Birds make early return to region

The Audubon Society has reported a variety of recent bird sightings in western Massachusetts.

Amherst dickcissel makes exit

The Audubon Society has reported a variety of recent bird sightings in western Massachusetts.

Two snow geese and a cackling goose were on the campus pond at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, but the dickcissel, which had been seen for several weeks, has not been reported in South Amherst since Sunday.

Birds at feeders still sparse

The Audubon Society has reported a variety of recent bird sightings in western Massachusetts.

A light blanket of snow and a strong wave of cold with resulting ice were not enough to bring more birds to feeders, but more pine siskins, purple finches, blackbirds and a few ducks are being reported in the general region.

Dry skies have ducks, songbirds still hanging in

The Audubon Society has reported a variety of recent bird sightings in western Massachusetts.

Christmas bird counts continue with good results

The Audubon Society has reported a variety of recent bird sightings in western Massachusetts.

Results from three more Christmas bird counts are now available. There were 51 species found on the northern Berkshire count (Williamstown area), 58 species on the central Berkshire count (Pittsfield area), 62 species on the Athol area count, and 69 species on the Springfield area count.

Bird counters see reduced numbers

The Audubon Society has reported a variety of recent bird sightings in western Massachusetts.

Two Christmas Counts were conducted this past weekend. Springfield area counters found many woodland species were in short supply, probably due to the mild temperatures and lack of ice and snow. Noticeably fewer woodpeckers, blue jays, chickadees, titmice, kinglets and goldfinches were seen.