Cattle Egret Bolton Flats & Hooded Warbler-No this isn't the Coast!!

I'd be at work today and keep checking in on the Central Mass Birders Facebook Page thinking all would be quiet before the rain until Joe would post of a Hooded Warbler near his yard and then panic would strike as I'd still have a bunch of stuff to get done at work so whipped through it hoping I could find out more about it and leave early to get the bird.  I'd just about be packed up and ready to leave when Alan would call and I presumed it was to tell me about the warbler.

Me:  Hi
Alan:  Hi
Me:  I know all about the bird and on my way
Alan:  No you don't know the whole story
Me:  (confused and flustered).  What do you mean I saw the post about the Hooded Warbler
Alan:  Well there's a Cattle Egret at Bolton Flats

Suddenly I was overwhelmed with two great birds in the area and me still at work and had my heart set on the Hooded, but we're talking Cattle Egret.

Me:  Well I was just on my way to get the Hooded

Alan:  Well which would you rather have the Cattle Egret or the warbler?

I'd stop to contemplate this for a moment as I've never been asked this before so it required thought as it's like asking me if I'd rather have chocolate cheesecake or a hot fudge sundae and naturally I'd want both!

Me:  The Cattle Egret

Alan:  Okay, if you leave work now I can pick you up and we can try for it.  (Alan knew that would be my response of course as I've talked about a Worcester county Cattle Egret the 1st year I started birding)

I'd leave in a hurry talking to myself about how I'm not chasing birds anymore as it's too stressful and wonder if Jim next door heard the whole conversation and thinks I'm even crazier than when I was swooning in his office over the Barred Owl not letting him get any work done.

I'd arrive home in record time and Alan would pick me and Justin up telling us Bart had found it and called and off we went to try for the Cattle Egret.  The entrance to the parking lot would be flooded but Alan being the trooper that he is plowed right through it as we got out of the car to walk the path and I'd be glad I wore boots as they were needed as you can see in the 1st picture!

Soon enough after much scoping we'd find the bird mixed in with the Canada Geese past the flooded field and on dry land.

Not the best record shots as you can see, but the bird was far out so hoping Alan and Justin have better ones.

Another lousy shot but all of us got excellent looks at it through Alan's scope.

Next it would be off to get me the Hooded Warbler as both Justin and Alan got it earlier and I was feeling left out and not holding out much hope the bird would still be there.  We'd be there for a bit when we could both hear a very loud and metallic chip note and I'd get on a warbler where all I could see was a nice colorful yellow on the body and a lot of white at the end of the tail.  "I think I have it, I'd shout to Alan as we both tried to get a better look at it from the tree tops.  I'd see it fly above my head an could clearly see the black under its throat making me very happy and wishing more warblers were this easy to ID in flight as it isn't the case in most instances with flying warblers!  The bird would show me some mercy and land long enough for me to attempt a record shot.

Swoon!!!!  Not the best picture in the world, but I'll take it as it would be life bird number two for me in one day!

Swoon again!  Sigh, and here I was all thinking last night that it would be a quiet few days with the rain and all but should know better with migration still in full swing.

We'd drive back home and I'd be in awe over the two birds I'd just seen considering we're smack dab in Worcester County and not on the coast as this is the stuff you normally see there and not here. Just a nice reminder that we do get our share of cool birds in our county and why I love birding locally as much as I do.

Take care all.

More Spring Migration and the Invasion of the Cuckoos!

Despite having a full time job, I've managed to make the best of things by prioritizing my life which means work, birds and not much else as housework and cooking can wait!!  It would all start on Wednesday when I'd go on Facebook and see the bird radar of the North East showing lots of bird activity over night.  I'd quickly get ready for work and hit Brierly just to see if the radar was right!  No sooner would I get out to the car and hear a Blackpoll in my yard as well as another while driving to Brierly and song would be heavy in the parking lot as soon as I arrived making me very happy.  There'd be a singing Northern Parula, American Redstarts, Magnolia Warblers and Chestnut-sided Warblers and before I knew it an hour had passed and I'd remind myself I had to get to work.  I'd see Alan drive up and now I'm back near the brambles pishing more birds out with him and realized I needed to make an executive decision.  The decision would be to take an emergency half a day as I met all my deadlines the day prior so the half day would be my reward of course!!  It would still be early so I'd leave my boss a voice mail with an Ovenbird calling in the back ground.

