October Big Day Report

Here’s where we went birding on October 11th:

2025 October Big Day trip locations

39 Birders sent in 98 checklists for Massachusetts (and a few more from NH and Maine). We recorded 145 species, and a Budgerigar.

Highlights included: Sora at Great Meadows, Concord; Marbled Godwit at Joppa Park, Newburyport; a flock of 26 Red Knots at Plymouth Beach; American Golden-Plovers at both Joppa Park and Plymouth; American Bittern at Hellcat, Plum Island; Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Perkins Park, Newburyport; Philadelphia Vireo at Plum Island; Pine Siskin in Marlborough; Grasshopper Sparrow in Hatfield; Clay-colored Sparrow at Arlington Reservoir; Dickcissel at Ricci Field, Lincoln. We recorded 17 species of warblers on the day, compared with 20 on our Big Day in May. 13 species of sparrow in October, compared with 10 in May.

Most species were recorded in Essex County (115), followed by Middlesex (100), Suffolk (63) and Bristol (57). The most frequently recorded species were Blue Jay (74 checklists), Song Sparrow (64), White-throated Sparrow (54), American Robin and Black-capped Chickadee (52), Yellow-rumped Warbler (48), Northern Cardinal and Red-bellied Woodpecker (47).

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Upcoming Field Trips

  • CANCELLED Woodcocks at Alewife

    Cambridge - Alewife Alewife MBTA Red Line Station, Cambridge, MA, United States

    Cancelled due to leader schedule conflict.

  • Timberdoodles in Sharon

    Sharon - Moose Hill Farm (trustees) 396 Moose Hill Street, Sharon, MA, United States

    Come watch American Woodcock display behavior. Water-resistant shoes helpful, but not needed.

  • Vernal Equinox Walk. Leader’s Choice

    Leader's Choice

    The trip leader will monitor recent sightings prior to meeting and select the birdiest spots. Contact leader for details. Call or e-mail no later than 7 PM on March 20.

  • Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity

    East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl, and other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations

  • Parker River NWR

    Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United States

    We will explore various hot-spots on the refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.

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