Downtown Peregrine Falcons and Local Red-tailed Hawks

Downtown Worcester has quieted down some since the juvenile Peregrine Falcon's have left town but the adults still remain. In fact, I see them more now than when they were nesting because they have moved away from the nest box, and spend most of their time around City Hall and the Flagship building. I'm guessing this is where they like to be after nesting as this is where they were when I started tracking them this past February. Once the urge to mate and nest takes over, off they go to the Unum building where they will stay until their young leave and they are on their own again.
I'm not totally certain this is the female, but guessing here based on her size as well as her overall behaviour when I was watching her yesterday over near the Catholic Church next to the Flagship Building. Gone is her fierce, protective maternal instinct as she spends much of her time on top of this cross where she likes to preen or next to the male on the Flagship logo.
The only time there is any drama now is when one of them decides to score themselves a little lunch and then chaos erupts as Rock Pigeons take to the sky determined not to be on the menu. I try and get pictures, but the falcons are too fast. They have shallow yet powerful wing beats and the speed of their flight gets them from point A to point B in a matter of milliseconds and I'm not quick enough with the camera yet to capture it, but enjoy it just the same with my binoculars.
After a while neither the pigeons nor the falcons are in the air anymore and there is one less pigeon on the ledge who had the misfortune of being too slow. The rest go on their favorite spot which is right near the bus stop waiting for the man who brings them stale bagels every afternoon and throws them whole onto the lawn of the 446 Main Street building. Swarms of Rock Pigeons, House Sparrows and European Starling arrive and fight amongst themselves and others for their fair share as the Peregrine Falcon sits on top of the Flagship logo having its own lunch. This is the bird world that goes on in urban downtown Worcester and a world that most don't see for they are too busy running for the bus, texting their friend or being hauled into the paddy wagon, I will take this world any day over the later.

Picture from July right across Crompton Park

The Red-tailed Hawks I blogged about in the past and took pictures of in July near Crompton Park are frequently around too. I saw them today with my binoculars over near the park where they would circle and soar in the air for a while and then kite. There are still two of them and they have been expanding their range a little closer to downtown some since the Peregrines have ceased beings so territorial. It will be interesting to see if they stick around all winter. My guess is they will as that area is their home base and are probably the two I saw last February.

Just thought I would give an update on the falcons. Take care all.

Barrow's and Common Goldeneye Sudbury Reservoir

I had the day off today so ventured off with Alan to various places including Scar Hill where we saw the regulars such as Horned Grebes, Common Goldeneye and Hooded Mergansers. Next it was onto Mile Hill Road where the only birds we saw were 13 Long-tailed Ducks who were too far away for a decent photo.

Our next destination was the Sudbury Reservoir in search of the Barrow's Goldeneye we had read about on MassBird earlier this week. We went to the area near the powerline and could see a large congregation of Ring-necked Ducks and Common Goldeneye as shown above. Notice how this drake Common Goldeneye has a black head and round and white spot on its face.
Alan was able to pick out what appeared to be a Barrow's Goldeneye so we went to another location to get a better look at it which was out on some rocks. Let me tell you it was freezing on the waters today. The north winds were strong with no sun for warmth so birding today on the water was for the hearty only! You forgot about the wind and cold once you saw the Barrow's as it is such a beautiful and special bird. Notice the flatter head, the white crescent on its face (lores) (picture below) and the unmistakable black spur this bird has as you can see in the picture above.
Another photo that will show the crescent on the lores as well as the white spots on its back vs. the mostly white on the Common Goldeneye. Awesome bird to see and was happy just getting pictures as this bird was very far away and the scope was on the highest magnification it could be on and usually when that happens my pictures come out so lousy you don't even know what the bird is! Oh, and I also spotted a deer tick while there that was crawling up my leg once I got in the car (just a reminder to all to keep checking as they are still out there).

