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August 2005 Sightings
Hampshire, Hampden & Franklin Counties of Massachusetts
First of the Year in RED

August 1 - Monday

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the Western Voice of Audubon for Monday, August 1.

It's August 1 and migration has started to turn it up another notch. KILLDEER can now be found in small flocks in area fields. SWALLOW numbers are starting to increase on area power lines and there are increasing reports of immature RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS visiting feeding stations.

Reports from the Quabbin Reservoir this past week : Seen at the South Quabbin headquarters region were a COMMON LOON, 6 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 3 TURKEY VULTURES, 3 WOOD DUCKS, 3 VIRGINIA RAILS, 24 KILLDEER, 9 RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, 4 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 3 PILEATED WOODPECKERS, 22 EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES, 11 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, 6 YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS, 52 RED-EYED VIREOS, 5 COMMON RAVEN, a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, a CAROLINA WREN, 3 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, 4 HERMIT THRUSH and the following WARBLERS: 9 CHESTNUT-SIDED, a BLACKBURNIAN, 3 PINE, 4 PRAIRIE, a BLACK-AND-WHITE, 6 AMERICAN REDSTARTS, and 6 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS.

Also seen were 3 BALTIMORE ORIOLES, a PURPLE FINCH and 21 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. Along the west side of the reservoir at Gate 12 in Pelham, 9 RUFFED GROUSE, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and a few BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS were seen.

At Gate 15 of the Quabbin in Shutesbury a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, 2 BLUE-HEADED VIREO, 3 BROWN CREEPERS, 4 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 4 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS and 2 OVENBIRDS were reported. Also on the West side of the Quabbin, at undisclosed locations, were 2 ACADIAN FLYCATCHERS, one of which was still on eggs.

In the East Meadows of Northampton it seems SWALLOW numbers are starting to build again. Reported this week were 830 TREE SWALLOWS, 130 BANK SWALLOWS and 15 BARN SWALLOWS. Last year by the end of August SWALLOW numbers peaked at about 100,000 The majority were TREE SWALLOWS. Also seen in the meadows were 4 LEAST SANDPIPERS, a NORTHERN HARRIER, 9 YELLOW WARBLERS, 3 INDIGO BUNTINGS and an EASTERN MEADOWLARK.

And _ finally _ a walk up Mount Holyoke produced 9 EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES, 3 HERMIT THRUSH, 21 WOOD THRUSH, a BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, 3 WORM-EATING WARBLERS, an OVENBIRD, 2 SCARLET TANAGERS, and a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

August 2 - Tuesday

August 3 - Wednesday - Very Hot and Humid - 90s

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) Staring at 7pm I noticed a steady stream of tree swallows flying over the pond heading south.

MOUNT HOLYOKE (posted to Massbird by James P. Smith) One Olive-sided Flycatcher seen from Taylor Notch trail on Mt.Holyoke at 10:30 am. The bird appeared to come from the summit house where it may been flushed by day visitors. Views were good but brief, and it then continued along the ridge towards the east. Other birds in the area included; Broad-winged Hawk - 1 at Halfway House Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Chimney Swift - 10 Hairy Woodpecker - 6 White-breasted Nuthatch - 17 Tree Swallow - 30 Cliff Swallow - 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher- 1 at 10:30hrs. Taylor Notch trail. Eastern Wood-Pewee - 6 Eastern Phoebe - 2 (including one juv, on Taylor Notch trail). Blackburnian Warbler - 3, just below summit parking lot. American Redstart - 1 male. Black and White Warbler - 4 Black-throated Blue Warbler - 1 male Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 Winter Wren - 1 singing just below summit parking lot. Dark-eyed Junco - 13 (including several streaked juveniles). http://www.keenbirding.com/Fall05/Juncos030805.html Also on August 1st; 7 Indigo Buntings singing along Norwottuck Bike Trail between Snell Street and Route 9 Amherst/Hadley.

August 4 - Thursday - Very Hot and Humid - 90s

WESTFIELD (from Larry Therrien) 350+ Tree Swallows and a few Barn Swallows over a swampy area along Root Road in Westfield.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Henry Lappen) Driving down State St. in N. Amherst tonight, I realized too late to stop that the object in the road was a Saw Whet Owl. As it went between the wheels and didn't move, the car behind me got to see it fly away.

August 5 - Friday - Hot and humid, front moved through late afternoon, cooler

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by James P. Smith) 08/05 - There was a Vesper Sparrow in the East Meadows in Northampton this morning. I came across the bird whilst watching Indigo Buntings at the corner of a large cornfield. It was agitated and might have a nest or fledged young in that area. A few images can be seen here; http://www.keenbirding.com/Fall05/Vesper050805.html Otherwise, a little on the quiet side but I saw my first juvenile Indigo Bunting of the fall, as well as numerous males and a female. East Meadows highlights (08:45-10:45hrs); Ring-billed Gull - 1 Belted Kingfisher - 1 Northern Flicker - 5 Bank Swallow - 25 Horned Lark - 2 Yellow Warbler - 8 Vesper Sparrow- 1 adult. Bobolink - 1 Indigo Bunting - 15 + (mostly males, some still singing, but one adult female and one juvenile).

August 6 - Saturday - Sunny and warm - less humid

LONGMEADOW (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I went to the sandbar late morning and saw the following: Great Blue Heron-10, Osprey-1, Killdeer-3, Semipalamted Plover-1, Greater Yellowlegs-1, Lesser Yellowlegs-2, Least Sandpiper-12, Semipalmated Sandpiper-2, Spotted Sandpiper-2. Also eclosing Arrow Clubtail, Riverine Clubtail, Monarch. In SHUTESBURY we saw 3 Woodcocks and heard a Barred Owl.

HAWLEY (posted to Massbird by Tom Collins) Kathy Mills, Tom Begley, Noreen Mole and your truly birded the Hawley Bog in Hawley and some adjacent areas from 8:00 -10:45 am this date. The list in not in checklist order. A great day to be about in the hills of the "Golden West." Also checked was the Moran Property in Windsor. Hawley Bog Evening Grosbeak, 2 adults, 4 juv. purple finch 12+ modo 10+ veery 3 red-eyed vireo 5 cedar waxwing 20+ catbird 5+ scarlet tanager 2 adult,3 juv. northern waterthrush 1 song sparrow many phoebe 3 tree swallow 10+ raven calling not seen. great horned owl, call of a young most likely just fledged BC chickadee 10+ with young being fed. Baltimore Oriole 2 YB Sapsucker 1(juv.) Swamp sp. 4 Robin 6+ Downey Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 8+ NO. Flicker 1 C. Yellowthroat 4 Redstart 1 male BT blue warbler 3, 2 males, 1 female RB Nuthatch 1 T. Titmouse 2 Brown creeper 2 BT Green warbler 3 wood duck 1 solitary sandpiper 1 winter wren 1 hermit thrush 1 Moran Property in Windsor (highlights only) Eastern kingbird Alder Flycatcher (Calling) RW Blackbird Wood thrush RB Grosbeak

MONTAGUE PLAINS (psoted to Massbird by Dan Furbish) Ed Neumuth and I birded Montague Plains weather 91 deg f, light wind, full sun 1 to 4 pm. We had great looks at these birds: 1 Olive sided flycatcher, 4 Eastern wood peewee's 4 Eastern kingbirds 1 unidentified Empidonax flycatcher, in dry habitat/mixed forest. 5 Eastern phoebe's, 3 young 2 Red eyed vireo 1 Blue gray Gnatcatcher 1 Rose breasted grozbeak, m 1 Hairy woodpecker 3 Downy wp 1 Brown creeper 2 Black and white warbler, pr 1 Mourning warbler!, extremely washed out plumage (migrating) 1 Prairie warbler, m 2 Scarlet tanagers, pr 8+ Eastern towees , counting 2 young birds 6 Field sparrows 2 House wren 3 Gray catbirds 5 BC Chickadees 8 Cedar waxwings 6 Chipping sparrows 1 Hermit thrush 6 American robins 2 Bluejay 2 Red tailed hawks

QUABBIN (posted to Massbird by Chishun Kwong) My wife and I spent 07:30 - 10:30 in gate 15 and 12 of Quabbin yesterday. Was hoping to find an Acadian Flycatcher or a covey of Ruffed Grouse, did not find any, but was rewarded nicely by 10 spieces of warblers, including a male Golden-winged. Hi-lites are Hermit Thrush Winter Wren - still singing Nashville Warbler Golden-winged Warbler - just 100 feet into gate 12 Chestnut-sided Warbler - both breeding and basic plumage Magnolia Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat Indigo Bunting

