ANNOUNCEMENTS

June 22, 2020 NOTICE RE: COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS & UPCOMING EVENTS
We are following public health reports and recommendations as they unfold.
Our indoor program season has ended. We will resume our monthly programs in September.
It remains to be seen whether our fall programs will be in a public setting or online.
Outdoor field trips with precautionary guidelines will be offered this summer.
Stay tuned. Stay healthy!

June 22, 2020

HARDWICK SANDHILL CRANES RELOCATED
In our last newsletter, we announced the first documented breeding of Sandhill Cranes in Worcester County, with the discovery of a pair with recently-hatched chicks in Hardwick. On June 14th, nearly a month after the young were hatched, the pair of adults was found in a large beaver pond wetland with a large shrub component, habitat they typically prefer. The pair was observed for several hours over a period of three days, and unfortunately the young birds were not seen. Young birds are vulnerable to myriad predators, but often one chick survives. Sadly this was not the case for this pair. It is hoped that the pair will attempt to re-nest in the area in the future.

Meanwhile, a different pair of cranes has been observed in New Braintree since early spring. (There have been New Braintree reports in past years, too.) Many thanks to Jim "Hikingcamera" Morelly for letting us know about his sighting on 30 & 31 May 2020 at Winimusset WMA.

Sandhill Cranes, 30 May 2020, New Braintree. Photo by Jim Morelly.

Sandhill Cranes, 15 June 2020, Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

May 28, 2020

SANDHILL CRANES
WITH TWO CHICKS
SEEN IN HARDWICK

Sandhill Cranes, still considered rare-to-uncommon in Massachusetts despite a few instances of confirmed breeding in the western part of the state and an increasing number of March-November sightings scattered around the state, have not been known to breed in Worcester County.
In mid-May, two adults with two recently-hatched young were observed and photographed in Hardwick, likely the first documented breeding record for Worcester County! Generating much local excitement, the family was observed for a 2+ day period in a privately-owned grassy field alongside the marshy edge of a beaver pond. The birds departed the site around May 20th and have not been relocated. It’s speculated that the family headed west—although there is no way to be certain!—so if you are exploring the west side of Hardwick or the eastern shore of Quabbin Reservoir, keep an eye out for this special foursome.
Please contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com with any Worcester County sightings of this species and especially any family group.

April 15, 2020

SPROUTING NOW NEAR YOU:
ANOTHER PROBLEM INVASIVE

Marching up and down our roadsides and spreading into nearby properties, common orange daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva), also known as ditch lilies or tiger lilies, are extremely invasive and hard to kill once established. Native to Japan, this plant was introduced into the United States in the late 19th century as an ornamental. Their pread is accelerated by disturbance such as highway and utility construction.

Daylilies established in natural areas pose a threat to native plants in field, meadows, floodplains, moist woods and forest edges. Once established, daylily multiplies and spreads to form dense patches that displace native plants. The thick tubers make it a challenge to control.

CONTROL METHODS

Do not plant daylilies known to have weedy habits.

Plants can be dug up using a shovel to loosen the soil so that the entire root system with tubers can be removed. Otherwise, re-sprouting will likely occur.

For the same reason, do not put tubers in the compost pile. To destroy the plant and tubers once dug up, kill by covering with black plastic or burning. Unwanted plant material can also be placed in household rubbish for removal to a landfill or incinerator, but bagging (plastic) and eliminating in this manner strikes us as the least desirable method from an ecological standpoint.

FOR A HAND-OUT/POSTER (Garlic Mustard & Hemerocallis fulva) TO PRINT/SHARE, CLICK HERE.

March 30, 2020

IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME AND THE INCLINATION. . .
Here’s a suggestion for an outdoor activity that will help your local environment and provide a change of scenery from the usual indoor tasks and self-isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s simply pulling weeds. Because of the abundance and nature of this particular weed, though, you can feel quite virtuous for spending a little bit of time yanking the obnoxious invasive plant from roadsides and “waste areas.” Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate) has already sprouted and is leafing out in central Massachusetts.
The roots of garlic mustard exude antifungal chemicals into the soil that disrupt associations between mycorrhizal fungi and native plants, suppressing native plant growth. It is not beneficial to wildlife or insects; it’s difficult to control once it has reached a site; it can cross-pollinate or self-pollinate, it has a high seed production rate, it out-competes native vegetation and it can establish in a relatively stable forest understory.

. . .HELP CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS GET RID OF GARLIC MUSTARD!

Garlic mustard can grow in full sun or full shade, making it a threat to a wide variety of our native plants and habitats. Each plant can produce up to 5,000 seeds which remain viable in the soil for five years or more. Is that enough negative news to inspire you? Needless to say, this is a pest plant worthy of aggressive eradication tactics!
Manual removal of this plant has been shown to prevent the spread. Pulling by hand must remove at least the upper half of the root to prevent a new stalk from forming, and this is most easily accomplished in the spring when the soil is soft. Hand-pulling should be performed before seeds are formed and needs to be continued for up to five years in order to deplete any established seed bank.
Since seeds have not yet formed, garlic mustard may be left on pavement or driveways to dry out and die(before composting) at this time of year, or it can be bagged with regular trash.

March 31, 2020
SUPPORT RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES IN MASSACHUSETTS

      MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is responsible for the conservation and protection of wildlife species that are not considered game species and the natural communities that make up their habitats. The focus of the Program is on conservation and restoration of the 427 native plants and animals listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.
     Funding for the Program relies, in part, on individual contributions, NOT on general fund tax dollars. Your help does make a difference! It supports the field surveys, research, habitat management, regulatory review, and land protection for the hundreds of rare creatures and plants in the Bay State.
     If you care about the future of our wildlife and wild places here in Massachusetts, you can contribute in one of several ways:

1 - We’re in tax filing season -- Make a donation on your MA state income tax return on LINE 33a for Endangered Wildlife Conservation.

2 - Make a direct, tax-deductible donation --Write a check payable to “Comm. of MA-NHESP” and mail to: MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581

WOOD TURTLE by Ltshears - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2432588

3 - Donate online with your credit card as a “Guest Customer” through MassFishHunt, MassWildlife’s licensing system.
Just type MassFishHunt
https://www.ma.wildlifelicense.com/IS/Customer/InternetCustomerSearch
into your browser and log in as a Guest Customer.

Additional ways to support NHESP'S efforts can be found at
http://www.mass.gov/service-details/support-endangered-species-conservation

April 15, 2020 NOTICE RE: COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS & UPCOMING EVENTS
We recognize the seriousness of this situation and are following reports and recommendations as they unfold.
Programs and field trips have been suspended until at least May 15th.
Meanwhile, please take all recommended precautions and stay healthy!

120th Annual Christmas Bird Count
AREA RESULTS

  Quabbin Christmas Bird Count
December 28, 2019
  Compiler: Scott Surner

Mallard- 117
American Black Duck-89
Greater Scaup-  CW
Common Goldeneye-16
Hooded Merganser- 35
Common Merganser- 275
Ring-necked Pheasant -1
Ruffed Grouse – 11
Wild Turkey -89
Horned Grebe- 4
Red-Necked Grebe -1 (6th record)
Rock Pigeon – 140
Mourning Dove -150
Ring-billed Gull – 288 HC
Herring Gull – 18
Great Black-backed Gull –CW
Common Loon -5
Great Blue Heron – 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk -1
Bald Eagle- 29 [Adults -17  Imm. -12]
Red-shouldered Hawk -1
Red-tailed Hawk – 30
Great Horned Owl – 6
Barred Owl – 2
Northern Saw-whet Owl – 5
Belted Kingfisher – 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker- 39
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 4
Downy Woodpecker – 96
Hairy Woodpecker – 23
Northern Flicker – 9
Pileated Woodpecker -17
Eastern Phoebe- CW
Blue Jay – 216
American Crow – 162
Common Raven – 23
Black-capped Chickadee – 660
Tufted Titmouse – 271
Red-breasted Nuthatch – 44
White-breasted Nuthatch – 163
Brown Creeper – 25
Winter Wren -5
Carolina Wren- 20 HC
Golden-Crowned Kinglet -97
Ruby-crowned Kinglet CW
Eastern Bluebird -119 HC
American Robin - 114
Hermit Thrush – 1
Gray Catbird -2 HC
Northern Mockingbird -8
European Starling - 248
Cedar Waxwing – 164
House Sparrow – 625

Westminster
Christmas Bird Count
January 4, 2020
Compiler: Chuck Caron

Canada Goose 15
Black Duck 1
Mallard 256
Hooded Merganser 11
Common Merganser 4
Wild Turkey 167
Ruffed Grouse 1
Bald Eagle CW
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 3
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 13
Ring-billed Gull 15
Herring Gull 51
Great Black-backed Gull 30
Rock Pigeon 378
Mourning Dove 125
Great Horned Owl CW
Barred Owl 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 26
Downy Woodpecker 91
Hairy Woodpecker 23

House Finch – 33
Purple Finch – 3
American Goldfinch – 210
American Tree Sparrow – 15 (all time low)
Dark-eyed Junco – 375
White-throated Sparrow – 71
Song Sparrow – 30
Red-winged Blackbird- 6
Brown-headed Cowbird – 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler – 1 (3rd record)
Northern Cardinal – 96

60 Species - Individuals -5201

Mammals

Eastern Cottontail -1
Gray Squirrel -50
Red Squirrel- 10
Eastern Chipmunk-2
Porcupine-1
Beaver-2
River Otter-1
Red Fox-1
White-tailed Deer-1
Moose-1

HC Record high count CW Seen count week 3 days before/after

Northern Flicker 5
Pileated Woodpecker 8
Merlin 1
Northern Shrike CW
Blue Jay 315
American Crow 106
Common Raven 5
Black-capped Chickadee 786
Tufted Titmouse 393 HC
Red-breasted Nuthatch 15
White-breasted Nuthatch 130
Brown Creeper 13
Winter Wren 1
Carolina Wren 6
Golden-crowned Kinglet 17
Eastern Bluebird 50
American Robin 270
Hermit Thrush 1
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 3
European Starling 376
Cedar Waxwing 234
American Tree Sparrow 29
Song Sparrow 48
White-throated Sparrow 39
CHIPPING SPARROW 2
Dark-eyed Junco 704
Northern Cardinal 113
House Finch 76
American Goldfinch 169
House Sparrow 340

January 16, 2020
HOME OF BARN SWALLOW COLONY DESTROYED BY USFWS
From The Daily Hampshire Gazette
     HADLEY — A large barn at the center of a debate between advocates hoping to preserve it as a continued spring and summer nesting site for barn swallows and officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife concerned about the building’s safety was demolished January 6th.
https://www.gazettenet.com/Stables-building-in-Hadley-where-barn-swallows-have-nested-comes-down-31794840?fbclid=IwAR0hKePcKiWf2cRa7rva0R-5bRH5GwT-7Oe2dlofIYP5floLCZyMNgto8C0
     We are heartbroken about this! USFWS refused to consider other options. From the day it acquired the homely building the Service was determined to get rid of it and make other plans for the site. Ironically, Service staff more than once enthusiastically talked about installing an aerial insectivore exhibit to educate visitors about swallows, swifts, bats, etc. We are scratching our heads and wondering why an active swallow colony couldn’t be designated as important habitat and a public education site. (As a matter of fact, this apparently was one option the Service could have selected, but didn’t.) The Service gradually built its case for leveling the building by ignoring the opinions of construction professionals and other experts, and set about gutting the interior of the building while protests and public hearings were going strong. We think this situation reflects the horrible anti-environmental attitude of the current Federal administration as a whole.
     We are very grateful to the many volunteers and supporters who put countless months and so many resources into the efforts to protect this vital swallow habitat! Kudos to Mara Silver who studied this colony for many years and helped gather valuable information about Barn Swallow ecology and life history. We know that Mara and all the others who worked on this effort are also heartbroken. As for the swallows--our deepest sympathies to them for the loss of their long-time nesting grounds.
     We must encourage Fort River/Hadley area landowners with suitable structures to keep the structures open and allow returning Barn Swallows to nest in them.

