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

April 1 Thursday Steady Rain
AMHERST (posted to Massbird by David Norton) We had 5 very wet Purple Finches at our feeders -- 3 males, two females.... And there has been a nice group of 30+ Cedar Waxwings hanging out near my office window in Ware the past few days...they are periodically enjoying rosehips on the edge of a wooded area...many in the office has never seen them, so they are fun to show off-- another reason to have binoculars in the office!--- no Bohemians so far.

NORTHAMPTON (from Larry Therrien) I tried to take a look around during a short lull in the rain but then it started pouring again. Stopped down by the Oxbow on Old Springfield Rd...the bridge is flooded out and closed. Only thing I saw from the car was a Eastern Phoebe and a couple Mallards. I also stopped by the Burts Pit Rd compost pile with the usual assortment of gulls, crows and starlings.

April 2 Friday Cloudy, Damp and Cool - Local Flooding
MOUNT SUGARLOAF (report from Larry Therrien) I took a hike up Mt Sugarloaf with a few highlights. I had two Common Ravens calling and flying about the mountain. Also had a Peregrine Falcon at the summit, passing by fairly close a few times and calling out. Also a Pileated Woodpecker and a couple of Flickers, and three Eastern Phoebe

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Chris Buelow ) This morning at around 10:00 there were about 10 Bohemian Waxwings alongside about 50 Cedars feeding on the ornamental crabapples along 3rd Street in Turners Falls, near the Exxon station.

SHUTESBURY (from Kevin Weir) Atkins Reservoir is finally melting. Five male and two female Common Mergansers there today.

HADLEY-AMHERST (from Heather McQueen) Highlights: Turkey Vulture (11). Behind mall were 6 Snipe, and 3 Turkeys. Male Pileated Woodpecker excavating new nest hole above old hole, female flew over to inspect. Also a couple wood ducks and green-winged teal.

NORTHAMPTON (from Chris Gentes) Arcadia going in from Olive Street is flooded at the bottom of the hill. Also the Pontoon Bridge is flooded, as is Dank's Pond into cornfields and much of the Oxbow. Highest I've seen it, but I've only been around 10 years. Big flood both sides of the trolley line and into some of the fields. Walked around a little bit with the following hilights: Great-blue Heron (at least 10 on nests), Wood Duck (20), Green-winged Teal (5), Bluebird (5), Rusty Blackbird (3).

April 3 Saturday Cloudy and Cool - Six Firsts
LONGMEADOW - A.M. (from Chris Patterson and Chris Surprenant) Went to Stebbins to check on the fields off West Street. We saw 15 Green-winged Teal, a pair of Ring-necked Ducks, 2 pair of American Wigeon, too many Mallards and Canada Geese to count. There also was a large flock of both male and female Red-winged Blackbirds.We also observed a Red-tailed Hawk on what appears to be a nest. On PondsideRoad we saw our first Yellow-rumped Warblers.There were Robins everywhere we went,White-throated Sparrows were singing, In the ponds were the Pied-billed Grebe pair, and many Ring-necked ducks. The Mute Swan pair are also nesting again this year.

LONGMEADOW P.M. (from Chris Gentes) This afternoon Heather and I saw Pied-billed Grebe (2), DC Cormorant (1), Wood Duck (23), Green-winged Teal (2), Blue-winged Teal (3), Am Wigeon (5), Lesser Scaup (1f), Ring-necked Duck (60), Phoebe (2), Tree Swallow (40+).

SPRINGFIELD (from Heather McQueen) Heard and saw a Pine Warbler near Porter Lake in Forest Park. Also seen were 4 Wigeon and 30 Common Mergansers.

LUDLOW (from Chris Gentes) Heather and I walked the 5 mile loop around Springfield Reservoir this morning with the following results: Common Loon (2), Pied-billed Grebe (1), Horned Grebe (2), Canada Goose (6), Mallard (6+), Ring-necked Duck (34), Bufflehead (4), Hooded Merganser (7), Common Merganser (14), Turnkey Vulture (3), Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming), Mourning Dove (5), Downy Woodpecker (3), Hairy Woodpecker (2), Flicker (1), Phoebes (8), Golden-crowned Kinglet (4), Titmouse (5), BC Chickadee (12), Brown Creeper (4 singing!), Red-breasted Nuthatch (6), White-breasted Nuthatch (4), Blue Jay (10), Robin (7), Cardinal (3), Cowbird (1), Red-winged Blackbird (3), Junco (27), Song Sparrow (5), Goldfinch (1) and Red Squirrel (6).

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) At Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area in Northampton today: Mallard-2, Wood Duck-5, Ring-necked Duck-2, Com Goldeneye-2, Com Merganser-1, Hooded Merganser-3-one female in entrance to Wood Duck box while another male and female were below in water,. BKingfisher-1, Phoebe-3, Tree Swallow-10, Northern Rough-winged Swallow-1, TTitmouse-3, BCChickadee-1, WBNuthatch-1, NCardinal-2, Song Sparrow-2, Junco-1, AGoldfinch-2, Also a large chorus of Wood Frogs and a few SPeepers.

NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) This morning there was a Bufflehead on the Pond! First I've ever seen on the pond.

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Mark Faherty) A walk in the woods behind my house this weekend was productive for big birds that breed in big woods. Cooper's Hawk (pair), Great-horned Owl (1 on nest), Barred Owl (pair), Pileated Woodpecker (pair), Eastern Phoebe (5), American Crow (300+ because of nearby compost pile), Fox Sparrow (1, oddly deep in dark hemlock woods). Other critters: first two-lined & redback salamanders of the year, woodchucks, short-tailed shrew remains in Barred Owl pellet, skunk cabbage.

April 4 Sunday Cloudy, Cool, Rain Late - Snowys before the Snow(?)
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Heather and I went over to the Arcadia Meadows walking in from the old Trolley Line. Roads are still flooded. There we saw Great Blue Heron (at least 10 on nests), Wood Ducks, Black Ducks, Mallards, Green-winged Teal (12), Common Mergansers, Northern Harrier, Kestrel, Greater Yellowlegs, Fox Sparrow (2 singing). The field was flooded from the Arcadia Marsh all the way to the Ibis Pool. The Mergansers were in this flooded field getting fish. Judging by the wet marks on the tree trunks in Ned's Ditch the water has gone down a few feet since Friday.

TURNERS FALLS - GILL (report from Chris Gentes) Then Heather and I checked a few spots in Hatfield and Deerfield without finding much. Stillwater Road is just waiting for shorebirds. Next we went up to the canal and saw 10 Goldeneye, 4 Hoodies, and a half dozen Phoebes. We bumped into John Van de Graaff and Marylee Bromboy who had seen the Northampton Swan earlier in the East Meadows along with a Peregrine Falcon. Then in the parking lot when we were chatting with a few other birders we knew we saw three large birds fly overhead. I called "Herons" but when I got my binoculars they were all white so we thought Great Egrets, but the legs weren't black - they appeared to have yellowness on the feet and legs.We headed over to Barton's Cove where we bumped into Al Richards who told us he had seen 3 Snowy Egrets at the Rod and Gun Club a half hour earlier. They must have been the same birds we saw, even though the ones we saw appeared very large - much larger than snowys - large enough to be, unlikely as it sounds, "Great White" Herons. The 3 we saw were flying north-west at about 4:15 pm. Also seen at the cove were a DC Cormorant and a Pied-billed Grebe.

