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

  • 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 [...]

  • Mystic River Reservation (Early Birders Series)

    Medford - Mystic River State Reservation 4253 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA, United States

    Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Mystic River State Reservation! Located just north of Boston in Medford, Mystic River Reservation is a state nature reserve home to over 300 acres of space in a riverfront setting. As we navigate our way around the 2.3 mile park loop trail, expect to see all [...]

  • An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh

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

    Join DCR park staff for a relaxed, one-mile bird walk through flat, easy terrain at this Massachusetts State Reservation and birding hot spot. At Belle Isle and at additional nearby locations— We’ll search for shorebirds during their peak in migration and passerines that are beginning their southerly migration. Participants are responsible for their own transportation [...]

  • Autumnal Equinox Walk

    Leader's Choice

    Celebrate the beginning of the Fall season by birding favorite patches, locally and beyond.

  • Mt Auburn Cemetery Rescheduled from Sunday

    Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United States

    This trip has been rescheduled from Sunday (9/20) to Saturday (9/19). Join us to observe resident birds and fall migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are (generally) flat though there are some [...]

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