June 2022

Field Notes: First Confirmed Breeding of Sandhill Cranes in Worcester County, Massachusetts

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:10 GMT

Sandhill Crane parent with two juveniles approximately 10–12 weeks old, July 25, 2021. All photographs are by Alan Rawle.

In the October 2020 Bird Observer, Volume 48, Number 5, we reported on the first documented nesting attempt by Sandhill Cranes in Worcester County, in Hardwick. Neither of two observed colts survived beyond the first three to four weeks after hatching. The 2021 season resulted in a better outcome, as what we believe was the same adult pair—Sandhill Cranes exhibit nest-site fidelity—produced two offspring that eventually matured and accompanied their parents throughout at least mid-October.

Field Notes: Second Record of Painted Bunting in Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:09 GMT

Painted Bunting. All photographs by the author.

I write the bird column for the Sheffield Times that focuses on the birds of Sheffield, so I get inquiries and questions from local Sheffield residents regarding birds they have observed. A Sheffield couple who are avid gardeners and thoroughly enjoy feeding the birds called me on December 2, 2021, regarding a male Painted Bunting they believed was frequenting their birdfeeders. They live less than two miles from the center of Sheffield. I rushed right over because they live only five miles from me.

Field Notes: Carolina Wrens Nesting Observations

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:08 GMT

I am an amateur birder, and the following account is based on my personal observations. On June 19, 2021, in Brewster, Massachusetts, I noticed a Carolina Wren on one of the three hanging plants on my front porch as I watered the plants. I did not notice the bird again until I started to pour water into one of the hanging pots on June 24, and the Carolina Wren flew out at me. While the bird was away from the nest, I used a stool to observe inside the pot more closely and determined that there were eggs in a hole in the dirt approximately two inches deep by two inches in diameter. The plant and dirt surrounding the hole was raised up forming a dome over the eggs approximately five inches tall.