Date: 2/17/26 6:35 am From: 'Emily Szczypek' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Found scope or camera lens cover.
Hi, I found a Sigma scope or camera lens covers near the green railing at the Bleachery Dam, Charles River, Waltham. If someone from Waltham lost it, I can get it to you. If you're the owner & don't live in Waltham, I can mail it to you if you need it. Joyous birding, Emily Szczypek
Date: 2/13/26 12:08 pm From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Access to Rockport's Andrews Point rocky shoreline threatened; here is a sample letter opposing these restrictions
Folks,
Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recently informed us that a resident along Rockport's Andrew's Point rocky shore, specifically at 18 Longbranch Ave, is trying to restrict access to the rocky shore. This is a decades old fight that was "settled" in the 1980s. The President of BBC at that time, Judge Larry Jodrey, and another old time North Shore resident, Jerry Soucy, negotiated with the Town of Rockport and property owners along what is now called Atlantic Path to allow pedestrian access to this area with views of the open ocean to the northeast. Many significant counts of pelagic birds, particularly during nor'easter storms, have been conducted from these spots by Rick Heil and others over many years.
I urge you to write the State and the Town. Officials from the Massachusetts Attorney General and from the Town Of Rockport are negotiating with the attorneys for the property owner(s) and trying to settle these questions that were settled long ago. I have below a list of email address of relevant folks as well as a sample letter:
I am writing you as a strong supporter of pedestrian access to Atlantic Path, the rocky shoreline along Andrews Point, Rockport.
Access to the coastal portion of the property at 18 Longbranch Avenue is historically confirmed and legally written into the deed for that property. Those conditions and the access agreement were extensively negotiated in the 1980s by prominent North Shore residents Judge Lawrence Jodey and Mr Jerry Soucy. The agreements included right of pedestrian access to a significant portion of the shoreline along Andrews Point known as Atlantic Path.
I therefore request Town and State officials to affirm the conditions set out in the property deeds and other documents agreed to decades ago. Recreational and other passive uses of the shoreline by the public should not be restricted by changing ownership of the properties along the shore.
It lasts for 4 days and is a fun way to report birds for this annual event.
Our next meeting at the Jenks Center will be on Tuesday, April 21st, where a rehabber will bring a live Barn owl. More details to follow.
The Jenks had some employee turnover which is why we had to skip meetings for February and March. If you have any suggestions for future events or wish to lead a walk for the club, please let me know.
Date: 2/10/26 9:21 am From: Suchi K <suchkarthik...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] New Yard Bird in Woburn - Bluebirds
Robins could migrate, or stay in the same place year round. Or these could
be robins from further north that flew down here.
On Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 9:32 AM Barbara J. Goodchild <bjgoodchild...>
wrote:
> I saw my first robin yesterday too! It gave me hope. The organize breast
> looked particularly intense and beautiful!
>
> B.
>
> On Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 8:57 PM Nina Shepardson <nmallozzi...>
> wrote:
>
>> I saw a flock of robins (about 10 or so) this past week. No bluebirds,
>> but my MIL in central Mass. has been seeing them.
>>
>> On Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:35:50 PM UTC-5 theo kindermans wrote:
>>
>>> We had a surprising robin as well today, It’s chest looked very orange
>>> against the white snow backdrop.
>>>
>>> > On Feb 7, 2026, at 12:07 PM, James Lewkowicz <jimlew......>
>>> wrote:
>>> >
>>> > I keep seeing flocks of Robins. Is that unusual for now??
>>> > Sent from my iPhone
>>> >
>>> >> On Feb 7, 2026, at 9:31 AM, Paul Ippolito <paulipp......>
>>> wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >> Was just treated to 2 Bluebirds in my backyard in Woburn. I was
>>> talking with mom in the phone and caught a flash of blue and clearly could
>>> tell they were not jays.
>>> >>
>>> >> Good thing mom understands when I say I have to go. I need to grab my
>>> binoculars cuz I see a bird. I’ll call you back
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >> - Paul Ippolito
>>> >>
>>> >> --
>>> >> Group home page:
>>> >> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ >>> >> ---
>>> >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
>>> >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
>>> send an email to <arlingtonbird......>
>>> >> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<75ED8B27-472F-40D8-9469-209E41F06E7D...> >>>
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Group home page:
>>> > https://menotomybirdclub.com/ >>> > ---
>>> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
>>> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>> an email to <arlingtonbird......>
>>> > To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<5BE98D4E-84BD-4E28-B983-DBC9012050EC...> >>>
>>>
>>> --
>> Group home page:
>> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Arlington Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to arlingtonbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<90404dee-5190-4e13-a1a6-4e5909218d27n...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<90404dee-5190-4e13-a1a6-4e5909218d27n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
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>
Date: 2/10/26 6:32 am From: Barbara J. Goodchild <bjgoodchild...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] New Yard Bird in Woburn - Bluebirds
I saw my first robin yesterday too! It gave me hope. The organize breast
looked particularly intense and beautiful!
B.
On Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 8:57 PM Nina Shepardson <nmallozzi...> wrote:
> I saw a flock of robins (about 10 or so) this past week. No bluebirds, but
> my MIL in central Mass. has been seeing them.
>
> On Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:35:50 PM UTC-5 theo kindermans wrote:
>
>> We had a surprising robin as well today, It’s chest looked very orange
>> against the white snow backdrop.
>>
>> > On Feb 7, 2026, at 12:07 PM, James Lewkowicz <jimlew......>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > I keep seeing flocks of Robins. Is that unusual for now??
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> >> On Feb 7, 2026, at 9:31 AM, Paul Ippolito <paulipp......>
>> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Was just treated to 2 Bluebirds in my backyard in Woburn. I was
>> talking with mom in the phone and caught a flash of blue and clearly could
>> tell they were not jays.
>> >>
>> >> Good thing mom understands when I say I have to go. I need to grab my
>> binoculars cuz I see a bird. I’ll call you back
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> - Paul Ippolito
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Group home page:
>> >> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ >> >> ---
>> >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
>> >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>> an email to <arlingtonbird......>
>> >> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<75ED8B27-472F-40D8-9469-209E41F06E7D...> >>
>> >
>> > --
>> > Group home page:
>> > https://menotomybirdclub.com/ >> > ---
>> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
>> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>> an email to <arlingtonbird......>
>> > To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<5BE98D4E-84BD-4E28-B983-DBC9012050EC...> >>
>>
>> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Arlington Birds" group.
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> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<90404dee-5190-4e13-a1a6-4e5909218d27n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<90404dee-5190-4e13-a1a6-4e5909218d27n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 2/9/26 5:57 pm From: Nina Shepardson <nmallozzi...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] New Yard Bird in Woburn - Bluebirds
I saw a flock of robins (about 10 or so) this past week. No bluebirds, but
my MIL in central Mass. has been seeing them.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:35:50 PM UTC-5 theo kindermans wrote:
> We had a surprising robin as well today, It’s chest looked very orange
> against the white snow backdrop.
>
> > On Feb 7, 2026, at 12:07 PM, James Lewkowicz <jimlew......>
> wrote:
> >
> > I keep seeing flocks of Robins. Is that unusual for now??
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On Feb 7, 2026, at 9:31 AM, Paul Ippolito <paulipp......> wrote:
> >>
> >> Was just treated to 2 Bluebirds in my backyard in Woburn. I was
> talking with mom in the phone and caught a flash of blue and clearly could
> tell they were not jays.
> >>
> >> Good thing mom understands when I say I have to go. I need to grab my
> binoculars cuz I see a bird. I’ll call you back
> >>
> >>
> >> - Paul Ippolito
> >>
> >> --
> >> Group home page:
> >> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > >> ---
> >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
> >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
> an email to <arlingtonbird......>
> >> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<75ED8B27-472F-40D8-9469-209E41F06E7D...> > .
> >
> > --
> > Group home page:
> > https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > > ---
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
> an email to <arlingtonbird......>
> > To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<5BE98D4E-84BD-4E28-B983-DBC9012050EC...> > .
>
>
Date: 2/9/26 11:39 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday February 15, 9 am; report for February 1 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, February 15 at 9 am. Details at the end of this email.
The previous walk at the sanctuary, on February 1, was under harsh winter conditions with lots of snow on the ground. The report for that walk is below.
Bear Creek Sanctuary (restricted access), Essex, Massachusetts, US
Feb 1, 2026 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Very windy and cold.
27 species
Canada Goose 25
Mallard 4
American Black Duck 10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 8
Mourning Dove 15
American Herring Gull 25
Cooper's Hawk 1
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Horned Lark 75 Continuing winter resident population
Carolina Wren 1
European Starling 75
Northern Mockingbird 2
American Robin 3
House Sparrow 8
American Goldfinch 5
Snow Bunting 3
American Tree Sparrow 11
White-throated Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 7
Song Sparrow 15
Red-winged Blackbird 18
Northern Cardinal 2
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on February 15:
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> <mailto:<s2ary...> know you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike (Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back. Here is a link to google maps:
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the property without an escort.
Date: 2/7/26 11:35 am From: 'theo kindermans' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] New Yard Bird in Woburn - Bluebirds
We had a surprising robin as well today, It’s chest looked very orange against the white snow backdrop.
> On Feb 7, 2026, at 12:07 PM, James Lewkowicz <jimlewkowicz...> wrote:
>
> I keep seeing flocks of Robins. Is that unusual for now??
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Feb 7, 2026, at 9:31 AM, Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> wrote:
>>
>> Was just treated to 2 Bluebirds in my backyard in Woburn. I was talking with mom in the phone and caught a flash of blue and clearly could tell they were not jays.