August 7 - Sunday - Sunny

CUMMINGTON (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney) From Sunday along a short stretch of the Westfield River in Cummington. Highlights include: Osprey 1 TV 1 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 adult male Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 heard Blue Jays 3+ N. Ravens 3 Black-capped Chickadees several inquisitive noisy flocks of up to eight. Winter Wren 1 still singing Hermit Thrush 2 heard, 1 other seen A. Robin 2 Cedar Waxwings family of 6 flycatching over the river Red-eyed Vireo 1 sang briefly Ovenbird 1 seen, silent Yellowthroat 1 female or young Scarlet Tanager 1, call heard American Goldfinches 6+ Slate-colored Junco 1 adult heard: Unidentified nestlings begging softly, high in thick hemlocks where July songs included Black-throated Green and Blue warblers and Hermit Thrushes. A dozen fresh Pileated Woodpecker holes on 2-foot diameter dying white pine, all two to five feet above the ground. One set of droppings on a large low flat rock suggests the usual family of Common Mergansers is around, as most years. Also, a mess of feathers at the base of a large white pine tree, including one large intact wing end. I pretty sure it's a Barred Owl's remains. Lots more loosestrife, Japanese bindweed, and other invasive plants along the rocky river edges this year. The hemlocks seem okay. No sign of crayfish, but a few green frogs and lots of tiny fish. Viceroy, Black Swallowtail, Silver-spotted Skipper Butterflies. Several adult Odonata, and lots of their nymphs and shed nymph casings. Very few mosquitoes. Two black bears crossing the river were seen by others about 9:30 AM.

August 8 - Monday - Hot and humid

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Davis Chapman Hawkowl ) While riding the bus to work today I glimpsed a Great Egret hunting the edge of the campus pond on the UMass-Amherst campus.

QUABBIN (posted to Massbird by James P. Smith ) This morning I followed up Chishun Kwong's report from August 6th of a Golden-winged Warbler at Gate 12 . I was lucky, very lucky. The first warbler that I came across was a stunning male Golden-winged next to the main track. I watched it for just six minutes, and was just getting settled for prolonged views when it suddenly dispersed. The light was poor at 08:15 am when I first found the bird, but I managed to grab a few images through my binoculars. Not the best, but some of the classic features can be seen; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/Goldenwing080805.html I stayed in the area for a while but didn't see it again. Thanks to Chishun Kwong for posting his observation. As one walks down the hill from Gate 12 for about 100 yards, the bird was on the left side of the track in the small saplings, exactly where the mature woodland clears and meets the dense understory of young saplings and other rank vegetation. Also in this spot; Chesnut-sided Warbler (10+) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1), Common Yellowthroat (6), Ovenbird (3), Eastern Towhee (3), Indigo Bunting (7), Scarlet Tanager (female with wing bars). A brief stop at Gate 15 produced; Common Raven (1), Black-throated Green Warbler (4), and Red-eyed Vireo (11+ including some young birds).

QUABBIN (psoted to Massbird by Ian Lynch) I went to Gate 12 today as well and had a similar experience as James did. I saw the male Golden-winged Warbler at about 1:45 PM and again a few minutes later. I never got a chance to get a photo, I'm glad that James did. The bird was in the exact location as he described. Habitat here is ideal for this bird to have bred, so it would be good to check again for evidence.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER NOTE from Chris Gentes: I was talking to Pete Yeskie and he said he had a Golden-winged Warbler at Gate 12 a few years back, but further along the path.

SHUTESBURY (from Kevin Weir) couple of gnatcatchers in field edge lately

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS This is the western Voice of Audubon for Monday. August 8.

Reported at the Hawley bog in Hawley were a WOOD DUCK, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER, an immature GREAT HORNED OWL, an immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, 2 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, a NORTHERN FLICKER, 3 EASTERN PHOEBES, 8 BLUE JAYS, a COMMON RAVEN, a WINTER WREN, 3 VEERY, a HERMIT THRUSH, 5 RED-EYED VIREOS, and 5 GRAY CATBIRDS. Warblers seen included 3 BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS, 3 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, an AMERICAN REDSTART, a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and 4 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS. Also seen were 2 SCARLET TANAGERS, 2 BALTIMORE ORIOLES, 10 PURPLE FINCH and 6 EVENING GROSBEAKS _ 2 adults and 4 juveniles.

Highlights from the Moran Refuge in Windsor included EASTERN KINGBIRD, ALDER FLYCATCHER, WOOD THRUSH, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

Seen along the Westfield River in Cummington were an OSPREY, a TURKEY VULTURE, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, an EASTERN WOOD- PEWEE, a BLUE JAY, a COMMON RAVEN, a WINTER WREN, 2 HERMIT THRUSH, 6 CEDAR WAXWINGS, a RED-EYED VIREO, an OVENBIRD, a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, a SCARLET TANAGER, a DARK-EYED JUNCO and 6 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES.

A hike up Monument Mt. in Great Barrington produced a COMMON RAVEN, 3 AMERICAN CROWS, 2 TURKEY VULTURES, a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 2 BLUE JAYS, 12 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, a HERMIT THRUSH and a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER.

Seen in the East Meadows of Northampton were a BELTED KINGFISHER, 5 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 25 BANK SWALLOWS, 2 HORNED LARKS, 8 YELLOW WARBLERS, a VESPER SPARROW, a BOBOLINK and at least 15 INDIGO BUNTINGS.

Reported from Gate 15 of the Quabbin Reservoir in Shutesbury were a WINTER WREN, a HERMIT THRUSH, an INDIGO BUNTING. Also seen were the following WARBLERS: NASHVILLE, a very rare GOLDEN-WINGED, CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, BLACK-AND-WHITE, AMERICAN REDSTART, OVENBIRD, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT .

Birds recorded on Mt. Holyoke at the Skinner State Park included a BROAD-WINGED HAWK, a RED-TAILED HAWK, 10 CHIMNEY SWIFTS, 6 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 17 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 30 TREE SWALLOWS, a CLIFF SWALLOW, an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES, 2 EASTERN PHOEBES, a WINTER WREN and a DARK-EYED JUNCO. Also seen were 3 BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS, an AMERICAN REDSTART, 4 BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS, a BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, and a BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.

And _ lastly _ an immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, 3 OSPREY and 46 KILLDEER were reported in West Springfield.

August 9 - Tuesday - Hot and Humid

NORTHAMPTON Pete Yeskie saw a male Blue Grosbeak ~10am in the west meadows. Going in from Olive Street (off rte 10) - go down the hill and bear right onto the dirt road. Take a left onto the first road you come to- about 200 feet in . Go down this road a short distance to where it turns sharply to the left. It was in this area.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Checked for the Blue Grosbeak but all I found was a very vocal Indigo Bunting. I spent a little over an hour in the immediate vicinity and then took a ride out through the remainder of the Arcadia Meadows. Highlights from Arcadia: American Kestrel (2), Kingfisher (1), Indigo Bunting (1), Song Sparrow (20+), Eastern Kingbird (9) as well as other usuals. I then took a ride up to DEERFIELD for an appointment and stopped along the base to see if the Peregrines were visible. During the 20 minutes looking, no Peregrines sighted. I did have a calling Scarlet Tanager. Also this morning I stopped by a small swamp area in WESTFIELD and had a nice roost of Tree Swallows. Some of the trees were covered. I would estimate the flock at 2500+.

AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) A hummingbird was feeding on zinnias this morning.

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) I checked a sandbar on the river from 6:30-7:30pm and saw: Great Blue Heron-2, Killdeer-3, Ruddy Turnstone-1 transitioning adult, Lesser Yellowlegs-2, Spotted Sandpiper-8, Least Sandpiper-15. Also a flock of 250 blackbirds flying in the distance.

August 10 - Wednesday - Hot and not too Humid

LONGMEADOW+ (from Larry Therrien) - Sandbar and sections of Stebbins Refuge: Semipalmated Sandpiper (3), Spotted Sandpiper (6), Least Sandpiper (1), ? peep (1) flying along with some Mallards, Killdeer (3), Osprey (1), Bald Eagle (1) juv, Great Blue Heron (16) with 10 out on the sandbar, Green Heron (1), Blue Winged Warbler (1), Warbling Vireo (2), Red Eyed Vireo (1), Baltimore Oriole (2), Rose Breasted Grosbeak (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (3), Fish Crow (1), Ruby Throated Hummingbird (1), Wood Duck (31), Eastern Kingbird (4), Eastern Bluebird (1), Double Crested Cormorant (2), Carolina Wren (2), Kingfisher (2), Indigo Bunting (1), Empidonax Flycatcher (2), Gray Catbird (16), Bank Swallow (40+), Tree Swallow (30+), American Crow (45+) and other typical birds in expected numbers. WESTFIELD- Robinson State Park- Short stop produced Black Billed Cuckoo (1), Scarlet Tanager (4), Common Yellowthroat (2), Red Eyed Vireo (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (1), Red Breasted Nuthatch (3), Baltimore Oriole (2), Indigo Bunting (1), Empidonax Flycatcher (1), Eastern Kingbird (2), Gray Catbird (2), Chimney Swift (4). Also a close encounter with a couple white tailed deer.

