Begging Raptors in Wellesley and Brookline

[Paul Peterson]

Five days ago, I birded in Wellesley. The excursion ended with a proverbial band. I was on the Sudbury Path near the fabulous Waban Arches (named for Waban Brook, which empties into the Charles River very near this point) At dusk and beyond, there were dozens and dozens of fireflies creating magic. Also, Big Brown Bats were out and about. Then, at 9:05 p.m., I heard calls that were unfamiliar to me. Then, one of the mystery birds flew up to eye level from down the steep embakment. A Barred Owl giving its begging call. I then heard another one that was still down below.

Great Blue Heron 2                    Rosemary Brook and Waban Arches
Wood Duck 30                           ditto
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK 1    Cartwright St. in Ridge Hill Reservation (technically in Needham, but barely)
Barred Owl 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1    Rosemary Brook (pickerelweed)
Pileated Woodpecker 1             Waban Arches area near dusk 
Great Crested Flycatcher 3       including two Rosemary Brook
Eastern Wood Pewee 2
Wood Thrush 2                       Babson College

Two days ago, at the Longwood Mall in the Longwood section of Brookline, I saw FOUR fledgling Cooper's Hawks along Chatham St. near Borland St. They were not far from the nest where they had hatched. They too were giving begging calls. (just like the Barred Owls in Wellesley)  Very exciting! I went back to the area after dark for Common Nighthawk. This was at 9:15. There was one calling.

Paul Peterson
peterso...@yahoo.com
Boston