December 30, 2019
LAST CHANCE TO SPEAK UP ON BEHALF OF BARN SWALLOWS
     In spite of overwhelming grassroots support for retention of the stables building at the Fort River section of the Silvio O. Conte NWR in Hadley, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service issued a report supporting demolition of the building. On December 4, 2019, the Service released a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Bri Mar Stable. This means that as of January 4, 2020 they can officially demolish it.
     Most of us aren’t surprised about this. Ever since USFWS acquired the building it has been building a case—preferred by the staff—to designate the building as unsafe and in need of removal, despite its importance as one of the largest Barn Swallow nesting colonies in the state and possibly all of New England. Refuge staff have put forth various plans, all of them involving significant funds, new structure(s), and “nice” new buildings in place of the rather homely and humble old stable building. The group Save Our Swallows proposed numerous options for retaining the stables, even offering a huge monetary donation toward roof replacement and more. No matter what sensible and workable suggestions were offered to USFWS at public hearings and via letters, phone calls, and meetings, Refuge staff consistently refused to seriously consider options for keeping the structure.
     This is the very last chance for the swallows and they need our help or the stable will be demolished.
     A letter drafted by Save Our Swallows' legal team outlines the legal, environmental, and procedural problems with Fish and Wildlife's FONSI, including violations of federal environmental laws --National Environmental Policy Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
It was sent to USFWS, and calls on the Service to cancel its Finding of No Significant Impact re: demolition of Bri-Mar Stable. We need you to do the same!
     Please contact the individuals listed below and request an immediate halt of the planned demolition of Bri Mar Stable due to the multiple legal, environmental, and procedural issues related to US Fish and Wildlife's Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Tell them this historically large Barn Swallow colony on a wildlife refuge must be saved!
Email the message to Andrew French and copy all others in the list below.
Andrew French: andrew_french@fws.gov
Wendi Weber: wendi_weber@fws.gov
Scott Kahan: scott_kahan@fws.gov
Sharon Marino: sharon_marino@fws.gov
Graham Taylor: graham_taylor@fws.gov
Koby Gardner Koby.Gardner-Levine@mail.house.gov
Melissa Olesen: melissa_olesen@markey.senate.gov
Abby Webber: abby_webber@warren.senate.gov

July 10, 2019

BUSY BOBOLINK VOLUNTEERS
     As part of our Grassland Bird Initiative conservation project, volunteers are keeping an eye on publicly-owned hayfields and grasslands that have nesting Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows. (We’re always on the lookout for Eastern Meadowlarks, but they are in steep decline in the state, and we have had no reports of local birds this year. Please let us know if you see any meadowlarks in central Massachusetts). Bill Platenick is making regular visits to Moore State Park in Paxton again this year, and Doug Wipf checks out the Prison Camp fields in Rutland’s DCR Ware River Watershed whenever he can. New to the monitoring line-up this year are Anne Greene and Ted Purcell, who have been keeping watch at Rutland’s Glenwood School fields. This property has just been added to our list of observation sites and is a nesting site this season for a few pairs of Bobolinks and one pair of Savannah Sparrows. It’s hoped that proposed development of soccer fields here does not take place. For now, the Town has designated “after July 4th” for first mowing. A slightly later date is more desirable, so we’re not disappointed that the fields had not yet been mowed as this newsletter is being written. Less regular monitoring is taking place at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area in Hubbardston and High Ridge WMA in Gardner. But we know that Bobolinks are present in both locations and, at the latter site, adequately protected by a late mowing date.
     Please contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com if you would like to attend future grassland bird informational meetings and learn about becoming a grassland bird monitor.

HAVE YOU SEEN ANY CLIFF SWALLOWS?
This season’s check of the site where the last known pair of Cliff Swallows in Worcester County had nested for the past two years was a big disappointment. At the private farm where a pair nested in 2018, no birds were present, and no nest was found.
Cliff Swallow colonies perhaps were never abundant in central Massachusetts, but there were many scattered throughout the region in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Cliff Swallow is yet another declining avian aerial insectivore that deserves conservation attention.
If you are out in rural areas and taking note of the birds you encounter, please watch for Cliff Swallows. Familiarize yourself with the field marks of this species as compared to Barn Swallows, which you’re more likely to encounter. Use any of the helpful websites such as Cornell’s https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ and learn more at https://www.swallowconservation.org/ .
      Please let us know if you discover Cliff Swallows in central MA nesting on barns, sheds, or other structures, or under bridges. And we’d like to know of any sightings. Contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com with any reports.

THANK YOU!

March 25, 2019
HADLEY BARN SWALLOW HABITAT IN PERIL

A large barn/stables structure that has housed a large colony of Barn Swallows for many years and has become part of the US Fish & Wildlife Service Silvio O. Conte NWR in Hadley is at risk of being demolished. As they are required to do under these circumstances, USFWS has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed actions regarding the BriMar Stables at the Fort River Division of the Silvio O. Conte Refuge. The EA is now available for public review and a comment period ending April 19, 2019.
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/FRD%20Stables%20-%20EA%20for%20Proposed%20Removal%20of%20Stable%2003-12-19.pdf

Photo by Tom Murray.

The group Save Our Swallows has launched a legal challenge and has pointed out numerous inaccuracies, premature actions, and misleading information on the part of USFWS management. The most unfortunate feature of the ongoing controversy is that Refuge managers have already begun gutting the structure, potentially making it unsuitable for swallows by altering the old structure and affecting the thermal properties. Even more distressing is that the swallows will be returning for the 2019 nesting season in April--in fact, Barn Swallows have already been reported in southern Worcester County--and the stable doors currently (March 26th) remain shut.

To read a commentary on the present situation, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSwallows/?__tn__=%2Cdk%2CP-R&eid=ARBLDFWbkAbvuYFoRY1Ckj4AdcVuGYFzVXOra0JgRelQ3z99r4xED5fWMDff80-r0x7T5Byt62UVscaN&fref=tag

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold a public informational meeting regarding the EA on Tuesday April 9, 2019, from 6 - 8 p.m., at the Service’s Northeast Regional Office, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley.

Winter 2018
Ware River Public Access Survey
Since fall 2018, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has been circulating a survey on the recreational usage of the watershed. Public input is one important source of information the DCR-DWSP uses in evaluating and improving its access policies.
The Ware River Watershed encompasses such areas as the Mount Jefferson Conservation area (Hubbardston), Mass Central Rail Trail, Ware River Rail Trail, and many other small parcels throughout central Massachusetts where Club members hike, watch birds, count butterflies, and enjoy nature in many other ways.
Follow this link to let DCR know your thoughts and opinions about how they’re managing the public use of the properties you enjoy: https://www.mass.gov/…/ware-river-watershed-public-access-m…

New dog regulations take effect on WMAs January 11, 2019
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has a long tradition of welcoming dogs on its Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Dogs are still welcome, but dog handlers must comply with new leash and waste disposal regulations. The new regulations, which take effect on all WMAs on January 11, 2019, can be viewed at:
https://www.mass.gov/news/new-dog-regulations-take-effect-on-wmas-january-11-2019

119th Annual Christmas Bird Count Results

Quabbin
   Christmas Bird Count
December 29, 2018
Compiler: Scott Surner

Canada Goose  49
WOOD DUCK 1
American Black Duck 20
Mallard  83
Common Goldeneye 19
Hooded Merganser 11
Common Merganser 128
Ruffed Grouse 9
Wild Turkey 166
Common Loon 6
Horned Grebe 1
GREAT CORMORANT 1 (Imm)
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper’s Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 24  (Imm 7) (Adults 17)
Red-tailed Hawk 26
Ring-billed Gull 107
Herring Gull 6
  Gull Sp 185
Rock Pigeon 89
Mourning Dove 231
Eastern Screech-Owl 4
Great Horned Owl 7
Barred Owl 6
Northern Saw-whet Owl 2
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 22
Downy Woodpecker 54
Hairy Woodpecker 19
Pileated Woodpecker 9
MERLIN 1
Blue Jay 21

American Crow 135
Common Raven 24
Black-capped Chickadee 568
Tufted Titmouse 205
Red-breasted Nuthatch 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 72
Brown Creeper 11
Winter Wren 1
Carolina Wren 6
Golden-cr. Kinglet 26
Eastern Bluebird 85
American Robin 262
Northern Mockingbird 11
European Starling 1093
Cedar Waxwing 157
American Tree Sparrow 83
FOX SPARROW 1
Dark-eyed Junco 207
White-throated Sparrow 83
Song Sparrow 22
Northern Cardinal 75
House Finch 33
Red Crossbill 3
American Goldfinch 65
Evening Grosbeak 20
House Sparrow 687
Total Species-58

Mammals & other
Red Fox 1
Coyote 2
Red Squirrel 26
Gray Squirrel 52 (Black Squirrel 1)
Beaver 2
Porcupine 2
Eastern Cottontail 2
Whitetail Deer 12
Opossum 1
White-footed Mouse 1
Raccoon 1
Mouse Sp 1