After that we figured we were on a roll so decided to head out to Ipswich for the 7 Cackling Geese that were reported there on Massbird. On our way there we drove past Hager Pond in Marlborough and what do we see?? Why more banded Ring-billed Gulls of course!!! Yes, that's right folks another gull post. I believe the tags on this first cycle gull is A294 but can't be 100% certain due to how the tags were curled up on the ends. Not to mention this gull was not being at all cooperative. I had to laugh when I saw him though because it reminds me of those arm floats you put on kids before they hit the swimming pool. Too funny!
Alan had his scope on the bird as I tiptoed on a rocky embankment clinging to the guard rail that was the only thing between me and a very busy route 20 in an effort to get a better view of the number to report to DCR and for pictures obviously! Anyhow, the gull looked a little sick to me or just depressed. Perhaps it was just banded recently and is just exhausted by the experience. Also, notice how all of the other gulls are standing far away from him as if the hunter orange tags may be contagious or something. No wonder such the long face!
And just when you thought it couldn't get more exciting check out #105 which is an adult Ring-billed Gull. This bird too had a depressed look to him, I mean is he the picture of happiness or what?? The poor bird looks as if he just lost his best friend or something. I guess the gulls don't like the tags too much.
Interestingly enough, there were three Great Black-backed Gulls mixed in with the Ring-billed, but no Herrings that we could see of.
And another record shot of a first cycle Ring-billed Gull eating natural food instead of french fries which I consider very picture worthy!

Hager Pond, Marlborough

We finally did make it to Ipswich where we drove around for a while trying to locate the Cackling Geese. We never were able to see them due to the fact that all of the Canada Geese were hiding behind some fencing at a horse farm so good views to try and pick out the Cackling Geese was close to impossible as they were too far away to get a good look at the bills or an overall size comparison. We did see this Northern Harrier above though. Notice how long the tail and the wings are.
Another shot that shows its white rump and if you click on the pictures, you will see those geese on the left! Grrrrrr......Too far away to get a good look at them from the side of the road at any angle. Just saw that they had it on MassBird again this afternoon. Such is life I suppose. Have thought about cropping this picture into pieces to see if I can identify one in the bunch that way but it would probably be impossible. ;-)

eBird lists today:

Scar Hill Wachusett Res

9 Common Goldeneye
2 Common Merganser
3 Horned Grebe
2 Blue Jay
5 American Crow
15 American Robin
2 Song Sparrow3 White-throated Sparrow
20 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)


Mile Hill Road
Species
13 Long-tailed Duck

Southborough, Sudbury Res

75-Ring-neck Duck
1 Bufflehead
8 Common Goldeneye
1 Barrow's Goldeneye

Cool Blog Alert!-The Gulls Of Appledore

I came across this blog called The Gulls of Appledore and wanted to share it all with you (it's also on my Blogroll for New England).

Anyhow, the blog is run by Dr. Julie Ellis who has been banding Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls in Maine since 2004 in an effort to Research their population trends along the coasts of Maine and the effects that these two species have on coastal marine communities of New England.

I got an email from Julie this evening asking me to be on the lookout for these particular banded gulls and thought I would pass the word along as I know I do get some readers from both the New England and Mid Atlantic coasts.

Take care.

Information on Sunday's Tagged Ring-billed Gulls

DCR got back to Alan and I with the information on the Ring-billed Gulls we saw Sunday at Indian Lake and thought I would share in case any of you were waiting patiently in eager anticipation on what we could find out! Anyhow, here's the lowdown on the clever little A42

Captured 10/3/08 at Worcester Hotel & Conference Center, Worcester, MA
Captured using a rocket net baited with bread and cheezits
Adult ring-billed gull
Florescent orange wing-tags: A42
Red leg band: RZ

Sightings:
10/07/08: White City Plaza, Shrewsbury, MA
11/03/08: Lincoln Plaza, Worcester, MA
11/23/08: Lincoln Plaza, Worcester, MA
12/03/08: Gull Count, Wachusett Reservoir
12/05/08: Lincoln Plaza, Worcester, MA
12/17/08: Lincoln Plaza, Worcester, MA
02/10/09: Coney Island Beach, NY
03/16/09: Lincoln Plaza, Worcester, MA
03/20/09: Lincoln Plaza, Worcester, MA
08/04/09: Lincoln Plaza, Worcester, MA
10/27/09: Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester, MA
10/30/09: Gull Count, Wachusett Reservoir

As you can see the adult Ring-billed Gull has a liking for cheezits (a very popular food among the gulls) and also decided to take a little winter vacation this year to Coney Island, for hot dogs and pretzels I'm sure!

And of course, the docile little 1st cycle Ring-billed Gull number 290.