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney) This afternoon, I watched a Pine Warbler munching along an open lawn on Sand Gully Road in Deerfield. Single Fox Sparrows were here Wednesday and Thursday. The six wintering Tree Sparrows have been gone a full week, but the Juncos are still here, and very noisy now.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Daniel Schell) A pleasant Sunday afternoon searching the ponds in the rain found: Ring-necked Ducks - too many to count, Pied-billed Grebe - 3, Tree Swallow - 100's if not 1000's, American Wigeon - 2. Beyond the end of the pavement on West Rd. Northern Shoveler - 2 drakes in the pond in the field

VARIOUS LOCATIONS (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg)14 members of the Allen Bird Club visited places along the river in the northern Connecticut River Valley Sunday 4/4 and recorded 60 species. Highlights were: HADLEY-- 2 American Wigeon, 5 Green-winged Teal, 7 Ring-necked Duck; HATFIELD -- 4 American Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 8 Wood Duck, 2 Green-winged Teal, 1 Bald Eagle; DEERFIELD -- 8 Snow Geese, 50 Common Merganser; TURNERS FALLS -- 4 American Wigeon, 12 Green-winged Teal, 50+ Ring-necked Duck, 5 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup, 8 Bufflehead, 6 Common Goldeneye, 8 Hooded Merganser, 150 Common Merganser, 2 Dble-cr Cormorant, 3 Snowy Egrets (Barton Cove), 2 Bald Eagle, 2 Pileated Woodpecker, 1 Bohemian Waxwing (off 3rd Street), 1 Pine Warbler, 1 Rough-winged Swallow (with Tree Swallows).

ORANGE (posted to Massbird by Tom Pirro ) Near Hunt's Farm were a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a dozen...Turkey Vultures perched, 75+ Horned Larks and 14 Snow Goose flew over heading south.

April 5 Monday Clear, Windy and Cool
SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) Spring Peepers starting up. Ice finally gone from Atkins Reservoir. Today 24 Common Mergansers, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Mallard and 8 Ring-necked Ducks.

HADLEY (report rom Chris Gentes) Eight Snipe and three Killdeer off East Hadley Road.

HADLEY (report from Janice Jorgensen) Today I saw 7 Turkeys crossing Huntington Road .... about 300 yards from Huntington and Rte 47.Looked like 1 male and 6 females.

NORTHAMPTON (report rom Chris Gentes) On a brief walk today I located a Cooper's Hawk and a potential nest. The hawk, upon my approach, flew to a nearby tree (like they do near the nest) and made the kew - kew - kew call. I also saw a substantial structure high in a pine that may be the nest. Will return in a few weeks to check on progress.

EASTHAMPTON (Western Mass Voice of Audubon) An early White-crowned Sparrow was observed at the Arcadia Sanctuary.

HADLEY (Western Mass Voice of Audubon) Noted in Hadley were 35 Snow Geese, 4 American Wigeon, 8 Green-winged Teal, and 6 Ring-necked Ducks.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Ian Lynch) No luck on Monday with the shovelers or grebes. There was at least a pair of Blue-winged Teal in the ponds however.

April 6 Tuesday Sunny, Breezy and Milder
NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) The river still high and flowing rapidly. Only a few green-winged teal, black ducks and wood ducks seen. There was a flock of 18 Rusty Blackbirds however. Also saw a FOX this morning and one this afternoon in two different places.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Made a short trip to Fitzgerlad Lake midday. The lake is ice free now. The only duck I had on the lake was a Ring necked Duck. I also had Eastern Phoebe (2) and Tree Swallow (3). Also had a Common Raven flyby, making quite a bit of noise. Also quite a few of the usuals...chickadee, nuthatches, kinglets, etc.

EASTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gntes) Saw 2 Greater Yellowlegs in a flooded field next to Dank's Pond.

EAST LONGMEADOW (report from Joe Wojtanowski) Terry and I went to the Robert Jarvis Wildlife Sanctuary next to the Meadow Brook School on Parker Street. We had 10 + Woodcock displaying and calling everywhere. We had great views, one flew in so close that we had to duck. The strong winds did not seem to bother them.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Janis LaPointe) A singing Pine Warbler and one Yellow-rumped Warbler were along Pondside Road at Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge this morning. In the ponds, 6 American Wigeon, many Ring Necks. No Shovelers in the pools in the field off West Road.

April 7 Wednesday Cloudy Early, Sunny & Breezy Later
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) At 1:30pm I watched a flock of 200+ Snow Geese flying overhead.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Bob Stevens) Today on the trail from South Park Terrace I came across a Wild Turkey. It ran away quickly and then flew along the path and I lost sight of it. I think it was a hen, yet it was all alone.

SOUTH AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Merry Cushing) I have had a Pine Warbler at the suet feeder in our yard for the last 2 days. This is a first.

HOLYOKE (report from Kevin Weir) Saw a male and female Hooded Merganser at the Ashley Reservoir today.

HADLEY (posted to Massbird by Sue Emerson) Today several of us observed six Snipe in the usual spot on East Hadley Road, Hadley,Ma. Great to see these little gems back.

April 8 Thursday Sunny & Mild Early - Clouds and Cooler Later
NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) My first stop this morning was at Arcadia with highlights of Common Merganser (24), Wood Duck (20), Mallard (14), Black Duck (2) with most waterfowl in the Oxbow. In addition had Eastern Phoebe (3), Tree Swallow (25+), Double Crested Cormorant (12) in the Oxbow, Fish Crow (2), Brown Creeper (3) and a large gathering of the three usual gulls in the Oxbow with a total over 250. Also had quite a few Song Sparrows throught the area. Final highlight from the morning was a total of 18 Great Blue Herons with 13 on nests and a flyby high overhead of a group of five. On a return trip through Arcadia this afternoon I added an Osprey. On a short trip to Fitzgerald Lake I had Hooded Merganser (4), Mallard (1), Ring necked Duck (2) and not much else. Final stop for today was in the East Meadows via Hockanum Rd. I had a large (8000+) flock of mixed birds, mainly Common Grackles with a nice addition of Red Winged Blackbirds, Rusty Blackbirds, Cowbirds and a few Starlings. Also had a few Tree Swallows there. No sign of "the Swan"...but I didn't look very hard either. Lots of human activity down that way too as alot of the area has dried out a bit.

AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Saw a Yellowlegs behind the mall and the Pileated Woodepecker continues excavating a hole below the old nest hole from last year.

SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) Saw a Field Sparrow this morning.

April 9 Friday Mostly Sunny, Mild and Breezy
NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) I have a few sightings from today. Made a trip to Arcadia with a nice low view of a Coopers Hawk and a juvenile Bald Eagle. In addition had Great Blue Herons (15) on nests. There was also Wood Ducks (22) scatted in small groups in flooded areas around Arcadia. Also had one Killdeer and a Greater Yellowlegs in a flooded field. Also Eastern Bluebirds (6), some in boxes, Double Crested Cormorants (6). Other highlight was a nice look at a quite vocal Pine Warbler. The Brown Creepers continue to sing. Lots of other activity with the usual birds. Also stopped by the Burts Pit Rd compost pile. At least 200 gulls, but nothing unusual.

April 10 Saturday Sunny, Windy and Mild
EAST LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by George Kingston) First Eastern Towhee of the year this morning. I also had a Cooper's Hawk in my yard this morning.

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney) A single Chipping Sparrow passed through my yard this morning about 8:00. Also, the first-year White-throated Sparrow that has wintered here started singing yesterday morning. In the past week, I've noted the following raptors migrating through my Sand Gully Road neighborhood: 1 male Kestrel, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 adult Goshawk, 1 third-year Bald Eagle, flock of 32 Turkey Vultures. Resident: 1 pair Red-tailed Hawks. Among the 120 Canada Geese at the Tri-town Beach in Whately Thursday noon, about 2/3 were really small, more brantish in proportions, unlike the big ones that wintered around here. Canadian geese, I suppose. A pair of Common Mergansers were also there.