>>
>> Good thing mom understands when I say I have to go. I need to grab my binoculars cuz I see a bird. I’ll call you back
>>
>>
>> - Paul Ippolito
>>
>> --
>> Group home page:
>> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to arlingtonbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<75ED8B27-472F-40D8-9469-209E41F06E7D...> >
> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to arlingtonbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<5BE98D4E-84BD-4E28-B983-DBC9012050EC...>
Date: 2/7/26 9:07 am From: James Lewkowicz <jimlewkowicz...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] New Yard Bird in Woburn - Bluebirds
I keep seeing flocks of Robins. Is that unusual for now??
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 7, 2026, at 9:31 AM, Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> wrote:
>
> Was just treated to 2 Bluebirds in my backyard in Woburn. I was talking with mom in the phone and caught a flash of blue and clearly could tell they were not jays.
>
> Good thing mom understands when I say I have to go. I need to grab my binoculars cuz I see a bird. I’ll call you back
>
>
> - Paul Ippolito
>
> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Arlington Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to arlingtonbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<75ED8B27-472F-40D8-9469-209E41F06E7D...>
Date: 2/7/26 6:31 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] New Yard Bird in Woburn - Bluebirds
Was just treated to 2 Bluebirds in my backyard in Woburn. I was talking with mom in the phone and caught a flash of blue and clearly could tell they were not jays.
Good thing mom understands when I say I have to go. I need to grab my binoculars cuz I see a bird. I’ll call you back
Date: 2/5/26 7:38 pm From: Zack Weber <zackweber...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: Tips on birding / eco-lodges in Western Mexico
I briefly visited Rancho Primavera a few Decembers ago.
(https://ranchoprimaveramexico.com/) Lots of cool birds. Birding and
meals other than breakfast were on your own. They do have some feeders and
sliced some trails through different habitat that you can walk on. The
owner was friendly and a native English speaker. I don't recall any other
birders being there during out stay.
On Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 10:08:51 AM UTC-5 Chuck Carney wrote:
> Hi - I would like to travel to western Mexico and was wondering if anyone
> had suggestions on good birding lodges to stay at.
>
> Thanks for the help.
>
> Chuck
>
Date: 2/5/26 8:19 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Gullapalooza watch on Revere Beach: Tuesday, Feb 10, 10 am
Folks,
Brookline Bird Club has scheduled a pop-up gullapalooza trip for Tuesday, February 10 at 10 am. Meet across from the State Police station, 220 Revere Beach Parkway. This is a short distance from the Wonderland Blue Line T station and not far from the Pink Apartment. There are excellent public restroom facilities at the police station. Parking is free and quite manageable.
Gullapalooza is a recurring, almost annual, event at Revere Beach: A big January storm washes up millions of surf clams on the beach and the clams entice thousands of gulls, of multiple species, to the beach. This year's gullapalooza started a couple of weeks ago when that huge snow storm hit our region. The gull hordes started in the 4000 - 5000 range and culminated in the highest count I've seen so far, ~13,500 yesterday (Wednesday).
The species seen consistently: -overwhelming numbers of American Herring Gulls of all ages
-Ring-billed Gulls -Great Black-backed Gulls
-Glaucous Gull (one second cycle so far)
-Iceland Gulls (mostly first and second cycle, presumed Kumlien's subspecies)
Other, rarer gulls:
-Black-headed Gull (seen and photographed by Sebastian Jones a while back)
-Lesser Black-backed Gulls (multiple subadults, one or two adults)
-Glaucous X American Herring hybrids
I suggest:
Wear everything you got, including water-proof and snow-proof footwear. As of last week-end, climbing over the snow berms to reach the beach was a chore.
Bring a scope if you can.
Tide is low around 11:40 so we should be able to walk on wet sand rather than mounts of snow and ice.
We are adding a trip to Revere Beach where a lot of gulls are present due to winter storms throwing up or exposing clams on the beach for them to eat. Large number of gulls including possibly rare gulls are there. We'll do our best to sort through the gulls for rare ones and to work on identifying common gulls that haven't reached adult plumage yet.
We may have to traverse deep snow, probably places where people have walked but it isn't fully packed. Also might be messy conditions on the beach below the high tide point. Could be pretty cold. Dress for the expected conditions.
Bring a scope if you can.
There are good bathroom facilities at the meeting spot.
Low tide is 11:41 am. We want a lower tide to expose the food and give room for everything going on.
Date: 2/1/26 4:38 pm From: Barbara J. Goodchild <bjgoodchild...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Re: Pleasure Bay, South Boston shorebirds
Wow! What an excellent list. And you are right at "hearty." I am waiting
until it warms up a bit.
Barbara
On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 2:02 PM Cliff Cook <ccook13...> wrote:
> I ran into a problem with Soheil's ebird link.
>
> This one worked for me:
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S297357234 >
> Cliff Cook
> Watertown
>
> On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 1:40 PM <sohzendeh...> wrote:
>
>> Folks,
>>
>>
>>
>> John Edmondson and I led a hardy group of birders around Castle Island
>> and Pleasure Bay, South Boston, yesterday. Temperatures were in the teens
>> but the wind was relatively mild so overall conditions were decent. There
>> was great light and excellent birding to be had. The highlight was, of
>> course, the Snowy Owl on top of the Castle. But encountering three species
>> of shorebirds, particularly 25 Purple Sandpipers – a relatively high count
>> for this location – with the snow and ice and cold temperatures was a blast
>> too.