There'd be all kinds of great birds as we made our way near the beaver pond including another Canada Warbler as well as the Green Heron I had there about three weeks ago.  It would be funny though as we were trying to pish a Mangolia when we heard this real strange call coming from the pond which was hidden by leaves.  After some patience we'd finally see who the culprit was and it would indeed turn out the be the heron as you can see in the picture above.

We'd also get this bull frog above with spots which was pretty interesting and worthy of a picture.  We'd make our way to the area I flushed the Barred Owl and to my amazement the pond I thought I just discovered turned out to be the back end of the new pond which has brought us all the fabulous birds this year!  So of course we have to trace it to see what else may be lurking and before you know it, I'm bush whacking through brambles and weeds with not only my work pants on but my work shoes!  After more exploring, I'd grudgingly go to work and besides some leaves stuck to my pants and a tick crawling through my hair while on a conference call, I was as presentable as I could be and actually managed to get a lot of work done so thinking I may need to do this more often!

I'd be at work Wednesday and Justin would post on the Facebook Central Mass Birders page about both a Yellow and Black-billed Cuckoo at the Cross Street Powerlines so off I'd go after work hoping for both.  It wouldn't take me long to hear the Black-billed but it was rather soft and sporadic so figured it had skulked more into the woods to get away from the a**hole dirt bikers who'd by flying around and making a ton of racket.  I'd spend some time wondering around and just listen to all of the breeding birds as I'm really into chip notes lately so it allowed me some good study.  Eventually the Black-billed sounded closer and soon enough he'd fly from one end of the road to the other and land in brush and call.  In fact at one point he flew so low he almost clipped my head much to my delight!  I'd call Alan and tell him the bird was not only calling but visible and sure enough the bird would continue to do both when Alan arrived.  It allowed for some close study of this birds behavior and made me feel better after seeing the dead one in downtown Worcester.


I'd wake up early this morning and go back to Cross Street hoping to hear the Yellow-billed and would again strike out on that but the Black-billed was still there and calling away which was the perfect way to start the day.  After work it would be off to Brierly hoping for a Yellow-billed there and I'd get one less than five minutes of arriving!  One thing I've noticed about Cuckoos is it's really hard to pinpoint their location when you are getting them by ear only but the one thing I've learned lately is if you can hear them and they sound far away, chances are they're not and you need to stay in the general location.  My patience would pay off as I'd see it fly across the trail so once again I'd call Alan to let him know we had Millbury Cuckoo number two and to get the Brierly as quickly as possible.  HA

Alan would arrive and we'd both get really good looks at the bird (in fact, one of the best looks I've ever gotten of one).  Wish my camera could have done it justice but what else is new!  The best thing about it is the bird actually did all of it's calls for me including one of my favorite sounds of all time which is their "knocker call"  Earlier on, I'd also hear both Barred Owls doing a duet which would be the first time I'd ever hear that so all in all a perfect way to end my birding for the week as it sounds as if we are about to get dumped with rain!

Last note is the number of Cuckoos not only in Worcester County this year but the entire state.  Will be interesting to see what the final number look like but as of right now it seems to be invasion of the cuckoos!

Take care all.

Downtown Worcester-Peregrine Falcon update and other tidbits

I figured it was time to do a Peregrine Falcon update considering it's been over a month.  I went over to the Peoples United building this morning with hopes I could hear begging chicks but it wouldn't take long for me to realize its easier said than done as portions of the side walks are closed with work being done to open Union Station as the new bus hub June 1st.  Add to that all the noise from traffic and heavy machinery and couldn't hear much.  I did see the male Peregrine Falcon take off from the BOA building and land on the cross for a few seconds and then fly into the area I believe they are nesting and not reappear for the time I was there so taking it as a good sign.  At this point all I can hope for is the chicks to start walking and doing so on the side facing Front Street so I can get looks at them from the 24th floor and I also think I'll be able to hear them there too as I'll be much closer.  I'd make my way back to work when my eyes would notice something on the ground.  I'd get closer and my heart would sink as I realized it was a dead Black-billed Cuckoo.  :-(

