July & August Bird Programs

Birders,

SEASONAL SIGHTINGS

Observe the variety of shorebirds returning from their breeding grounds. They will utilize Newburyport's vast mud flats, extensive salt marsh, fresh water marsh, wrack line and impoundments during their migration south.

Appreciate the gathering flocks of Tree Swallows. Swallows have flattened bills with wide gapes, long wings and short legs. Prior to migration, their diet changes from insects to bayberries, affording them an opportunity to increase their fat stores.

Identify the terns. They are graceful and long winged. Their slender, pointed bills allow them to forage in the intertidal zones.


NATURAL HISTORY PROGRAMS 

WEDNESDAY MORNING RAMBLES 
Dates: Wednesdays, July 12 & 19
Time: 9:30 am to noon
Fee: 15.
Meeting location: Park & Ride ticket office on Storey Ave., Newburyport

We'll be exploring some of Essex County's highly productive, inland birding area. 


BIRDING GRASSLAND HABITAT
Dates: Saturday July  22 
Time: 8:30 am to 11:00 am
Fee: 15.
Meeting: Woodsom Farm parking area on Lionsmouth Road, Amesbury 

Join Sue for a morning bird walk in Amesbury's grasslands. We'll explore the habitat as we ramble in search of grassland birds. Please wear sturdy walking shoes. 


BIRDING THE LITTLE RIVER
Date: Sunday, August 6
Time:  8:00 am to 11:00 am
Fee: $15.  
Meeting Location: Hale Street in Newburyport at the small pull-off with a kiosk on the right 1.1 miles from the junction of Low & Hale Streets in Newburyport 

Explore one of Newburyport’s best kept secret, birding locations. Seldom do you hear of groups birding the Little River Trail; during this  program, we’ll show you this under-explored, birding spot. We look forward to introducing you to new vistas and interesting observations at this gem of a property. Wear sturdy shoes; bring a hat, insect repellent and a beverage. 


WINGS ON WATER STREET
Date: Sunday, August, 13
Time: 7:30 am - 11:00 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: 
The junction of Neptune & Water Streets in Newburyport

We'll search for birds along Water Street in Newburyport. There are several good vantage locations for us to view the harbor, its mudflats and the river. We'll discuss the physical adaptations, migration paths and field marks of the birds we encounter. 


WATCHING BIRD MIGRATION
Date: Wednesday, August 23
Time: 6:00 pm - dusk
Fee: $15    


Meeting Location: Cashman Park Boat Ramp parking lot in Newburyport 


Join Sue for a birding program focused on the importance of the mudflats during bird migration. The is one of the finest places for viewing shorebird migration. Many bird species are moving south along the coast. The extensive mudflats and the salt marshes are excellent feeding areas for these migrants. 

BIRD BEHAVIOR QUIZ


At all of our natural history programs, we study bird behavior. Do the following birds walk or hop?

*Brown-headed Cowbird

*Horned Lark

*Savannah Sparrow

*Blue Jay

*European Starling

Send your answers to Sue, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a Newburyport Birders' Gift Certificate. Sue will include the quiz answers and the name of the winner in the September/October program announcement.



Good birding,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
newburyportbirders@comcast.net
www.newburyportbirders.com

978-204-2976