpecker (1) Black-capped Chickadee (32) Tufted Titmouse (4) White-breasted Nuthatch (4) Blue Jay (3) American Crow (6) Common Raven (1) Golden-crowned Kinglet (1) Tree Sparrow (1) Dark-eyed Junco (10) A Goldfinch (1) PELHAM OVERLOOK: Bald Eagle (1ad) GOLDEN EAGLE (1ad: great views in great light as it soared over the Pelham side of Prescott) Red-tailed Hawk (1) Ring-billed Gull (36 heading west) Common Raven (minally 6) SOUTH NEW SALEM: Winter Wren (1) NEW SALEM: Lover's Leap Overlook: Red-tailed Hawk (2) Great Black-backed Gull (1adW heading south)

TURNERS FALLS (from H Allen) A female Barrow's Goldeneye in the Canal.

December 6 - Monday - Cloudy and Cold, Snow/Ice event later

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, Pam Witaszek Weather: Heavy overcast, wind E/NE 0-10, temperature 23(est)-26 F. Granular snow began to fall in earnest at 12:30, reducing visibility to one mile. Observations: One Red-tail recorded at 11:47. Non-migrants: subadult Bald Eagle (showing dusky tail tip) at 11:08, adult Bald Eagle at 11:15. Canada Geese (3), Goose species (11), Common Mergansers (33). No Shrike today.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, December 6

The HERMIT WARBLER found in Holyoke at Ashley Ponds a week ago was seen on the following afternoon, Tuesday, but not since.

Yesterday a female BARROW¹S GOLDENEYE was present with eight COMMON GOLDENEYES in the power canal area of Turners Falls.

An adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER is visiting a feeder on Amherst Road in Leverett near the Amherst town line.

On Atkins Reservoir in Shutesbury there were 5 HOODED MERGANSERS and 8 COMMON MERGANSERS, while at Barton Cove in Gill the GREATER SCAUP is still present.

Observed at the Umass campus pond in Amherst was a SNOW GOOSE. A PEREGRINE FALCON was perched on the edge of the campus library building.

Birds noted in Hadley this week were 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, 5 GREAT HORNED OWLS, 5 EASTERN SCREECH-OWLS, a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, a BELTED KINGFISHER, a NORTHERN FLICKER, a BROWN CREEPER, a CAROLINA WREN, 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and 10 CEDAR WAXWINGS.

Across the river in Northampton there were 2 BALD EAGLES, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a COOPER¹S HAWK, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, and an EASTERN BLUEBIRD.

A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen soaring over the Quabbin Reservoir. The bird was seen from the Pelham lookout, and at the south end of Quabbin there were 7 COMMON LOONS, a HORNED GREBE, 3 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 5 BALD EAGLES, and a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.

A WINTER WREN was seen in New Salem. In Williamsburg a PINE SISKIN and 4 PURPLE FINCHES are visiting a feeder. A FOX SPARROW and a CHIPPING SPARROW were coming to a feeder in Southwick.

On Blueberry Hill in Granville this week the NORTHERN SHRIKE was still seen now and again, and seen from there as well were 6 SNOW BUNTINGS, 5 HORNED LARKS, 10 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 100 AMERICAN ROBINS, 8 COMMON RAVENS, and 3 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS rising from nearby Cobble Mt reservoir.

Hawks migrating were few for the week, totaling 5 BALD EAGLES, one NORTHERN HARRIER, one SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, and 7 RED-TAILED HAWKS.

December 7 - Tuesday - Icy early, Rain all day.

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) 70 Horned Larks in a field off Stockbridge Road. I wonder if they are always there - I usually only see them when it snows and they stand out in the field of white.

HAYDENVILLE (from Bob Packard) Two Cowbirds at the feeder.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Only report I have from this icy day is from a short walk toward Fitzgerald Lake from the Moose Lodge...American Robin (25+) near the Moose Lodge and a Golden Crowned Kinglet (1) among the other usual birds.

