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).

Roberts on Raptors

Roberts on Raptors Many of you know Paul Roberts and have benefited from his wisdom and advice about raptors. For many years Paul has published his thoughts and stories about hawks in general and the

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

Roberts on Raptors

Roberts on Raptors Many of you know Paul Roberts and have benefited from his wisdom and advice about raptors. For many years Paul has published his thoughts and stories about hawks in general and the

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

Roberts on Raptors

Roberts on Raptors Many of you know Paul Roberts and have benefited from his wisdom and advice about raptors. For many years Paul has published his thoughts and stories about hawks in general and the

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

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Upcoming Field Trips

  • Plum Island

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

    We will be looking for Shorebirds and Fall migrants. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restrooms available.

  • Great Meadows NWR, Concord

    Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United States

    We will walk easy trails looking for birds. This is a good time for raptors. Beginners welcome. Note that entrance fee or pass is required.

  • Charles River Esplanade

    Boston - Charles River Esplanade MA, United States

    We will walk along the Charles River Esplanade from the Longfellow Bridge upriver looking for birds on both land and water. We hope to see a range of fall migrants as well as year round residents. Cosponsored with the Charles River Esplanade Association. Loaner binoculars available (request in advance). Preregister on the Esplanade Association’s website:

  • Delaney WMA, Stow NEW DATE and TIME

    Stow - Delaney WMA Boat Launch 353 Harvard Road, Stow, MA, United States

    We will spend the morning walking 3-4 miles through fields, forests and wetlands looking for post-nesting birds and early migrants. No restrooms are available. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Be prepared for poison ivy. Rain cancels.

  • Family Bird Walk, Condon Shell, Medford

    Medford - Condon Shell Parking 2501 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA, United States

    Sponsored by the Medford Public Library. Join local birder Leslie Kramer of Brookline Bird Club for a family-friendly bird watching walk along the river! Our group will meet at the Condon Shell parking lot and follow the path along the river, which is ADA-accessible and stroller friendly. Note: Attendance is free but registration is required

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