I really wanted to examine it more and even thought of picking it up and asking Tufts if they wanted it (imagine the look on my co workers face as I walked past reception!)  I'd decided otherwise as a policeman was giving me the "hairy eyeball" with my bins and camera so took one photo to see if I could see any trauma to the bird and don't so guessing it's a window strike.  I've been thinking of this bird off and on all day and has left me in a funk.   The perils birds face on a daily basis is often forgotten and I've seen dead birds before in downtown Worcester but this one bothers me most as its such a neat and secretive bird and I'm mad it had to die in such an undignified way.  :-(.  The only good thing about dead birds is you can really examine them and I'd be taken aback at how large it seemed as I've only seen a Black-billed once and much of its body was covered by tree branches.

I'd decide to do some birding after work to help get me out of my funk and hit South Main Powerlines in hopes for a Yellow-billed cuckoos as both are moving through and had one here before so was hoping to hear AND see one alive and well.  Bird song would be all around me and I'd pick up my first Wild Turkey in this spot which was nice as I saw it in some brush and it would wait for me to pass by before getting back on the trail and crossing the street.

The Eastern Towhee's would be out in full force and I'd be happy to see my first female of the year looking as classy as ever.

There'd be a battle of the songsters going on as American Robins, Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were singing at once making for a nice practice session on the ears.

I'd be able to get directly above a grosbeak before he flew off and while the photo is lousy I love it as it shows what the bird looks like underneath which is just as cool close up as in the air.

I'd walk along the trail and noticed a bird that looked different to me in flight and was lucky enough to see it land in a leafy tree so stopped to see if I could re locate it with my bins.  I'd walk a little closer and suddenly hear the loudest song of an Eastern Wood-peewee I've ever experienced.  I'd walk closer to where the sound was coming from and realize I was heading in the direction of the flying bird.  Suddenly I'd spot my mystery bird and realize it was he who was singing the peewee call right out in the open and out of tree cover!!!  The view in the picture above is how I saw the bird with my bins and even though it was singing I didn't believe it at first as it was the best "tail view" I've ever gotten of this bird and right out in the open.  Love this picture none the less as it shows the "dusky vest" Sibley refers to.

Flying over across the powerlines and out of view but managed a crappy photo where you can see its dark head and a trace of the distinct wingbars I saw really well with the bins.

No sooner would I be walking away from the peewee and I'd see a Baltimore Oriole flying above and landing in a shrub.  I'd want to get on the bird as I thought it was a female by the color as it flew past until I relocated it in the shrub and saw this.

This would really throw me for a loop as I've seen juves like this but it's far too early for them so posted the pics on Facebook to get feedback from others and I'd be given this link which is pretty nifty.  Come to find out female coloration can vary and this is a she!  Swoon, this is why I love birding as you learn something new everyday you get out there.

Take care all.

Brierly Conservation Area-The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

I'd head back to Brierly today with Alan in hopes for an actual view of a Swainson's Thrush and we'd get there early which would immediately pay off because as soon as we got out of the parking lot we'd be inundated with bird song with warblers being the main chorus.  I'd play my new game of ID the outlier and could have sworn I heard a Blackburnian mixed in with the crew and sure enough we'd get not one but two and great looks of one no less!  I'd also hear what I thought was another Canada Warbler (in a different area then when Dan spotted one) and we'd both be rewarded with a nice view of it so it's nice to know all my warbler song practice is starting to pay off!  We'd reluctantly leave the parking lot but we had places to go and Swainson's to see so off we went toward Mount Ararat where we'd be thrilled to get a Yellow-throated Vireo Alan heard as we made out way up the incline.  The other highlight here would be a very vocal Great-crested Flycatcher calling nearby.

We'd head back to the area I had my Swainson's yesterday as I'd remember it immediately due to a pink bib on the trail which was my bench mark yesterday on the birds approximate voice location and it would be then both Alan and I would see a bird fly from one end of the trail to the other, the bird would be rather still and we'd be shocked to see a bird that looked very much like a Swainson's at first glance.

As you can see in the photo above with those nice buffy spectacles as well as buffy cheek and the brownish gray overall on the back.

