2024 Birding Recap: Biodiversity Flocks to Metro West

It was another great year for birding in Metro West! Using data submitted to eBird by birdwatchers in our community, we got a look at the amazing variety of avians that visited the region. This year’s highlights include thrilling visits from Peregrine Falcons, a Prothonotary Warbler, Bald Eagles, and a few unexpected surprises, as well as our usual frequent flyers.

A Rare Sparrow and More at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln

At Drumlin Farm, birders recorded a total of 140 species— just shy of the record 142 in 2023. Most recently, a rare visit from a Lark Sparrow, normally found in Midwest and West Coast, delighted visitors. The last time someone spotted a Lark Sparrow at Drumlin Farm was in 2018. The bird favored the shrubby retention area near the sanctuary entrance, feeding on small seeds in the grass with Dark-eyed Juncos and other sparrows. Birders and photographers flocked to the sanctuary for a glimpse, showing just how rewarding it can be to keep an eye out for recent bird sightings on eBird.

American Woodcocks performed their breathtaking aerial displays in early spring. These displays usually occur around open areas like fields and forest edges, which are increasingly threatened by development and forest succession, causing pressure on woodcocks.

Two pairs of nesting Bobolinks, whose habitat has also been threatened by development, made their way to Drumlin as well. Mass Audubon manages wildlife sanctuaries to ensure that these amazing birds have access to habitats they rely on.

Other highlights included Black Vultures, which are usually found further south; Red Crossbills, who periodically come down from the north in large numbers but are not typically seen in eastern Massachusetts; American Kestrels, which are considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Concern in New England; along with Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Peregrine and Merlin falcons, Dickcissel, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, and American Pipits.

The most common bird was the Black-capped Chickadee with 2,848 eBird submissions, followed closely by 2,704 American Robins sightings. The spunky Black-capped Chickadee is the state bird of Massachusetts, making it a fitting winner for this category.

Waterbirds Flock to Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick

Birders recorded 136 species at Broadmoor this year. Rusty Blackbirds, whose populations are decreasing worldwide, were attracted to the sanctuary’s marshes as they migrate south from Canada. Virginia Rails enjoyed the wetland habitat, and local birders theorize that there may even be a nesting pair at Broadmoor. Although they’re quite secretive, Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos made an appearance. These birds rely on a caterpillar-heavy diet, making them good predators against pests like the invasive Spongy Moth.

Other highlights included Osprey, Marsh Wren, Common Nighthawk, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers, Northern Waterthrush, Orchard Oriole, Willow Flycatchers, Purple Martins, Blue-winged Warblers, and Barrow's Goldeneye.

Black-capped Chickadees were the most common bird with 2,431 observations, followed closely by the Blue Jay with 2,289 sightings.

Raptors Return to Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont

At Habitat, visitors reported 110 species in 2024. For a small sanctuary amid residential neighborhoods, it has an amazing variety of bird activity. 

Several Great Horned Owls chose Habitat as their nesting spot, to the delight of many. While we did witness the unintended effects of rodenticide poisoning in a local owl, we also saw our community rally around this important issue, seizing opportunities to protect other raptors from similar fates.   

Bald Eagles also visited, their numbers continuing to strengthen after being reintroduced to the state in the 1980s and their subsequent removal from the Massachusetts Endangered Species List in 2012. Largely fish eaters, they most likely fly over Habitat on their way to water.

Other unique finds included migratory birds like Swainson's Thrush, Blackburnian Warbler, Winter Wren, Brown Thrasher, and Ring-necked Pheasant.

Once again, the Black-capped Chickadee dominated with 1,427 recorded sightings.

City Visitors at Magazine Beach Park Nature Center in Cambridge

Despite its urban location, Magazine Beach racked up 131 species, showing the amazing amount of biodiversity that can be found in the city. A pair of Peregrine Falcons and their three fledglings visited frequently, as they regularly use a nest box on the Boston University dormitory across the Charles River. That makes them one of around 50 nesting pairs in the whole state! 

The Northern Shoveler, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Red-Throated Loon, usually found by the ocean, stopped over at Magazine Beach on their way to and from Boston harbor. Horned Lark, Brant, Osprey, Bay-breasted Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Clay-colored and Fox Sparrow, Wilson's Snipe, and Pied-billed Grebe were just some of the other great finds.

The most common bird? Canada Geese, with 1,275 recorded sightings.

Wonderful Warblers at Brewster's Woods Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord

At Brewster's Woods, birders counted 110 species. Most notable was the Prothonotary Warbler, a species usually found in the swamps of the southern US. Prothonotary Warblers breed further south than other Warbler species and migrate to places like the Yucatan peninsula in winter, making them a rare sighting this far north. Also seen in 2023, it may be part of a pair nesting nearby.

The Black-capped Chickadee came neck-in-neck with the Tufted Titmouse for most spotted, with 594 and 545 sightings respectively.

Looking Ahead: Your 2025 Birding Adventure Awaits

Thank you to all the wonderful birders who contributed to eBird while birding at Metro West Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries. Kickstart the new year by joining one of our birding programs—you may spot one of the first rare and notable sightings for 2025!