December 8 - Wednesday - Mostly Cloudy, Breezy, Cool - Some ponds frozen

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Doug James, John Weeks Weather: Variable cloudiness. West winds, 15-20 mph, gusting constantly to as high as 40-50 mph. Temperature 46-48 F. Observations: Two Red-tails booked as migrants. Non-migrants: one Black Vulture (first December record), four Bald Eagles (two adults, two immatures), adult Northern Goshawk. GREAT BLUE HERON, Canada Geese (48), Duck species (4; looked like scoters), Great Black-backed Gulls (4; one immature coursed low across the hill like a Harrier), Gull species (3), Common Ravens (4), Horned Larks (3).

December 9 - Thursday - Partly Cloudy, Cool

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) Green Heron. Yes, hunting at the UMass Campus Pond. Looks a little worse for wear. Must've missed the flight south. This would be a very nice bird for the Xmas count.

RUSSELL+ ( from Seth Kellogg) Currently a Northern Shrike in Russell and 800+ Common Mergansers on Congamond today are my only sightings

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) There was a female Hooded Merganser on Paradise Pond.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Observers: John Weeks, Pam Witaszek Weather: Almost total cloud-cover, though sun kept trying to break through. Wind light (0-5 mph) all day, beginning N and shifting gradually clockwise to SE. Temperature 36-39 F. Exact start-time: 8:50 EST. Observations: Two Red-tails logged. Non-migrants: adult Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk. Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese (116, a surprising number this late), Common Mergansers (5), Great Black-backed Gulls (2), American Robins (179, another late-season surprise). The Northern Shrike has not appeared since Sunday (12/5).

TURNERS FALLS + NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) BARTON COVE: Canada Geese (150+), Mallard (2), Mute Swan (8), Ring billed Gull (7) Power Canal: Common Goldeneye (9), Ring billed Gulls (35+) NORTHAMPTON STATE HOSPITAL: Golden Crowned Kinglet (1), American tree Sparrow (3), Northern Mockingbird (2) with one constantly trying to chase other birds away from "it's" berry bushes, Carolina Wren (1), House Finch (31), Cedar Waxwing (48), American Robin (65+), Northern Cardinal (10), and others. ARCADIA MEADOWS & OXBOW: Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Eastern Bluebird (3), American Tree Sparrow (50+), Song Sparrow (2), Junco (9), Kingfisher (1), Great Blue Heron (1), House Finch (9), Common Merganser (16), Ring necked Duck (7), Mallard (29), Canada Geese (350+) with one bird with a white forehead and at least two geese smaller than the others with small bills and short necks...,Ring Billed Gull (70+), Great Black Backed Gull (14), Mouring Dove (80+).

December 10 - Friday - Rained all day, Cool.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) I checked the Oxbow - 2 adult Bald Eagles - and 70+ Mallards in Dank's Pond.

December 11 - Saturday - A Rainy Day.

NORTHAMPTON+ (from Larry Therrien) STATE HOSPITAL mid morning: Common Merganser (1) flyby, Eastern Bluebird (7), Golden Crowned Kinglet (2), Northern Mockingbird (1), American Robin (15), Cedar Waxwing (8). DOWNTOWN NORTHAMPTON midday: Fish Crow (2). BELCHERTOWN along Granby Road: American Turkey (8). BELCHERTOWN along Rt 21: American Robin (50+) flyby. HADLEY large group of gulls in the fields near Bay Rd and South Maple St -- well over 300...

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) About 100 Robins flew overhead just at dusk.

SHUTESBURY (from Kevein Weir) Twelve Pine Siskins visited the feeder.

December 12 - Sunday - Sunny Morning.

NORTH HADLEY+ (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I took what is becoming our weely early morning stroll around North Hadley and had a few nice sightings. Three Ravens flying overhead and calling - a first for us locally. On the Pond were three Hooded Mergansers and on the river were 15 Black Ducks, 10 Mallards, and 2 Common Mergansers. A Peregrine Falcon with a full crop flew by as we walked up Meadow Street. Other birds: 200 Canada Geese, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, Downy Woodpecker, 100+ Mourning Doves, Rock Doves, Blue Jays, Crows, Chickadee, WB Nuthatches, Carolina Wren (resident for a year now), Robins (10), Starlings, Goldfinches, Cardinals, Juncos (10), House Sparrows. Later on there was a Kingfisher near Atkins Res.

ASHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) Pat Serrentino reports a NShrike on Baptist Corner Road in Ashfield this morning.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, Pam Witaszek Weather: Mostly cloudy, with occasional snow flurries. Wind W 10-20 mph (gusting up to 30 mph). Temperature 34.5 - 32 F (fell). Exact start-time was 9:35 EST. Observations: Seven Red-tails moved through. Six to eight Bald Eagles, of various ages, did not. The resident adult Northern Goshawk sailed overhead effortlessly in the wind. Canada Geese (47), American Black Ducks (8), Mallards (2), Common Mergansers (25), American Robins (27).

December 13 - Monday - Overcast, Local Snow Squalls.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks Weather: Mostly cloudy with snow flurries. Wind W/WSW/SW 5-10 mph (gusting to 15 mph). Temperature 37-40 F. A blinding snow squall bore down from the west at 1:10 and ended the watch. Observations: A superb male Northern Harrier came through, hectored much of the way by a Raven. The moment was sublime: steel stallion of a bird moving across the front of the advancing fury of snow. (First December record for this species.) Not migrating were three Bald Eagles (two adults, one immature) and one Red-tail. Canada Geese (17), Common Mergansers (12), Common Ravens (9), American Robins (10-20).

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) The Green Heron continues at the UMass Campus pond in Amherst today. He was hunting from the bushes at the north end near the outflow while hundreds of students walked by. Also one adult Snow Goose in w/ the Canadas. Only six days to go to the count, but this cold spell...

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, December 13

Several Christmas Counts will be done this weekend. Springfield, Pittsfield, Athol, and Williamstown will be on Saturday and Northampton on Sunday. Observers will be out all day counting all species within a 15 mile diameter circle.

At Onota Lake in Pittsfield a female NORTHERN SHOVELER was found at mid-week, but was not present on the weekend. Other birds found on the lake were a few GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and more than 100 each of HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS. In Richmond there were 12 COMMON GOLDENEYES, 4 HOODED MERGANSERS, a MERLIN, 25 WILD TURKEYS, and a PILEATED WOODPECKER. There were as many as 150 COMMON MERGANSERS on Pontoosuc Lake, as well as 20 HOODED MERGANSERS and 3 RING-NECKED DUCKS.

In the Tyringham valley a GYRFALCON was reported but not confirmed, while definitely seen was a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and a NORTHERN SHRIKE. Other NORTHERN SHRIKES were found in Ashfield, Russell, and Richmond, and Southwick.

In Northampton there were 7 RING-NECKED DUCKS, a COOPER'S HAWK and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, and 4 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS.

A GREEN HERON and a SNOW GOOSE were observed at the UMass campus pond in Amherst.

In Hadley there were 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, a BELTED KINGFISHER, a BROWN CREEPER, a CAROLINA WREN, 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and 10 CEDAR WAXWINGS.

At Turners Falls the female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE continues. Also seen were 8 RING-NECKED DUCKS, a GREATER SCAUP, and 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS.

On Ludlow Reservoir 20 RUDDY DUCKS continue with 12 HOODED MERGANSERS, 2 COMMON LOONS, and a RING-NECKED DUCK.

At Quabbin Reservoir there were 5 COMMON LOONS, a HORNED GREBE, 9 HOODED MERGANSERS, a MERLIN, and 3 PILEATED WOODPECKERS.

The COMMON MERGANSER flock on Congamond Lake in Southwick built up to more than 800 birds at one point. Also noted in Southwick were a GREAT BLUE HERON, 18 WILD TURKEYS, 3 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 40 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 12 AMERICAN ROBINS, a SWAMP SPARROW, and a RUSTY BLACKBIRD in a flock of 55 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS.