Pardon the photos as it was still fairly early so lighting was an issue but let me tell you, we both got killer looks of this bird as it stayed there on the log for close to five minutes paying no attention to either of us!  Swoon, this bird has now replaced the Black Vulture as my bird of the year as I never knew how sweet they are and can't get over how tame, in comparison to both the Hermit and Wood Thrush.  We'd linger around Brierly for a bit and then I'd take off on my own later in the morning and hit South Main powerlines in my annual tradition of checking for a Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

I'd make my way down the path and my ears would be overwhelmed with bird song.  The weather was perfect and it would be then I'd realize I was at the spot I've yearned for since this cold, past February when birds were all singing at once and it felt like spring.  A Baltimore Oriole was close by and singing so lovely, I'd be shocked to realize a trace of tears forming in my eyes and quickly brush them away but what can I say,  I love my birds for so many reasons with song being number one (remember it was the Phee Bee song of the Black-capped Chickadee before dawn in my yard that first opened my eyes or rather ears to birds), so I guess that's my soft spot when it comes to our feathered friends.

I'd also spot an Eastern Towhee who'd be dead silent in some lower branches totally unaware of me stalking him which made to stiffle a giggle as he was just being him and so cute as he preened and looked around.

While I never did get my Yellow-billed Cuckoo I did get some really nice looks of many breeding birds including the Prairie Warbler above which is nice as this is one of my favorite warblers of all.

I'd go home for the lunch time lull and decide to lay down for a bit as I got up early and didn't fall asleep until fairly late the night before.  I'd have my windows open and could hear a robin singing nearby as well as the local Northern Mockingbird so I'd close my eyes and just listen to him as he belted out tunes of his neighbors.  Soon enough I'd drift off and be in "la la land" but kept waking up some to check the time as I wanted to get back out before the rain.  I'd have spotty dreams with the last one being my annual "I can't ID this bird" dream I seem to get every year and this one's a doozy like all the others.  I believe it was a bird club event as I'd be on a trail with a bunch of birders and would only know two (Alan and Kevin).  Suddenly I'd spot a bird and shout out to the others as I had no idea what it was as its butt was to me so wanted others on it before it flew off!  I'm lousy in my conscience life of trying to describe locations of birds so it would only ring true in dream land too as no one could spot it so they asked me to describe it.  Suddenly the small little bird would fan its tail like an American Redstart and then turn around and be speechless as this is what I'd see.

That's right folks, the face of the zebra of one of my favorite gums of all when I was a child (Bubs Daddy sour apple was number one).  I'd remain speechless as everyone was waiting for me to describe the bird but couldn't as I was too embarrassed and then the dream ended which woke me up of course and was thrilled to see it was a dream and not the "real deal".  HA  ;-).  Don't' know why I share some of the stuff I do with you really I don't but I guess it's to give you a better glimpse of my mind sometime.

Anyhow, I'd head back to Brierly and would see three Turkey Vultures flying by so take a quick look at them and continue to lock my car when I'd hear an almost grunt type noise coming from their location so of course I look as I've never heard a noise like that coming from a TV before.  And the reason I wouldn't is because it would be a Fish Crow all by itself and doing it's distinct call before landing in a tree nearby.  It seems as if Fish Crow sightings are a lot more frequent for many here in Worcester County this year and I'd be happy to have my second sighting already this spring.

I'd decide to do a little bush whacking in an area Alan and I are convinced is filled with fabulous birds we can't see from the main trail and it wouldn't take long for me to see one of the other pair of Chestnut-sided Warblers I've often wondered about as they were closer to the main trail in years past so it was nice to see they are still in the general area.  The rain would start to fall some so headed for the shelter of the woods as I didn't want to go home just yet.

Bird song would continue to dwindle the further I went into the woods and be replaced by light rain drops falling on leaves as I made my way around the windy mountain bike trails.  Two Ovenbirds would be nearby making contact calls to one another and I'd be in my element as both their faint, rapid chip notes and the sound of rain was nice on the ears after all the bird chatter just a few moments prior.  Soon enough the rain would pick up some and I'd remind myself it wasn't the best time to get lost so make my way back toward the main trail and to my car.