LUDLOW (report from Chris Gentes) Seen at Springfield Reservoir - Common Loon (pair), Horned Grebe (2), DC Cormorant (3), Great Blue Heron (1), Canada Goose (30+), Wood Duck (4), Mallard (4), Black Duck (2), Ring-necked Duck (18), Bufflehead (2), Turkey Vulture (2), Red-tailed Hawk (1 im), Common Merganser (6), Herring Gull (1), Ring-billed Gull (5), Phoebe (4), Raven (2), Blue Jay (8), Red-breasted Nuthatch (4), White-breasted Nuthatch (1), Titmouse (5), BC Chickadee (8), Robin (11), Pine Warbler (4), Grackle (1), Red-winged Blackbird (3), Song Sparrow (15), Goldfinch (15). Also - Red Squirrel (7), Spotted Salamander eggs.

SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) My collie woke me up at 6am. I looked out the window and saw the female fox heading into the fields. Soon after four little pups came out and sat by the barn. The mother returned and entered a second entrance to the den with some critter. The four all followed her into the den and she emerged and sat down. One by one the pups came back out and rolled around and climbed over the mother. A passing car startled them all back into the den.

QUABBIN PARK (posted to Massbird by Mark Lynch) On a MAS class trip we had the following: Common Loon (3), Pied-billed Grebe (1), Double-crested Cormorant (5 migrating north), Great Cormorant (1 ditto), Great Blue Heron (6), Canada Goose (51), Mallard (10), A. Black Duck (3), Bufflehead (4), Hooded Merganser (5), Common Merganser (16), Nota bene: overall: waterfowl numbers were lower than expected Turkey Vulture (20), Bald Eagle (5ad), Osprey (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk (8), Red-tailed Hawk (9), We put in over an hour hawkwatching from the tower and from Enfield Lookout Belted Kingfisher (2), Red-bellied Woodpecker (2), Pileated Woodpecker (3), E. Phoebe (8), Tree Swallow (16), Common Raven (pair w/nest), Pine Warbler (4), E. Meadowlark (1 sitting on the wall of Winsor Dam).

April 11 Sunday Cloudy, Cool
LONGMEADOW (report from Chris Gentes) Heather and I went to Longmeadow this morning where we met Kathy Perkins who had discovered an American Coot and a few Palm Warblers. The Coot was in the pond to the right off Emerson Road (before Pondside Road). It was in the water near the "45" sign on the train track. It was often hidden by branches or vegetation but was very active. Other birds seen: Pied-billed Grebe (2), DC Cormorant (1), Great Blue Heron (1), Mute Swan (1), Canada Goose (7), Wood Duck (19), Mallard (5), Black Duck (4), Green-winged Teal (5), Blue-winged Teal (2m, 1f), Wigeon (1), Ring-necked Duck (27), Common Merganser (2), Ring-billed Gull (2), Kestrel (1), Red-tailed Hawk (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Kingfisher (1), Red-bellied Woodpecker (2), Downy Woodpecker (1), Flicker (2), Phoebe (4), Titmouse (4), Chickadee (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2), Blue Jay (2), Crow (4), Robin (5), Tree Swallow (68+), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), Cardinal (1), Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow (10), Purple Finch (1f), Goldfinch. At one point it appeared as if one of the Pied-billed Grebes was on a constructed platform (nest)? It was arranging some plant material in front of it and then appeared to shape the area with its breast. While doing this the other grebe was very close by.

HATFIELD (report from Chris Gentes) There was an Osprey fishing in Great Pond - no ducks seen. In the fields a male Northern Harrier and 2 Vesper Sparrows - one was singing. Also 2 male Pileated Woodpeckers on a tree trunk in the middle of the field engaged in some sort of territory dispute.

TURNERS FALLS (posted to Massbird by Scott Surner) This morning at Barton's Cove 3 Bonaparte's Gulls, first seen in the vicinity of the dam and then flew off and landed in the cove. They were still present as of 10:45am. Also at the Cove this A.M. were 12 DC Cormorants, 43 Common Mergansers and 1 Rough-winged Swallow. T Rod & Gun Club - 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 9 Buffleheads, 2 Common.Mergansers and a Red-bellied Woodpecker.

SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) There were a number of new arrivals today. A flicker, a mockingbird, pileated woodpecker and a Kestrel. Bluebird pair really moving into nesting box. Phoebes, titmice, song sparrows, goldfinches robins very vocal.

NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) This morning I saw a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and 22 Snow Geese along with the usual suspects.

AMHERST (posted to Massbird by David Norton) We had Siskins and Purple Finches at our feeders -- seems late for them.

April 12 Monday Mostly Cloudy, Pleasant
NORTHAMPTON (report from Taj) I saw a Shrike today at east meadows [near Airport]. Is it possible it was a Loggerhead, or have you been seeing northern shrikes there lately? The black mask seemed awfully large.

NORTHAMPTON (report from John Van de Graaff) The Trumpeter Swan continues in the East Meadows.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) I returned to the probable Cooper's Hawk nest spot today. I looked at the nest I thought was the likely candidate, but there was no bird in it. I found a second candidate nest nearby - nothing there either. As I was leaving I heard and saw a Cooper's Hawk and found a third possible nest. At least the bird is still there. I will return next week and maybe find the nest. Also seen were some creepers and a Pine Warbler.

QUABBIN PARK (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 12) White-winged Scoter and an Iceland Gull.

LEVERETT & SOUTHWICK (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 12) Lousiana Waterthrush.

AMHERST (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 12) Hermit Thrush, White-crowned Sparrow, Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins.

April 13 Tuesday Steady Rain
AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Along the path the most activity was right by the golf course, in the trees between it and the bike path and the woods on the other side: 7 Pine Warblers, 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 3 Palm Warblers, 8 Chickadees, 2 Titmice, 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, 26 Juncos, 11 White-throated Sparrows, one Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2 Brown Creepers, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 5 Bluebirds, 8 Robins, 2 Phoebes, and a Sharpie that swooped by, but kept going when it saw me. Elsewhere, another 2 Pine Warblers behind Amherst College, a Meadowlark calling from the power line cut, along with 4 Bluebirds, and another 2 Creepers. There was also a Meadowlark calling in the field next to the KC trail, and 2 Green-winged Teal flew by, presumably to Hop Brook.

TURNERS FALLS (report from Larry Therrien) Tried for the shrike this morning without success. I did make it up to Turners Falls at Bartons Cove late this morning and early afternoon. Not a whole lot due to the rain but did see Double Crested Cormorant (22), Common Merganser (36) Ring necked Duck (17), Mute Swan (3), Tree Swallow (35+) and a Kingfisher. Nothing unusual. Also checked a few flooded fields in Deerfield without turning up anything.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) I saw the Shrike at the end of the runway at Northampton Airport (nearest the highway) at 8:15 am - but unfortunately only briefly and I could not tell whether it was a Northern or Loggerhead. While Loggerhead Shrikes are extremely rare in this area, one was seen at Plum Island last week so it is worth checking this one out. Taj saw the bird at the opposite end of the runway on Monday. Also saw/heard a Meadowlark.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by Joe Wojtanowski) Observers: Joe Wojtanowski, Pam Witaszek, Seth Kellogg Weather: Mostly cloudy. Wind NNE at 3-13 mph. Temps 43-57 F. Observations: Bald Eagle (imm) at 10:15 EST. 1 kettle of 6 Broadwings. Non-migrants: RS, RT, CH, TV. 1 Junco, 1 Bluebird, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 Barred Owl, 2 Tree Swallows, 3 Ravens, 4 Tree Sparrows, and 6 Common Mergansers.

April 14 Wednesday Cloudy and Mild
HAYDENVILLE (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) New arrivals at my feeder today were six pair of Purple Finch and a Chipping Sparrow. Among an influx of American Goldfinch was one male with all black parts (wings, tail, forecrown) replaced with white, making him look very much like a canary. Another male was mostly greenish except for his forecrown, which was bright yellow. They must be related to one another.

AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) This morning I saw 48 Juncos, 2 Turkeys and heard a possible Swamp Sparrow in the swamp.