NORTHAMPTON+ (posted to Massbird by James P. Smith) 08/10 - There was no sign this morning of yesterday's reported Blue Grosbeak at the West Meadows in Northampton. I spent just over an hour in the exact spot described, but only came up with a pair of Indigo Buntings. However, an interesting gull flew over the same area which looked like a candidate for a first-year Lesser Black-backed Gull. The bird was headed towards the Connecticut River and I was able to take just one image; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/LBBG100805.html Afterwards, I patrolled Old Springfield Road and Pychon Meadow Road in the Arcadia Meadows and discovered an unseasonal female Northern Pintail on the Oxbow by the Marina. Despite being a little distant, I took a couple of images through my scope; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/NPintail100805.html The rest of the area also proved interesting, here's a few highlights(08:45-13:00hrs); Great Blue Heron -1 Mallard - 5 NORTHERN PINTAIL - 1 female on the Oxbow (Marina). Red-tailed Hawk - 4 Killdeer - 2 Ring-billed Gull - 4 (possible)LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - 1 (1st year) moving east. Chimney Swift - 6 Belted Kingfisher - 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 Willow Flycatcher - 4 Eastern Kingbird - 20+ around the meadow by Pynchon Meadow Road. Warbling Vireo - 1 Red-eyed Vireo - 1 Tree Swallow - 120 Bank Swallow - 50 Barn Swallow - 6 House Wren - 6 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 Brown Thrasher - 1 Cedar Waxwing - 12 Yellow Warbler - 1 Indigo Bunting - 9 Bobolink - 18 Also, a mid-afternoon visit to Gate 12 at the Quabbin was VERY quiet. NO Golden-winged Warbler, and only singles of Wild Turkey, Ovenbird and Purple Finch.

SHUTESBURY (from Kevein Weir) Found a female oriole in bluebird box area and scouted around and located her abandoned nest in a choke cherry tree about 30 feet up. Found two bald faced hornet nests on borders of both fields. 5 cedar wax wings, 10 tree and 6 barn swallows working the fields. Once again I saw a larger flycatcher on the dead tree but it moved before I could get a good look. May have been a great crested.

August 11 - Thursday - Hot and Humid

August 12 - Friday - Hot and Humid

August 13 - Saturday - Very hot and Humid

August 14 - Sunday - Hot and Humid - fierce thunderstorms throughout afternoon

LONGMEADOW (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I checked the sandbar and saw the following: Killdeer-10, Semipalmated Plover-3, Lesser Yellowlegs-6, Least Sandpiper-81, Semipalmated Sandpiper-3, Pectoral Sandpiper-1, Osprey-1, Bald Eagle-1 ad. Also, Tom Gagnon saw a Great Egret pondside in a tree.

August 15 - Monday - Mostly Cloudy, Cool

EASTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Went over to area near Dank's Pond at lunch to see if there were any potential shorebird puddles - none seen, but a Green Heron flew out from the pond, then later an American Bittern circled a few times and landed just up-stream on the Manhan River in a grassy area (bird not seen once it landed). Pete had a possible Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow in a weedy area on Aqua Vita Road - I went over to take a look but didn't see it, but there were a dozen bobolinks in the area. Checked the North Hadley sandbar and only saw a few spotted sandpipers - later still two Green Herons flew over the pond.

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

Reported in the West Meadows of Northampton were a female NORTHERN PINTAIL 4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 2 KILLDEER, 4 RING-BILLED GULLS, 6 CHIMNEY SWIFTS, 3 BELTED KINGFISHERS, a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, an EASTERN WOOD–PEWEE, 4 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 20 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, a WARBLING VIREO, a RED-EYED VIREO, 120 TREE SWALLOWS, 50 BANK SWALLOWS, 6 BARN SWALLOWS, 6 HOUSE WRENS, 6 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, a BROWN THRASHER, 12 YELLOW WARBLERS, an INDIGO BUNTING, and 9 BOBOLINKS.

Seen in Longmeadow on the Longmeadow Sandbar in the Connecticut River were 10 GREAT BLUE HERONS, a GREEN HERON, 10 KILLDEER, 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 6 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 6 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 81 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 3 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, a PECTORAL SANDPIPER, an OSPREY, and an adult BALD EAGLE.

Reported at Pondside and the Fannie Stebbins Refuge, also in Longmeadow , were a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, a GREAT EGRET, 31 WOOD DUCKS, a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, 3 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 4 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, 2 WARBLING VIREOS, a RED-EYED VIREO, a FISH CROW, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, 3 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, an EASTERN BLUEBIRD, a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, and 2 BALTIMORE ORIOLES.

Highlights from a quick trip to Robinson State Park in Agawam included a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE, 2 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, a RED-EYED VIREO, a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 GRAY CATBIRDS, 2 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, 4 SCARLET TANAGERS, 2 INDIGO BUNTINGS, and 3 BALTIMORE ORIOLES.

Seen at a sandbar along the Connecticut river in North Hadley were 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 3 KILLDEER, 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 8 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 15 LEAST SANDPIPERS, a RUDDY TURNSTONE and a mixed flock of 250 BLACKBIRDS in flight.

And lastly, coming to a feeding station in Amherst were 8 MOURNING DOVES, 3 RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, 2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 9 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 3 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, 4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 GRAY CATBIRDS, an AMERICAN REDSTART, 5 SONG SPARROWS, 5 NORTHERN CARDINALS, 5 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, a COMMON GRACKLE, and 5 HOUSE FINCH.

August 16 - Tuesday - Sunny and Warm

August 17 - Wednesday - Sunny and Warm

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by James Smith) This morning I had a couple of nice sparrows in the East Meadows at Northampton. The first, a Lark Sparrow , was close to the airfield, along the first track on the right after the Skydive place on Old Ferry Road. I saw this bird at around 09:00hrs, but it was flighty, and flew off and landed close to the ‘cream’ colored house along the approach road to the Red Barn. I looked for it there but couldn’t relocate it. Could still be around though. The second was a Clay-colored Sparrow at close range with Bobolinks. Going past the end of the airstrip on Old Ferry Road, the bird was along the first track to the right at about 10:00hrs. Unfortunately, both birds eluded the camera and were carried away by flocks of nervous Bobolinks, of which there many birds (c.110). Singles of Semi-palmated Plover and Least Sandpiper were also in the East Meadows this morning. Another bird of note was a MERLIN in Hadley over Route 9, very close to the district courthouse

SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Russ Titus) This evening in Springfield we counted 24 Common Nighthawks, most foraging near Mason Square. Also this evening at Forest Park, a cooperative Yellow-bellied Flycatcher along the road by the entrance to the Barney mausoleum. Yesterday there were 6 nighthawks over our house in the East Forest Park area. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was in the area calling during the a.m. Not present since spring.

August 18 - Thursday

NORTH HADLEY (from Heather McQueen) AT 6:30pm I saw 5 Nighthawks along with 8 Spotted Sandpipers, 5 Least Sandpipers and 1 Killdeer. In Northfield I observed 5 Least Sandpipers, 1 juv Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 45 Killdeer, an Opsrey, and a Kestrel.

