One member reported a ruby-throated hummingbird at his house just before he left for the trip. Counted at the Center before the group left were American Robin, many house sparrows, blue jay, chipping sparrow, house finch, American crow, both rock and mourning doves and a loud northern cardinal. Then off to the Athol Water Treatment Plant.
A European starling was counted on the way and a calling black and white warbler plus red-winged blackbirds greeted the birders at the entrance to the plant road. The first of two nests of our state bird, the black-capped chickadee, was located as we observed an adult bird carrying nesting material to the entrance hole. The "Teakettle!, Teakettle! Teakettle!" call of an elusive Carolina wren (and also a calling house wren) rang out near the entrance. A pair of wood ducks, America's most beautiful duck, and several common grackles flew over as we listened to the singing of spring peepers at the first pool we visited. Farther on a feeding downy woodpecker, warbling vireo and several bright yellow warblers flitted about in the bushes. Jeff located a rose-breasted grosbeak that sang from the top of a birch tree close to the river. A large number of yellow-rumped (myrtle) warblers swarmed around the birders. These birds were eating black flies for which we were thankful! Bruce Scherer alerted us to the take-off of a rare American bittern. Everyone got a great look at this increasingly scarce bird.
Next a swamp sparrow called its spring song from the top of an alder bush and many colorful American goldfinches, now in their nuptial garb, flitted about. Some saw a tail-wagging palm warbler, and a single mallard flew over. An eastern phoebe and a song sparrow joined the count and a swift, low flying spotted sandpiper was observed as it flew up river. The metallic call notes of the Virginia rail was heard. With coaxing this very hard to see bird walked out of the reeds and was seen by all. For many this was a life list species as were several others birds found on the trip. Much beaver work was noted in the area, but the only mammal seen here was a muskrat. The call notes of a northern waterthrush (a ground warbler) and the "Drink your tea!" song of the rufous-sided towhee were noted as we walked back towards the cars. Someone pointed out the beautiful blooming shad bushes reflecting in the pools on the edges of the wet meadow. At this point the little blue jay like call of the midget blue-gray gnatcatcher was picked out from all the other calls and with care this tiny bird was located and all saw it. As we loaded up the cars for the next stop on the trip the loud "Peter! Peter! Peter!" call of the tufted titmouse gave us another species for the growing count.
While on the way to the trestle bridge, Lawrence and Joan Duprey, saw tree swallows hawking over the Millers River. American black duck, northern rough-winged swallow and a huge great blue heron were found at this stop. An angry gray squirrel scolded us from a tree as we left the area. Page 2 (First May Migration Field Trip)
Next stop was at South Athol Pond where a flock of gulls was seen but the species could not be told. A noisy norther flicker called as a majestic turkey vulture soared over us. A newly arrived eastern kingbird sat in the top of a nearby tree while a purple finch sang from across the road. Two Canada geese flew in and some saw a male brown-headed cowbird.
On route to the Womens Federated Forest, our last stop, a handsome lawn was seen glowing with yellow dandelions while beyond, close to the road, a vernal pool was admired.
At the entrance to the Forest the first of several blue-headed (once called solitary) vireos was heard. Many black-throated green warblers sang from all along the roadside. One member thought the call sounded like "Athol Bird and Nature Club!" What do you think? Next another northern waterthrush and a ruby-crowned kinglet were heard. Those most elusive pine warblers were calling from about 50' up in some red pines. After much work they were finally seen. With much work Jeff called in an ovenbird. Both Jeff and the bird called "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" at each other. This call is heard so often in the deep woods in late spring and early summer. Have you heard it yet? A walk to the pond produced a great view of a pair of wood ducks resting on a floating log. We also saw a basking painted turtle.
Our stroll beside Fever Brook was rewarded with good looks at a Louisiana waterthrush. These birds wag their tails constantly so as to blend in with the turbulent water they live and nest by. They also have an extremely loud call so that they may be heard over the sound of the water. A broad-winged hawk soared overhead and deep within the woods a pileated woodpecker called.
The day had become nicer as the trip progressed and the total species for the day was over 50. Next Friday, weather permitting, Jeff will lead the second of our May trips. Why not come too? Meet at the Center at 7:00 a.m. and enjoy the march of spring!
Dave Small
Athol, Massachusetts
www.dhsmall.net/
If you wish to volunteer to lead a trip please contact
Sue Cloutier at 978-544-7500
or Dave Small