American Toad 1
Green Frog 1
Woolly Bear (Pyrrharctia isabella)
Caterpillar 1

* * * * * * * * *

Westminster
Christmas Bird Count
January 5, 2019
Compiler: Chuck Caron

Canada Goose 105
Black Duck 1 (low)
Mallard 271
Wild Turkey 80
Ruffed Grouse 1
Bald Eagle 1
Cooper's Hawk 3
Red-tailed Hawk 12
Ring-billed Gull 34
Herring Gull 189
Great Black-backed Gull 14
Rock Pigeon 278
Mourning Dove 176
Barred Owl 7 (record high)
Red-bellied Woodpecker 20
Downy Woodpecker 96
Hairy Woodpecker 26

Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 6
MERLIN 1
Northern Shrike 1
Blue Jay 48 (low)
American Crow 88 (low)
Common Raven 8
Black-capped Chickadee 932
Tufted Titmouse 373 (record high)
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 144
Brown Creeper 10
Winter Wren 1
Carolina Wren 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet 13
Eastern Bluebird 36
American Robin 409
Northern Mockingbird 4
European Starling 409
Cedar Waxwing 78

American Tree Sparrow 34
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 128 (low)
Northern Cardinal 97
Purple Finch 18 (high)
House Finch 104
American Goldfinch 104
Pine Siskin 2
EVENING GROSBEAK 5
House Sparrow 559

WE NOW HAVE AN OFFICIAL CLUB MASTHEAD & DESIGN!
September, 2018

It’s been a long time coming, but Ware River Nature Club has finally adopted an official design and logo!
Introducing this design is a terrific way to start our fifth season of nature and wildlife programs and field trips. We’re grateful to all the wonderful members, trip leaders, volunteers and program presenters who have helped us grow. Special thanks to Advisory Group members Todd Livdahl, Pam Landry, Anthony Costello, Linda Mueller, Ted Purcell, Barry Van Dusen, Linda Leehy, Karl Barry, and Wendy Howes who spent many hours working on this project. And a huge THANK YOU to graphic designer Joanne Delphia who donated a big chunk of professional time and expertise to help us develop the design.
We'll be working in the months ahead to incorporate this design into our various informational formats.
Watch for it!

Northern Worcester County Annual July Butterfly Count
July 7, 2018

Annual summer counts of butterflies observed in designated regions throughout the country are sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association. Thank you to the eight Massachusetts Butterfly Club members and friends who took part in this year's central MA survey.

8 Black Swallowtail
54 Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
15 Spicebush Swallowtail
1 Unidentified black swallowtail sp.
81 Cabbage White
59 Clouded Sulphur
1 Clouded Sulphur white form
16 American Copper
2 Banded Hairstreak
1 Striped Hairstreak
3 Eastern Tailed-Blue
16 Summer Azure
20 Great Spangled Fritillary
2 Aphrodite Fritillary
5 Unidentified large Fritillary sp.
2 Baltimore Checkerspot
2 Question Mark
7 Eastern Comma
1 Mourning Cloak
2 Red Admiral

Common Ringlet in Paxton in June. Timing of the count affects numbers of this species, which can be quite numerous here some years. Only one was seen this year and two last year. Photo by Bill Platenik.

Spicebush Swallowtail numbers were nearly double that of the 2017 count. Photo by Alan Rawle.

1 Red-spotted Purple
1 White Admiral
1 Northern Pearly-eye
3 Appalachian Brown
4 Unidentified large Brown sp.
23 Little Wood-Satyr
1 Common Ringlet
2 Common Wood-Nymph
32 Monarch
1 Monarch larvae
16 Silver-spotted Skipper
1 Northern Cloudywing
5 Least Skipper
366 European Skipper
1 Peck’s Skipper
2 Long Dash
3 Northern Broken-Dash
14 Little Glassywing
11 Delaware Skipper
2 Dun Skipper

July 3, 2018

Independence Day means fireworks and wildlife are undoubtedly going to mix

by Chelsea Smith
wideopenspaces.com (a hunting & fishing site)

July 2, 2014

In terms of a good, fun holiday, it’s hard to beat the Fourth of July. Annually, families and friends gather to fire up the grill, swim, play outdoor games, or get outdoors.
The real excitement, of course, comes at night. Once the sun starts to dip below the horizon, the fireworks will start.
Whether shot off by individuals in their neighborhoods or in huge display, Fourth of July fireworks are an inevitable tradition.
However, as fun as it is for us, the Fourth of July is often terrifying for animals. Anyone with pets knows the importance of bringing the cat indoors before dusk and giving the dog a sedative or a Thunder Jacket to calm them down when the explosions go off.
Animal shelters report a sudden influx of animals, domestic or stray, often wounded from their frantic attempts to escape. For wild animals, there is no such relief.

The chief cause of discomfort for animals is, of course, the deafening blasts that fireworks emit. Most animals have far more acute hearing than our own. With explosions as loud as 190 decibels, it’s no wonder the sound of fireworks elicits panic, confusion, and anxiety in animals.
Humans can suffer hearing damage at only 75 decibels, and that’s with our poorer hearing. For animals, the sound is magnified, and they often don’t know where it comes from.
The damage it does to wildlife populations is clear. When the fireworks go off, wild animals are known to run in blind panic. Animals such as deer charge into roads, increasing the number of animal-related accidents.
Birds, in particular, suffer greatly every year. According to studies conducted by the University of Guelph and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, nesting birds are known to abandon their nests in the confusion, leaving their flightless chicks alone, often to die.
These same birds have also been known to fly into buildings or out to sea, too far to return safely. Those who do return to their nests are known to suffer from weight loss, sluggishness, and poor sleep patterns in the weeks following a fireworks display.
Even after the event is over, fireworks continue to cause harm to wildlife. In addition to the clear light and noise pollution, the smoke from the explosions can cause damage to birds’ respiratory systems. Chemicals and debris pollute ponds and lakes for weeks, driving the death toll steadily upward.
There are ways for everyone to help:

Minimize the noise: The noise is the key in these events. Choose quieter options to avoid disrupting wildlife too much.
Choose fireworks with minimal waste: If you can’t clean up after it, maybe you shouldn’t shoot it off. Try to pick fireworks you can swiftly and easily dispose of after the display.
Steer clear of areas with a heavy wildlife population: If at all possible, try to shoot off fireworks in areas with as few wild animals as possible.
Laser shows: Similarly dazzling, laser shows are far less disruptive to the environment.
Dazzlers and sparklers: Opt for lesser impactful options like dazzlers and sparklers. It’ll result in slightly less noise to startle wild animals.
Drive slowly: Animals are going to be running scared. Be prepared to brake suddenly and avoid collisions.

This is an edited version of the original article.

May 2018

HELP WANTED : MONITOR PEREGRINE FALCON NEST SITES

Tom French of MassWildlife’s NHESP and state ornithologist Drew Vitz are seeking assistance in monitoring Peregrine Falcon nest sites. The good news is that numbers of falcons are increasing. The “down” side is that more help is needed to keep track of the birds.
     Many of our urban Peregrine Falcon nests are currently closely monitored every year by several dedicated observers. In addition, five nests--in Boston, Lawrence, Lowell, Springfield and Amherst--can be easily monitored by anyone because cameras have been installed, and viewing is available online. However, other nest sites are only occasionally visited by MassWildlife staff and other birders.
      Some of the falcon pairs have already hatched chicks, and banding has begun. However, some of our Peregrines are still incubating, and at least three pairs that failed early in the season due to bad weather are in the process of re-laying. As the numbers increase, staff and volunteers are really having trouble keeping up with all the pairs. MassWildlife really wants to know where all of the nesting pairs are located and the outcome. Help with observations at any of the central and west-central MA Peregrine Falcon nest sites listed to the right would be greatly appreciated. Contact andrew.vitz@state.ma.us if you can help.

Photo by Elaine Brewer, MassWildlife.

Worcester – The location of the current nest site is a big mystery. The nest box on the People’s United Bank at 120 Front Street is not occupied.
Chicopee - MassPike bridge over the Connecticut River, I-90 : This nest box is easily viewed from the boat ramp on the SE side of the bridge.
Holyoke - Muller Bridge over the Connecticut River, Rte. 202 : The best viewing is usually from the east bank and south of the bridge.
Northampton - Coolidge Bridge over the Connecticut River, Rte. 9 : The nest box can be viewed from the crew boat dock on the west side.
Deerfield  - Mt Sugarloaf :The nest ledge is generally on the right, center of the ledge. Three week old chicks will be visible by scope at the parking area on the west side of the Rte. 116 bridge over the Connecticut River.
Montague/Greenfield  - General Pierce Bridge over the Connecticut River, Montague City Road :The actual nest location is unknown
Gill  - French King Bridge over the Connecticut River, Rte. 2 (A nest box was installed, but no reports of use yet.)
Erving  - Farley Cliffs on Rte. 2 :The nest is usually on the lower left portion of the cliff, and the nest ledge is not always visible.

April, 2018

SUPPORT H. 4041—AN ACT PROTECTING MASSACHUSETTS POLLINATORS
Last year Representative Carolyn Dykema of Holliston advocated for legislation to protect pollinators by limiting use of neonicotinoid pesticides by introducing H.4041, An Act to Protect Massachusetts Pollinators.
In February, Dr. Robert Gegear, a professor of biology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, who was the keynote speaker at the Club’s Pollinator Conference in 2015, briefed legislative members and staff on the impacts that neonicotinoid pesticides have on wild and managed bee populations, underscoring the scientific argument for the sensible steps toward pollinator protection.

Dr. Gegear investigates brain-behavior relationships in pollinating insects, with particular focus on the impacts of environmental stressors on different bee species.
Neonicotinoid pesticides, commonly known as "neonics," are a class of systemic insecticide associated with negative impacts on bees and other pollinators. H.4041 would restrict use of "neonics" to licensed and trained users only.
Dr. Gegear highlighted the impacts of neonicotinoid exposure to local pollinators at levels far below the 25 parts per billion threshold identified by the EPA. In one sample, wild bees lost half their male population after only three days of exposure to 10 ppb, and half their worker population after 5 days. Queen bees, essential to the maintenance of a stable colony population, fall below 50 percent survival rates after roughly 10 days of exposure.
"This bill will significantly reduce the presence of neonicotinoids in the wild, which help to keep our native bees and other insect pollinators humming for years to come," said Dr. Gegear. "Our research has shown that bumblebee pollinators consuming field-realistic doses of clothianidin, one of the newer neonicotinoid formulations, for prolonged periods of time have increased mortality. Importantly, our research also demonstrates that neonicotinoid sensitivity varies considerably between and even within pollinators species. For example, bumblebees, one of our most important wild pollinators in the state, are twice as sensitive to neonicotinoids as honeybees."