>>
>>
>>
>> If you’re curious about where the shorebirds are (usually), here are some
>> hints:
>>
>>
>>
>> Purples are usually near the beginning of the causeway around Pleasure
>> Bay (starting near the Castle). Yesterday they kept coming back to a pebbly
>> beach on the left (open bay) side of the causeway. Sometimes they perched
>> on the rocks near the first sluiceway.
>>
>>
>>
>> The Sanderling was on the same pebbly patch.
>>
>>
>>
>> Dunlins typically, nearly always, roost on the rocks on the outer side of
>> the causeway near the Sugarbowl – that is the structure halfway out on the
>> causeway. They were not easy to see due to the ice and snow.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks to John for maintaining the list. If you were on the trip, use
>> this link to share yesterday’s list:
>>
>> https://ebird.org/checklist/email?subID=S297357234#share-checklist-form >>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Castle Island and Pleasure Bay, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US
>>
>> Jan 31, 2026 9:04 AM - 11:04 AM
>>
>> Protocol: Traveling
>>
>> 1.059 mile(s)
>>
>> Checklist Comments: BBC trip. Forgot to count. about 10 plus two
>> leaders. Very cold. Wind was moderate but created biting wind chill becasue
>> it was about 10F and less at the start. Sunny.
>>
>> 26 bird species + one seal – undetermined species
>>
>>
>>
>> Brant 58
>>
>> Canada Goose 17
>>
>> American Black Duck 23
>>
>> Common Eider 53
>>
>> Surf Scoter 6
>>
>> White-winged Scoter 1
>>
>> Black Scoter 1
>>
>> Long-tailed Duck 2
>>
>> Bufflehead 4
>>
>> Common Goldeneye 10
>>
>> Red-breasted Merganser 18
>>
>> Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 15
>>
>> Sanderling 1
>>
>> Dunlin 27
>>
>> Purple Sandpiper 25 Careful count, multiple observers.
>>
>> Ring-billed Gull 3
>>
>> American Herring Gull 25
>>
>> Great Black-backed Gull 3
>>
>> Red-throated Loon 1
>>
>> Common Loon 2
>>
>> Cooper's Hawk 1
>>
>> Snowy Owl 1
>>
>> Horned Lark 7 definite ID, one small flock.
>>
>> Snow Bunting 9
>>
>> Song Sparrow 1
>>
>> Pine Warbler 1 Pic may be coming. ID'd carefully. That certain
>> citrus yellow that only Pine Warnlers have. Strong contrast between darker
>> cheeks and yellow throat.
>>
>>
>>
>> View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S297357234 >>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Soheil Zendeh
>>
>> Littleton, MA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Metro Boston Shorebird Group" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to bostonshorebirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/07fd01dc93aa%24456e1d40%24d04a57c0%<24...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/07fd01dc93aa%24456e1d40%24d04a57c0%<24...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
>
> --
> Cliff >> <ccook13...>
>
> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Arlington Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to arlingtonbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/CALYaBu9%<3DyM3HWkKtCeH5ktxZkAeKRcbSe2z4144FJpfumO5V3A...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/CALYaBu9%<3DyM3HWkKtCeH5ktxZkAeKRcbSe2z4144FJpfumO5V3A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 1:40 PM <sohzendeh...> wrote:
> Folks,
>
>
>
> John Edmondson and I led a hardy group of birders around Castle Island and
> Pleasure Bay, South Boston, yesterday. Temperatures were in the teens but
> the wind was relatively mild so overall conditions were decent. There was
> great light and excellent birding to be had. The highlight was, of course,
> the Snowy Owl on top of the Castle. But encountering three species of
> shorebirds, particularly 25 Purple Sandpipers – a relatively high count for
> this location – with the snow and ice and cold temperatures was a blast
> too.
>
>
>
> If you’re curious about where the shorebirds are (usually), here are some
> hints:
>
>
>
> Purples are usually near the beginning of the causeway around Pleasure Bay
> (starting near the Castle). Yesterday they kept coming back to a pebbly
> beach on the left (open bay) side of the causeway. Sometimes they perched
> on the rocks near the first sluiceway.
>
>
>
> The Sanderling was on the same pebbly patch.
>
>
>
> Dunlins typically, nearly always, roost on the rocks on the outer side of
> the causeway near the Sugarbowl – that is the structure halfway out on the
> causeway. They were not easy to see due to the ice and snow.
>
>
>
> Thanks to John for maintaining the list. If you were on the trip, use this
> link to share yesterday’s list:
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/email?subID=S297357234#share-checklist-form >
>
>
>
>
> Castle Island and Pleasure Bay, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US
>
> Jan 31, 2026 9:04 AM - 11:04 AM
>
> Protocol: Traveling
>
> 1.059 mile(s)
>
> Checklist Comments: BBC trip. Forgot to count. about 10 plus two
> leaders. Very cold. Wind was moderate but created biting wind chill becasue
> it was about 10F and less at the start. Sunny.