HADLEY+ (posted to Massbird by James P. Smith) Hadley Honey Pot area (18:00 - 20:00hrs): We stayed in one spot with telescopes in the evening, primarily to count migrating nighthawks. Many other species noted as well, with some southward movements of swallows and possibly Chimney Swifts; Black-crowned Night Heron - 1 juvenile. Canada Goose - 30 arrived at dusk. Northern Harrier - 1 (female/juv). Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Mourning Dove - c.350 streaming south-east across the fields presumably to roost. Common Nighthawk- 108. First birds noted at 18:10hrs, with largest flock being 24 birds (directly overhead!). Chimney Swift - 101 Tree Swallow - c.2000. Bank Swallow - 296 Barn Swallow - 72 Red-winged Blackbird - c.1000 European Starling - c.1500 uid blackbirds/grackles - c.2000. Brown-headed Cowbird - One flock of 26 adults. Savannah Sparrow - 6 Indigo Bunting - 3 Bobolink - 6 Earlier in the day, I looked at the West Meadows in Northampton. No sign of the Northern Pintail seen on the Oxbow last week but there were 2 Double-crested Cormorants there, plus 3 others were moving south at 10:35hrs. Other birds of note included; American Black Duck - 2 Mallard - 13 Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Broad-winged Hawk - 2 (one juvenile). American Kestrel - 1 Killdeer - 7 Solitary Sandpiper - 1 (Oxbow) Ring-billed Gull - 2 Chimney Swift - 6 Belted Kingfisher - 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 4 Great-crested Flycatcher - 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2 Willow Flycatcher - 3 Eastern Kingbird - Only 6 around the meadow by Pynchon Meadow Road. Most had moved out since last week. Baltimore Oriole - 6 Warbling Vireo - 2 Carolina Wren - 4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 2 Red-winged Blackbird - 400+. Savannah Sparrow - 11 Song Sparrow - 30+ Indigo Bunting - 2 Bobolink - 17 Finally, a brief stop by the airfield in the East Meadows at Northampton failed to produce yesterday's Lark Sparrow. There was an adult Bald Eagle soaring close by, 40+ Bobolinks in the fields and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the bushes.

SOUTHAMPTON+ (from Larry Therrien) I had a Great Egret fly into Lyman Pond along Rt 10 in Southampton this evening. Also had Common Nighthawks (14) migrate by in a 25 minute period over Westfield this evening. In addition a group of Eastern Bluebirds (8) in the backyard.

NORTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Henry Lappen) 5 Nighthawks flew over North Amherst last night about 7 PM, heading Southwest.

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) I heard a Screech-owl calling outside the window at 4am. It sounded like a young bird 'practicing'.

August 19 - Friday - Cloudy and warm

LONGMEADOW (from Jay Bueschel) On the Longmeadow sandbar I saw 1 Sanderling, 17 Least Sandpipers, 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper, 1 White-rumped Sandpiper (appeared injured), and 2 Spotted Sandpipers.

AMHERST (from Gina Martel) A Great Egret is being seen today at the UMass Campus pond. It is probably a young bird because it does not react as people walk by. When I saw it at noon, it was standing on the concrete retaining wall overlooking the pond at the base of the Fine Arts Center steps.

NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) At Satan's Kingdom in Northfield this morning with Jennifer Strules and Pat Serrentino: GBHeron-3 Wood Duck-11 TVulture-1 Cooper's Hawk-1 Broad-winged Hawk-1 Red-shouldered Hawk-1 MDove-2+ RTHummingbird-2 BKingfisher-4 NFlicker-3 YBSapsucker-2 juv. DWoodpecker-1 HWoodpecker-1 Olive-sided Flycatcher-1 EWPewee-2 Yellow-bellied Flaycatcher-1-this and the Olive-sided were in the northernmost sphagnum swamp on the west side of Old Vernon Road, both flycatching from the dead snags. Alder/Willow Fly-1 Least Fly-1 EPhoebe-6 Great crested Fly-1 EKingbird-1 Yellow-throated Vireo-1 Red-eyed Vireo-2 BlueJay-2 NRaven-1 Tree Swallow-4+ BCChickadee-6+ Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 White-breasted Nuthatch-3 BGGnatcatcher-1 CWaxwing-10+ Chestnut-sided Warbler-1 juv. Yellow-rumped-3+ incl. one juv. Black and White-1 Black-thr Green-2 CYellowthroat-3 ARedstart-3+ Song Sparrow-4 Baltimore Oriole-4 AGoldfinch-4 Also, at least 4 Least Sandpipers were in the manure pond on Stillwater Road in Deerfield.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Ralph Palmer) At 6:30 this evening, Friday, Aug. 19, just south of the village of Turners Falls (and just before the golf course), there were at least 50 Nighthawks. They were flying fairly low - a number were coming below the tops of the utility poles. There were also a lot of swifts, but the swifts did not seem to be mixing with the Nighthawks. The swifts seemed to stay higher or on the fringes of the Nighthawks. They were not there when I passed through at about 6:00 pm.

HADLEY (posted to Massbird by James Smith) 57 Nighthawks from the Honeypot

August 20 - Saturday - Light rain overnight - Cloudy and warm

NORTHFIELD (from Heather McQueen) This morning Chris and I saw a juvenile Baird's Sandpiper, 3 Least Sandpipers and 10 Killdeer. We looked for shorebirds in a variety of other spots including Gill near the river and the East Meadows of Northampton but didn't find anything else.

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) Went out to the sandbar and had the following: Killdeer-50, Lesser Yellowlegs-1, Semipalmated Sandpiper-2, Least Sandpiper-20, Spotted Sandpiper-5.

HADLEY (posted to Massbird by James Smith) 08/20 - One, very vocal, male Purple Martin moving south over South Maple Street, Hadley this morning at 06:26hrs. It was at Goulet/Allard Farm. Lawrence Swamp, Amherst at Station Road, birding from the Norwottuck Rail Trail. It was VERY birdy and I'll post a fuller list later, but highlights included Hooded Merganser (fem/juv), Sora and Virgina Rail, Common Nighthawk, 2 Blue-winged Warblers, many flycatchers-types foraging from the swamps, and over 100 Bobolinks, most moving south early on. An evening watch from the Honey Pot produced zero nighthawks.

August 21 - Sunday - Rain early - muggy and hot, cloudy later

LONGMEADOW+ (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I checked a few spots for shorebirds today. Sandbar had Killdeer-1, Sanderling-1, Least Sandpiper-19, White-rumped Sandpiper-1, Spotted Sandpiper-1. In Agawam at Bondi's Island there was Semipalmated Plover-2, Lesser Yellowlegs-1, Least Sandiper-2. Behind the Big E in West Springfield there was Solitary Sandpiper-1, Least Sandpiper-10, Spotted Sandpiper-1, Green Heron-1. In the afternoon we went to the North Hadley sandbar and saw the following: Semipalmated Plover-3, Killdeer-40, Semipalmated Sandpiper-2, Least Sandpiper-25, Pectoral Sandpiper-1, Stilt Sandpiper-1.