Captured 10/27/09 at Lake Quinsigamond State Park, Worcester, MA
Captured using a rocket net baited with crackers
Juvenile ring-billed gull
Florescent orange wing-tags: A290
No colored lag band

This was actually the first sighting of the gull so it is obviously sticking close to home but starting to venture out some.

And just a reminder that DCR will be the guest speaker at this months Forbush Bird Club meeting which should be very interesting. Keep reporting those gulls!

Take care all

Birding Grafton and Millbury

American Tree Sparrow picture taken last winter at Fisherville Pond in Grafton

I did some local birding in Grafton and Millbury Sunday afternoon and one of my first stops was Fisherville Pond in Grafton hoping to see some interesting waterfowl and sparrows. I had spent numerous hours here last winter as the place was always filled with various sparrows including Song, White-throated and my favorite which was the American-tree Sparrow which had a very large flock here.

Imagine my disappointment when I got there yesterday afternoon to see that all of the scrubby brush these birds would hide and feed on, where cleared away and replaced with pavement and what looks to be a baseball field. I sat there for a few minutes with the feeling of disgust I get whenever I see birdy land destroyed by humans but then decided to venture over to the power lines to get myself out of my funk.

While there were no American-tree Sparrows yet, there were plenty of others including a flock of White-throated Sparrows feasting on something that resembles Elderberry to me. This sparrow's diet consists of fruit in both winter and summer, but I had never seen them so engrossed in berry eating before as it's usually seeds so it was really interesting to watch.
And yet another OUT OF FOCUS shot of one eating the berries. Seriously, this is going to be my photo nemesis bird for the winter, I can just feel it.
As always, plenty of Dark-eyed Juncos. One interesting thing about these birds is they have to come to my yard. Last year at this time, they were all over the place eating my weed seeds and nyjer.
Further into the powerlines came a flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets and a couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets and it was nice to see them both in the same area at the same time.
I decided to head to Dorothy Pond in Millbury to see if there were any Ring-necked Ducks or Buffleheads there because I had seen quite a few of them during spring migration at this location but the only thing there were 7 YES 7 Mute Swan's! The first set of 5 were a family that consisted of 2 adults and 3 first year swans, and then over on the other side of the pond were 2 adult Mute Swans all on their own.
First time I have seen them here and I am guessing (and praying) they are migrating because 7 is just too many.

Take care all.

Yes it's Another Gull Post

Did my usual Sunday birding today and once again it was for gulls and ducks which seem to be building in larger numbers daily. I was very glad to get out there for the gulls since I am in the middle of a really good book called Gulls: A Social History by Frank Graham. It's an older book I picked up at the Ben Franklin Book Store in Worcester but it is so interesting I can't put it down. Yes, I take my gulls very seriously and am starting to build up a mini-library right along side my Raptor library and bird guide library. You know I think the bird is special if it has it's own library! ;-)

Anyhow, I started off at Lake Singletary in Millbury this morning hoping for Scaup or a Ruddy Duck but was greeted with the elusive Millbury tagged gull instead. Alan and I had seen this gull a couple of weeks ago and reported it to the DCR and they emailed him back asking for more information because we had reported it as tagged with the number 4. That was all we had so I was very excited to see the gull today to try and get more information. The sun was totally not in my favor so couldn't make out the numbers to the left with my scope or the binoculars so had to settle for the camera and lighten the pics when I got home. I am thinking it looks like 405 4 or 409 4, but can't tell for certain! Little bugger!

I also saw a very cooperative Blue Jay while there so had to get its picture.
After that I decided to head to Indian Lake in Worcester with Alan to see what was there and what do we see but more banded gulls of course! Allow me to introduce you to the Ring-billed Gull above number A42 who is also sporting an attractive ankle bracelet to go with his tag. ;-)
And as you can see #A42 is none to happy with its attire and spent most of the time we were there trying to strip itself of the annoying tag and the picture shows this bird may actually be able to pull it off!
And then there was this docile first cycle Ring-billed gull number 290 who didn't even seem to notice that tag on its wing. We also saw two other tagged Ring-billed Gulls that were too far away to get a number, even with a scope. Just a reminder to all of you, especially in Worcester County, to report any tagged gulls you see as the DCR likes to keep track (the link is in the first paragraph to this post).
There were also other gulls who were not decked out in hunter orange this AM, including this other first cycle Ring-billed Gulls as well as a first cycle Herring Gull whose picture came out lousy so am not posting it.
And speaking of Herring Gulls, we saw 25 of those today including the one above eating REAL, UNPROCESSED food-can you imagine! It was so note worthy that I had to take a picture of course.
Oh, and I finally know what Herring Gulls remind me of. You know those old Black and White gangster movies that Humphrey Bogart was in when he first started acting in the late 30s? He was always with these other shady, dark characters with those sinister eyes, well that's the Herring Gull in a nutshell, serioulsy. We also had an adult Great Black-backed Gull there too so now I have both on my Worcester County list for the season so mission accomplished!
That's not all that was there obviously and the most striking thing at Indian Lake this morning were the 320 Common Mergansers scattered in large flocks throughout the lake.