MASS WILDLIFE STUDY OF LITTLE BROWN BATS CONTINUES
      Since the onset of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in Massachusetts, the state’s population of little brown bats has dwindled to less than 1% of what it once was. As a result of the drastic mortality from WNS, all species of cave bats that hibernate in Massachusetts are now listed as endangered on the Massachusetts Endangered Species List.
     Two species of bats—the little brown bat and the big brown bat—form summer colonies in trees, buildings, attics, barns, sheds, and other outbuildings in Massachusetts. Little brown bats also hibernate in caves during the winter, where they can contract WNS. Before WNS, little brown bats were the most common bat species in the state. Now, they are one of the species most affected by WNS in Massachusetts. We are especially interested in understanding the post-WNS status of little brown bat populations, including knowing the size and location of their colonies.
     If there is a colony of 10 or more bats on your property, please email Jennifer Longsdorf, Bat Conservation Project Coordinator, at jennifer.longsdorf@state.ma.us. Include the address, location, type of structure where the colony is (tree, building, attic, barn, shed, or other outbuilding), approximately how many bats are in the colony, and the approximate length of time the bats have been there. This information will be used to help conserve the state’s endangered population of little brown bats. Send in your reports before May 30 to be included in this year’s study. However, reports will be accepted throughout the year.

Little Brown Myotis ( Myotis lucifugus ) by Roger W. Barbour

“This is a great opportunity for the residents of Massachusetts to help in the conservation of an endangered species right in their backyard,” says Longsdorf, who is a part of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. More information HERE

April, 2018

Groton backyard Black Bear (Ursus americanus) by Tom Murray

IT'S MARCH!
BLACK BEARS ARE NOW ACTIVE
AND SEEKING FOOD.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS
THAT WILL KEEP BEARS WILD
AND OUT OF NEIGHBORHOODS

MassWildlife reminds us that it's time to take down the bird feeders. Bears will often ignore natural foods, including their favorite skunk cabbage, in favor of an easy meal at a backyard bird feeder. Other species such as wild turkeys and coyotes may also frequent bird feeders leading to a variety of nuisance issues. To avoid these problems, MassWildlife asks property owners to be proactive by removing bird feeders and other potential food sources including garbage or open compost. Individuals should also properly secure bee hives, chickens, and livestock. For those people who enjoy birds in their yard, MassWildlife suggests growing native plants, shrubs, and trees to attract birds. Adding a water feature is a big draw for birds. Taking these actions may increase the diversity of wildlife you see and will prevent the unnatural feeding of bears, turkeys, and other kinds of neighborhood wildlife.
March, 2018

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE OUR ANNUAL MEETING & SILENT AUCTION
A BIG SUCCESS!

Wet snow and gloomy, overcast skies didn’t dampen the spirits of attendees at our four-year anniversary celebration at Hartman’s Herb Farm on February 25, 2018. It was a warm and friendly setting where we learned about deciduous forests -- their importance in the ecosystem and their resiliency—and shared our enthusiasm for nature with old and new friends. Thanks to a very diverse and wild array of donations to the silent auction, the Club raised more than $300 which will be used to support future educational programs and field trips. We are very grateful to our auction donors: John and Kathy Egan, Anne Greene, Hardwick Farmers Co-Op, Barry & Lisa Van Dusen, Alan Rawle, East Quabbin Land Trust, Wendy Howes, Elise & Karl Barry, Elaine Rodecki, Ted & Cindy Purcell, Anthony Costello, Mark Wilson, and Jean Rawle.
Special thanks to Dr. Robert Askins and Dr. Owen Sholes for their presentations, the patient and professional staff at Hartman’s Herb Farm, and auction helpers Annemarie Fitzgerald and Pam Landry.

! 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 !

118th AUDUBON LOCAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS

WESTMINSTER CBC January 3, 2018 Compiler: Chuck Caron

White-throated Sparrow Photo by Alan Rawle

Black Duck 22
Mallard 359
Northern Pintail 1
Common Merganser 1
Ring-necked Pheasant 2
(surviving stocked birds)
Wild Turkey 141
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Cooper’s Hawk 3
Northern Goshawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 14
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull 29
Herring Gull 19
Iceland Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 276
Mourning Dove 214
Barred Owl 5
Great Horned Owl 2
Saw-whet Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 52
Downy Woodpecker 103
Hairy Woodpecker 36
Northern Flicker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 523

American Crow 256
Common Raven 8
Black-capped Chickadee 844
Tufted Titmouse 363
Red-breasted Nuthatch 11
White-breasted Nuthatch 208
Brown Creeper 9
Carolina Wren 3
Winter Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 23
Eastern Bluebird 47
American Robin 358
Hermit Thrush 2
Northern Mockingbird 5
European Starling 218
Cedar Waxwing 83
Common Grackle 1
American Tree Sparrow 48
Song Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 19
Dark-eyed Junco 1,017
Northern Cardinal 121
Purple Finch 1
House Finch 68
American Goldfinch 238
House Sparrow 550

ATHOL CBC December 16, 2017 Compiler: Dave Small

Thanks to Joe Superchi for this photo of the only Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found on the Athol CBC.

Canada Goose 52 Killdeer 1 America Black Duck 9 Ring-billed Gull 16
Mallard 120 Herring Gull 11
Northern Pintail cw Rock Dove (Pigeon) 518 Hooded Merganser 27   Mourning Dove 337 Common Merganser 9 Great Horned Owl 3 Horned Grebe 1 Barred Owl 3
Ringed-necked Pheasant 6 Saw-whet Owl 5
Ruffed Grouse 4 Belted Kingfisher 1
Wild Turkey 138 Red-bellied Woodpecker 55
Common Loon 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Golden Eagle 1   Downy Woodpecker 115 Bald Eagle 9 Hairy Woodpecker 32 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 Northern Flicker 1
Coopers Hawk 3 Pileated Woodpecker 15
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Blue Jay 564
Red-Tailed Hawk 19

American Crow 269
Common Raven 35
Horned Lark 20
Black-capped Chickadee 766
Tufted Titmouse 355
Red-Breasted Nuthatch 41
White-Breasted Nuthatch 189
Brown Creeper 4
Carolina Wren 10
Golden-crowned Kinglet 72
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 44
Hermit Thrush cw
American Robin 175
Northern Mockingbird 7
Starling 981
Cedar Waxwing 305
American Tree Sparrow 75
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 11
American Pipit cw
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-Throated Sparrow 69
Dark-eyed Junco 2,451
Northern Cardinal 158
Rusty Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 4
Purple Finch 4
House Finch 114
Pine Siskin cw
American Goldfinch 617
House Sparrow 451

GROTON-OXBOW CBC December 17, 2017
Compilers: Tom Murray, Julie Lisk & Ron Lockwood

Canada Goose 871
Mute Swan 16
Wood Duck 2
American Black Duck 32
Mallard 534
Green-winged Teal cw
American Wigeon 1 (new count species)
Hooded Merganser 20
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Wild Turkey 87
Great Blue Heron 3
Bald Eagle cw
Sharp-shinned Hawk 7
Cooper's Hawk 15
Northern Goshawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 47
Rough-legged Hawk 2
Merlin 1
Ring-billed Gull 27
Herring Gull 422
Iceland Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 85
Rock Pigeon 247
Mourning Dove 219
Eastern Screech Owl 1
Great Horned Owl 13
Barred Owl 13
Belted Kingfisher 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker 79
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 95
Hairy Woodpecker 25
Northern Flicker 20
Pileated Woodpecker 14
Downy Woodpecker 95
Hairy Woodpecker 25
Northern Flicker 20

Tom Murray found most of the Great Horned Owls counted on the Groton-Oxbow NWR CBC. It was dark when Tom was out owling this year, but he shared with us one his great photographs from a couple of years ago.

Downy Woodpecker 95
Hairy Woodpecker 25
Northern Flicker 20
Pileated Woodpecker 14
Blue Jay 676
American Crow 779
Common Raven 9
Black-capped Chickadee 474
Tufted Titmouse 308
White-breasted Nuthatch 154
Brown Creeper 8
Carolina Wren 15
Winter Wren 6
House Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 61
Eastern Bluebird 75
Hermit Thrush 6
American Robin 365
Northern Mockingbird 15
European Starling 401
Cedar Waxwing 118
Yellow-rumped Warbler (cw)
Pine Warbler 1
American Tree Sparrow 103
Chipping Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 90
Swamp Sparrow 8
White-throated Sparrow 73
Dark-eyed Junco 1168
Snow Bunting 12
Northern Cardinal 144
Red-winged Blackbird 43
Common Grackle 3
Brown-headed Cowbird (cw)
Purple Finch 3
House Finch 171
Common Redpoll 1
American Goldfinch 300
House Sparrow 392

cw= seen count week (three days before and after count date)

 NEW ASSOCIATION FORMED

Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs (AMBC)
First Meeting April 8, 2017

Ware River Nature Club is one of 17 (and counting) Massachusetts bird and nature clubs that has joined the new Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs. John Nelson, a birder, writer, and active member of two eastern Massachusetts bird clubs, was the leader of this effort. His idea for forming a statewide group emerged from his research into the histories of some of our state’s oldest organized ornithological clubs. It was his thought that there would be numerous advantages to such a formation.

The first meeting of the Association was on 4/8/17. Wendy Howes attended as the WRNC representative. As the Association is brand new, it was clarified that there will be no officers or dues at this stage. Instead, representatives of interested member clubs will continue to meet at least twice yearly, share ideas, and develop mission and goals on a rather informal basis.
Since one of the immediate interests of the Association is to share ideas amongst the member groups, there was much discussion about the nuts-and-bolts of such an effort—how much and what kinds of information should be shared? Address national as well as state-wide bird issues? Best communication tools?

A few rules and guidelines at this early stage of organization were agreed upon.

With regard to advocacy, no single member can act on behalf of the Association without three-quarters of the members vote of support
Any Club can opt out of the Association whenever wanted, for any reason
At this stage, communications will continue to be disseminated through John Nelson.
To begin with discussion about mission, all Association members will share some of their current statements about mission, goals, and activities. Education seems to be the common theme.

The meeting was a lively sharing of expertise and enthusiasm, with a featured talk by state ornithologist Drew Vitz emphasizing some avenues for Clubs to become more involved with Mass Wildlife bird conservation efforts. To view Drew’s Powerpoint presentation, click HERE.

Two representatives of Bird Observer magazine presented information about this fine publication and its modern features, and solicited articles and volunteer involvement from Association members. Volunteer editor Marsha Salett suggested that BO, with its comprehensive and updated web-site, is willing and able to facilitate the communication and cross-collaboration goals of the Association. She would be happy to feature news of Clubs in upcoming issues. BO president and webmaster suggested various options for using the BO site as a central “umbrella” service for discussion, calendar of events, networking, etc.