On Blueberry Hill in Granville observers saw more robins than hawks. Most of the 230 AMERICAN ROBINS were seen on Thursday. Other sightings were 75 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS, a COMMON LOON, resident COOPER'S HAWK and NORTHERN GOSHAWK as well as at least 8 BALD EAGLES, 13 COMMON RAVENS, and 3 HORNED LARKS. Hawk migrants were 11 RED-TAILED HAWKS and one male NORTHERN HARRIER.

December 14 - Tuesday - Very Cold - 20s - and Windy

AMHERST (from Heather Mcqueen) From 8-9am: Junco-19 Chicadee-21 Titmouse-11 GC Kinglet-6 WT Sparrow-14+ FOX SPARROW-1 RB Nut-2 Pileated-1 Hairy-1 Downy-2 Robins-16+ Cooper's Hawk-1. Later from 12:30-1:00: Tree Sparrow-24+ Cedar Waxwings-14+ Bluebirds-3 Sharpie-1, imm Kingfisher-1

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) In the Oxbow were 180 Common Mergansers.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: Joe Wojtanowski, John Weeks, Pam Witaszek, Seth Kellogg Weather: Partly cloudy and cold, with a few snow flurries in the morning. Wind NW 10-20 mph (gusting to 25 mph). Temperature 19.5 - 29 F. Today marks the 100th day of observation at Blueberry Hill this fall. Observations: Nine Red-tails and a light-morph Rough-legged Hawk tallied as migrants. Rough-leg at 3:16 EST. Non-migrants: three or four Bald Eagles (two adults, one or two immatures), and another Red-tail. Canada Geese (336), American Black Ducks (7), Common Mergansers (14), Horned Larks (4), American Robins (11), American Tree Sparrows (3), Snow Buntings (21).

December 15 - Wednesday - Sunny and Very Cold

AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) A quick walk from campus over to the power lines via the bike path was rewarded with a flock of six Redpolls eating catkins from a birch tree on the edge of the field along with about the same number of Goldfinches. There were also two turkeys in the distance crossing the field.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) In the west meadows near the S-curve someone has been leaving bird seed and there was a nice group of tree sparrows, cardinals (5), titmice, chickadees, juncos, house finches and song sparrows having lunch. THe common merganser flock was gone from where it was yestarday. Also saw the bobcat again on the road near the Ibis Pool.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Official Counter: Joe Wojtanowski, John Weeks Observers: Joe Wojtanowski, John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek Weather: Sunny (virtually cloudless) day; wind NW/NNW 5-12 mph. Temperature 23-29 F. Observations: Three of the Bald Eagles finally moved on southwest, along with four Red-tails and our fourth Rough-legged Hawk (light morph) of the season. Eagles at 1:07 (imm.), 1:15 (adult) and 2:25 (imm.) EST. Rough-leg at 2:10. Two or three other Bald Eagles still lingered in the area. Two Black Vultures approached from the NW and departed to westward (presumably back to their Sheffield roost in the extreme SW corner of Massachusetts). Canada Geese (34), Common Mergansers (46), Common Ravens (13 cavorting together in the astringent air), Horned Larks (4), American Robins (5), Snow Buntings (65; 5 very tame birds joined by 60 others to form a skittish flock that would land for only a few seconds on the hill). This is the 101st day, and the end, of the Fall 2004 watch. Thanks to everyone who lent an eye.

SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Eileen Rutman) I've seen them numerous times overhead, but today I discovered a mature red-tailed hawk sitting on the ground right in the middle of my backyard. The local crows - who were extremely upset - were screaming and flying at the hawk till it retreated to a nearby telephone pole. The crows finally succeeded in driving the hawk off. I certainly hope the hawk remembers my yard and the numerous squirrels who eat my seed.