I'd be making my way back past the pond the beavers have made this year when my ears would pick up on something fairly distant but it was distincitive and would be the call of the Black-billed Cuckoo.  I'd stop for a bit as I wanted to hear all three of its coos and after a while and a little moving around I'd hear them all but it wasn't easy.

FYI, for some reason I can't post any of my YouTube videos directly on Blogger this evening so if you really want to listen to some lousy audio of the bird you can do so here Black-billed Cuckoo Millbury .

And lastly a very lousy photo of a bird which is now one of my favorite this year which is the Veery as I find them not at all shy and fascinating to watch long term with a pair of binoculars.  I'd find him on the main path where he'd take two hops and stop to look around (kind of robin like, but not as clumsy).  Anyhow I'd edge up closer to him waiting for it fly off and it paid no attention to me as it turned over leaf litter and even appeared to gobble up some leaves!  I'd finally call out to him to let him know I was coming though and the little bugger would fly right into a shrub nearby which pissed off a female Northern Cardinal so not sure if the Veery flew right into the Cardinals nesting spot but it made for an interesting way to end a fabulous weekend of birding!

Take care all.

More Spring Migration Birding

I'd do more birding this past week and would take Thursday off to do some birding with Alan and one of our first stops would be the place the Worm-eating Warbler is known to breed.  After some patience and pishing it would be obvious the bird wasn't around so hope it's just late in arriving and will show up soon.

Next would be Little Chauncey to Big Chauncey in Westborough where the wind would be fierce keeping the birds out of view.  We did spot a flycatcher though and we couldn't get the bird to sing so have no idea if it was a Willow or Alder which was very frustrating but were happy none the less that they are starting to arrive.

We'd finally make our way to Big Chauncey where we'd get our 1st pocket of birds including Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Redstart, Warbling Vireo and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher like the goofy one above.  Love this photo as he looks "bugged out"

Tiger Swallowtail on the way out feeding on mud which is something I've never seen before so it was nice to learn something new.

We'd both head home and then head to Bolton Flats for Bart's Forbush trip and be thrilled to get the Common Gallinule as well as three White-crowned Sparrows like the one above.  After that the bird club would hit Pine Hill Road where we'd be dismayed to see there was a fire there last week and some habitat to the right right at the main start of the path is burnt so it will be interesting to see what that habitat is like next year.  Dawn was there and she'd pick out a Common Nighthawk flying above which made for a sweet and early FOY.  Other FOY's for both Alan and I would be American Woodcock and Eastern Whip-poor-will.

There'd be another Forbush Bird Club trip Saturday in the Millbury area lead by Alan.  We'd all meet at the Millbury Bike Path where there'd already be many birds including the Warbling Vireo above.  Bonus bird toward the beginning of the path would be an Orchard Oriole Dan had spotted which was a treat and part of a continuing trend county wide as these birds appear to be everywhere compared to last years anemic numbers.

Canada Geese and goslings on the Blackstone River.

We'd just finish looking at a Blackpoll Warbler when a sandpiper would be spotted (pun intended) and we'd all assume Spotted at first considering that's who is usually around here but be thrilled to find out it was a Solitary.

A treat and nice FOY.

Next would be Sutton for the Grasshopper Sparrow and sure enough it would be around and in view allowing all trip members a nice view.

We'd hit Brierly next where we'd add to the list including the Scarlet Tanager above and some Ruby-throated Humminbirds.  Bonus bird of this spot would be a Canada Warbler Dan spotted which was a first in this spot that I know of.

I'd head back out on my own after lunch and the mid day lull with two goals in mind.  1.  Work on my patience when it comes to birding.  I'd noticed a pattern with Dan and his method of birding which is the fact that he lingers around areas instead of rushing through which is something I know I do.  His patience paid off when he got the Canada so figured if it works for him than it may for me!  2.  Swainson's Thrush.  The bird I had as my ring tone for 6 months last year and one I didn't have for the county so was hoping Saturday would be the day that would change!  I'd first go to Butler Farm in Millbury where I'd spot another Common Nighthawk flying by.  My patience paid off as I got really nice looks at a Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush and two Ovenbirds with one on the ground which was funny to see.