SOUTHWICK (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) Late this afternoon a check of Congamond Pond produced 2 Bufflehead, 9 Red-necked Grebes, 1 Horned Grebe, 1 Common Loon, 2 Osprey, 100+ Tree Swallows. On nearby Harts Pond in Agawam 1 Barn Swallow

April 15 Thursday Mostly Sunny, Mild, Breezy
NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Oxbow: Tree Swallow (50+), Wood Duck (20), Double Crested Cormorant (2), and a low flying adult Bald Eagle. The Wood Ducks along with Mallards and Balck Ducks were in a flooded field nearby. East Meadows/Airport: Looked for the shrike, but no luck. Highlights -- Osprey (1), Kestrel (1), Double-crested Cormorant (2), Bald Eagle (2), Eastern Meadowlark (1), Savannah Sparrow (9), Big mixed flocks of Blackbirds with lots of cowbirds...total numbers 1200+. Fitzgerald Lake: Ring necked Ducks (3), Tree Swallow (75+), Cormorant (1), Eastern Phoebe (1) and Pine Warbler (1). Finally stopped down at the Arcadia Meadows in the afternoon. Great Blue Herons (10), Tree Swallow (40+), Eastern Phoebe (1), Eastern Meadowlark (1) and still quite a few Song Sparrows.

NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) At dusk 4 Gadwall landed on the river. Also seen were 10 Rusty Blackbirds, a dozen Wood Ducks, 2 female Green-winged Teal, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk on the nest and a Kingfisher.

NORTH HADLEY (posted to Massbird by Amy Moeckel) This morning on the way to work Pied-billed Grebe on Lake Warner, and a Red-necked Grebe on the power canal in Turners Falls.

HADLEY (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) On Rte 47 in N. Hadley - 2 Snow Geese w/ a flock of Canadas. In Hadley seen from Meadow Street in Amherst - 1 Snow Goose and 1 Greater Yellowlegs. At the feeder in Haydenville - 1 Pine Siskin.

HOLYOKE (report from Kevin Weir) I went for a walk today around the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke. I saw 30+ Ring-necked Ducks, counted at least 20 tree swallows flying over the reservoir (a bug hatch was in progress), lots of Canada Geese.

GRANBY (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) Here are highlights of the birds we've seen (or heard) in our yard in the last week: Chipping Sparrow, Kingfisher (we've heard it fly over several times now but haven't seen it yet) (this was a life yard bird in our new home), Purple Finch (we've had six at the feeders daily for a week now), E Phoebe (heard) (this was a life yard bird in our new home), Mockingbird (this was a life yard bird in our new home), Robin, Song Sparrow, White Throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin (last seen on the 12th), Barred Owl (we've heard them around 4:30 am several times in the last few weeks), Flicker (this was a life yard bird in our new home), Pileated Woodpecker. Also, our regulars; Downy, Hairy and Red Bellied woodpeckers, White and Red breasted nuthatches, Chickadees, House Finches, Titmouse, Mourning Doves, DE Juncos (still here in good numbers), Grackles, Red Wing Blackbirds, Brown Headed Cowbirds, Cardinals, Goldfinches, etc.

April 16 Friday Sunny and Warm
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Went to the blind at sunset with Heather and Larry T. hoping for a bittern or rail - but saw neither. There were a few Swamp Sparrows, a pair of Great-blue Herons in a tree as well as Kingfisher, Red-winged Blackbirds, Mallards, Geese, Wood Ducks (mating), 2 Sapsuckers hammering, and a Grouse drumming after dark. We got close to it, but didn't see it before it flushed. Earlier in the day I got a nice look at a Lesser Yellowlegs in the Arcadia Meadows, but not too much else around there.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) At Fitzgerald Lake near the boardwalk area I had Tree Swallows (100+) over the lake. Also had a couple Pine Warblers and a nice view of a Coopers Hawk getting chased by a crow. At a short hike on the trails near the old state hospital had a Cooper's Hawk and a Fish Crow among others. At Arcadia had Pine Warbler (4), Palm Warbler (1), Pileated Woodpecker (2), Blue-winged Teal (5), Eastern Bluebirds (4) two pairs being very vocal and energetic, and a Red-tailed Hawk being chased by a crow and making this low, croaking type sound. The hawk flew low by me and I could only hear it at very close range. Again lots of the usual stuff also.

HATFIELD (report from Larry Therrien) Next stopped at Great Pond. The only bird on the pond was a swan...probably "the swan"...it was in the south end of the pond. The bird seemed lighter than I remember the swan from Northampton, but I'm fairly sure its the same bird. Also had a few Kestrels along River Rd in Hatfield and along Rt 47 in Hadley.

ASHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Steve Sauter) I have charged my feeder with the last of the sunflower and niger. Eating the dregs are 6 pair of Purple Finches, 8 pair of Evening Grosbeaks, 60 C. Redpolls, 40 DE Juncos and the resident nuthatches and chickadees. Tree Swallows arrived in town on Monday along with the calls of Wood frogs and Spring Peepers.

April 17 Saturday Sunny and Very Warm
NORTHAMPTON - CLUB TRIP (report by Chris Gentes) This club trip began at the foot of Olive Street at 5:30 pm and was attended by Bob Stevens, Karen Stevens, George White, Marty Espinola, Chris Patterson, Chris Suprenant, Bill Sweet, Valerie Gintis, Sarah Thomsen, Heather McQueen and Sara (last name unknown). Great Blue Heron (10+ nests from our vantage point), Canada Goose, Wood Duck (20+), Mallard, Lesser Scaup (pair), Common Merganser (2), Great Black-backed Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Osprey (3), Northern Harrier (1m), Accipiter Species (2), Red-tailed Hawk (2), Broad-winged Hawk (1), American Kestrel, Wilson's Snipe (2), Woodcock (4+), Mourning Dove, Short-eared Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Robins, Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Song Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows. The Scaup pair were in the Oxbow. We got good looks at the 2 Snipe in the Ibis Pool. From our vantge point we could see 10+ of the heron nests. At least 3 woodcocks were displaying starting at 7:50 pm. The owl flew by soon thereafter. The underside was very pale, and there was black on the wingtips. After dark there were some incredible noises coming out of the heron rookery. A pack of coyotes starting howling. Also seen was a skunk and several bats.

DEERFIELD (posed to Massbird by Rob Ranney) This morning, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is hammering away on a neighbor's gutter. A Flicker arrived Thursday. By 10 am I'd found a singing Winter Wren, a singing Prairie Warbler, and four adult White-throated Sparrows. A young Northern Harrier was successfully hunting the weedy field east of the town recycling center.

NORTHAMPTON-MOUNT TOM (report from Larry Therrien) I made a morning trip by the state hospital area with highlights of Osprey (3) and Pine Warbler (2). I then went to Mt Tom with a stop at Goats Peak tower from 1-2:30. Highlights were a Yellow bellied Sapsucker (1) drilling holes in trees around the tower. The raptors were really moving along. One other person was there prior to my arrival and he had quite a few hawks prior to 1...not sure on totals. While I was there had Osprey (15), Turkey Vulture (12), Red-tailed Hawk (6), Red-shouldered Hawk (1), American Kestrel (1), Unknown Falcon (1), Sharp shinned Hawk (16), Coopers Hawk (2), Broad-winged Hawk (11) and Northern Harrier (5) with 3 males. Also had a Pileated Woodpecker (1) and a few migrating Cormorants. Then took a hike around the pond at Mt Tom with highlights of Palm Warbler (9), Pine Warbler (5), Yellow rumped Warbler (4), Ruby crowned Kinglet (5)...most birds in the swampy area of the pond. Nice day overall.