December 16 - Thursday - Sunny and Very Cold

AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) It was really very cold on the bike path because it was completely in the shade. So, I was very quick about getting up to the fields so I could be in the sun. There were absolutely no birds on the shaded part of the path other than 2 juncos next to the farmers supply and I heard one of the RB Nuts by the tennis courts. Usually there has been more activity. I walked out into the field into the sun and had a moment where I was just went "ahhhh" and enjoyed the warmth. Then I looked around a little and was watching some juncos and white throats tee up along the edge, apparently doing the same thing, enjoying breaks in foraging to sit in the sun. Then I turned and a female kestrel was perched nearby on one of the bird boxes, all puffed up, also warming herself. Then some kinglets came over near to the juncos and white throats, although they kept foraging, they didn't stop to warm themselves like the others, they were in the full sun. Then some morning doves came in and some robins and a cardinal popped up, and all perched quietly, sunning themselves. Then some goldfinches came in along with a couple of tree sparrows, both of whom continued to forage but also in the sun. The some chickadees and titmice appeared, foraging in the tall spruce that were also getting the full sun. So I guess when it is very cold and you want to see some birds, find a place where the sun hits early. It will be interesting to see if this continues to be a regular place where this happens throughout the winter.

December 17 - Friday - Mostly Sunny

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I just had what I believe is a Western Kingbird along the trails near the old state hospital...it was not too far from the parking lot...if you take the trail going up the hill (the left trail)...it was just pass the top of the hill there...I originally saw it at about 10am and saw it from less than 15 feet away without bino's...watched it for about 5 minutes, flycatching a bit...then went back to get bino's to see if I could confirm it was a western and not something even more unusual....tried to find it for another 30 minutes without luck.

December 18 - Saturday - Sunny early then overcast SPRINGFIELD CBC

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Western Kingbird continues. Also American Tree Sparrow (12), Cedar Waxwing (8) and Eastern Bluebird (2).

AMHERST (from Kevin Weir) I came across a flock of about 70 (counted)+ house finches by the Amherst Community Gardens today.

SOUTH AMHERST (from Chris Gentes) On a tip from Harvey Allen, Heather and I went looking for a red-phase screech-owl. We didn't find it, but nearby we found a gray-phase one sunning himself in a tree. Also seen were a Kestrel and a Kingfisher.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM Springfield Chirstmas Bird Count (from Seth Kellogg) A Greater Yellowlegs in W Springfield and a Blue-winged teal male in Forest Park Friday only (count week).

SPRINGFIELD (from Joe Wojtanowski) Three of us my brother John and my wife Terry had a share in the Spingfield (except Forest park) CBC count. Some of the 16,330 birds counted were, 1 Great Blue Heron, 5 Hooded Mergansers, 4 Screech Owls, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 3 Carolina Wrens, 2 Brown Creepers, 1 Hermit Thrush, 4 Common Redpolls. Total species 38 and 1 Bobcat.

December 19 - Sunday - Sunny early, then overcast and cooler NORTHAMPTON CBC

WARWICK (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) On a late afternoon walk out to Stevens Swamp in Warwick, we found a Northern Shrike in it's nearly annual place on a dead snag in the middle island of the bog. This area replicates many of the boggy swamps usually found in more northern latitudes and has interesting potential for rarer plant and animal life. Several Golden-crowned Kinglets encountered on the walk in to this area but not much else.

SOUTH HADLEY (posted to Massbird by Bill Lafley) While doing the Northampton CBC we discovered a Greater White-fronted Goose with a group of 70 - 80 Canada Geese at Brunelle's Marina in South Hadley. The marina is at the mouth of Stony Brook at the intersection of Ferry and Alvord Streets.

NORTHAMPTON (from Tom Gagnon) Today on the Northampton Count my best were: Coopers Hawk 2, Eastern Bluebirds 4, Winter Wren 1, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 1 adult. I tried for the Western Kingbird at least 5 times today for the count but did NOT find it. First count total was 82 species. My best birds on Saturday on the Springfield/Holyoke CBC at Ashley Ponds: Cooper's Hawk 1, Sharpshinned Hawk 1, Ring-necked Duck 1, Winter Wren 2, Carolina Wren 2, PINE WARBLER 1.

GRANBY (posted to massbird by Lori Rogers) I saw two Great Horned Owls this morning at about 6:30 am. I heard them first and they sounded close, so I was watching out the window and saw them fly behind the houses across the street and land in a tree behind my neighbors house (Bill and Joe, they landed right behind your house!). I woke John up and went outside. I saw them calling from the tree, perched about 4 feet apart. John got outside just as they flew away, but he got to see one of them fly. That woke us up!

