Birders,
The days are getting condensed. The birdsong has quieted to a whisper. The migrants are fattening up, storing fat as fuel for their southward flights. The fall migration season is a more leisurely than the northward one in spring which is fueled by hormones.
Migrants often follow our coastlines during migration. Setting up on peninsulas with a north-south orientation can boost your daily list. Areas with a water source are known for attracting and retaining migrants.
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| Surf Scoter by Jeremiah Trimble |
Monday Morning Birding
Date: Monday, October 10
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge's North Pool Lot
Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge's dike on foot during this interpretative program. The focus will be on field marks and where these migrants are headed. Dress in layers.
On the Wing on Plum Island
Date: Sunday, October 16
Time: 2:30 pm to sunset
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Plum Island Lighthouse
We'll be birding the northern portion of Plum Island during this interpretative program. The focus will be on field marks and where these migrants are headed. Dress in layers.
On the Wing in West Newbury
Date: Sunday, November 13
Time: 2:30 pm to sunset
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: The Park & Ride on Storey Ave. [Route 113], Newburyport - we'll carpool from there
We'll be birding the the Artichoke Reservoir area and will focus on field marks. Dress in layers.
Horned Lark by Margo Goetschkes
Thanksgiving Morning Walk at Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm in Newbury
Date: Thursday, November 24
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Fee: 2 for $20
Meeting Location: At the end of Little's Lane in Newbury - look for the Newburyport Birders' A-Frame sign
We'll walk the agricultural fields in search of American Pipits, sparrows, hawks, Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.
Directions: In Newbury Center, head south on Route 1A and continue through the only set of lights. Then take your first left onto Little's Lane.
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| Common Merganser by Jeremiah Trimble |
Look at Every Bird at Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury
Date: Friday, November 25
Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: First parking area you encounter on Moulton Street in West Newbury - look for the Newburyport Birders' A-Frame sign
The Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir is a perfect setting for waterfowl viewing. This public water source hosts Ruddy Duck & Ring-necked Duck, and both spend the fall here in the hundreds. Other species that can be seen here are Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Scaup, Bufflehead, the occasional Canvasback, Redhead and mergansers.
Sunset Birding at Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Date: Saturday, November 26
Time: 2:30 pm to sunset
Fee: $15 each
Meeting Location: The boat ramp parking lot at Salisbury Beach State Reservation
The campground area is a prime area for Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings. The pines along the marsh edge often harbor owls and hawks. On Badger's Rocks at low tide, we usually see Harbor Seals hauled out.
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| Common Eider by Nate Dubrow |
Birding at Salisbury Beach State ReservationDate: Saturday, December 3
Time: 9:00 am to noon
Meeting Location: Boat Ramp Parking Lot at Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Fee: $15.
Join Sue for a birding program focused on the importance of the coastal habitats for birds. Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a fine birding destination.
Date: Sunday, December 11
Time: 1:00 pm to sunset
Meeting Location: Cashman Park Boat Launch at Sally Synder Way which is off Merrimac Steet in Newburyport
Fee: $15.
Join Sue for a program focused on the importance of the Merrimack River for birds..
Good birding,
Sue
Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
Website: www.newburyportbirders.com
Blog: http://nbptbirders.blogspot.