The next meeting of the Association will be in the fall.

Please contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com if you’re interested in helping us submit written articles to Bird Observer or would like to represent the Club at future meetings of the Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs.

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NEWS FROM MASS. DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BOARD
RE: TIMBER RATTLESNAKES
Dave Small of Athol, president of Athol Bird & Nature Club and a member of the Rattlesnake Working Group, shared this memo which was sent to group members in late April:
"The Fisheries and Wildlife Board would like to commend the members of the Rattlesnake Working Group for making valuable recommendations and comments on the need for conservation of the endangered population of rattlesnakes in Massachusetts. We are concerned that continued narrow focus on the Mount Zion proposal puts the remaining Eastern Timber rattlesnake habitats at risk and we accept the Working Group’s recommendation that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) develop a statewide approach to the conservation of this species. We have directed staff to produce such a plan based on the outline that has been provided to the Working Group and to suspend the Mount Zion proposal.
The Working Group’s suggestion that public comments be solicited by mail and the Internet has produced over 300 comments. MassWildlife staff is engaged in putting all questions and comments into categories and is now developing answers that will be shared with the Working Group and the public in the near future.
One result of the public comment process is already clear. The penalties for violations of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act are so low that individuals who are poaching rattlesnakes for commercial and private purposes or who deliberately seek to kill them or destroy their habitat are not deterred in their activities. The Board sees a clear opportunity for a legislative remedy to this matter. It is with our thanks to the Working Group members for their generous donation of time, travel, and advice that we discharge them from any further obligations to the Board."

MASS AUDUBON BUTTERWORTH PROPERTY

Mass Audubon has an extraordinary opportunity to protect 84 acres of woods and wetlands in Petersham, known as the Butterworth property. The land is adjacent to the beautiful 1,700-acre Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary which has been the setting of several Club hikes. The Butterworth property boasts an abundance of wildlife, including Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue-headed Vireo, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and a includes a 20-acre beaver pond. Its protection would create a significant link between over 4,000 acres of protected open space and protect the water quality of the Quabbin Reservoir. Mass Audubon has secured an option to purchase the land for conservation, and must raise $270,000 by March 2017 to make this purchase.
To read more and help with this important project, go to
http://www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/conserve-land/urgent-land-projects/butterworth-property-petersham .

Photo courtesy Mass Audubon.

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Diamondback Terrapin hatchlings by Barry Van Dusen

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING & SILENT AUCTION
A BIG SUCCESS!

With an enthusiastic and friendly group of attendees, two excellent presentations, and silent auction tables filled with assorted donated items, it's no wonder we were running a bit behind schedule at our annual meeting! But no one was complaining. The Hartman's Herb Farm space was filled with lively conversation and the camaraderie of people who value the beauty and complexity of nature.
The Club was able to raise some much-needed funds which will be used to enhance our educational offerings both outdoors and in meeting places throughout central Massachusetts.
A huge THANK YOU goes out to Lynn, Carissa, Cameron, and Chloe of Hartman's Herb Farm, who provided a delicious meal in a beautiful, cozy setting.
Many thanks, also to our two wonderful guest speakers, Barry Van Dusen, and Bill Benner, who packed so much information and beautiful images into their respective programs. See more about the talks at EVENTS.
We are grateful to the donors below for the many unique items donated to the auction. Having an array of items keeps things interesting and and bid-worthy!
Finally, we thank all of the participants who came out to enjoy the day and contribute to our success!

Black Swallowtail by Bill Benner

AUCTION DONORS

Elise and Karl Barry
The Curiosity Book Shop
Hardwick Farmers Coop
Sylvia Howes
Rod and Linda Leehy
Pam Prodan
Alan Rawle
Estate of Jean Rawle
Sarkisian Landscaping Services
Barry and Lisa Van Dusen

Massachusetts Rattlesnake Conservation Plan Survey

If you would like to contribute advice or comments about MassWildlife's plans for the conservation of Timber Rattlesnakes, you have the opportunity to respond to these survey questions:
1) Do you have questions about any aspect of the Rattlesnake Conservation Plan that you believe have not been previously covered or answered? Please describe.
2) During the public meetings on the Rattlesnake Conservation Plan, some questions were raised about the accuracy of the science behind the Conservation Plan. If you have reason to believe that there is scientific evidence that has been overlooked, or a matter of science that you question, please describe this below: For each scientific comment, please supply a source or citation for any overlooked or alternative scientific information.

Click here to answer the on-line survey or access a printable survey form.

Rattlesnake Review Working Group

The second public meeting of the Rattlesnake Review Working Group took place on February 28, 2017, in Belchertown. The third meeting is Wednesday, March 22nd
6:30 P.M., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 126 West Main Street, Ware. The public is invited to observe the proceedings, and there may be an opportunity for brief public comment.
The formation of the Rattlesnake Review Group is a response to a promise made to legislators by the offices of Energy &Environmental Affairs and Dept. of Fish & Game at a legislative oversight hearing in 2016, to conduct a review of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MassWildlife's) Rattlesnake Conservation Plan. The Rattlesnake Review Group’s purpose is to: 1) ask citizens to identify issues and concerns that may not have been adequately covered in previous public meetings, and 2) identify scientific information on rattlesnakes that may not have been considered in the current Plan. After a thorough examination of all the information, the Rattlesnake Review Group will make a recommendation about the Rattlesnake Conservation Plan to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.
The membership of the Review Group, operating under the purview of the state Fisheries and Wildlife Board, includes Quabbin area residents with ties to local municipalities and conservation organizations, local state legislators, the DFG and DCR Commissioners, and the Director of MassWildlife. A Science Advisory Group composed of scientists from UMass Amherst, Berkshire Community College, Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island, and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will assist the Review Group as needed.

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TIME TO START OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Our Club membership year now runs February 1st through January 31st. We are gradually bringing all memberships in line with that schedule by extending existing memberships an extra month or two. If you just joined in the past few months, you’ll have some bonus months until February 2018. Other members are due for renewal now. Click here for a membership form. If you’re a renewing member and are uncertain of your status, just drop us a line at warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com .

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A “THANK YOU” TO THE
OAKHAM CULTURAL COUNCIL

We’re very grateful to the Oakham Cultural Council for the award of a grant so we can offer a workshop and educational session with Eco-Artist Lou Leelyn, owner of Lou's Upcycles, in Oakham on March 4th. Participants will learn about upcycling plastic bags—creating new items-- through the process of fusing. See
UPCOMING EVENTS for details.

Become a Plant Conservation Volunteer

At New England Wild Flower Society

Are you enthusiastic about plant identification, motivated to explore interesting natural habitats, and a little adventurous? Then New England Wild Flower Society needs you! Its Plant Conservation Volunteer Program puts the botanic skills of citizen scientists like you to work collecting information on rare plants and their habitats across all six New England states, assisting with invasive and habitat management projects, surveys, and even seed collecting. Free annual training and field trips. Learn more about the flora of New England, meet others with similar interests, and help preserve your state's natural heritage. Training sessions will be held on a weekend in March/April for each of the New England States. The application deadline is February 1, 2017. To learn more and apply online click HERE.

LOCAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS

ATHOL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT December 17, 2016
Compiler: Dave Small

TOTAL SPECIES 53
TOTAL INDIVIDUALS 7257

Canada Goose 8
Am. Black Duck 8
Mallard 107
Common Merganser 1
Ringed-Neck Pheasant cw
Ruffed Grouse 1
Wild Turkey 168
Bald Eagle cw
Sharp-Shinned Hawk 2
Coopers Hawk 7
Northern Goshawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-Tailed Hawk 8
Merlin 1
Ring-Billed Gull 2
Rock (Dove) Pigeon 464
Mourning Dove 392
Great Horned Owl 2
Barred Owl 6
Saw-Whet Owl 2
Belted Kingfisher 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 36
Downy Woodpecker 116
Hairy Woodpecker 41
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 4
Northern Shrike cw
Blue Jay 530
American Crow 131
Common Raven 33
Black-capped Chickadee 1,234
Tufted Titmouse 354
Red-Breasted Nuthatch 22
White-Breasted Nuthatch 150
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren 10
Winter Wren 1
Hermit Thrush 2
American Robin 310
Northern Mockingbird 2
Starling 438
Cedar Waxwing 239
American Tree Sparrow 105
Fox Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 14
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-Throated Sparrow 32
Dark-eyed Junco 980
Northern Cardinal 204
Purple Finch 3
House Finch 130
Common Redpoll 1
Pine Siskin 6
American Goldfinch 516
Evening Grosbeak cw
House Sparrow 394

cw= seen count week (three days before and after count date)

Red-bellied Woodpecker. Photo by Bob Stetson.

WORCESTER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

TOTAL SPECIES: 72,
plus 4 cw & 1 hybrid

December 18, 2016

Compiler: John Liller

Canada Goose (1,014)
CACKLING GOOSE (cw - Seen in a flock of Canada Geese on Thursday at
Coachlace Pond in Clinton.)
Mute Swan (22)
American Black Duck (48)
Mallard (560)
Ring-necked Duck (43)
Greater Scaup (46)
Long-tailed Duck (cw)
Bufflehead (5)
Common Goldeneye (94)
Barrow's Goldeneye (1 - female)
Hooded Merganser (155)
Common Merganser (37)
Ruddy Duck (1)
Ruffed Grouse (1)
Wild Turkey (38)
Common Loon (3)
Pied-billed Grebe (1)
Red-necked Grebe (cw)
Great Blue Heron (5)
Bald Eagle (5)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2)
Cooper's Hawk (7)
Red-tailed Hawk (36)
Red-shouldered X Red-tailed Hawk hybrid (1 - has been around for several
years)
SANDHILL CRANE (4 - NEW SPECIES - Seen together in a corn field on
Muschopaugue Road in Holden/Rutland. Three distant photos were taken
through a scope. Several people looked for them again on 12/19, but to no
avail.)
Ring-billed Gull (1,293)
Herring Gull (21)
Iceland Gull (1)
Great Black-backed Gull (3)
Rock Pigeon (312)
Mourning Dove (195)
Eastern Screech-Owl (7)
Great Horned Owl (5)
Barred Owl (1)
Belted Kingfisher (7)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (26)
Downy Woodpecker (64)
Hairy Woodpecker (19)
Northern Flicker (9)
Pileated Woodpecker (1)
Merlin (count week)
Peregrine Falcon (1 - downtown Worcester)
Blue Jay (480)
American Crow (2,780)
Fish Crow (1)
Common Raven (4)
Horned Lark (38)
Black-capped Chickadee (449)
Tufted Titmouse (294)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (6)
White-breasted Nuthatch (110)
Brown Creeper (1)
Carolina Wren (10)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (18)
Eastern Bluebird (39)
Hermit Thrush (1)
American Robin (347)
Northern Mockingbird (14)
European Starling (1.867)
Cedar Waxwing (21)
Eastern Towhee (1)
American Tree Sparrow (40)
Field Sparrow (2)
Savannah Sparrow (1)
Fox Sparrow (1)
Song Sparrow (54)
Swamp Sparrow (3)
White-throated Sparrow (45)
Dark-eyed Junco (604)
Snow Bunting (36)
LAPLAND LONGSPUR (1 - NEW SPECIES - Seen and heard with group of Snow
Buntings at Worcester Airport. There may have been 2.)
Northern Cardinal (123)
Red-winged Blackbird (5)
House Finch (52)
American Goldfinch (173)
House Sparrow (1276)