Northampton Christmas Count (posted to Massbird by Mary Alice Wilson and Jan Ortiz )

PRELIMINARY RESULTS because Field Reports: 27.5 tallied; another 5.5 due in next few days Feeder Reports: 3 tallied; 5 more due (final report available by the New Year)

Weather: Temperature hovered around 32, still night (see owl report), sun in morning, cloudy in afternoon, snow started as pot luck ended and count began (by morning after the count 5 inches)

Great Blue Heron (10 - record but may be revised down) Green Heron (1 - first time on count) Gr. White-fronted Goose (2 - first time on count, 2 count week in 9899) Snow Goose (2) Canada Goose (5,525) Mute Swan (8) Wood Duck (2) Am. Black Duck (163) Mallard (1,024) Northern Pintail (1) Ring-necked Duck (5 - third time on count) Bufflehead (1 - first time on count) C. Goldeneye (20) Hooded Merganser (30 - count record) C. Merganser (118) Red-breasted Merganser (2 - fourth time on count) Bald Eagle (7 - may be revised down) Sharp-shinned Hawk (10) Cooper's Hawk (13) Red-tailed Hawk (113 - ties count record) Merlin (3 - tied count record) Peregrine Falcon (4 - count record) Ring-necked Pheasant (6) Ruffed Grouse (19) Wild Turkey (81) Ring-billed Gull (399) Herring Gull (186) Great Black-backed Gull (43) Rock Pigeon (1,804) Mourning Dove (2,601) E. Screech-Owl (78 - count record, also record for single team of 31) Great Horned Owl (41) Barred Owl (3) Long-eared Owl (3 - count record) Belted Kingfisher (14) Red-bellied Woodpecker (81) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) Downy Woodpecker (396 - count record) Hairy Woodpecker (93) N. Flicker (34) Pileated Woodpecker (24 - count record) Western Kingbird (count week) N. Shrike (3) Blue Jay (807) Amer. Crow (3,782 - may be revised down) Fish Crow (2) C. Raven (6) Horned Lark (783) Black-capped Chickadee (1,602) Tufted Titmouse (554) Red-breasted Nuthatch (12) White-breasted Nuthatch (447 - count record) Brown Creeper (24) Carolina Wren (76 - count record, 36 before) Winter Wren (4) Golden-crowned Kinglet (195) Eastern Bluebird (208) Hermit Thrush (3) American Robin (3,133 count record) Gray Catbird (1) N. Mockingbird (163) European Starling (4,004) Cedar Waxwing (618) Amer. Tree Sparrow (865) Clay-colored Sparrow (1- second count record) Field Sparrow (1) Vesper Sparrow (2) Savannah Sparrow (36) Fox Sparrow (2) Song Sparrow (344) Swamp Sparrow (6) White-throated Sparrow (276) White-crowned Sparrow (2) Dark-eyed Junco (1,944) N. Cardinal (558 - count record) Red-winged Blackbird (99) C. Grackle (2) Brown-headed Cowbird (22) Purple Finch (3) House Finch (705) C. Redpoll (27) Amer. Goldfinch (891) House Sparrow (1,588) total species (82) total individual birds (30,474)

Mammals: Gray Squirrel (275) Red Squirrel (42) Eastern Cottontail (20) White-tail Deer (30) Red Fox (2) Coyote (11) Possum (2) Muskrat (4) Chipmunk (1) Beaver (2) Raccoon (3) Mouse sp/white foot (1) skunk (2) Porcupine (1) Long-tailed Weasel (1)

December 20 - Monday - 3-6 inches of snow overnight. Bitter cold moves in.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, December 20

Highlights from the Springfield area Christmas count include an AMERICAN WIGEON, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, a BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a WOOD DUCK, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, a PEREGRINE FALCON, a HERMIT THRUSH, 4 COMMON REDPOLLS, and a possible TUNDRA SWAN in Springfield; a GREATER YELLOWLEGS and a FISH CROW in West Springfield; 13 EASTERN SCREECH OWLS, and a FOX SPARROW in Agawam; a RING-NECKED DUCK, 2 WINTER WRENS, and a PINE WARBLER in Holyoke, and an EASTERN PHOEBE in East Longmeadow.