GRANVILLE (Blueberry Hill Hawk Watch) Official Counter - Seth Kellogg; Observers - Andrew Magee, Janice Zepko, John Wojtanowski, Myles Conway, Seth Kellogg, Tom Bosakowski; Observations - Excellent Osprey (55) movement with Sharpies (31) and Broadwings (16) and even Redtails (13). Almost half the Ospreys came thru in the 10-11 EST hour. Birds started low, but got high after noon. Local Redshoulders were calling and courting most of the time. Non-raptor Notes Groups of Dble-crested Cormorants (80 total) all day. One Common Loon circled low over us,. Several great Blue Herons. Sapsuckers drummed on and off all day and Field Sparrow sang. Pair of Bluebirds checked out new nest box.

HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) Heather and I looked around some fields in Hadley, but got started late so didn't see much. Highlights - Kestrel (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Rusty Blackbird (1), Meadowlark (2), Swamp Sparrow (1). Most amazing was the discovery of hundreds of caddisfly larva in a shallow silt-bottom stream. They appeared to be leaf-case type caddisflies. Some were observed stalking and preying upon small thin aquatic worms. Amazing.

April 18 Sunday Partly Cloudy and Warm
NORTHAMPTON (report from www.nehummers.net) Ruby-throated Hummingbird reported in Northampton.

NORTH HADLEY ( report from Chris Gentes) Highlights seen today in North Hadley include: Hermit Thrush (5), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2), Rusty Blackbird (20), Chipping Sparrow (3 singing), also Robins building nests.

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Hilights seen on the railtrail included: Chickadees excavating nest hole, Creeper (singing), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2), Hermit Thrush (1), Palm Warbler (5), Yellow-rumped Warbler (6), Meadowlark (5), Rusty Blackbird (2). On the Caroline Arnold trail -- 4 Hermit Thrushes and 2 Winter Wrens.

SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) The Field Sparrow was calling from our field across from the house just as he did last year. Tree Swallows moving into birdhouses. Bluebirds have settled on one box. I was out watching the Woodcocks (3) display at dusk, when a Barred Owl hooted.

MOUNT TOM (report from George White) Bob, Karen, and I went up Mt. Tom for a brief look about before we headed back to Cambridge this afternoon. We drove up the observation tower at Goat Peak, and in a few minutes had a nice little list. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1 female), Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (10), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2-3), Pine Warbler (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (2), Brown Creeper (6), Eastern Phoebe (2), Turkey Vulture (several), Tufted Titmouse (voice only). We also found what appeared to be a tree very heavily worked over by a Pileated Woodpecker, but no sign of the perpetrator.

GRANVILLE - BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) An immature Golden Eagle flew northeast high over at 2:23. This was the highlight of a very active day. Nice movement of raptors all day. Most flew pretty high, and in small mixed groups. There were kettles of Broadwings (97) numbering 10, 10, 7, 19 and 7 birds, along with numerous smaller groupings. Osprey (21), Sharp-shinned Hawk (35), Kestrel (35), Double-crested Cormorants (8), Killdeer (2), Gull species (4), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Raven, Eastern Bluebird (2), Field Sparrows (2; singing on territory on the hill), Purple Finch. May have heard 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers passing over.

April 19 Monday Partly Cloudy and Hot
NORTH HADLEY (report from Heather McQueen) The Rough-winged Swallow pair returned today to their nesting area near the Lake Warner Dam. Also seen not too far away was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a Woodcock, a Ruffed Grouse and a Field Sparrow. Also bats, toads (calling), and the first dragonfly of the year - looked like a mosiac darner - seen at dusk.

NORTHAMPTON ( report from Larry Therrien) This morning near the old state hospital I had three Field Sparrows singing away as well as a few Pine Warblers. I then stopped by Fitzgerald Lake near the boardwalk and had Pine Warblers (4), Palm Warblers (7), Yellow Rumped Warblers (12), Ruby crowned Kinglet (7)...all these birds were right near the boardwalk. Also had a fly by Osprey and Amer Kestrel. Right near the boardwalk had a pair of Chickadees working on a nest hole. Finally made a quick stop at Arcadia with Ruby crowned Kinglet (3), Pine Warbler (4) and the group of Great Blue Herons on nests.

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) Some highlights from yesterday morning on McLellan Farm Road in with Pat and Lily Serrentino: Northern Flicker-10+, YBSapsucker-1, RBWoodpecker-2, Kingfisher-1, RCKinglet-6, Yellow-rumped Warbler-8, Pine Warbler-1, Chipping Sparrow-4. And in the Deerfield Meadows behind Old Deerfield: Great Blue Heron-2, Common Merganser-7, Broad-winged Hawk-3, Kingfisher-2, Red-bellied Woodpecker-1, RCKinglet-3, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher-1, Yellow-rumped Warbler-2. Also in the meadows were 20+ Painted Turtles basking and at least 4 Pickerel Frogs snoring. And on Plain Road: AKestrel-2

April 20 Tuesday Mostly Sunny, Warm
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) A brief walk near Paradise Pond this afternoon with the following seen: Green Heron (1), Wood Duck (pair), Rough-winged Swallow (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (6), Palm Warbler (2), Pine Warbler (1).

NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) A walk up Mount Warner Road at 7 pm revealed a Brown Thrasher singing in a tree. After a few minutes it flew down and was joined by two others as they flew down a path.

BIKEPATH FROM HADLEY TO BELCHERTOWN (report from Heather McQueen)
Spruce Hill Rd Tunnel: Phoebe on the nest-1.
Bison Farm: Turkey Vulture-6, Killdeer-2.
Field next to storage facility: Snipe-2, Flicker-2.
Black Angus Cow Field: Turkey-2, Killdeer-2, Cowbirds-2 female, 6 males displaying.
Golf Course: Flicker-2, Hairy-2, Downy-2, Red-bellied-1, Sapsucker-1, Bluebirds-2, WB Nut-2.
Amherst Farmer's Supply: RB Nut-2, Carolina Wren-1, White-throated Sparrow-23.
Amherst College Woods: Pine Warbler-2 singing.
Powerline Cut: Carolina Wren-1, Flicker- 2, Bluebirds-6, Myrtle Warbler-4, Meadowlark-3.
Hop Brook Bridge: Great Blue Heron-1, Green-winged Teal-2, Wood Duck-2, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher-1, .Palm Warbler-3, Myrtle Warbler-7, Meadowlark-2.
Poor Farm Pond: Pileated -2, Flicker-2, Tree Swallows-12+, Rough-wing Swallow-3, RC Kinglet-2, Palm Warbler-1.
Main Beaver Pond: Blue Jays gathering nesting material-2.
Caroline Arnold Trail: Hermit Thrush-3, RC Kinglet-2, Winter Wren, singing-1.
Lawrence Swamp Flickers- 2, Tree Swallows 8+, RC Kinglet-5, Myrtle-37 (and I am sure there were more), Palm Warbler-9, Swamp Sparrow- 4 singing.
Power line cut next to Warren Wright Road: Field Sparrow-1 singing, Palm Warbler-2 singing, Myrtle-3.
Warren Right Road: Chipping Sparrow.
South East Street: Broad-winged Hawk-1

HAYDENVILLE ( posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) This morning in the neighbor's driveway a male Grackle had another male pinned underneath him while he viciously pecked at him and pulled small feathers out. The victim was very passive, and I thought it was dead at first, as it just let the other peck away at will. A couple of other males landed nearby to get a front row seat to the melee. The neighbor's cat watched from a distance, but didn't interfere. After 4 1/2 minutes the victim found an opportunity and weakly flew off, with the bully in hot pursuit.

LONGMEADOW ( Voice of Audubon for April 20) House Wren, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-and-White Warbler, Palm Warbler (12).

April 21 Wednesday Sunny, Breezy and Mild
AMHERST (posted to Massbird by Jim Marcum) I had 40 (actual minimum count) Purple Finch and 0 House Finch at my feeders in North Amherst, MA this Wednesday morning.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Up on Hospital Hill I saw a Blue-headed Vireo. Down near the Mill River there was a Pine Warbler, a Palm Warbler and 4 Myrtles. Also 1 male and 11 female Common Mergansers on the pond.