I was able to get some of my favorite shots of birds which are those where they are in flight.
And a Mallard flight shot too, just because! I also did some other birding on my own this afternoon which I will post about tomorrow. Take care everyone.

List from Indian Lake today:

18--Canada Goose
1--Mute Swan5--Mallard
3--Bufflehead
25Hooded Merganser
320--Common Merganser
5--Double-crested Cormorant
1--Great Blue Heron
75--Ring-billed Gull
25--Herring Gull (American)
1--Great Black-backed Gull
6--American Crow
5--Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)

Red-headed Woodpecker-Dracut, MA & Other Birds

Alan and I headed out to Dracut, MA this morning in hopes of getting the Red-headed Woodpecker I was anxious to see all week- but couldn't because of work.
We were expecting the place to be a madhouse with limited parking so was shocked to see there were only two other birders there trying to get a look at it themselves.
We used our binoculars and our scopes and scanned the trees and for some reason I decided to look up on the very tip top of the dead tree that people on MassBird keep referring to and wouldn't you know he was there all the time hiding!
This allowed for some very nice views with just the eye, the binoculars and the scope. I took the pictures above using Alan's scope and love how the camera was able to pick up those glorious feathers this bird has. One a scale of 1-10 for handsomeness, this bird is a 10! I could have gawked at him all day!
Back view. Love the colors on this bird with the red, black and the white secondaries and rump.
Also love the white underparts. All of these wonderful colors made for good photos because it was easy to get a decent contrast on the bird so the pictures didn't come out washed out.
It would take turns flying from this dead tree and then over to a cluster of smaller trees that still have leaves on them so getting looks at them there was a little more challenging. I never did see the juvenile, but one of the other birders that was there got a quick look at it over at the cluster of trees before it flew back into hiding.
Soon enough a Sharp-shinned Hawk decided to make a pit stop in that same area and we were all crossing our fingers that the hawk wouldn't decide to dine on either woodpecker as it would have kind of ruined the mood! As soon as the sharpie came the drumming stopped and there was no more flying as both the adult and juvenile decided it would be best to lay low. So with that Alan and I took off back toward Central Massachusetts to see if we could get any waterfowl. Should mention one added bonus before we left though which was a Rusty Blackbird in some trees near the side street! Very cool to see and I loved its pale iris which was very easy to see even with just binoculars!
Flight shot of the Red-headed Woodpecker, I kid you not!! Have no idea how it came out this way. It looks like a flying turtle or acorn! HA
We decided to stop at Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough to see what was there and was very happy to not only see many Ring-billed Gulls, but some Herring Gulls and a Great Black-backed Gull as well! I was even more happy thinking this was Worcester County and I don't have either the GBB or the Herring for Worcester County this season, so was kind of bummed to find that Marlborough is in fact in Middlesex County. Doh!!!!
There were also a ton of Ruddy Ducks there. So many that it was overwhelming. Also had Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers and a Pied-billed Grebe (see list below for full count and be sure to look at the Ruddy Duck number!!). We also stopped at the Sudbury Reservoir in Southborough where we saw 253 Ring-necked Ducks!
And a picture of frost on grass this morning. It was bone chilling cold out this AM!! Take care everyone.

5 --Canada Goose 19 --Mallard 1 --Ring-necked Duck 11 --Hooded Merganser 21 --Common Merganser 220 --Ruddy Duck 1 --Pied-billed Grebe 1 --Red-tailed Hawk 95 --Ring-billed Gull 4 --Herring Gull 1 --Great Black-backed Gull 1 --Song Sparrow