The Northampton area count recorded 82 species. Highlight species were 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 2 SNOW GEESE, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, 5 RING-NECKED DUCKS, a BUFFLEHEAD, 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, a GREEN HERON, 4 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 3 MERLINS, 4 LONG-EARED OWLS, a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, 2 FISH CROWS, 4 WINTER WRENS, 3 HERMIT THRUSH, a GRAY CATBIRD, 2 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, a CLAY COLORED SPARROW, 2 FOX SPARROWS, 2 VESPER SPARROWS, 25 COMMON REDPOLLS, and 2 PURPLE FINCHES.

With some teams yet to report some notable numbers of uncommon species were 10 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 7 BALD EAGLES, 78 EASTERN SCREECH OWLS, 34 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 24 PILEATED WOODPECKERS, 76 CAROLINA WRENS, 208 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and more than 3,000 AMERICAN ROBINS.

On Friday a WESTERN KINGBIRD was found near the community gardens off Burts Pit Road in Northampton. It was still present at noon on Saturday, but not on Sunday.

The Pittsfield area count recorded 5 GREAT BLUE HERONS, a NORTHERN HARRIER, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, an ICELAND GULL, and 20 PURPLE FINCHES. Waterfowl seen at Stockbridge Bowl for the count were 6 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 25 COMMON GOLDENEYES, 2 BUFFLEHEAD, and a HORNED GREBE.

December 21 - Tuesday - Mostly cloudy - bitter cold

December 22 - Wednesday - A lot warmer.

HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) This morning in the Honeypot there was a Peregrine near the dump and another one near the levee. Also 20 larks..

December 23 - Thursday - Steady Rain - Winds from the South - Mild

HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) This morning in the Honeypot there were 15 Horned Larks and 2 Snow Buntings.

December 24 - Friday - Cold again.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by Joe Wojtanowski) Official Counter: Joe Wojtanowski Observers: Joe Wojtanowski Visitors: 2 mountain bikers Weather: BEAUTIFUL DAY! Partly sunny, Wind NNW at 12 mph. Temp-1.1C Observations: 5 BE were seen. Only one immature migrated. Also, one RT. 21 Ravens

NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) On a Christmas Eve day walk around Bennett Meadow WMA this afternoon, we saw a nice variety of birds. Canada Goose (15) American Black Duck (6) Mallard (5) Common Goldeneye Cooper's Hawk Peregrine Falcon (always a good bird in these parts during Christmas Count Week) Mourning Dove (36) Red-bellied Woodpecker (2) Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Blue Jay (6) American Crow (12) Black-capped Chickadee (8) Tufted Titmouse (4) White-breasted Nuthatch (2) Eastern Bluebird (20) American Robin (3) Cedar Waxwing (30) American Tree Sparrow (12) Northern Cardinal (6) American Goldfinch (22)

December 25 - Saturday - Partly Sunny-Cold.

December 26 - Sunday - Cloudy, Breezy and Cold. Flurries afternoon. A couple inches snow overnight. COBBLE MT. CBC

COBBLE MOUNTAIN CBC RESULTS (posted to Massbird by Seth kellogg) The 14th Cobble Mt Count was on Sunday December 26 and the results are complete. 66 species, - one fewer than 2003

Notable species
Common Loon - 1st on count
Northern Shoveler - 1st on count
scaup species
Goshawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Wilson's Snipe - 2nd on count
3 Winter Wren
Hermit Thrush
22 Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird - 2nd on count

Most on Count
96 Turkey
5 Barred owl (tied)
130 Downy Woodpecker
35 Hairy Woodpecker
19 Raven
230 Titmouse
26 Carolina Wren (tied)
158 Cardinal High Count
144 Black Duck
24 Screech Owl
126 White-br Nuthatch
72 Golden-crowned Kinglet
233 Robin
422 Cedar Waxwing
272 Tree Sparrow
843 Junco
528 Cowbird

Low Count
199 Blue Jay
517 Crow
3 Red-br Nuthatch
229 Goldfinch
253 House Finch is below average, but still highest since 1994

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I made a walk through the trails near the state hospital and had the following: Kingfisher (1), Eastern Bluebird (3), American Tree Sparrow (6), Cedar Waxwing (10) and American Robin (2).