>
> 26 bird species + one seal – undetermined species
>
>
>
> Brant 58
>
> Canada Goose 17
>
> American Black Duck 23
>
> Common Eider 53
>
> Surf Scoter 6
>
> White-winged Scoter 1
>
> Black Scoter 1
>
> Long-tailed Duck 2
>
> Bufflehead 4
>
> Common Goldeneye 10
>
> Red-breasted Merganser 18
>
> Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 15
>
> Sanderling 1
>
> Dunlin 27
>
> Purple Sandpiper 25 Careful count, multiple observers.
>
> Ring-billed Gull 3
>
> American Herring Gull 25
>
> Great Black-backed Gull 3
>
> Red-throated Loon 1
>
> Common Loon 2
>
> Cooper's Hawk 1
>
> Snowy Owl 1
>
> Horned Lark 7 definite ID, one small flock.
>
> Snow Bunting 9
>
> Song Sparrow 1
>
> Pine Warbler 1 Pic may be coming. ID'd carefully. That certain citrus
> yellow that only Pine Warnlers have. Strong contrast between darker cheeks
> and yellow throat.
>
>
>
> View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S297357234 >
>
>
>
>
> Soheil Zendeh
>
> Littleton, MA
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Metro Boston Shorebird Group" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to bostonshorebirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/07fd01dc93aa%24456e1d40%24d04a57c0%<24...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/07fd01dc93aa%24456e1d40%24d04a57c0%<24...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 2/1/26 10:40 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Pleasure Bay, South Boston shorebirds
Folks,
John Edmondson and I led a hardy group of birders around Castle Island and Pleasure Bay, South Boston, yesterday. Temperatures were in the teens but the wind was relatively mild so overall conditions were decent. There was great light and excellent birding to be had. The highlight was, of course, the Snowy Owl on top of the Castle. But encountering three species of shorebirds, particularly 25 Purple Sandpipers - a relatively high count for this location - with the snow and ice and cold temperatures was a blast too.
If you're curious about where the shorebirds are (usually), here are some hints:
Purples are usually near the beginning of the causeway around Pleasure Bay (starting near the Castle). Yesterday they kept coming back to a pebbly beach on the left (open bay) side of the causeway. Sometimes they perched on the rocks near the first sluiceway.
The Sanderling was on the same pebbly patch.
Dunlins typically, nearly always, roost on the rocks on the outer side of the causeway near the Sugarbowl - that is the structure halfway out on the causeway. They were not easy to see due to the ice and snow.
Thanks to John for maintaining the list. If you were on the trip, use this link to share yesterday's list:
Castle Island and Pleasure Bay, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US
Jan 31, 2026 9:04 AM - 11:04 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.059 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: BBC trip. Forgot to count. about 10 plus two leaders. Very cold. Wind was moderate but created biting wind chill becasue it was about 10F and less at the start. Sunny.
Pine Warbler 1 Pic may be coming. ID'd carefully. That certain citrus yellow that only Pine Warnlers have. Strong contrast between darker cheeks and yellow throat.
Date: 1/25/26 4:24 pm From: 'Emily Szczypek' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Bird in distress in Arlington Heights -- ID?
Thanks, Susan, for doing a "busman's" holiday, working & giving great information even when you're not on site!
What a great organization Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton is!! So glad it exists!!!
Helped a friend bring a Canada Goose with fishing line wrapped around its leg there. Some people hate Canada Geese but didn't want to see it suffer needlessly.
Yeah Patriots!!!!
Appreciatively,
Emily Szczypek
On Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 02:10:12 PM EST, Susan Moses <snmnmoses...> wrote:
Hi -
If the bird has conjunctivitis it can be treated at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton. The Clinic is closed for the rest of today because of the weather, but may re-open tomorrow afternoon.
In the meantime, if you are able to catch the bird (you can use a small towel to scoop it up), put it (towel and all) in a small box with air holes and a secure lid, and keep it in a warm quiet place overnight. Call the Clinic mid-morning (508-839-7918) and leave a message and someone will call you back. If you can’t catch it, try to keep an eye on it in case it declines (in which case it will be easier to catch).
You can email me directly if you have any questions (I work at the Clinic).
Thanks.
Susan MosesCambridge, MA
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 25, 2026, at 12:38 PM, Grayson Shannon <glshannon2003...> wrote:
Hello!
This is an American Goldfinch that appears to have something wrong with its eye. I’m not an expert in the matter, but this looks like avian conjunctivitis (or “House Finch Eye Disease”). Avian conjunctivitis is extremely contagious, and unfortunately there isn’t much you can do for this individual. It may recover from the illness, or it may not. Sick or injured birds are much more likely to get preyed upon. (I don’t believe there is current evidence to suggest that a predator (especially a non-avian one) could get sick from this)
That said, currently most advice out there suggests that the best thing you can do is not for this bird but for the others around it. Take down your feeders and clean them (we should all be doing this regularly!) Some advise leaving your feeders down for a few weeks - this gives time for the infected bird to either recover or die, while lowering the risk of exposing other birds. It is sad, but sometimes the best we can do is allow nature to take its course.
