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

  • 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 [...]

  • Gulls at Revere Beach

    Revere Beach - Nearest to Wonderland Stop MA, United States

    Following the recent talk by Amar Ayyash, author of The Gull Guide, we will have a gull focused field trip at Revere Beach. Our trip will be about appreciating gulls, basic to advanced gull ID, and rare and unusual gulls. We may move to other locations based on recent reports but will start at the [...]

  • 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.

  • Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond

    We will look for late fall migrants and new winter arrivals in Franklin Park. Beginners welcome and encouraged. Expect to walk up to 2 miles on paved paths. Loaner binoculars available. Co-sponsored with the Franklin Park Coalition and Franklin Park Tennis Association.

  • North Shore Waterfowl Expedition

    Topsfield Fair Grounds 207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA, United States

    We will visit several different water bodies in Essex County in attempting to see as many as 25 different species of Ducks and Geese. There will be some walking. We will end up at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.

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