QUABBIN PARK (posted to Massbird by Mark Lynch) We birded QUABBIN PARK ("South Quabbin") this morning is less than ideal conditions. Heading west on Rt.9, we were inundated with heavy rain almost the entire drive out. Arriving at Quabbin Park, we found dark, dank, overcast conditions, with mist and dense fog atop the hills (like at the tower). Condiitons improved slowly as the morning progressed. Numbers were mediocre, but it was a nice variety. Double-crested Cormorant (2) Great Blue Heron (1) Green Heron (1) Turkey Vulture (2) Canada Goose (10) Wood Duck (7) Osprey (1) Wild Turkey (1: this bird was hanging out with the geese behind the dam. Underachiever or spy? Another 16 turkeys were seen on Rt.9 Ware) Virginia Rail (2: breeders) Sora (1: migrant) Killdeer (34 at the State Trout Hatchery) Spotted Sandpiper (4) Least Sandpiper (2 seen and heard flying low over the dike. Though I have had this species numerous times in large numbers in periods of low water in northern areas of Quabbin, this may be the first time I had it in Quabbin Park proper.) Ring-billed Gull (1) Mourning Dove (10) "Domestic Dove" (1 unusual specimen grounded in the fog. This small dove/pigeon was solid silky glossy purple-black all over except for pure white flight feathers and red bill and eye. There were two bands: one on each leg) Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2: we watched one nectar on the blooms of Devil's Walking Stick) Belted Kingfisher (2) Downy Woodpecker (4) Hairy Woodpecker (1) Pileated Woodpecker (4: these birds were together and put on quite a show. It appeared to be three young birds and an adult female. The three young birds chased each other, flew at each other when perched et, calling frequently and making a variety of other much quieter calls) Eastern Wood Peewee (12) YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (4: a good daily total for inland locations. These birds were all very co-operative, perching close and low, giving spectaculer views.) Least Flycatcher (1) Eastern Phoebe (1) Great Crested Flycatcher (1) Eastern Kingbird (6) Red-eyed Vireo (31) Blue Jay (9) A Crow (17) Tree Swallow (47: most feeding low over the main body of Quabbin) Barn Swallow (3) Black-capped Chickadee (39) Tufted Titmouse (10) Red-breasted Nuthatch (3) White-breasted Nuthatch (7) Brown Creeper (1) House Wren (4) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1) Eastern Bluebird (1imm) Hermit Thrush (1) Wood Thrush (1) A Robin (24) Gray Catbird (29) Cedar Waxwing (34) WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4) Chestnut-sided (7) Black-throated Blue (1m) Black-throated Green (1) Blackburnian (1) Pine (5) Prairie (1) Black and White (1) A Redstart (4) C Yellowthroat (5) Scarlet Tanager (4) Eastern Towhee (10) Chipping Sparrow (20) Song Sparrow (2) Swamp Sparrow (3) N Cardinal (3) Indigo Bunting (2) Baltimore Oriole (16) A Goldfinch (24) PLUS: Woodchuck (1); White-tailed Deer (4); White-tailed Deer-watchers (15+: don't these folks get out? People often cruise the roads of Quabbin Park and Barre Falls Dam for hours on end "hoping" for a glimpse of these "rare" creatures. Jeez.) Blooms included a nice show of Fern-leaved False Foxglove.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by James Smith) East Meadows (07:00 - 12:00hrs); Turkey Vulture - 3 Red-tailed Hawk - 1 Cooper’s Hawk - 2 juveniles. Northern Harrier - 2 juveniles together. American Kestrel - 1 Killdeer - 7 Semi-palmated Plover - 2 Least Sandpiper - 5 Lesser Yellowlegs - 1 Greater Yellowlegs - 1 Ring-billed Gull - 7 Chimney Swift - 16 Belted Kingfisher - 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 4 Willow Flycatcher - 1 Eastern Kingbird - 1 Baltimore Oriole - 4 Tree Swallow - 800 Bank Swallow - 400 Barn Swallow - 36 Cliff Swallow- 1 (Found by Scott Surner). Horned Lark- 9 Cedar Waxwing - 10 Yellow Warbler - 6 Red-winged Blackbird - 1400+. Savannah Sparrow - 15 Vesper Sparrow - 1 Indigo Bunting - 6 Bobolink - 120+ In our yard on Baker Street - 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, an American Redstart and a fly-over Bobolink.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) East Meadows with Val Miller- Ruby-thr Hummingbird-1 Eastern kingbird-1 Tree Swallow - 200+ Bank Swallow- 17 Cliff Swallow-1 Barn Swallow- 10 No.Mockingbird-3 Yellow Warbler-7 Savannah sparrow - 9 GRASSHOPPER SPARROW-1 Song Sparrow-6 Bobolink-200 Baltimore Oriole-5

AGAWAM+ (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) At Harts Pond in Agawam Sunday evening 50 Wood Ducks 1 Blue-winged Teal 120 Bank Swallows At Longmeadow Flats and sandbar Sunday evening 2 Green Heron 2 Great Blue Heron 140 Wood Ducks 1 Sanderling 15 Least Sandpiper, 6 other peeps too far away 1 Kingbird hundreds of Redwings 1 Nighthawk

August 22 - Monday - Sunny and Warm

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

Observed in Northfield were a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER, 5 LEAST SANDPIPERS,. 45 KILLDEER, an OSPREY, a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, and a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.

Seen in Hadley were a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, a LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 25 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, a STILT SANDPIPER, a PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 108 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS, a PURPLE MARTIN, and 2,000 TREE SWALLOWS.

Reported in the Lawrence Swamp area of Amherst were a HOODED MERGANSER, a VIRGINIA RAIL, a SORA, 2 BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS, and 100 BOBOLINKS.

Noted in the meadows of Northampton were 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 2 COOPER’S HAWKS, a MERLIN, a LESSER YELLOWLEGS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 3 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 6 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, a CLIFF SWALLOW, 800 TREE SWALLOWS, 400 BANK SWALLOWS, 6 YELLOW WARBLERS, a VESPER SPARROW, 120 BOBOLINKS and 6 INDIGO BUNTINGS.

A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and a LARK SPARROW were found near the airport in the East Meadows of Northampton on Wednesday, but not found since then.

At the South Quabbin area of the Quabbin Reservoir there were 2 VIRGINIA RAILS, a SORA, 4 YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS, 4 BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS, a PRAIRIE WARBLER and 16 BALTIMORE ORIOLES.

Fifty COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were counted over Turners Falls and 24 were seen flying over Springfield where a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO called and a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen.

In Longmeadow there were 140 WOOD DUCKS, 2 GREEN HERONS, an immature PEREGRINE FALCON, 20 LEAST SANDPIPERS, a SANDERLING and a WHITE- RUMPED SANDPIPER.

At Bondi’s Island in Agawam there were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, a LESSER YELLOWLEGS, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER and 12 LEAST SANDPIPERS. Reported at Hart’s Pond in Agawam were a BLUE-WINGED TEAL, 50 WOOD DUCKS, and 120 BANK SWALLOWS.

WESTFIELD (from Larry Therrien) Mt Tekoa-American Redstart (5) all together, Chestnut Sided Warbler (2), Red Eyed Vireo (2), Scarlet Tanager (1), Carolina Wren (4) all together, and a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker.

HADLEY (posted to Massbird by James Smith) One superb flock of 14 Blue-winged Teals moving upstream along the Connecticut River at 19:40hrs, seen during a watch for Common Nighthawks at the Hadley Honey Pot. Could be worth checking out some likely wetlands north of Hadley for locals that know the 'hotspots'. Otherwise a two hour watch (18:00 - 20:00 hrs) was a touch on the quiet side with only 4 Common Nighthawks, the first not appearing until 19:20hrs. With a scope it was fun to watch Common Ravens sparring and tumbling over the Holyoke Range with a couple Red-tails. The Ravens were in the air for a good half hour with at least seven birds aloft at any one time. Most of the Ravens were East of the Summit House and Taylor Notch.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) Following up James Smith's earlier post and conversations with others this evening, Nighthawk migration was real quiet in the Amherst, Hadley and Northampton areas this evening. However, it was a great evening to be out and the sunset was stellar. Highlights from MT. Pollux in Amherst..... Common Nighthawk (13) Ring-billed Gull -3 Osprey-1 Red-tailed Hawk-2 Mourning Dove-5 Rock pigeon-7 Chimney Swift- 14 Hairy Woodpecker-1 Eastern Kingbird-1 Tree Swallow- 60 Bank Swallow-2 Barn Swallow-7 Blue Jay -2 Am. Crow-3 Common Raven-9. These were the same birds James Smith had in view from the Honey Pot. Nice Show. Eastern Bluebird-6 American Robin-42 Gray Catbird-1 Cedar Waxwing-1 N.Cardinal-2 Bobolink - 223 Co.Grackle- 10 Baltimore Oriole-5 Am.Goldfinch-9

August 23 - Tuesday - Sunny and Warm

LONGMEADOW (from Larry Therrien) Sandbar and surrounding area: Ruddy Turnstone (1), Least Sandpiper (13), ? peep (3) flyby, Spotted Sandpiper (3), Semipalmated Plover (1), Killdeer (7), Great Blue Heron (7), Kingfisher (3), Common Yellowthroat (2), American Redstart (1), Warbling Vireo (2), Red Eyed Vireo (1), Baltimore Oriole (2), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (2), Rose Brested Grosbeak (1), American Turkey (3), Coopers Hawk (1) juv interacting for over 30 minutes on and off with a group of crows...some really great looks, Red Tailed Hawk (1), Eastern Bluebird (2), Eastern Kingbird (3), Common Merganser (2), Wood Duck (35+), Double Crested Cormorant (3), Bank Swallow (100+), Tree Swallow (30+), Carolina Wren (2), Cedar Waxwing (9), mixed blackbird flocks (450+), and good numbers of some other typical birds.

SOUTHWICK (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) A short walk this morning gave me 2 Redstart 2 Gnatcatcher (seems like more than usual around) Warbling and Red-eyed Vireo Baltimore Oriole 2 Empidonax together (probably Willow by the call note) scolding House Wrens At the feeders 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks 2 Purple Finch 1 Carolina Wren 3 Hummingbirds

NORTH HADLEY (from Heather McQueen) The Screech Owl started calling around 9:30 pm - sounds like a youngster.

Tom Gagnon saw an Olive-sided Flycatcher in NORTHAMPTON.