WESTMINSTER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT January 6, 2017
Compiler: Chuck Caron

American Black Duck 19
Mallard 341
Hooded Merganser 6
Wild Turkey 104
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 16
Ring-billed Gull 68
Herring Gull 329
Great Black-backed Gull 33
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 102
Mourning Dove 113
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 41
Downy Woodpecker 91
Hairy Woodpecker 25
Pileated Woodpecker 1
American Kestrel 1
Blue Jay 436
American Crow 456
Common Raven 7
Horned Lark 3
Black-capped Chickadee 890
Tufted Titmouse 335
Red-breasted Nuthatch 11
White-breasted Nuthatch 155
Brown Creeper 4
Carolina Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 31

American Robin 457
Northern Mockingbird 5
European Starling 165
Cedar Waxwing 117
Snow Bunting 1
American Tree Sparrow 51
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 633
White-throated Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 8
Eastern Towhee 1
Northern Cardinal 77
House Finch 94
Purple Finch 4
American Goldfinch 231
House Sparrow 457

Tufted Titmouse. Photo by Bob Stetson

STURBRIDGE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT December 14, 2016
Compiler: Mark Lynch

CANADA GOOSE (713)
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (85)
MALLARD (921)
RING-NECKED DUCK (3)
GREATER SCAUP (1)
BUFFLEHEAD (3)
COMMON GOLDENEYE (3)
HOODED MERGANSER (87)
COMMON MERGANSER (26)
BALD EAGLE (8)
NORTHERN HARRIER (2)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (8)
COOPER'S HAWK (6)
NORTHERN GOSHAWK (1)
accipiter sp. (1)
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (5)
RED-TAILED HAWK (67)
ROUGH-LEGGEDHAWK (1)
RING-NECKED PHEASANT (1)
RUFFED GROUSE (2)
WILD TURKEY (19)
WILSON'S SNIPE (1)
RING-BILLED GULL (434)
HERRING GULL (12)
ROCK PIGEON (444)
MOURNING DOVE (414)
E SCREECH OWL (8)
GREAT HORNED OWL (9)
BARRED OWL (7)
N SAW-WHET OWL (14)
BELTED KINGFISHER (6)
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (1 imm: about 100 yards from the feeder where one was seen years back.)
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (80)
DOWNY WOODPECKER (178)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (55)
NORTHERN FLICKER (18)
PILEATED WOODPECKER (9)

HORNED LARK (90)
BLUE JAY (687)
AMERICAN CROW (451)
COMMON RAVEN (11)
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (1,491)
TUFTED TITMOUSE (626)
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (5)
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (317)
BROWN CREEPER (21)
CAROLINA WREN (28)
WINTER WREN (1)
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (46)
EASTERN BLUEBIRD (149)
HERMIT THRUSH (2)
AMERICAN ROBIN (593)
GRAY CATBIRD (1)
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (21)
CEDAR WAXWING (18)
NORTHERN SHRIKE (cw)
EUROPEAN STARLING (1,097)
NORTHERN CARDINAL (252)
EASTERN TOWHEE (1)
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (190)
FIELD SPARROW (4)
FOX SPARROW (1)
SONG SPARROW (86)
SWAMP SPARROW (7)
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (53)
DARK-EYED JUNCO (1,431)
SNOW BUNTING (3)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (15)
COMMON GRACKLE (2)
RUSTY BLACKBIRD (2)
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (4)
PURPLE FINCH (16)
HOUSE FINCH (131)
PINE SISKIN (3)
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (488)
EVENING GROSBEAK (cw)
HOUSE SPARROW (1,311)

WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED WITH WRNC?
HELPING HANDS ALWAYS WELCOME!

If you’re a Club member and would like to help with the various tasks of keeping a small organization going, step right up! We can use help with some jobs that come up intermittently—assisting with the annual meeting and silent auction in February, for example-- as well as regular volunteers to take on responsibilities such as publicizing Club events, becoming part of the advisory group, maintaining membership records, and more.

For membership information, click here.
Drop us a line at warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com

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GRATITUDE FOR MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL

When the Club Advisory Group met at the end of summer, there was no shortage of ideas for educational programs that we’d like to offer to communities. However, small groups such as ours do experience financial shortages. We are grateful for the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency “that promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.” Grant monies are made available on the community level. This year we applied to three of our catchment area communities for funds that will enable us to offer three very different science/nature experiences in 2017: an educational and artistic plastic upcycling workshop; a winter wildlife tracking program and field trip; and a program featuring live owls and a lecture on owl ecology. Without the MCC grant program, we would be unable to offer these special events. Grant applicants receive notification by January. Fingers crossed! Stay tuned!

BLACK SWALLOWTAIL male Photo by Frank Model

MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUTTERFLY CAMPAIGN:
AND THE WINNER IS. . .

BLACK SWALLOWTAIL!

At the fall meeting of the Massachusetts Butterfly Club, Nancy Callahan, who spearheaded the campaign to designate a state butterfly, announced the results of the recent vote. The Black Swallowtail edged out
the two other contenders.
    Black Swallowtail .................... 531 votes
    Mourning Cloak ..................... 470 votes
    Great Spangled Fritillary ......... 152 votes

Upcoming efforts will focus on pursuing legislative action
through appropriate channels.

For the latest news and status, go to the
Massachusetts State Butterfly Facebook page.

Dun Skipper

Only one of the butterfly species pictured here is one of three candidates for the Massachusetts State Butterfly.

Black Swallowtail

Red-spotted Purple

Pearl Crescent

Let's Pick a Massachusetts State Butterfly!

     Massachusetts has an official state bean (baked navy), a state muffin (corn), and a state rock (Roxbury Puddingstone), but no state butterfly!
It’s time to change that.
     Butterflies are beautiful and have much to say about the health of our environment. That’s why declining populations due to loss of habitat and other environmental threats are a cause for great concern.
To raise awareness and celebrate the world that is butterflies, The Massachusetts Butterfly Club has partnered with Girl Scout Troop #85103 of Norfolk to nominate three candidates for Massachusetts State Butterfly.
Please click on MAStateButterfly.com to see more information about this effort and the nominated butterflies.
   The Survey Monkey to vote for State Butterfly of Massachusetts is now up and running: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/massstatebutterfly
Voting is from September 15th - October 15th One vote per device.

CLIFF SWALLOWS 2016

In May 2015 WRNC hosted a fascinating program by Mara Silver, who studies Barn and Cliff Swallows in Berkshire County. One of Mara's innovations for attracting Cliff Swallows to historic breeding sites involves attaching homemade pottery structures that look like old Cliff Swallow nests under the eaves of barns. Mara sent along this note and photo pertaining to this year's nesting season:

Cliff swallows did really well. They showed up early, got their young off, and were out of there by July 3! That is good news because the young had plenty of time to get strong and learn the skills they need to fly all the way down to South America. My barn swallow numbers are way down and that’s concerning...I am doing some research on that. . .

We look forward to hearing more about Mara's efforts in the future!

Here in central Massachusetts, East Quabbin Land Trust volunteers were pleased to discover a small colony of Cliff Swallows in 2015 while they were helping secure an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) on a property in New Braintree. The swallows returned for the 2016 nesting season.

The APR program is a voluntary program which offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the "fair market value" and the "agricultural value" of their farmland in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which precludes any use of the property that will have a negative impact on its agricultural viability. EQLT facilitated that process by pre-acquiring the land, finding a conservation buyer and getting the APR through the state process.

It was determined that 4 active pairs of swallows were using the property’s barn for nest sites. The farm owner reports that perhaps 5-6 pairs of swallows have been there for years; it is unknown if this location may have hosted a larger colony historically. The owner is enthusiastic about protecting the birds and their nest sites. We hope to hear of an increase in the number of these declining birds in future seasons.

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A CONNECTION TO ZIMBABWE

Ware River Nature Club members who attended the program There’s an Elephant in the Campsite in April 2016 may recall that the presenters, Cindy and Chuck Hartwell, befriended a young man named Oscar when they were in Zimbabwe. The Hartwells maintained a connection with Oscar after returning from their vacation and decided to send along a “care package” of educational materials—in care of Oscar—to the village school.
In addition to one of the regular email messages from Oscar-- which reports that "Oscar and the family is doing well"--the first package elicited this note and accompanying photograph from the village school:

Dear Hartwell family.
On behalf of the infants department of Mulindi Primary School, l do hereby write a letter of appreciation pertaining to the parcel we received through Oscar. The parcel had crayons, some books with paints, and some puzzles to teach spellings,mathematics and ABCs.
The donation received is trully relevant to our school curriculum under the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture.Our infants department has students from 2years to 8years and these are Early Childhood Development classes, Grades 1s and 2s.
We hope you continue to render such love and care towards our educational needs.
Yours Faithfully.
Teacher in charge.
Mr N Dube.
Our wildlife is doing good only the lions are a problem to the near by rural areas.So far every thing is going well the rainfall is pouring allmost daily of which is what our vegetation needs.Send me the picture of the whole family. . . .
Send my lovely greetings to the family.Thank you

Cindy and Chuck didn't want to accept a stipend for their presentation. Knowing that the Hartwells were planning to send school supplies to the village again later in the year, WRNC made a donation to this effort. Here's Cindy's note and photo received August 13th:

I took advantage of some great sale prices and coupons at Staples last night and bought the following for the school children in Oscar's village in Zimbabwe with the money you sent us from the Club. For $111.61, I purchased all the things in the attached photo. That includes:
2 mini coloring pages with 6 mini markers (80 pages per pack)
5 packs construction paper with 96 sheets per pack
30 Elmer's glue sticks
4 manual pencil sharpeners
5 boxes BIC pens (12 pens per box)
3 boxes #2 pencils (12 pencils per box)
5 boxes pencil cap erasers (12 per box)
30 boxes Crayola crayons (24 per box)
10 plastic rulers
5 pencil / compasses
5 protractors
4 calculators
30 spiral bound lined notebooks (70 pages per book)
Great buys on the crayons at 50 cents per box and the notebooks at 17 cents each!
I'm going to try to get a few more things, maybe some jump ropes, wiffle balls, etc., and then we'll get it off in the mail.
I'll be sure to let Oscar know about the Club's generous donation. Thanks again for offering this in exchange for our talk!
. . .
Cindy

Happy Earth Day April 22, 2016

In celebration of Earth Day, and to express our gratitude to Club supporters and nature-lovers in our communities, Advisory Group members planted individual seed-pots of various native flowers that benefit bees and other pollinators, butterflies, and seed-loving birds. Many dozens of small fiber/peat pots were planted with Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis), and many varieties of sunflowers. (NOTE: Sunflowers aren't truly native, but are non-invasive annuals that supply ample seed and pollen. See EVENTS for a comment about sunflowers without pollen.) These were distributed on Earth Day and the following week to various Club service-providers and their customers, as well as Club members and friends. Thank you to GFA Credit Union (Hubbardston and Rutland), Hubbardston Post Office, Rutland Public Library, Fobes (Oakham) Public Library, Petersham Country Store, and Club volunteers! We hope you enjoy your plants as well as the birds, bees, and butterflies that come to visit.