Cedar Waxwings on the apple trees which is always nice on the eyes!

One of two Chestnut-sided Warblers who'd be busy gathering nesting material.  I'd head out deep in the woods in hopes for a Swainson's and once again get lost which is a common thing whenever I venture into Brierly alone.  It paid off in the end though as the wrong path was the right path when I spotted the Barred Owl flying by as I flushed it out.  Other highlight would be the many Yellow-rumped Warblers near the pond as well as an Eastern Wood-peewee.

After finding my way out I'd be happy to see my first soaring Broad-winged Hawk of the year which is always nice and was happy I could ID it only seconds after getting my bins on it due to it being in a nice position with the sun just right.  I'd continue to go deep in the woods keeping my ears out for a Swainson's and soon enough I'd hear one deep in the woods!  Out would come the camera in hopes for an Audio record shot and be happy to get it even if it was a little far out.

You'll have to turn up the volume on you computer some most likely as it was far out but I'd be happy it was close enough to capture via the camera as it's a song I've longed for since early last year.  A sweet FOY and I'd be happy my persistence paid off in the end and I'd be rewarded with its lovely song.

Take care all.

Searching for Maggie!

I'd head out this past rainy Sunday morning in search for a few target birds.  My first stop of Oakhurst for the Grasshopper Sparrow and it wouldn't take long for me to hear its chip note nearby.  After waiting about 5 minutes of so it would finally to its "tick tock tazeeeee" song which was good enough for me as I didn't want to over pish it as to not stress the poor little guy out.  Next would be Uxbridge Community Garden considering I was curious what would be around for spring migration and there wouldn't be anything new but did get probably my best photo ever of a Bobolink.

Next would be Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge for the 2nd year Orchard Oriole Beth and Paul had the day prior and there'd be lots of birds around including a Baltimore as soon as I got out of my car.  After wondering around the maze a while I'd hear what I thought was the Orchard and be thrilled to see I was right once I made my way out of the maze.

Er....Um....Not the best photos as you can see but I'll take it as it was starting to rain again.  I'd go back home to change my socks and put on waterproof boots and head back out as there was one bird I still had to get which was Magnolia Warbler and I was getting a complex considering Nancy had them at Riverbend on Saturday and couldn't get one despite putting in a lot of effort while looking for the Orchard Oriole.

I'd strike out there but be over whelmed with the numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers as they'd be everywhere along with the American Redstarts.  Unwilling to admit defeat I'd head to Butler Farms where I'd see a Blue-winged Warbler hovering which was a first for me and was happy to get a photo of it.  Soon enough it was time to go home for a bit.

I needed to run an errand late Sunday afternoon in West Boylston so decided to stop at Kristoff Pig Farm hoping for a Magnolia there as well as the hopeful Ruffed Grouse I flushed there two years ago and would strike out on both but did pick up my FOY Indigo Bunting.

I'd get an email from Alan today telling me he got a Magnolia at Brierly today so off I went after work hoping for the same luck.  Yellow-rumped Wablers would be everywhere again with the sun in such a position they'd look almost yellow underneath at times which made for some serious birding with there being so many and them all being so quick!

Of course I didn't mind much considering they were all singing at once and I think I can finally say I have their song forever imprinted in my memory so appreciated the lesson.  I'd have my ears open for the Magnolia though and thought I could hear one here and there but was never 100% confident with the combined singing of the Yellow-rumped and redstarts so would be thrilled when I found it by itself in a shrub.

Swoon.  Seriously, this is one warbler that makes me weak in the knees with its loveliness.  It would even sit still long enough for me to savor it with my bins and attempt the photo above.  Should note I also go a FOY Red-shouldered Hawk Alan had spotted there earlier in the week.  Little bugger threw me for a serious loop though considering it was the size and shape of a Red-shouldered as it was close enough for me to spot it perched nearby and I did this naked eye.  I'd be looking at it "face on" which gave me a good look at it's body and heavily striped chest and buffiness around the face but it still had its juve plumage from last year which threw me off as I've never encountered a RS like that and had no idea they held onto their juve plumage as long as they do.  Posted on the Hawk Watch site on FB and from what I read, they indeed do so you learn something new everyday!

Take care all.