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

  • Woodcocks at Mary Cummings Park

    Burlington - Mary Cummings Park (Across from 28 Blanchard) 25 Blanchard Rd, Burlington, MA, United States

    Offered by Menotomy Bird club. Join us at sunset as we listen and look for the mating sky dance of the American Woodcock. Activity should begin around 7:00 p.m. and last for about an hour - flashlight recommended; please no dogs. Meet at the Trustees Picnic Area near the Airplane Field (NOT the Soccer Field).

  • Parker River NWR

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

    Join a fun, easy and relaxed afternoon search for winter search for ocean birds, winter shore birds, raptors and early migrants. We will visit viewing areas along the ocean as well as the Hellcat boardwalks. Leader will have scope and hot chocolate! for sharing. Restrooms available. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required

  • Woodcock Walk at Rock Meadow Conservation Area, Belmont

    Belmont - Rock Meadow 300 Mill St, Belmont, MA, United States

    Join us at sunset to (hopefully) hear and see the mating sky dance of the American Woodcock. Activity typically begins around 7:15 p.m. and lasts for about an hour. Call the trip leader if there's rain or snow cover. We will walk ~1/2 mile along paths to the best woodcock view area.  Be prepared for

  • RESCHEDULED Pine Hill Road Grasslands (rescheduled to Saturday March 28)

    Lancaster - Pine Hill Road Grasslands Pine Hill Road, Lancaster, MA, United States

    Due to the the amount of snow still around we are rescheduling this to Saturday March 28. Also, we didn't mean to conflict with the Mass Aubudon Birders Meeting on March 14.

  • Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

    Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United States

    A two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with leader the night before trip.

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