Important Bird Area: Wachusett Reservoir

Wachusett Reservoir is the second largest body of freshwater in Massachusetts. The watershed is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) as part of greater Boston's water supply. There are several small islands that have been used by loons and gulls as breeding sites. There are numerous coves and inlets that are favored by migrating waterbirds. The surrounding forest is mostly typical reservoir plantings including stands of Red Pine. The Quinapoxet River flows into the reservoir at the northwest corner at Thomas Basin. Wachusett Reservoir is a popular fishing spot, though boat fishing is prohibited and shore fishing is restricted. Forested areas along Quinapoxet River, especially northwest of Thomas Basin and along River Road, are very attractive to winter finches and Boreal Chickadees as well as owls including the Barred and Saw-whet. Included in this IBA are several nearby ponds that are commonly used by migratory waterfowl that fly back-and-forth to the reservoir. All these ponds consistently have migratory species including scaup, mergansers, goldeneyes, Buffleheads and Ruddy Ducks. Part of the IBA is a small marshy peat bog locally called Sterling Peat. In the past, the peat was farmed and sold. The remnant is a shallow cattail marsh surrounding peat beds favored by migratory waterfowl, postbreeding egrets, shorebirds, and breeding Wood Ducks and rails. Least Bitterns have been detected calling here in the last few years. A sizable (60+ pairs) Bank Swallow colony is found in a sand mound by the water.