SOUTH AMHERST (from Chris Gentes) 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 1 Brown Thrasher, 10 Cedar Waxwings, 7 Nighthawks, 2 Orioles, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

NORTHFIELD+ (posted to Massbird by James Smith) Northfield Mtn Rec area (09:30 - 11:00 hrs); Green Heron - 1 juvenile Eastern Kingbird - 22 many of which were just sitting on the short cut grass. Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Willow Flycatcher -1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher- 1 in a small alder/willow swamp close to the small cemetery. Warbling Vireo - 3 Red-eyed Vireo - 12 Cliff Swallow- 2 (adult feeding fledged juvenile) amongst Tree and Barn Swallows sitting on approach road. Turf farm; Killdeer - 40 Pectoral Sandpiper - 2 Least Sandpiper - 1, couple of adult Bald Eagles were cruising around here as welll AMHERST - 3 Nighthawks. Bobolinks at every location that I visited.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) Another lack luster evening of Nighthawk migration, at least in the Amherst/Northampton area. Just (7) Nighthawks passed-by Mt.Pollux tonight- 3 out of the gates and 4 at dusk. The highlight of the evening was the Bobolinks coming to roost in the fields off of southeast street. By 7:15pm the tally topped off at 797. Who knows, a count on a cloudy evening could surpass 1000. All in all a nice evening on the hill, 28 species counted.

August 24 - Wednesday - Mostly Sunny and Nice

HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) This morning on Mount Warner Rd. there were 38 Turkeys. Later toward dusk there were 5 Nighthawks.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) Arcadia meadows: Common Yellowthroat (6), Yellow Warbler (1), American Redstart (3), Warbling Vireo (3), Baltimore Oriole (3), Great Crested Flycatcher (1), Empidonax Flycatcher (1), Eastern Wood Pewee (2), Killdeer (1), Ruby Throated Hummingbird (4) including a group of three together and another individual who kept chasing Goldfinches, Eastern Kingbird (4), Eastern Bluebird (7) including 3 juveniles, Bobolink (3), Indigo Bunting (2), Pileated Woodpecker (1), American Turkey (10), Great Blue Heron (1), Carolina Wren (5), House Wren (2), Gray Catbird (28), Tree Swallow (15), Song Sparrow (35+), American Goldfinch (35+), and other usuals.

SOUTHWICK (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) Another short walk behind house in gravel pit produced the following of interest: 1 Hummingbird 1 Pileated 1 Philadelphia Vireo 5 Hermit Thrush 1 Prairie Warbler 1 Bt Green Warbler No Nighthawks last evening, but Baltimore Oriole in yard Seth Kellogg

BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH - GRANVILLE: Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek, Seth Kellogg Weather: Variably cloudy (85-100%); wind N 5-10(15) mph; temperature 67-72 F. Looked like rain several times, but only a few sprinkles came. Observations: Slow, as expected on this first day of the season. Three migrants: Kestrel, Harrier and Osprey. Non-migrants: Turkey Vultures (2), adult Bald Eagle, juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk. Great Blue Heron, Rock Pigeons (22), Chimney Swifts (6), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebes (2), Red-eyed Vireo, Barn Swallows (2), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Catbird, Cedar Waxwings (3), Common Yellowthroats (2), Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrows (2), American Goldfinches (2). Monarch butterflies: 2.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by James Smith) East Meadows - Double-crested Cormorant - 3, all moving south. Turkey Vulture - 12 Bald Eagle - 1 juvenile. OSPREY - 1, presumed migrant, heading high to the south-west at 10:35hrs. Red-tailed Hawk - 4 (plus plenty over the Holyoke Range with Ravens). Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 over the river for a good 10 minutes or so. Cooper’s Hawk - 4 juveniles. Northern Harrier - 1 juvenile. American Kestrel - 2 (adult female. juvenile male); Killdeer - 37 Semi-palmated Plover - 1 Pectoral Sandpiper- 1 circled the fields calling but didn't stop. Seemed to head NE towards the river, perhaps looking for a sand bar. Least Sandpiper - 2 Solitary Sandpiper - 1 moving downstream at 07:10hrs. Ring-billed Gull - 15 Mourning Dove - 250+ Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 4 Baltimore Oriole - 3 Tree Swallow - 600 Bank Swallow - 100 Barn Swallow - 40 Horned Lark - 1 juvenile. Cedar Waxwing - 15 Yellow Warbler - 1 Red-winged Blackbird - 1500+. Savannah Sparrow - 40. Indigo Bunting - 3 Bobolink - 250+.

NORTHAMPTON (from Kevin Weir) 30 Common Mergansers in the river near Paradise Pond.

LONGMEADOW (psoted to Massbird by RusS Titus) A few highlights from Fannie Stebbins Refuge and the sandbar this evening, 1800-2000 hrs: Wood Duck (151) Great Blue Heron (8) Green Heron (6) Peregrine Falcon (1) Least Sandpiper (14) C. Nighthawk (4 at 1950 hrs, not migrating) Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1) E. Kingbird (6) several hundred blackbirds and starlings, most by cattail marsh, S end of road. --

August 25 - Thursday - Sunny and Warm

NORTHAMPTON+ (from Chris Gentes) After work I stopped by the East Meadows and saw 20 Killdeer, 1 Least Sandpiper and 4 Baird's Sandpipers. Killdeer near the old red barn and the rest past the four corners in the field on the left past the corn. This morning in South Amherst Heather and I saw 2 Brown Thrashers, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler, 2 Yellow Warblers, 2 Common Yellowthroats, 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH - GRANVILLE: Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, John Wojtanowski, Seth Kellogg Weather: Cloudless day to start, with clouds increasing to 50% cover. Wind N/NE 5-10 mph for most of day, but becoming light and variable for last two hours. Temperature 60-80 F. Observations: Our first migrant Broad-wings (4), plus small numbers of Osprey, Harrier and Kestrel. NON-MIGRANTS: Turkey Vultures (3), Bald Eagle (1 immature), Cooper's Hawk, one Kestrel that went to after-burners (as if it were rehearsing for this weekend's air show) and sped out of sight to the northeast. Common Nighthawks (9 total, in flights of 1, 3 and 5 between 2:46 and 3:16 EDT), Chimney Swifts (2), HUMMINGBIRD, YB Sapsucker (2 juveniles), Red-eyed Vireos (2), Common Ravens (2), Barn Swallow, Nashville Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Prairie Warbler (singing -!- male), Scarlet Tanager (f). Monarch butterflies: 2.

FLORENCE (from Larry Therrien) Turkey Vulture (16) over Glendale Rd in Northampton and Common Nighthawk (12) over Florence at 6pm.

NORTHAMPTON - (postd to Massbird by Mark Lynch) Tom Gagnon out in the Connecticut River Valley reported: This evening had 487 Nighthawks. (Thursday)

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by James P. Smith) Norwottuck Rail Trail, Warren Wright Road, Belchertown (07:45 - 11:00hrs); Walked the paved rail trail past Lawrence Swamp to the Harvey Allen bird blind and back. There some quiet patches but one or two nice clusters of birds, and especially one small ‘flock’ of vireos. Highlights; Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3 Veery - 3 American Redstart - 9 Northern Waterthrush - 6+ Common Yellowthroat - 10 Yellow Warbler - 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 Great-crested Flycatcher - 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee -7 Willow/Alder Flycatcher - 1 Least Flycatcher - 2 Red-eyed Vireo - 10 Warbling Vireo - 3 PHILADELPHIA VIREO - 1 Swamp Sparrow - 3 Baltimore Oriole - 6 Along South Maple Street on farmland, Hadley; Cooper’s Hawk - 1 juvenile. Eastern Meadowlark - 2 Killdeer - 2 FISH CROW - about 6 calling with a larger flock of about 50 American Crows. I’ve also been seeing 1 - 3 Fish Crows around the Hampshire Mall on Route 9 lately especially around the burger places. I took a few images of one calling bird there a few days ago; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/FishCrow190805.html

SOUTHWICK (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) I visited the old gravel pit and woods along brook behind my house in Southwick and had the following of interest. 2 Blue-headed vireo 10 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Wood Thrush 1 Veery 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 4 Prairie Warbler 3 Black-thr Blue 2 Black-thr Green 6 Redstart 2 Canada Warbler A brief visit today added 1 Blue-winged Warbler

August 26 - Friday - Sunny and Warm

NORTHAMPTON+ (from Larry Therrien) : 9am - East Meadows: Bobolink (60+), Coopers Hawk (1), Common Yellowthroat (2), Bank Swallow (200+), Tree Swallow (200+), Barn Swallow (3), Ruby Throated Hummingbird (1), Song Sparrow (12). WESTFIELD: Group of small ponds along Root Road- Osprey (1) hunting with success, Eastern Kingbird (3), plus other typical birds.