HADLEY-AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) On the bike path near Spruce Hill Road there were 4 Rusty Blackbirds and behind Bread and Circus there was a Brown Thrasher singing. Further along in Amherst near the Golf Course there was a singing Pine Warbler and 3 Myrtles.Near Snell St. there were 2 Phoebes that were flying after each other and then engaging in midair face to face hovering for up to 5 seconds. They kept repeating this maneuver. Near the Tennis Courts I tallied 9 Myrtles, 1 Pine, 1 RB Nuthatch, 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Above Fort River there were another 9 Myrtles, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and singing Prairie Warbler!! Down near the Hop Brook there was a Meadowlark, a Grackle nest, a Barn Swallow mixed in with the Tree Swallows, 7 Myrtles, 2 Palm Warblers, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and 2 Gnatcatchers.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) At Fitzgerald Lake I had Pine Warblers (3) and Yellow rumped Warblers (5). Only other highlight would be an Osprey in a dead snag near the boardwalk feeding on a fish. He took off after a couple minutes with a part of the fish in his talons and flew off.

WESTFIELD (report from Chris Patterson) Chris Surprenant, Eileen Rutman and I went to Robinson State Park. We saw or heard a total of 34 species. Other than the commons we noted... a pair of c. mergansers on the river, a belted kingfisher, a pileated woodpecker, several red-breasted nuthatches and carolina wrens, a blue-gray gnatcatcher, ruby-crowned kinglets, yellow-rumped warblers, pine warblers, chipping sparrows, and white throated sparrows.

April 22 Thursday Warm
NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Al Richards) I just got a call from Bob Bieda who found a Glossy Ibis at the Ibis Pool. Also in the area were two Greater Yellowlegs and a pair of Blue-winged Teal.

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Janis LaPointe) The Glossy Ibis was still present at 3 p.m.Two Brown Thrashers were singing further down the road. Many Horned Larks were in the East Meadows.

NORTHAMPTON (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 26) Bonaparte's Gulls (3).

NORTHAMPTON (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) This morning at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area:: Turkey Vulture-1, Osprey-1, Redtail-1, Mourning Dove-1, Kingfisher-1, Red-bellied Woodpecker-1, Flicker-2, YBSapsucker-1, EPhoebe-2, Blue-headed Vireo-1, Fish Crow-10-a flock of 10 crows flew over Cooke Avenue, with one or two calling and definitely FICR. I got a good long look at the compact flock and could see no discernible size differences among them, so I have to assume they were all FICR, which would be quite a large flock for W. Mass., Tree Swallow-4 TTitmouse-2, BCChickadee-4, RCKinglet-2, Yellow-rumped Warbler-3, Pine Warbler-5, Song Sparrow-4, Swamp Sparrow-2, NCardinal-2, AGoldfinch-5, Redwing-5+, CGrackle-3, BHCowbird-1. Also a ton of chipmunks, a few painted turtles, a couple wood frogs and peepers, mating spring azures, and two green darners.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS (report from Larry Therrien) Hatfield near the water treatment plant at the canoe launch area - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a flyby Wood Duck. Nothing at the old airport on the Hatfield/Whately line and Stillwater Rd in Deerfield. I then stopped by the swamp near Old Deerfield and had Pine Warbler (1), Killdeer (1). At the canal in Turners Falls not much out of the usual, but at Bartons Cove had highlights of Bufflehead (3), Bonaparte's Gull (7) with 5 in breeding plummage, White-winged Scoter (1), Double Crested Cormorant (39), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Bald Eagle (2). I hiked up Mt Sugarloaf and spent an hour and a half at the top from 11:30-1pm. Had Pine Warbler (2), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (2), Broad winged Hawks (63), most in small groups of 3-5 with almost all at eye level or below. Several came by with full crops. One immature bird had a heavy molt in progress and had odd light cloring on the outer wings. Peregrine Falcon (1), Sharp shinned Hawk (6), Amer Kestrel (1), Coopers Hawk (1), Turkey Vulture (4), Red Tailed Hawk (1), and Osprey (1). Saw the posting for the Glossy Ibis at Arcadia. I made a trip down there and located the Ibis, plus had other highlights of Song Sparrow (23), Pine Warbler (2), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (1), Ruby crowned Kinglet (1), Chipping Sparrow (1). I stopped by the area near the community gardens near the state hospital and had a Greater Yellowlegs, a few Field Sparrows and a couple of Fish Crows. I also had my first Tiger Swallowtail and a singing Hermit Thrush along the trail to Fitzgerald lake

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney) I saw my first Brown Thrashers (2) of the year on my morning walk on Sand Gully Road. Most of the wintering Juncos were suddenly gone Monday morning, most noticed by the loss of their song.

GRANVILLE - BLUEBERRY HILL (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Reports of Black Vultures in western Massachusetts may soon be regarded as routine, but their movements are intriguing. Today's bird appeared high and just SW of Blueberry Hill, then flew off to the west. We did not count it as a migrant. It may be one of the birds often seen in Sheffield. Does anyone know how far they range on a typical day? (Another interesting point is that we often see them on fairly windy days.) Broad-winged Hawk - 37, Osprey - 4.

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Daniel Schell) Just north of Old Deerfield, past the baseball field, theres a really scummy ditch next to a few dirt piles and a tobacco barn. In this ditch at 5:30 this afternoon there were twenty or so painted turtles, one Common Green Darner and an American Bittern.

April 23 Friday Rain Early, Cool
GILL (posted to Massbird by Mark Taylor) This morning between rain showers at Bartons Cove there were: Bufflehead (female), DC Cormorant (25), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (6), Tree Swallow (100), Barn Swallow (4).

NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) Robin building a nest, Red-bellied Woodpecker excavating a hole, Grackles building nests in a big Spruce, two Myrtles and fly-by Kestrel.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) Made a morning drive in the rain through Arcadia with no shorebirds or ibis seen. Did have 40+ Tree Swallows on the wires along Old Springfield Rd. A few cormorants in the oxbow too. Also made a short walk in toward Fitzgerald lake via Cooke Ave but then got rained out. Did manage to see a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a Blue-headed Vireo. Also had a couple crows mobbing a Red-tailed perched in a tree near the entrance.

NORTHAMPTON (Moose Patrol Notebook) Writen in the notebook in the blind was a Virgiria Rail sighting.

April 24 Saturday Sunny and Windy
AMHERST ( posted to Massbird by David Norton) For the last 4-5 days we have had a large mixed and colorful flock of purple and goldfinches visiting our feeders and hanging out in the trees most of the day. My kids have remarked on how noisy they are! There are anywhere from 20-60 birds, pretty evenly mixed. Our juncos seem to be gone, but we have a number of noisy flickers and a couple red-bellied woodpeckers in the neighborhood, and the resident pileateds.

SOUTH AMHERST (report from Eileen Rutman) On Saturday Eileen and Lori Rogers flushed an American Bittern on the Harvey Allen Trail. They also saw Swamp and Field Sparrows.

NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) No new birds seen today in the windy conditions, however the rough-winged swallow pair continue by the little bridge. Also seen was a Pileated, a Thrasher and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.Also 2 Cormorants flying over the pond.

April 25 Sunday Sunny and Mild
LONGMEADOW (report from Chris Gentes) Heather and I walked the length of Pondside Road today. While there we bumped into Eileen Rutman who had seen 5 Chimney Swifts earlier. Heather and I tallied the following: Pied-billed Grebe (1-couldn't relocate possible nest), DC Cormorant (1), Great Blue Heron (1), Canada Goose, Mute Swan (pair), Wood Duck (8), Mallard (4), Kingfisher (1), Red-tailed Hawk (1), Downy, Red-bellied, Flicker, Chickadee, Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (10-including 1 almost completed nest), Robin (collecting mud), Rough-winged Swallow (7), Tree Swallow, Yellow-rumped Warbler (316+ they were seen the entire length of the road), Palm Warbler (19), Northern Waterthrush (3), Cardinal, Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Swamp Sparrow (3), Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow (7), Goldfinch.