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PRINCETON'S FIELDSTONE FARM ACQUISITION EFFORT

A coalition of conservation partners, including MassAudubon and the Princeton Land Trust, have teamed up to conserve Fieldstone Farm in Princeton (also known as Smith Farm). This spectacular and highly visible 270-acre property boasts expansive fields, beautiful stone walls, and a diverse mix of forest, meadow, streams, ponds, and wetlands.

The goals are to keep the open lands in agricultural production, protect the farm’s woodlands and wetlands and open them to public access, and provide for some limited, carefully-sited housing to meet other town needs. The farm includes forests, meadows, streams, ponds, marsh, and forested and shrub swamps.

Most important to us as a nature club is that acquisition would protect habitat and biodiversity and add to existing wildlife sanctuary holdings of Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the habitat types that exist on the property have been classified by the state as among the most important statewide for preservation of the state’s biodiversity.
The farm protection effort has secured an option to purchase the property for $3 million by June of 2016, which gives us time to assemble a coalition of conservation partners and to raise the necessary funds. A broad-based fundraising campaign is now underway, with a private fundraising goal of $750,000.

Visit Fieldstone Farm Protection Project to find out more or make a donation.

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SAVING THE TIMBER RATTLESNAKE

If your first reactions to the proposed Timber Rattlesnake restoration effort include fear and loathing, please take the time to learn about the challenges these creatures face in their struggle for survival by reading Endangered Timber Rattlesnake on Remote Quabbin Island . Learn too about their mild disposition, slow reproduction rate, and judicious use of venom: Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet Learn to appreciate and treasure the fascinating ecology and important niche of this iconic reptile.

As Bill Benner summed it up at the recent meeting of the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee, " It would be inexcusable if the state allowed the timber rattlesnake population to become extinct. " We are fortunate to have this opportunity to save a species in grave decline.

You can let Matthew Beaton, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, know that you support the reintroduction project. Contact him at Matthew.Beaton@state.ma.us, 617 626-1015, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900,
Boston, MA 02114

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A Note from Grassroots Wildlife Conservation, Concord:

Although Grassroots Wildlife Conservation is not directly involved in this project, the proposal by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to headstart and reintroduce our beleaguered rattlesnakes is similar to the work that we do with Blanding's turtles, marbled salamanders, and eastern spadefoot toads. We are excited that the state is taking on this ambitious and important project. If you'd like to help us show your support for rare species conservation, even for "not so cuddly species", consider attending the meeting in Orange.

Come Help Us Root for Rattlesnakes: Timber rattlesnakes are one of the most endangered animals in Massachusetts, facing threats of habitat loss, illegal hunting/poaching, and most recently, a deadly fungal disease. In an effort to help the rattlesnakes, the state of Massachusetts is working on a reintroduction project to bring back rattlesnakes to an uninhabited island in the Quabbin reservoir. Those efforts have been met with much negative press, especially by people who fear that the rattlesnakes will be a danger to the public.

Wait, I shouldn't be afraid of rattlesnakes?
For many people, snakes invoke terror or at least mistrust. Rattlesnakes especially have gotten a bad rap, and there have been widespread efforts to eradicate them in the past, with states paying bounties for dead rattlers. As biologists have learned more about these shy creatures, though, they have realized that much of our fear is misplaced. Timber rattlesnakes are quite timid, and use their rattles to warn away potential threats. Biologists who routinely work with the snakes and often capture and handle them find that the snakes rarely attempt to bite even when directly provoked, preferring to escape instead. In fact, one of the largest Massachusetts populations of timber rattlesnakes lives in the Blue Hills Reservation, one of our most heavily visited and loved state parks. Timber rattlesnakes in the Blue Hills have survived thus far because they actively avoid having anything to do with the thousands of daily visitors to the Reservation. No human has been bitten by a rattlesnake in the Blue Hills for many decades, perhaps for more than 200 years. Want to learn more about rattlesnakes? Check out this video put out by Vermont PBS.

Copyright © 2016 Grassroots Wildlife Conservation, All rights reserved.
http://www.grassrootswildlife.org

Our mailing address is:
Grassroots Wildlife Conservation
65 Arrowhead Rd
Concord, Ma 01742

White Oak Land Conservation Society
GROWING HOLBROOK FOREST

It has been a goal of nature walkers, serious hikers, outdoor organizations and local and state planners to create a continuous trail through Leicester, Paxton, Worcester and Holden. White Oak Land Conservation Society (WOLCS) announces the exciting news that we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a parcel of land, which is a critical and necessary link towards the achievement of that goal.

In 2014 WOLCS purchased Holbrook Forest, 60 acres of beautifully forested land on Fisher Road, off Salisbury Street. There is now the opportunity to purchase an additional 21 acres of Holbrook land, with frontage on Salisbury Street. This land will become part of Holbrook Forest, which abuts Kinneywood, 53 acres owned by Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT), and Cook’s Woods, owned by the Worcester Conservation Commission.

You can help by making a donation towards this effort to help establish a vital green corridor which will benefit wildlife and enrich the outdoor experiences of those who explore the forest.

For details click here.

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                                                                      WESTMINSTER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS

     A "baker's dozen" volunteers fanned out over the count circle (see towns below) to look and listen for all the birds they could find on the day after Christmas. Yes, all birds encountered are counted. How do we know we're not counting the same birds from place to place? Birds have small territories and tend to stay in the same general areas. The birders who are out looking for them move from location to location and keep track of the trails, yards, and streets they visit. Birders make a concerted effort to maintain distinct species list from one location to another. If anything, in many cases it is generally thought that the birds that are actually tallied on count day represent far fewer than are present (except in the case of rarities or unusual species). Nevertheless, numbers reported are not inflated, but are simply noted as encountered in the field between dawn and dusk.
     Nice finds this year were some species that lingered a bit past the time when they would usually depart the region. The vast amount of open water resulted in waterfowl sightings, including a Bufflehead, not expected on this count as the species is generally in coastal waters by this time of year. A Red-shouldered Hawk was seen by a Princeton team. Bald Eagles, in spite of their population increase in recent years, can be hit-or-miss, so one found was good news. The Templeton team found a lingering Ruby-crowned Kinglet in the warmer micro-climate around the water treatment plant. Other lingering passerines were singles of Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, and Swamp Sparrow, and two Flickers, which don't usually try to overwinter here but are regularly seen in the Pioneer Valley region during winter. No Cooper's Hawks were located, and many of the Wild Turkeys that we know are plentiful in the area made themselves scarce. Carolina Wren numbers were down, not surprising considering last winter's sustained harsh weather.
Thank you to Tom Pirro for filling in as count compiler this year while long-time compiler Charles Caron was away. Thanks to Jim Samdahl for hosting the compilation gathering in Princeton afterward.

268 Canada Goose
16 Black Duck
803 Mallard
66 Hooded Merganser
16 Common Merganser
1 Bufflehead
24 Common Goldeneye
56 Wild Turkey
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
24 Red-tailed Hawk
1 Bald Eagle
31 Ring-billed Gull
136 Herring Gull 5 Great Black-backed Gull
231 Rock Pigeon
195 Mourning Dove
2 Barred Owl
2 Great Horned Owl
2 Belted Kingfisher
23 Red-bellied Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
94 Downy Woodpecker
19 Hairy Woodpecker
6 Pileated Woodpecker
231 Bluejay
158 American Crow

Black Duck and Mallards.

Northern Mockingbird

15 Common Raven
750 Black-capped Chickadee
178 Tufted Titmouse
8 Red-breasted Nuthatch
171 White-breasted Nuthatch
9 Brown Creeper
6 Carolina Wren
1 Winter Wren
9 Golden-crowned Kinglet
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
53 Eastern Bluebird
188 American Robin
1 Hermit Thrush
4 Northern Mockingbird
389 European Starling
225 Cedar Waxwing
42 American Tree Sparrow
9 Song Sparrow
10 White-throated Sparrow
1 Swamp Sparrow
275 Dark-eyed Junco
67 Northern Cardinal
11 Purple Finch
64 House Finch
209 American Goldfinch
615 House Sparrow

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Local Audubon Christmas Bird Count to Take Place December 26th

In case you’re wondering about people with binoculars walking down your road and peering up into the trees, or you notice someone staring at your birdfeeder, be aware that Audubon Christmas Bird Counts are being conducted throughout the state from December 14th and January 5th. The local Westminster CBC, which includes Westminster, parts of Hubbardston, Princeton, Gardner, and Templeton, will take place on Saturday December 26th.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count isn't just about counting birds; it's about checking the pulse of the ecosystem we share and delivering practical conservation results based on what we find. As one of the longest-running crowd-sourced wildlife surveys in the world, the Christmas Bird Counts provide a wealth of information to help researchers and the rest of us make decisions about how to protect birds and the habitats we share with them.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count mobilizes more than 70,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere, from above the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The CBC harnesses the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that professional scientists could never accomplish alone. Every local count is part of this vast volunteer network and continues a tradition that stretches back more than 100 years.

Volunteers are welcome to join the count by venturing out to an assigned area in the field or by counting birds at their birdfeeders (if within the count circle) from dawn to dusk. Birders at all experience levels are welcome. An informal compilation gathering is held in Princeton at the end of the day.
For information about participating in the Westminster CBC, contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com .