Date: 1/25/26 11:12 am From: Peter Loshin <peter.loshin...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Bird in distress in Arlington Heights -- ID?
Thanks for the tips -- we took the feeder down shortly after seeing
Grayson's message.
Once the snow ends and we're able to leave the house, we will try to follow
Susan's advice.
Peter
On Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2:10:11 PM UTC-5 Susan Moses wrote:
> Hi -
>
> If the bird has conjunctivitis it can be treated at the Tufts Wildlife
> Clinic in North Grafton. The Clinic is closed for the rest of today because
> of the weather, but may re-open tomorrow afternoon.
>
> In the meantime, if you are able to catch the bird (you can use a small
> towel to scoop it up), put it (towel and all) in a small box with air holes
> and a secure lid, and keep it in a warm quiet place overnight. Call the
> Clinic mid-morning (508-839-7918 <(508)%20839-7918>) and leave a message
> and someone will call you back. If you can’t catch it, try to keep an eye
> on it in case it declines (in which case it will be easier to catch).
>
> You can email me directly if you have any questions (I work at the
> Clinic).
>
> Thanks.
>
> Susan Moses
> Cambridge, MA
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 25, 2026, at 12:38 PM, Grayson Shannon <glshan......> wrote:
>
>
>
> Hello!
>
> This is an American Goldfinch that appears to have something wrong with
> its eye. I’m not an expert in the matter, but this looks like avian
> conjunctivitis (or “House Finch Eye Disease”). Avian conjunctivitis is
> extremely contagious, and unfortunately there isn’t much you can do for
> this individual. It may recover from the illness, or it may not. Sick or
> injured birds are much more likely to get preyed upon. (I don’t believe
> there is current evidence to suggest that a predator (especially a
> non-avian one) could get sick from this)
>
> That said, currently most advice out there suggests that the best thing
> you can do is not for this bird but for the others around it. Take down
> your feeders and clean them (we should all be doing this regularly!) Some
> advise leaving your feeders down for a few weeks - this gives time for the
> infected bird to either recover or die, while lowering the risk of exposing
> other birds. It is sad, but sometimes the best we can do is allow nature to
> take its course.
>
>
> For more information:
> https://feederwatch.org/house-finch-eye-disease/ > https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/resource/mycoplasmal-conjunctivitis > https://extension.psu.edu/house-finch-conjunctivitis >
>
>
>
> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Arlington Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to <arlingtonbird......>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/CAPvotnh7gON8W6uK%3DcqCku7TNiRaXYzm_%<3DAfWJnvucT7tDoMiQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/CAPvotnh7gON8W6uK%3DcqCku7TNiRaXYzm_%<3DAfWJnvucT7tDoMiQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
Date: 1/25/26 9:38 am From: Grayson Shannon <glshannon2003...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Bird in distress in Arlington Heights -- ID?
Hello!
This is an American Goldfinch that appears to have something wrong with its
eye. I’m not an expert in the matter, but this looks like avian
conjunctivitis (or “House Finch Eye Disease”). Avian conjunctivitis is
extremely contagious, and unfortunately there isn’t much you can do for
this individual. It may recover from the illness, or it may not. Sick or
injured birds are much more likely to get preyed upon. (I don’t believe
there is current evidence to suggest that a predator (especially a
non-avian one) could get sick from this)
That said, currently most advice out there suggests that the best thing you
can do is not for this bird but for the others around it. Take down your
feeders and clean them (we should all be doing this regularly!) Some advise
leaving your feeders down for a few weeks - this gives time for the
infected bird to either recover or die, while lowering the risk of exposing
other birds. It is sad, but sometimes the best we can do is allow nature to
take its course.
Date: 1/25/26 9:29 am From: Peter Loshin <peter.loshin...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: Bird in distress in Arlington Heights -- ID?
... and now that we're looking at it again, even more closely, it appears
to be a finch
Peter
On Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 12:21:00 PM UTC-5 Peter Loshin wrote:
> Hi all, we spotted this little bird at our feeder just 20 minutes ago; it
> seemed to be perching there and eating seeds. At first we thought it was a
> finch or a wren, but on closer examination it appears to be something else?
>
> Is there some way we can help it out? We're open to suggestions.
>
> thanks!
> Peter Loshin
>
> [image: A2304020.jpg]
Date: 1/25/26 9:21 am From: Peter Loshin <peter.loshin...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Bird in distress in Arlington Heights -- ID?
Hi all, we spotted this little bird at our feeder just 20 minutes ago; it seemed to be perching there and eating seeds. At first we thought it was a finch or a wren, but on closer examination it appears to be something else?
Is there some way we can help it out? We're open to suggestions.