QUABBIN (report from Larry Therrien) On a brief stop I had a juvenile Bald Eagle, a couple Common Ravens, calling Chipping Sparrows and a couple Blue Gray Gnatcatchers.

GRANVILLE - BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by Joe Wojtanowski) Migrants: Our 3rd Golden Eagle of the season was an adult at 10:50 am. On this date last year, we also had our 3rd Golden Eagle, an immature. Osprey (18), Bald Eagle (4), Northern Harrier (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk (5), Cooper's Hawk (1), Red-shouldered (1), Broad-winged Hawk (281-largest kettle was 25), Red-tailed Hawk (3), Kestrel (4). Non-migrants: Bald Eagle (1), Red-shouldered (2), Turkey Vulture (10), 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 Raven, 1 Common Loon, 1 Killdeer, 1 Song Sparrow, 2 Bluebirds, 2 Towhees, 2 Savannah Sparrows, 4 Field Sparrows, 59 DC Cormorants.

LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Janis LaPointe) On a Hampshire Bird Club trip I was surprised to find a pair of Blue winged Teal still present. Other migrating ducks have moved on at least a week ago. The male and female were keeping very much out of sight in the reeds and bushes around the Bates trail.

ASHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Steve Sauter) A Grasshopper Sparrow heard. (see 4/30 post for more info).

April 26 Monday Rained All Day
AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) Heard a Towhee near Amherst College. Further down near Hop Brook there was a Bittern calling, Gnatcatcher (2), Palm Warbler (2), Yellow-rumped (12), and 2 Meadowlarks singing.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Not much happening around Paradise Pond this afternoon in the rain other than a Kingfisher, a few Mergansers, a couple of Phoebes and a Crow eating a frog.

SHUTESBURY (report from Kevin Weir) The foxes have moved on. Many new birds arriving daily. White throats, chipping sparrows, tree swallows, field sparrows, woodcocks, flickers and bluebirds are all very busy.

WEST SPRINGFIELD (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 26) The only Osprey nest in western Massachusetts has been reoccupied.

AMHERST (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 26) A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was heard singing.

SOUTHWICK (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 26) Seen over the weekend on Congamond Lakes were 4 Common Loons, 4 Horned Grebes, 2 Bufflehead, a Pied-billed Grebe, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, and 2 White-winged Scoters. Also in Southwick were a Virginia Rail and 2 Wilson's Snipe.

SPRINGFIELD (Western Mass Voice of Audubon for April 26) At a feeder in Springfield was a hungry and tired looking Indigo Bunting.

April 27 Tuesday Mostly Sunny, Breezy, Mild
GRANVILLE - BLUEBERRY HILL HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) Anemic to start, the flight slowed to practically nothing once the wind shifted to W. Most birds came singly and high; the largest group was one of four Broad-wings. Osprey (4), Sharp-shinned Hawks (3), Broad-winged Hawk (14).One non-migrant Bald Eagle was observed going S. Cormorants (54, in five separate flocks), Gull species (4), Sapsucker heard, Savannah Sparrow.

MOUNT TOM - NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) This morning I went down to Mt Tom with a walk around the pond and then a stop by Goat Peak. Most of the birds with the exception of most raptors were seen around the pond. I had Yellow rumped Warblers (29), Pine Warbler (3), Palm Warbler (5), Louisiana Waterthrush (1, possibly 2), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (5), Blue headed Vireo (1), Pileated Woodpecker (2), Eastern Phoebe (3) with at least two building nests, Chipping Sparrow (2), Broad Winged Hawk (2), Coopers Hawk (1), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Barn Swallow (3), Chimney Swift (1). Next stopped by Fitzgerald Lake and had Pine Warbler (2), Yellow rumped Warbler (3), Ruby crowned Kinglet (1) and a Wood Duck in a nest box. Final stop was by Arcadia this afternoon with one American Kestrel, Pine Warbler (2), Palm Warbler (2), mating Eastern Phoebes, Chipping Sparrow (1) and Yellow-rumped Warbler (1). One Pine Warbler was collecting nest material near the HQ building. Also had a Coopers Hawk flyby the same general area with an unlucky bird in its talons. It went into some pines, but I could not relocate it.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Saw 2 Greater Yellowlegs in the meadows in a pool off a side road off Olive Street. Also a Barn Swallow, 2 Kestrels, a few Yellow-rumped Warblers and 3 Savannah Sparrows.

April 28 Wednesday Sunny, Chilly and Breezy
NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) I took a stroll along the Mill River from Paradise Pond this afternoon and saw the following: Green Heron (1), DC Cormorant (1), Common Merganser (6f), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Eastern Phoebe (2), Cedar Waxwing (8), Blue-headed Vireo (1), Pine Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (5).

April 29 Thursday Sunny, Very Warm and Breezy
NORTH HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) This morning I saw 2 Warbling Vireos. They weren't singing. I noticed some movement in a Willow and after looking at them for a while I was able to get a good look at them. An hour before sunset Heather and I took a hike to the far side of Mount Warner to a spot that we thought looked like it would be good for whip-poor-wills. Along the way we saw: Northern Harrier (1), Turkey (gobbling), Flicker (1), House Wren (1), Brown Thrasher (1 singing), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2), Yellow Warbler (1), Black-and-white Warbler (1), Pine Warbler (1), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1), Towhee (1), White-throated Sparrow (10+), and Field Sparrow (1). We made it to the spot and at about 8:20 pm we heard a single Whip-poor-will calling.This is the first we know of them calling at this spot.

HADLEY - AMHERST (report from Heather McQueen) This morning on the bikepath in Hadley I saw House Wren (2), Blue-headed Vireo (1), Brown Thrasher (1). In Amherst there was a Black-throated Green Warbler near the Tennis Courts and 2 more on the Harvey Allen Trail.Other birds seen include: Kestrel (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Red-breasted Nuthatch (2), Robin building nest, Blue-headed Vireo (2), Warbling Vireo (2-not singing), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4-1 nest near Hop Brook Bridge), Yellow-rumped Warbler (16), Towhee (1) and Meadowlarks.

GOSHEN (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) At a bog in Goshen this afternoon: GBHeron-3-tending 2 nests, Can Goose-2, Wood Duck-4, Redtail-1, Broad-winged Hawk-1, YBSapsucker-4, Hairy Woodpecker-1, Tree Swallow-4, NRaven-2, BCChickadee-4, Brown Creeper-2, RCKinglet-2, WBNuthatch-1, Nashville Warbler-1, Yellow-rump-11, Palm-4, Black-throated Green-1, Black and White-3, Whitethroat-4, Song Sparrow-2, AGoldfinch-1.

DEERFIELD (report from Larry Therrien) Took a hike up Mount Sugarloaf with the following seen - Pine Warbler (2), Black-throated Green warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (2), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (3), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Common Raven (1), Peregrine Falcon (2) with both birds out soaring together and chasing off the occasional red tail or broad wing. Also lots of feathers being blown up the cliff face and deposited on the summit....more than a few unlucky birds. Also had Osprey (5), Broad winged Hawk (23), Sharp-shinned Hawk (3), American Kestrel (1). The raptors all were within about an hours time at the summit. I then took a ride along Plain Rd and other various roads in Deerfield and had a Northern Harrier hunting, several Barn Swallows and a gathering of American Kestrels (5+) in a field...all in view at once. I also stopped at the area below Sugarloaf and scoped out the falcons from below. Had another Kestrel and Broad-winged go by during this time.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Larry Therrien) I made a walk out to the blind at Fitzgerald lake this afternoon with Black-thoated Green Warbler (2), Coopers Hawk (1), Swamp Sparrow (3), Chipping Sparrow (1). Near the state hospital where I had Yellow Warbler (1), Field Sparrow (2), Fish Crow (2 or more), Savannah Sparrow (2), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (1). Later I made a trip out to Fitzgerald Lake from N. Farms Rd and had the following highlights. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3), Pine Warbler (3), Black and White Warbler (1), Blue headed Vireo (1), Fish Crow (1) and a hunting Osprey which was quite successful. All the birds were in the vicinity of the boardwalk. The insects were really starting to 'pop' down by the water.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Pete Yeskie) Wood Thrush (1) at Fitzgerald Lake. Various warblers and 1 b w hawk

DEERFIELD (posted to Massbird by Rob Ranney) Our first Rose-breasted Grosbeak of the season was feeding on black oil sunflower seeds this morning.

