I hope you can join us at one of our upcoming programs.
On August 17th, we're offering an evening of birding at the North Pool on Plum Island. Doug Chickering will read from his book Reflections on a Golden-winged Warbler. Light refreshments will be served, and his book will be available for Doug to sign. Tree Swallow migration time is upon us! This program will take place at the North Pool Overlook which is a fantastic location to observe,appreciate and identify Tree Swallows as they head to their evening roost.
Swallow Lore
For sailors, swallow tattoos have specific meanings. Typically, a seasoned sailor who has traveled for more than 5,000 nautical miles will get a swallow tattoo to demonstrate that he's well-experienced. Swallow tattoos are also considered lucky for seafarers because they believe that if they drown, the swallow will carry their soul away safely.
The birds were also associated with working-class pride in England, and many fighters tattooed swallows on their knuckles or fists to symbolize their strength and swiftness.
In ancient Greece, the swallow was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of Love, and was believed to bring good luck and happiness.
The ancient Romans believed that the swallow was a totem bird for mothers in sorrow and that it embodied the souls of children who had been lost in childbirth.
Modern Christians see the swallow as a symbol of sacrifice and rebirth as well as a symbol for new beginnings.
No matter what cultural belief you choose, swallows are seen as a symbol of hope. The birds are protected in many cultures and are rarely hunted or harmed.
SEASONAL BIRD
Observe the Tree Swallows which were first described in 1808 by French Ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot.
Appreciate that the Tree Swallow winters farthest north of American swallows, which is why it returns here each spring long before the other swallows return.
Identify a flock of Tree Swallows which are known collectively as a "stand" of swallows.
WHAT'S AHEAD
August is the time to observe the shorebirds and Peregrine Falcons migrating along the coast. As the fall shorebird migration gets in full swing, you'll observe the Class of 2016 shorebirds [this year's young] as they head to their wintering grounds.
Enjoy this link about a young Whimbrel:
https://www.manomet.org/
September is the time to observe the migration of Sharp-shinned and Broad-winged Hawks.
By month's end, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are ready to head to Central America and Mexico.
BIRDING PROGRAMS
Watching Bird Migration
Date: Wednesday, August 10
Time: 6:00 pm - dusk
Meeting Location: Parking Lot #1 on Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $15
Join Sue for a birding program focused on the importance of the Refuge during bird migration. Plum Island is one of the finest places for viewing birds during fall migration. Many bird species are moving south along the coast. On Plum Island, the extensive mudflats, the salt marshes, the salt pannes & the pools are excellent feeding areas & roosting sites for these migrants.
Book Reading & Birding At The North Pool Overlook...
Date: Wednesday, August 17th
Time: 6:00 pm to dusk
Location: North Pool Overlook on Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Free Program!
Join us for an evening of birding at the North Pool. Doug Chickering will read from his book Reflections on a Golden-winged Warbler. Light refreshments will be served, and copies of the book will be available for Doug to sign for you.For nearly three decades, Doug has been a frequent and passionate birder and chronicler of Essex County, one of the most famous and historic birding locations in the world. His essays in the Newburyport Birders' newsletter were extremely popular.
He has published his essays on birding in Winging It, Bird Observer and The Quail. Doug is frequently invited to read his works on Ray Brown’s radio program Talkin’ Birds.