Date: 1/19/26 10:41 am From: m r <alohablessings...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Starling? Who is this guy?
I,m novice birder here, upgrading iPhone, does zoom on iPhones get any
birds up in trees, I know cameras are better but just getting others
opinions. Thanks
M Rafferty
On Mon, Jan 19, 2026 at 12:31 PM Ingrid Gallagher <inggallagher...>
wrote:
Date: 1/17/26 7:49 am From: Steven Simpson <steveshrike...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Juvenile Bald Eagle at Fresh Pond
Y’all:
Hand to God, I was in traffic yesterday at about 7:45 a.m. and saw a large
bird flying toward Trader Joes from the direction of Fresh Pond with that
lazy, floppy wingbeat of an eagle. I said to my wife, “That looks like a
bald eagle, but it’s very dark. Probably a immature.” Pretty good sighting
from the rotary! IMHO.
Steven Simpson
(Arlington)
On Sat, Jan 17, 2026 at 10:37 AM Barbara J. Goodchild <bjgoodchild...>
wrote:
> Hello, Paul,
>
> Thanks so much for your opinion. I was hoping you would see my post. I
> attended a lecture you gave on bald eagles with Arlington Birds at the Fox
> Library a few years back. Most people aren't aware of how long it takes for
> a bald eagle to get the white head.
>
> It would have helped if I had my binoculars with me, so I will take them
> today if I go to Fresh Pond. Someone told me that they saw an adult and
> immature bald eagle flying over the Pond two days ago.
>
> Best,
>
> Barbara
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jan 17, 2026 at 10:06 AM PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Barbara,
>> Thanks for the eagle photo from Fresh Pond, and good to hear from you
>> again. The bird looks like a juvenile, which a young eagle can be called
>> until it is approximately one year old. (Might also be a dark
>> one-year-old.) It is possible to accurately age young eagles (until they
>> are at least two, often three) when you see the status of their interrupted
>> molt in their secondaries in flight. When they are perched it is almost
>> impossible to age them accurately. The color of their soft parts and their
>> overall plumage vary greatly; they are helpful but not reliable indicators
>> of age. Some eagles (mostly some southern) can achieve full adult plumage
>> by three years of age, but most eagles take 4 to 5.5 years to achieve full
>> adult plumage. A few retain some limited variable smudging in the
>> "refrigerator white" portions of their body long after they achieve
>> adulthood.
>> If this bird were 4 or approaching 4, typically the head and tail
>> would be largely "refrigerator white" with variable smudging and the torso
>> dark brown (looking blackish) with "salt and pepper" scattered anywhere,
>> especially on the torso and underwings. The beak and eyes would be largely
>> or completely yellow.
>>
>> Best,
>> Paul
>>
>> Paul M. Roberts
>> Medford, MA
>> <phawk254...>
>>
> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Arlington Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to arlingtonbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<CAMV8q-T2r1XGoBJCQomAjmavONSxnMr7nwS6Rs4KnGCs6g-xPA...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<CAMV8q-T2r1XGoBJCQomAjmavONSxnMr7nwS6Rs4KnGCs6g-xPA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 1/17/26 7:37 am From: Barbara J. Goodchild <bjgoodchild...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Juvenile Bald Eagle at Fresh Pond
Hello, Paul,
Thanks so much for your opinion. I was hoping you would see my post. I
attended a lecture you gave on bald eagles with Arlington Birds at the Fox
Library a few years back. Most people aren't aware of how long it takes for
a bald eagle to get the white head.
It would have helped if I had my binoculars with me, so I will take them
today if I go to Fresh Pond. Someone told me that they saw an adult and
immature bald eagle flying over the Pond two days ago.
Best,
Barbara
On Sat, Jan 17, 2026 at 10:06 AM PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> wrote:
> Hi Barbara,
> Thanks for the eagle photo from Fresh Pond, and good to hear from you
> again. The bird looks like a juvenile, which a young eagle can be called
> until it is approximately one year old. (Might also be a dark
> one-year-old.) It is possible to accurately age young eagles (until they
> are at least two, often three) when you see the status of their interrupted
> molt in their secondaries in flight. When they are perched it is almost
> impossible to age them accurately. The color of their soft parts and their
> overall plumage vary greatly; they are helpful but not reliable indicators
> of age. Some eagles (mostly some southern) can achieve full adult plumage
> by three years of age, but most eagles take 4 to 5.5 years to achieve full
> adult plumage. A few retain some limited variable smudging in the
> "refrigerator white" portions of their body long after they achieve
> adulthood.
> If this bird were 4 or approaching 4, typically the head and tail
> would be largely "refrigerator white" with variable smudging and the torso
> dark brown (looking blackish) with "salt and pepper" scattered anywhere,
> especially on the torso and underwings. The beak and eyes would be largely
> or completely yellow.