LONGMEADOW (Hampshire Bird Club Hotline Bird) Nancy Eaton reported a Common Moorhen and an American Coot at Fannie Stebbins Refuge in Longmeadow. Take I-91 south to Exit 1 in Springfield onto Route 5/Columbus Avenue/Longmeadow Street south into Longmeadow.At the fifth light (1.1 miles) turn right onto Emerson Road and pass under I-91 to Pondside Road. It is the next to last pond on the left if coming from the north. The bird was in the rushes in the back of the pond near the tree line.

LONGMEADOW (report from Chris Patterson) On a quick run thru Stebbins, Chris Surprenant and I saw or heard a total of 32 species. Most notable were many Yellow-rumped warblers, 8 Green-wing teal in the fields off West Street, a Catbird, a Warbling Vireo, a Yellow Warbler, several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a Eastern Kingbird, and a Ruby-crowned kinglet, several pair of Wood Ducks and 5 Great Blue Herons.

GRANVILLE - HAWK WATCH (posted to Massbird by John Weeks) The day got off to a promising start, with 26 migrants in the first two hours. This included one group of 7 Broad-wings. As the wind strengthened and shifted to WSW, however, the flight dwindled. Many birds flew high; perhaps more were moving, too high to see. An amazing sight was a group of FIVE Bald Eagles that moved briefly N of our site, then turned and went back to the SE. This is the largest single group of Bald Eagles we've ever recorded at Blueberry Hill (3 adults, 1 sub-adult, 1 immature). Two Broad-wings stayed in the area, and may be trying to nest here. Browd-wined Hawk (31), Osprey (6), Common Loon, Cormorants (63), Great Blue Herons (2), Gull species (3), Barn Swallow, Nashville Warbler, Palm Warbler.

GRANBY (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) I just had my first RT Hummingbird at my feeder in Granby 5 minutes ago. There's also a small flock of Yellow Rumped Warblers feeding in the maples in front of my house as I write this. The Hummer just landed on the feeder outside my office window.... I still have a good sized flock of Goldfinches and Purple Finches coming to my feeders all day long as well. I heard a Black Throated Green warbler behind the houses across the street from me, in the wooded area around Batchelor Brook.

April 30 Friday Sunny and Warm
LONGMEADOW (posted to Massbird by Seth Kellogg) The Common Moorhen reported last night on Pondside Road was still there today, in the same pool as an American Coot. The bird is about 1 mile down Pondside from Emerson Road at the south end of the next to the last pool near the unflooded dike. He hangs around a beaver lodge and a large tree fallen down from the dike.

HADLEY (report from Chris Gentes) This morning in North Hadley I saw and heard a Northern Parula and also saw a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This afternoon there were 2 Baltimore Orioles, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a Nashville Warbler and an Osprey that got a fish out of Warner Lake. The Rough-winged Swallow pair continue at the bridge on Mount Warner Road near the pond. They usually nest in a pipe coming out of the concrete wall toward the waterfall. This morning in a wet ditch next to the Transfer Station there was a Solitary Sandpiper. Also heard there was a Vesper Sparrow and a Savannah Sparrow.

HADLEY (posted to Massbird by Bob Packard) A few misc. sightings this afternoon: N. Maple St.-Solitary Sandpiper; Mt. Warner Road - Savannah Sparrow-2, Meadowlark-1; Honeypot-Warbling Vireo-1.

NORTHAMPTON (report from Chris Gentes) Took a stroll along the Mill River from Paradise Pond this afternoon and saw the following: Chimney Swift (3), Cedar Waxwing (3), Blue-headed Vireo (1), Catbird (4), Pine Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (1), Nashville Warbler (1), Chestnut-sided Warbler (1).

AMHERST (report from Larry Therrien) Arrived out at the bike path just before 7am and walked from Mill Lane down to Station Road. I had Blue winged Warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (2), Yellow rumped Warbler (32), Warbling Vireo (2), Blue headed Vireo (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (5) with a pair building a nest very close to the path, Eastern Towhee (1), Eastern Meadowlark (4), Swamp Sparrow (2), Green Heron (2) flying by together, Rose Breasted Grosbeak (1), Ruby Crowned Kinglet (1), House Wren (1)...they seemd to be at every stop today, Chimney Swift (1) and a nice singing Carolina Wren. Next stop was at Lawrence Swamp with Yellow rumped Warbler (8), Pine warbler (1), Black and White Warbler (3), Black throated Green Warbler (1), Rose Breasted Grosbeak (1), Swamp Sparrow (2), Hermit Thrush (1). Final stop for the morning was at Larch Hill Conservation Area with Pine Warbler (1), Blue-winged Warbler (1), Northern Parula (1), Yellow rumped Warbler (10), Blue Headed Vireo (2), Chimney Swift (2). At midday made a trip down to Mt Tom and had Louisiana Waterthrush (1), Black and White Warbler (3), Yellow rumped Warbler (12), Northern Parula (1), Pine Warbler (1), Black Throated Green Warbler (1), Blue Headed Vireo (1), Common raven (1), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (5) Pileated Woodpecker (1), Broad Winged Hawk (5), Sharp shinned Hawk (2). Final stop for the day was at Arcadia with Black and White Warbler (3), Yellow rumped Warbler (10), Pine Warbler (2), White throated Sparrow (35+)...they were everywhere near the HQ building. Chimney Swift (1), Ruby crowned Kinglet (3), Coopers Hawk (1, maybe 2) near the HQ...most certainly the resident pair....had one with a fresh kill along the trail. Finally stopped by the road off Old Springfield and had Greater Yellowlegs (4) in the wet area.

GRANBY (posted to Massbird by Lori Rogers) I just had a singing Baltimore Oriole in my yard at 6:30am. This afternoon: Phoebe (heard, not seen) Chipping Sparrows Purple Finches (numbers are dwindling, but they're still here) Rose Breasted Grosbeak (eating from the sunflower feeder) Yellow Rumped Warbler Black and White Warbler Chestnut Sided Warbler Nashville Warbler No. Parula BT Green (heard several times, but not seen) Yellow Warbler

ASHFIELD (posted to Massbird by Steve Sauter) I, too, headed out for a walk today and then had so much fun made it two walks. Highlight was finding a Grasshopper Sparrow that I had heard on Sunday (4/25). This time I flushed him to a sedge top. He is in the wet sedge and grass mowing across the road from South Face Farm Sugar House on Watson Spruce Corner Road. Also seen were many warblers. My list in order of their appearance: Black-throated Green W. Yellow-rumped W. Killdeer Robin Blue Jay BC Chickadee Yellowthroat Downy Woodpecker WB Nuthatch Purple Finch Flicker Cowbird W Thr. Sparrow Mourning Dove Ruffed Grouse DE Junco E. Goldfinch N. grackle Solitary Vireo N. Kingfisher N. Goshawk RW Blackbird Raven Grasshopper Sparrow Tree Swallow Starling House Sparrow E.Phoebe Song Sparrow Hairy Woodpecker Mallard Canada Goose E. Crow Chipping Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Chestnut-sided W. Black-throated Blue W. Nashville W. Great-crested Flycatcher Red-shouldered Hawk Brown Creeper Ovenbird Yellow Warbler