Here's what readers are saying about Doug's book: “Birding is all about sharing the adventure, and in this collection of entertaining essays, Douglas Chickering has shown how varied the world of birding can be. A wonderful read for any birder.” - Don and Lillian Stokes, authors of The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America
“It was the magic of Doug Chickering’s prose, observed on the Massbird Listserv, that led me to begin reading them on my radio show and to inviting Doug to read some himself. How wonderful that many of his beautiful and thoughtful pieces have been assembled in this delightful book. I recommend Reflections on a Golden-Winged Warbler heartily to all who love birds and to all who enjoy wise and insightful observations expressed with beauty, eloquence, and a clearly-expressed love for our natural world.” - Ray Brown, host of the Talkin’ Birds radio show
“The short birding stories of Douglas Chickering are truly inspirational. He demonstrates the pure joy and exhilaration of coming face to face with a plethora of birds on his beloved Plum Island and surrounding countryside. I have had the privilege of birding Plum Island often
with Doug, and even 20 years on, I still have wonderful memories of those halcyon days. If ever a man has demonstrated the delights of ‘Patch Birding’, it has to be Doug. This book is a must have for anyone wanting to share those emotions.” - Derek Moore, British ornithologist and nature conservationist
Shorebirds On the Wing
Date: Sunday, August 21
Time: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: The boat launch at the Seawall which is at the junction of Neptune & Water Streets in Newburyport
We'll be looking at shorebirds during this interpretative program. The focus will be on field marks, foraging styles and where these globe-trotting, long-distant migrants are headed.
Sunday Evening Along the Powwow RiverDate: Sunday, September 4
Time: 6:00 pm to Dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Lake Gardner's parking lot off High Street in Amesbury
Take an evening walk, have fun, learn where to look for birds and how to identify them in their habitat. This slow-paced walk will introduce you to riverside birding. We'll discuss the natural history of the birds we encounter. Please wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and
footwear appropriate for walking on unpaved surfaces.
Along The Artichoke Reservoir - Evening Birding
Date: Sunday, September 11th
Time: 6:00 pm - dusk
Meet at: The Park & Ride on Storey Ave., Newburyport - we'll carpool from there
Fee: $15
We'll be looking for migrating birds! During our program, we'll focus on the many aids to field identification, including physical characteristics, habitat preference & feeding techniques.
Morning of Birding in West Newbury
Date: Sunday, September 18th
Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Meet at: The Park & Ride on Storey Ave., Newburyport - we'll carpool from there
Fee: $15
We'll teach you aids to field identification, including physical characteristics, habitat preference & feeding techniques.
Birding Powwow Hill
Date: Sunday, September 25th
Time: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Meet at: The Park & Ride on Storey Ave., Newburyport - we'll carpool from there
Fee: $15
We'll look for migrating hawks from this vista. Bring a comfortable chair and a picnic lunch.
TIMESHARE ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD FOR SALE
For Sale ~ Fall Timeshare on Martha's Vineyard!
Birders Getaway late October/early November week
Fall timeshare week at Harbor Landing Inn in Vineyard Haven
Unit has:
2 twin beds,
Private, full bath,
Cable TV,
Small refrigerator,
Unit with individually controlled heat and air conditioning,
5 acre park adjoining the property,
Access to common areas with fully equipped kitchen, recreation room, deck overlooking the harbor and grilling area on the patio.
It's convenient to the ferry, the famous Black Dog Tavern, golf course, beaches, excellent fall birding on The Vineyard, YMCA's pool and fitness center.
You may exchange this timeshare week for anywhere in the world through Interval International.
For owner's contact information, please email Sue at: newburyportbirders@comcast.net
GET OUTSIDE
There's a natural draw to appreciating birds. Get outside and observe, appreciate and identify birds. Birding is good for you! Birding can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve concentration. Take a deep breath of fresh air, listen to the sounds of the birds and appreciate their colors. There are millions of active birdwatchers in the United States who collectively spend more money watching birds than all Americans spend on movie tickets.
PRIVATE BIRDING TOURS
There's a natural draw to appreciating birds. We'll customize your tour complete with one of our highly-skilled guides! Get outside with Newburyport Birders; you'll observe, appreciate and identify birds. Birding is good for you! Birding can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve concentration. Take a deep breath of fresh air, listen to the sounds of the birds and appreciate their colors. There are millions of active birdwatchers in the United States who collectively spend more money watching birds than all Americans spend on movie tickets. Contact us and arrange your private tour.
I look forward to birding with you!
Best Wishes,
Sue