December 27 - Monday - Cold and Windy - Storm cleared out and sun in the afternoon

VARIOUS (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I looked for waterfowl and gulls up and down the valley, but the river was high and flowing fast with ice. There were 10 Horned Larks at the Northampton Airport and 10 Common Mergansers at Mitch's Marina.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, December 27

On Sunday the Cobble Mountain Christmas Count was held in the towns of Westfield, Southwick, Granville, Montgomery, Russell, and Blandford. With 10 of the 11 teams reporting, a total of 62 species was recorded.

Highlights were a NORTHERN SHOVELER, a SCAUP DUCK, 2 HOODED MERGANSERS, a COMMON LOON, a BALD EAGLE, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, an AMERICAN KESTREL, 3 COOPER¹S HAWKS, 2 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, a WILSON¹S SNIPE, a NORTHERN FLICKER, 3 WINTER WRENS, a HERMIT THRUSH, a FIELD SPARROW, and a RUSTY BLACKBIRD.

Some notable counts of species were 140 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 96 WILD TURKEYS, 23 EASTERN SCREECH OWLS, 5 BARRED and 5 GREAT HORNED OWLS, 5 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 17 COMMON RAVENS, only a single RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 24 CAROLINA WRENS, 66 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 46 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 217 AMERICAN ROBINS, 422 CEDAR WAXWINGS, and 528 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS.

Five BALD EAGLES were seen in Granville the day before the count.

Seen in Hadley were 2 WOOD DUCKS, a CAROLINA WREN, a PEREGRINE FALCON, 20 HORNED LARKS, and 2 SNOW BUNTINGS.

A COMMON GOLDENEYE, a PEREGRINE FALCON, a COOPER¹S HAWK, 20 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 3 AMERICAN ROBINS, and 30 CEDAR WAXWINGS were in Northfield.

Three EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 2 AMERICAN ROBINS, and 10 CEDAR WAXWINGS were observed in Northampton.

December 28 - Tuesday - Mostly Cloudy and Cold.

AMHERST (from Chris Gentes) Went looking for owls in Lawrence Swamp area and had none. At 4pm groups of robins flew over downtown Amherst heading West. Heather and I followed them down the hill and over Route 116 but lost them near Mount Warner. Must be a roost somewhere. We counted 300+ overhead.

December 29 - Wednesday - Overcast and Cool

SOUTH AMHERST (from Chris Gentes) Saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk, two Turkeys, a Bluebird and a Swamp Sparrow. On Amherst College there were 300+ Robins eating berries near the Campus Center.

HADLEY (from Pete Yeskie) On the river two Wood Ducks, a Snow Goose, 1000s of Canada Geese and 2 Carolina Wrens.

December 30 - Thursday - Sunny and mild

MOUNT SUGARLOAF (from Deedee Minear) On top of Sugarloaf today there was a yellow rump warbler busy catching insects in a sumac bush.

HOLLAND (posted to Massbird by Ian Lynch) On the Sturbridge Christmas Count (12/17) a Long-eared Owl was heard calling on private property in Holland. I returned there late this afternoon and saw and heard at least two Long-eared Owls. I saw one fly across the field I was in and then perch in the nearby trees. Later I was looking at one across the river as I heard another one calling. Both calls were the higher pitched female call. I believe that the bird heard on the CBC was male. Also seen were a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Great Blue Heron.

December 31 - Friday - Mostly Cloudy, Mild and Breezy

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I made a stop by the trails near the state hopital midday and had the following there: American Robin (100+) and Golden Crowned Kinglet (5) among the other usuals.