>
> Best,
> Paul
>
> Paul M. Roberts
> Medford, MA
> <phawk254...>
>
Date: 1/17/26 7:06 am From: 'PAUL ROBERTS' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Juvenile Bald Eagle at Fresh Pond
Hi Barbara, Thanks for the eagle photo from Fresh Pond, and good to hear from you again. The bird looks like a juvenile, which a young eagle can be called until it is approximately one year old. (Might also be a dark one-year-old.) It is possible to accurately age young eagles (until they are at least two, often three) when you see the status of their interrupted molt in their secondaries in flight. When they are perched it is almost impossible to age them accurately. The color of their soft parts and their overall plumage vary greatly; they are helpful but not reliable indicators of age. Some eagles (mostly some southern) can achieve full adult plumage by three years of age, but most eagles take 4 to 5.5 years to achieve full adult plumage. A few retain some limited variable smudging in the "refrigerator white" portions of their body long after they achieve adulthood. If this bird were 4 or approaching 4, typically the head and tail would be largely "refrigerator white" with variable smudging and the torso dark brown (looking blackish) with "salt and pepper" scattered anywhere, especially on the torso and underwings. The beak and eyes would be largely or completely yellow. Best, Paul Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
Date: 1/15/26 6:07 am From: Barbara J. Goodchild <bjgoodchild...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Juvenile Bald Eagle at Fresh Pond
There was a juvenile Bald Eagle at Fresh Pond yesterday looking through the ice at the fish (I was imagining). See iPhone photo attached. He looks to be about four years old?
Date: 1/11/26 4:30 pm From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday January 25, 9 am; report for January 11 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, January 25 at
9 am. Details at the end of this email.
Note that there is NO WALK scheduled for Sunday January 18.
The January 11 walk was attended by about 15 people. Conditions after the
previous day's warmer temperatures and rain were muddy. Nevertheless,
participants enjoyed prolonged views of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks and
Lapland Longspurs, as well as a seemingly expanding mini-flock of Eastern
Meadowlarks -- now up to 4 individuals.
Thanks to Tim Brown for fulfilling list-keeping duties. If you were there,
the following link will allow you to share the list:
Bear Creek Sanctuary (restricted access), Essex, Massachusetts, US
Jan 11, 2026 9:25 AM - 12:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.016 mile(s)
32 bird species
Canada Goose 3
Mallard 2
American Black Duck 43
Surf Scoter 10
White-winged Scoter 10
Bufflehead 12
Common Goldeneye 12
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 20
Mourning Dove 52
Ring-billed Gull 10
American Herring Gull 75
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Common Loon 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Horned Lark 80 Many resident birds foraging in open fields in the Bear
Creek Reservation. These are continuing wintering birds and is a low
estimated count.
Carolina Wren 3
European Starling 150
Northern Mockingbird 1
Lapland Longspur 5
Snow Bunting 100
White-crowned Sparrow 1 Seen in foliage near the WINWaste property
parking area during the Bear Creek birding trek.
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Meadowlark 4 Seen in grassy field in the Bear Creek
Reservation.
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on January 25:
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly
Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and
Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be
prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be
prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...>
<mailto:<s2ary...> know you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is
about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit on
Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard Street
bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back. Here is
a link to google maps:
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
Date: 1/11/26 8:33 am From: Paul Devaney <pbdevaney37...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] New yard bird.
Hearing “Kek, kek, kek.” made me gaze up and across the street from my
front sidewalk at 10:40 this morning. A large raptor glided into the top of
a tall deciduous tree and perched among the branches. Other movements near
it made me think there was a pair of Cooper’s Hawks. More “kek kek” and
flight from that spot led me to conclude a woodpecker’s flight while
showing large white patches under the wings. The raptor eventually flew
over me revealing it to be a Red-tailed. It had disturbed a pair of
Pileated woodpeckers thus their calling and moving around the trees one
clinging to a trunk, the other up in the thin branches. All eventually
moved on leaving 16 turkeys in my yard.
Date: 1/6/26 11:44 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Meeting next Tuesday and trip reminder for this Sunday
Fellow MBC members,
There is another in a series of walks at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus on
this coming Sunday, January 11th that Soheil posted earlier this week.
In addition, we will have first meeting of 2026 on this coming Tuesday
night, January 13th – Zach Adams will discuss his book BIRDS OF NEW
ENGLAND. The book is a comprehensive guide to the birds of New England,
with stunning photos, maps, and nuanced information on how to locate and
identify each unique bird.
Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually
adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders.
Some interesting observations being posted throughout Massachusetts so keep
exploring your local patches, *report what you are seeing* and enjoy all
that our area has to offer.
*Sunday, January 11*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending the walk at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly
Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus
and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and
be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be
prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is
about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit
on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard
Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back.
Here is a link to google maps: http://tinyurl.com/326v87d.
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
*Tuesday, January 13*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds of New England*
*Zack Adams – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Join us as author Zach Adams will discuss his book BIRDS OF NEW ENGLAND.
The book is a comprehensive guide to the birds of New England, with
stunning photos, maps, and nuanced information on how to locate and
identify each unique bird.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Alan Ankers,
Renee LaFontaine or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