AMHERST/NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by James P Smith) 08/26 - There was a Blackburnian Warbler in our yard on Baker Street in Amherst this morning. Other nice species in the yard included Black-throated Green Warbler, Veery, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Scarlet Tanager and several Baltimore Orioles. Some 45 Bobolinks flew over with one flock of about 22 birds. In the evening only 20 migrating Common Nighthawks were seen from the EAST MEADOWS in Northampton. There was however, a nice selection of shorebirds by the end of the evening. East Meadows highlights included; American Golden Plover - 2 adults molting. These flew in together at 19:10hrs but seemed to be very disturbed by low flying aircraft over the fields. However, they were still present at dusk. I also heard, but didn’t see, an Amercian Golden Plover flying over at 18:45hrs. Baird’s Sandpiper - 4 juveniles. Found the previous day by Chris Gentes, who was there watching them when I arrived this evening. Semi-palmated Plover - 1 Least Sandpiper - 1 Killdeer - 15+. One juvenile Northern Harrier was hunting the fields, and a small falcon seen briefly may have been a Merlin. Here’s a few images from the day; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/BlackburnianW.html http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/Bairds260805.html http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/AGP260805.html .

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) From 4-6pm 4 Baird's Sandpipers were in the same spot as Thursday.

AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) This morning just off the bike path a couple Blue-winged Warblers, Blackburnian, Brown Thrasher, Grosbeaks, Hummingbirds, Orioles, Myrtles, etc.

AGAWAM (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) Late morning today I visited the Bondis Island area in Agawam on the Connecticut and Westfield River had: 1 Great Egret 1 Green Heron 2 Semipalmated Plovers 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Solitary Sandpiper 4 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper 32 Least Sandpiper 2 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Rough-winged Swallow (with Banks) Each year I say the water has never been so low. This evening 33 Nighthawks over the house ( Thurs eve - three, Wednesday -five).

BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH - GRANVILLE: Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Weeks, John Wojtanowski Weather: Mostly cloudy and warm, with light W/SW/WSW winds. Temperature 75-88 F. Actual start-time: 08:20 EST. Observations: One lone Kestrel set down on the hill at 11:17 EST. At 13:06 EST, I observed five Thunderbird F-16's practicing for the air show at Barnes Airfield in Westfield, Massachusetts, this weekend. The fifth plane was split off from the others, and it just happened to cross paths with an adult Bald Eagle working its way slowly southward. My own personal air show! Non-migrants: Turkey Vultures (5), Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawks (at least 5), Broadwing. Rock Pigeon (a homing pigeon? beautifully marked -- almost black body and head with pure white crown); Barred Owl; Common Nighthawks (31, in groups of 5, 4 and 22 birds, between 08:27 and 09:10 EST); Chimney Swifts (7); Hummingbirds (4); Eastern Phoebe; Red-eyed Vireo; Barn Swallows (15); Red-breasted Nuthatch; Catbird; Cedar Waxwings (5); Eastern Towhees (2). MONARCHS: 10.

SPRINGFIELD (posted to Massbird by Russ Titus) From St. Michael's Cemetery, Springfield from 7-745 this evening we counted 462 nighthawks in groups as large as 31 birds. Most were flying southwest with little backtracking to forage.

WESTFIELD (from Larry Therrien) Common Nighthawks tonight over Westfield with a total of 207...largest group was a total of 108 in about eight minutes time...

August 27 - Saturday - Sunny and Warm (foggy early)

CLUB TRIP - SHOREBIRDS - NORTHAMPTON, LONGMEADOW, AGAWAM, NORTH HADLEY

Total Shorebirds - 9 species. Total Overall Species - 37

This trip was attened by Chris, Heather and Eric Labato in from Buffalo, New York. In Northampton we saw the 4 Baird's Sandpiper, but no other shore birds. Next we headed down to Longmeadow Sandbar we we added Semipalmated Plover-1, Killdeer-1, Semipalmated Sandpiper-2, Least Sandpiper-14. At the sandbar Seth Kellogg and the Allen Bird Club arrived - they had just been at Bondi's Island where they saw 2 Western Sandpipers. We headed over there but couldn't find them. At Bondi's Island we saw: Semipalmated Plover-2, Lesser Yellowlegs-2, Least Sandpiper-9, Semipalmated Sandpiper-1, Spotted Sandpiper-1. We then took a break before heading to North Hadley where we added: American Golden-plover-2 adults, Semipalmated Plover-1, Killdeer-60, Least Sandpiper-45, Spotted Sandpiper-3.

Of note was a very unusual tree swallow - it appeared completely white and was flying with other tree swallows.

Other birds we saw on the trip included: Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser-22, Great Blue Heron, DC Cormorant, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Kingfisher, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Hummingbird, American Crow, Fish Crow, Titmouse, Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, Catbird, Tree Swallow, Bank Swallow, Common Yellowthroat, Starling, Cardinal, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Goldfinch, House Finch, House Sparrow.

NORTHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) On a hike up to Mt. Crag in Northfield this morning around 9:00 a.m., I heard, then saw a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. It was doing its rapid "cebek!" call, resembling a Least's call but faster. I've heard this many times with YBFY on territory in Newfoundland, so it was nice to hear it again here. We saw another Yellow-bellied Flycatcher later further up the mountain. The light was great allowing it to show off its yellow belly . This evening we counted 22 Common Nighthawks over Bennett Meadow in Northfield. 12 headed South rapidly while the remainder meandered around flycatching over the fields.

AGAWAM+ (posted to Massbird by Seth Kelloggr) The Allen Club visited mostly Agawam this morning, spending a lot of time on the Bondis Island sandbars. There we had two imm. Western Sandpipers in the company of four Least Sandpipers. Also there: 3 Dc Cormorant 3 Great Blue Heron 2 Semi Plover 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 10-15 additional Least Sandpiper

BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH - GRANVILLE: Observers: John Wojtanowski Weather: Sunny start, with clouds increasing to 65% then decreasing to 35%. Wind SW all day, 5-15 mph. Temperature 65-88 F. Observations: Three migrants (NH, BW and AK). Non-migrants: Two Sharp-shins that tangled low over the site, then dropped nearby into trees; one adult BE; 2 Turkey Vultures, 1 Red-shouldered and 1 Broad-winged Hawk. Common Nighthawks (2 at 0922 EST), Chimney Swifts (3), Hummingbirds (5 !), Cedar Waxwings (9). Butterflies: 2 Black Swallowtails, 16 Monarchs.

August 28 - Sunday - Rainy

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Tom Gagnon) On Saturday, August 27th Andrew Magee found a female DICKCISSEL in the Northampton East Meadows. The bird was still there this morning August 28th. Also present were about 550 Bobolinks.

LONGMEADOW+ (posted to Massbird by James P Smith) Just been out locally and had a good selection (10+ species) of fresh shorebirds along the CT River Valley from Northampton to Longmeadow. Highlights include; Buff-breasted Sandpiper - 2 immaculate juveniles at close range on the Longmeadow Sandbar (Map. p.215 of Western Mass guide). At Bondi's Island, AGAWAM- Lesser Yellowlegs - 66 (61 arrived whilst we were there at about 12:30hrs to join the 5 birds already present). No Greaters with them. Stilt Sandpiper - 2 arrived with the large Lesser Yellowlegs flock. We also had a number of species mentioned in previous posts from the last few days. Here’s some pics of the of the Buff-beasts; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/Buffbreasts280805.html and the Stilt Sandpipers; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/StiltSands280805.html

MONTAGUE+ (from Chris Gentes) This morning Heather looked for shorebirds in a variety of locations in Sunderland, Montague, Northfield, Turners Falls, Whately, Hatfield and Hadley and only saw 23 Killdeer in Montague and a few more in Whately. In Montague we saw a male Harrier.

BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH - GRANVILLE: Official Counter: John Weeks Observers: John Wojtanowski Weather: Overcast, with light rain and drizzle. Rain became steady at 0930 EST, ending the watch. Wind SW 5-10 mph. Temperature 69-74 F. Observations: One female Harrier, appearing as rain slowed to drizzle at 0816 EST.

