US-MA-Muddy+Pond+and+Sterling+Peat


 * =Birding in Massachusetts=

Worcester County
=Muddy Pond and Sterling Peat= Sterling, Massachusetts 01564

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Muddy Pond/Sterling Peat, Sterling
Coordinates: 42.4125067, -71.787524 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

Tips for birding Muddy Pond and Sterling Peat
This area is now managed by the MDC, though the northern corner, where the Sterling Peat company still remains, is privately owned. The area is becoming increasingly popular with fishermen and this may affect the future presence of some species. This area of peat beds, marsh and pond can be quite good for migrating shorebirds in the last half of summer if water levels are low. An early start may be necessary to get the birds before they are flushed off. Usually these are common species like Killdeer, Spotted and Least Sandpipers, but other species like Semipalmated Plovers and yellowlegs regularly show up. In late summer, post-breeding Great Egrets can sometimes be found. Late fall and early spring bring migratory waterfowl in small numbers, usually Hooded and Common Mergansers and Ring-Necked Ducks. Canada Geese, Wood Ducks, Mallards and Virginia Rails breed and there is a decent Bank Swallow Colony on the sand hill/island. Winter is a good time to check the snags for Northern Shrike. The area can also be quite good for watching migrating hawks. In summer, the area is good for butterflies and odonates.

Directions: Take I-190 north out of the city of Worcester. Take exit 5, the Rt. 140 exit. At the bottom of the off ramp, go north on Rt. 140 under I-190. Take your first left onto Dana Hill Road. You will pass back under I-190 and quickly the road become Muddy Pond Road. The area around the stream that crosses the road is also part of the MDC parcel. In short order, you will see an open expanse of weeds and water on the left with several pull-offs. To check for shorebirds, pull off at the logs, before you et to the water, and walk out along the SW corner of the pond onto a peninsula. Try to stay on anything that looks like a trail as birds are often nesting in the weeds. In times of very low water, this area may bisect the pond. The small sand hill island adjacent to this area holds the Bank Swallow colony. Check the sandy point for shorebirds. A quiet approach is necessary, and a scope very helpful. Check other areas of Sterling Peat from the pull offs along Muddy Pond Road. At the north end of the pond, an obscure trail runs between the edge of the pond and the grassy field, where Bobolinks breed. Look for a MDC gate. Sterling Peat is good to bird in conjunction with checking out the Waushacum Ponds and Wachuset Reservoir. (submitted by Mark Lynch). From Places to Bird in Central Massachussets

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media type="custom" key="28836774" || L859056 US US-MA US-MA-027 42.4125067 -71.787524 Muddy Pond/Sterling Peat, Sterling