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Photo from Cornell Lab of Ornithology ALL ABOUT BIRDS website, copyright Gerrit Vyn.

Saw-whet Owls at Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary in
Princeton

State ornithologist Andrew Vitz and Sanctuary staff and volunteers recently spent a couple of evenings in early November checking the potential of this site as a future banding station for fall migrant Saw-whet Owls. These small owls are on the move throughout their range in October and November. Mist nets are set up after dark, and Saw-Whet Owl calls are broadcast in order to lure the birds to investigate and ultimately be captured, measured, weighed, and banded before they are released. In spite of less-than-optimal conditions and timing of the experiment, Drew and his team succeeded in capturing three Saw-whet Owls (one of them caught two nights in a row). This fueled optimism in the possibility of expanding efforts in fall. 2016. Stay tuned!

Barry Van Dusen is MassAudubon’s
Artist in Residence

Ware River Nature Club member Barry Van Dusen is the Museum of American Bird Art’s newest Artist in Residence. Over the next two years, Barry will travel across the state, visiting many of Mass Audubon’s 56 wildlife sanctuaries, chronicling the rich and diverse landscapes, habitats, and wildlife found on the organization’s extraordinary array of properties.
Barry’s residency will culminate in an exhibition at MABA, but you will get a sneak peek at his paintings and the stories behind them by checking out his postings on MABA’s Taking Flight blog . The blog also features related articles about natural history - to see all of Barry’s posts on the blog, click on “Barry Van Dusen Residency” under the Categories heading. You can also request to be notified when a new post is added.

Dowitcher Flock, pencil and watercolor on Canson drawing paper, 8.5″ x 8.25″ by Barry Van Dusen.

MassWildlfe Habitat Management Grant Program Announced

The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) was developed to establish partnerships between MassWildlife and private and municipal landowners to enhance habitat and increase recreational opportunities on properties that have been conserved across the state. Recognizing that land protection is only the first step in maintaining the diverse habitats of Massachusetts, the MHMGP program aims to encourage landowners to engage in active habitat management on their properties to maximize the benefit to the various wildlife species of the state.
Goals:
The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) is designed to provide financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of protected lands to support active habitat management while fostering partnerships to encourage landscape scale habitat management and expand public recreation on conserved lands.
Objectives:
<>¨Improve habitat(s) for game species (those species that can be legally hunted, fished, and trapped in MA).
<>¨Manage habitat(s) for Species of Greatest Conservation Need as identified in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) – special emphasis on State-Endangered and State-Threatened Species.
<>¨Expand public recreational opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife associated recreation on conserved lands.
Eligible Entities: Owners of private or municipal conserved lands in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Conserved land is defined as property protected in fee or by a Conservation Restriction, land enrolled in Chapter 61,61A/B, or has a current Landowner Incentive Program covenant.
Award Information: Applicants are eligible to receive between $10,000 and $50,000 per grant towards their approved habitat management project.
Application Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by November 30, 2015
For more information: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/wildlife-habitat-conservation/habitat-grant.html

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ADVISORY GROUP MEETING     July 10, 2015

    Our summer meeting was attended by Jim Samdahl (Princeton), Linda Mueller (Oakham), Ted Purcell (Rutland), and Wendy Howes (Hubbardston). Dick Knowlton (Gardner), Linda Leehy (Hardwick), and Karl Barry, Treasurer (Paxton) were away.
   Karl sent the Treasurer’s report, which included transaction details of the Native Pollinator Conference and showing
a present account balance of $687.48.
   We briefly discussed the success of the Native Pollinator Conference, which featured outstanding speakers and attendance of about 50 people, including vendors and speakers. East Quabbin Land Trust contributed funds toward speaker/travel expenses, which enabled us to break even on the event. These mini-conferences can be expensive but provide valuable education on specialized ecological topics. Verbal feedback from participants was very positive. Jim suggested using evaluation forms at future conferences, which we would like to do
if we can find additional volunteer help!
   Wendy had spoken to other AG members, to past AG member Laura Rankin, and to Joe Choiniere, one of the founding members of the Club, about shortening the Club name to simply Ware River Nature Club. Those individuals and all present are in agreement to drop “Hubbardston” from the Club name and change the name to Ware River Nature Club. The name is easier to work with and sounds more inclusive, as our catchment area is central Worcester County. We will incorporate changes within the next few months.
   We will contact our credit union regarding changing the name on our account, and our technical team will make the changes to our web-site and Facebook page. We will upgrade our Weebly hosting account from free to an annual fee, which will enable us to purchasea new domain name for the Club.
   Suggestions for programs and speakers for the 2015-2016 season were made. Since we can’t afford the speaker and leadership fees for some of the educational programs we wish to offer,we'll apply for local Cultural Council grants.

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Foraging porcupine in Hubbardston.

David Brown’s tracking programs are very popular, so we’ll apply for funding for one or more indoor and/or outdoor programs with him in January/February 2016. Linda M. will help coordinate
a possible program in Oakham.
   Wendy shared information about Lou Leelyn of Lou’s Upcycles, who offers a Fused Plastic Upcycling workshop which combines environmental education with craft. It was agreed that Wendy and Ted will pursue LCC funding for offering a one-day workshop in Rutland in February or March.
   Wendy also shared handouts describing lectures and educational talks by Roger Kuhn of Connecticut, who offers a variety of programs on geology, sustainability, and environmental awareness. Because of logistics for Mr. Kuhn, Ted wanted to talk to school colleagues about the possibility of inviting him to a school program; the Club could perhaps host him within the same time period. Pursuing a LCC grant for this
was not decided at this meeting.
   If we decide to go forward with a mini-conference in 2016, a possible topic would be the ecology and wildlife effects of tick-borne diseases, an important and timely topic.

Bumblebee Observers Wanted

Bumblebees are important native pollinators. To find out how to identify them and to learn more about participating
in a local citizen science project, see POLLINATOR CONFERENCE.

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SURVEYING FOR CLIFF SWALLOWS

Photo by Tom Murray.

MassWildlife/NHESP is looking for people who are interested in conducting Cliff Swallow surveys. Most of the surveys will be conducted in Berkshire and Essex County and in the Pioneer Valley, since Cliff Swallows are rare in central MA. If you are interested in this opportunity to actively participate in bird conservation in Massachusetts, please contact Andrew Vitz (andrew.vitz@state.ma.us, 508-389-6394), the state ornithologist at MassWildlife. To get the most out of these surveys, we will identify specific locations for you to cover. If you already know where there are active Cliff Swallows, please let us know about those as well.

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ADVISORY GROUP MEETING April 14, 2015

Present for this meeting were Jim Samdahl, Karl Barry, Ted Purcell, Wendy Howes, and Linda Leehy. Linda is a member from Gilbertville/Hardwick and has served on East Quabbin Land Trust's Stewardship Committee for many years.

The group discussed February's annual meeting and funds raised through that effort as well as upcoming events and field trips, including the bluebird/kestrel nestbox building project.

For simplicity and ease of record-keeping, our membership year now spans February 1st through January 31st. Pro-rated 2015 membership renewals from now forward are discounted. In addition to adding many new members over the past year, we look forward to renewals by 2014 members.

Two members proposed that the Club investigate the pros and cons of future application for 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. Those with past experience in making a 501 (c)(3) application pointed out that the Club would need officers, bylaws, and future financial budget plans.; initial paperwork is a job that few like to do, and annual filing adds to the administrative burden. This will be explored at future meetings.

The Club welcomes photos and ideas for Facebook & "Field Notes" section of web-site.

There was further lively discussion about changing the name of the Club. After several ideas were put forth, there was consensus to simply shorten the Club name to Ware River Nature Club. All Advisory Group members will have an opportunity to vote on the change before it is set in motion. The name change must take place after financial obligations generated by the upcoming Native Pollinator Conference due to bank account changes the Club would have to make.
**The Advisory Group welcomes comments from other members about the pending change in the Club name.**

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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CITIZEN SCIENTIST? We are looking for volunteers to help with the Eastern Bluebird Trail restoration project at MassWildlife's High Ridge Wildlife Management Area. We are also seeking observers and data collectors for our Grassland Birds Initiative. Training and supportive materials will be provided. See CONSERVATION PROJECTS or contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com for details.

WE WANT YOUR ART! Please consider sharing your nature-theme photographs, drawings, or paintings with us. We’re always looking for interesting pictures to illustrate our web-site and Facebook pages. Here's a chance to see your name in print!

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** State Ornithologist Drew Vitz's 2/8/15 presentation HELPING BIRDS: CITIZEN SCIENCE CLOSE TO HOME
is now posted in Conservation Projects. **

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ADVISORY GROUP MEETING JANUARY 8, 2015

The Hubbardston-Ware River Nature Club Advisory group met at the beginning of the year to talk about future plans for the Club. Present were Karl Barry (Paxton), Treasurer; Wendy Howes (Hubbardston), Organizer; Laura Rankin ( Barre ); Dick Knowlton ( Gardner) ; and Ted Purcell (Rutland); and Jim Samdahl (Princeton). Unable to attend was Linda Mueller of Oakham.

We are looking for representation from the towns of Petersham/Hardwick, Templeton, and Westminster. Please contact us at hubbardstonnatureclub@yahoo.com if you would like to know more about the responsibilities of our Advisory Group.

Besides planning for the upcoming annual meeting and future programs/field trips, the group had a lively discussion regarding a possible name change for our Club, in an attempt to characterize our large geographic region and convey a more general inclusiveness. While we're reflecting upon the many great options that were mentioned, we'll honor the founding roots of the organization and keep "Hubbardston" in the name for awhile. Watch this space for further news. And don't be shy about suggesting a new Club name!

PENDING: FACEBOOK “FACE-LIFT” AND A WEB SITE!

Please join us in welcoming Laura Rankin of Barre, who is building us a web-site and taking over the job of Facebook administrator. THANK YOU to Laura and to Betty Ann Sharp, who got us started on Facebook. Laura will also be contributing art work and photographs to be posted on the sites.

In addition, Gail Hansche Godin of Hubbardston, an outstanding nature photographer, and Barry Van Dusen of Princeton, an award-winning painter of nature subjects, will be contributing illustrations.
THANKS Gail and Barry for your support!

Alan Rawle and others will be taking photos on field trips, and we’ll choose some of the most interesting for posting.

And we want your nature-themed photographs and drawings, too. Please
send them along for sharing.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

​SANDHILL CRANESWITH TWO CHICKS SEEN IN HARDWICK

120th Annual Christmas Bird Count AREA RESULTS​

​119th Annual Christmas Bird Count Results

Northern Worcester County Annual July Butterfly CountJuly 7, 2018