August 29 - Monday - Mostly Cloudy and Humid

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by James P Smith) Yet another good visit to the East Meadows in Northampton. Highlights (07:30 - 10:30hrs); Northern Harrier - 3 (2 juveniles, 1 gray male, the latter being my first male of the season there). Cooper’s Hawk - 3 (juveniles). Killdeer - 32 Least Sandpiper - 11 (scattered in small groups around the fields). Bank Swallow - 120+. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 5 Yellow Warbler - 1 Common Yellowthroat - 5 Palm Warbler- 2 (‘Western’ form - palmarum). These birds were also present yesterday (08/28). Maybe a touch on the early side? Eastern Meadowlark - 1 Dickcissel - 1 perched up for several minutes at the edge of a cornfield, about 1/4 mile south along the track from the Red Barn, just passed the crossroads. This bird didn’t call, and I didn’t need to ‘spish’ either, it just perched up with several Song Sparrows and Indigo Buntings. The bird had a lovely orange-buff suffusion across the breast, and faintly streaked flanks, perhaps indicating a first-winter male. I managed a grab a few images; http://keenbirding.com/Fall05/Dickciss290805.html Bobolink - c.440 Indigo Bunting - 14

HATFIELD (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) After striking out on shorebirds in the East Meadows of Northampton with the exception of 10 Killdeer, I headed north via Hatfield to check out the many agricultural fields along Main St. In the harvested cucumber fields, which was formerly the Pilgrim Airport just before the Whately town line, I found 5 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS almost immediately, fairly close to the road, 30+ Killdeer, 3 Semipalmated Plovers, and 3 unidentified peeps (I unwittingly left my scope home). This field is prime time NOW and probably holds much more. There is one small flooded section that many of the shorebirds congregated around but four of the Buff-breasteds were out working the open field together.

HATFIELD (posted to Massbird James P Smith) The Buff-breasted Sandpipers were still present at 17:15hrs when Harvey Allen and I left the area having been there since about 15:00hrs. At least 6, possibly 7, Buff-breasts are in the field, constantly moving up and down the field but not always close to the road. Some of them were at the rear of the field and wouldn't be visible without a scope. Also, the light here in late afternoon isn't particularly good, so careful scanning in the morning might reveal more. In addition we had about 60 Killdeer, 12 Least Sandpipers, 1 Semi-palmated Plover and a Pectoral Sandpiper. The latter was orginally right next to the road but later moved into the center of the field.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Russ Titus) Western Sandpiper (1 juv) Buff-breasted Sandpiper (2) American Crow (1 with mostly white primaries and secondaries, later flying over Rte. 91) Philadelphia Vireo (1)

AMHERST (from Chris Gentes) Saw a few juvenile red-bellied woodpeckers today - all white heads.

SOUTH HADLEY (posted to Massbird by Des Tynan) This evening, my son Walt told me that he had been at the Canal Park in South Hadley around 3 p.m. and had seen a Swallow-tailed Kite hovering over the Connecticut River. Although he's not a birder, he is a very experienced naturalist and was at the park as part of a Canada Goose census he's conducting for Mass Fish and Wildlife. He had never seen a Swallow-tailed previously, but described it quite well, white body, long deeply forked black tail etc. He also said that its appearance and behavior resembled those of Black-shouldered (White-tailed) Kites with which he is familiar from having seen many in California. When he told us (at about 6:30 p.m.), Trudy and I took off like a shot to the park. We stayed until it was too dark to see clearly but saw no birds there except a few D.C. Cormorants, several dozen Ring-billed Gulls and one Swallow-tailed Swallow out over the river. The park is on Canal St. in South Hadley, which is marked on the right-hand map on p. 215 in the Bird Finding Guide to Western Massachusetts. Near the top of the map, just to the left of the rotary on Rte. 202 you'll see Canal St. and a small parking symbol, that's Canal Park. There is a raised wooden observation platform right at the river's edge and he saw the bird from that platform. **One also seen May 30 in Leverett!**

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

A possible SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was reported Monday afternoon at Canal Park in South Hadley, but was not found later in the evening.

Noted in Agawam at Bondi's Island were a flock of 66 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 2 STILT SANDPIPERS, 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 2 WESTERN, 2 PECTORAL, 2 SEMIPALMATED, and 32 LEAST SANDPIPERS.

Seen on the Longmeadow sandbar today were 2 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, and a WESTERN SANDPIPER. Elsewhere on the flats were 6 GREEN HERONS, 150 WOOD DUCKS, 6 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, and a PHILADELPHIA VIREO.

Yesterday in Hatfield at the old Pilgrim Airport site there were at least 6 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER.

Reported in the meadows of Northampton over the weekend were 4 COOPER’S HAWKS, 2 GOLDEN PLOVERS, 4 BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS, a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, a PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 2 PALM WARBLERS, 14 INDIGO BUNTINGS, and 2 DICKCISSELS.

A female DICKCISSEL was seen on Saturday and Sunday in the East Meadows and on Monday a male was seen near the red barn.

COMMON NIGHTHAWKS are migrating. On Friday evening 462 were seen over Springfield, 100 over Chicopee, and 300 over Lee. On Sunday evening 380 were over Pittsfield and on Monday evening 56 were over West Springfield.

Found in Northfield were a GREEN HERON, 22 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, a WILLOW FLYCATCHER, 2 YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS, and 2 CLIFF SWALLOWS.

A SWAINSON’S THRUSH and a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER were reported in Amherst; a PHILADELPHIA VIREO, 4 PRAIRIE WARBLERS, and 2 CANADA WARBLERS in Southwick; a PHILADELPHIA VIREO and 6 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH in Belchertown, and a NASHVILLE and a MAGNOLIA WARBLER in Granville.

August 30 - Tuesday - Mostly Cloudy and Humid - Spotty Rain

HADLEY+ (from James P Smith) Honey Pot area (heavy rain). Mallard - 9 Cooper’s Hawk - 2 (juvs). Greater Yellowlegs - 1 Spotted Sandpiper -1 Belted Kingfisher - 1 Northern Waterthrush - 1 (migrant by the river). Palm Warbler - 1 (with Chipping Sparrows) Common Yellowthroat - 5 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 Chipping Sparrow - 35 NORTHAMPTON, East Meadows (rain showers). Be careful here, the road beyond the Red Barn is turning very mushy in the wet conditions. I wouldn’t try it without 4-wheel drive. Cooper’s Hawk - 2 (juvs). Killdeer - 1 Least Sandpiper - 5 Red-winged Blackbird - c.1500 flying south, quite high in several large flocks in mid-morning. Yellow Warbler - 1 Savannah Sparrow - 60+ Bobolink - 40+. HADLEY, South Maple Street. Killdeer - 25 Pectoral Sandpiper -1 (Very nervous bird being watched by Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk!) AMHERST, Norwottuck Rail Trail. Brown Thrasher - 1 Eastern Meadowlark - 4 Wood Thrush - 9 Veery - 2 Great Crested Flycatcher - 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2

NORTH HADLEY (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I drove around checking fields early this morning in North Hadley but could only find 4 Least Sandpipers. Later in the afternoon the West Meadows in Northampton were particularly barren of avian life with just a few phoebes, song sparrows, crows and cardinals.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by John Gawienowski) This evening, 8/30, I observed a pod of nighthawks as I came out of the Northampton Stop and Shop at about 6:30pm. There were 29 in the first group all heading west, and 24 more for the next half hour heading west or south. In the "fish crow" marsh behind the supermarkent I observed some flying ants, many chimney swifts well above nighthawk level, many catbirds and rwblackbirds and a few migrants. Migrants- 1 probable Olive sided Flycatcher on a snag 2 Trail's flycatchers 1 Wilson's warbler 2 C. Yellowthroat 1 E. Towhee

August 31 - Wednesday - Very Humid, Breezy, scattered Rain

HATFIELD (posted to Massbird by James P Smith) 08/31 - The excellent shorebird show continues at the former Pilgrim Airfield off Main Street on the Hafield/Whately townline. The large cucumber field here is evidently holding many birds despite the lack of standing pools of water. In very wet and blustery conditions this morning (09:40 - 12:40hrs) I noted the following; Buff-breasted Sandpiper - 8 (7 juv, 1 adult). This was the most that I had in view at the same time. The flock was at its tightest during the heaviest rain showers, when i was able to achieve this count. In better conditions they would often split up and disperse throughout the field. Sometimes NO birds were visible for periods of ten to fifteen minutes. Patience and a good scope are recommended to enjoy these birds. Pectoral Sandpiper -1 juv. Semi-palmated Sandpiper - 1 juv. Least Sandpiper - 30+ (mostly juvs). Semi-palmated Plover - 7 Killdeer - 70+ Other birds in the area; Cooper’s Hawk - 1 juv. Osprey - 1 flew south. Another moving south 1 over Rt 116 in Amherst. Tree Swallow - c. 600 S. A steady movement of swallows into a strong southern wind continued all morning. Bank Swallow - c.150 S Bobolink - 2 At various points in the morning I also bumped into Mark Taylor, Seth Kellogg and Janice Zepko, all of whom may have additional sightings for the area.