Date: 4/13/25 3:18 pm From: Toshia McCabe <toshia.fcolors...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: Free Aspects 18” super dome
The super dome has been taken. Thanks to all who expressed interest! :)
On Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 8:35:26 AM UTC-4 Toshia McCabe wrote:
> I just thought I would offer up this never used 18” diameter weather dome
> for a hanging feeder. It just didn’t work out for me, and I waited to long
> to return it.
>
> Note that the feeder will hang about 4” below where it normally would when
> you attach this dome.
>
>
> https://shop.petlife.com/products/aspects-super-dome-for-bird-feeder-wild-bird-accessories-clear-18-in >
>
> Pick up in Arlington, send me an email if you’re interested.
> <tos......>
>
> -Toshia
>
Date: 4/13/25 5:35 am From: Toshia McCabe <toshia...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Free Aspects 18” super dome
I just thought I would offer up this never used 18” diameter weather dome
for a hanging feeder. It just didn’t work out for me, and I waited to long
to return it.
Note that the feeder will hang about 4” below where it normally would when
you attach this dome.
Date: 4/11/25 11:19 am From: Liz Thorstenson <lizzylee...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Osprey in Dilboy Stadium
Hi all,
I've been sitting at my work from home desk today, absentmindedly watching a bird that's been perched on one of the Dilboy Stadium (Somerville) light fixtures for over an hour. It clearly ate a meal as it was making those telltale body movements. I assumed it was a hawk but as time went on and I began to pay more attention, something about it caused me to investigate further.
Turns out it's an osprey! I've lived adjacent to Dilboy Stadium since 2014 so I've seen all manner of birds perched on those lights. Many hawks, falcons, eagles (I think it was a favorite spot of MK,) and any number of other kinds of birds. But never an osprey!!
It's still there as of my typing this message. I want to keep watching, but I do have to hunker down and get some work done.
Date: 4/11/25 11:13 am From: <sarahth......> <sarahthompson90...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: Brooks Estate MBC/BBC walk today
I love your photos, Diana! It was just too cold for me that morning. Wimp!
Sarah T.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:09:09 AM UTC-4 Diana F. wrote:
> Temps started in the high 20's, but 14 people joined me on my walk.
>
> The highlights were Golden Crowned Kinglets everywhere and great looks at
> 2 Hermit Thrushes walking along the pond edge.
>
> I'll be adding some more walks to my schedule soon.
>
> See the complete list here:
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S224084448 >
> Diana Fruguglietti
> Woburn
>
Date: 4/11/25 6:22 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Saturday MBC trip postponed , clarification for trip added for Monday
Fellow MBC members,
Based on the weather forecast, I am going to reschedule the Horn Pond trip
to NEXT Saturday. Clarifying that the Monday trip is at Horn Pond (please
excuse my previous cut and paste error - correction is fixed below)
We have added another trip to Horn Pond on Monday that will focus on a less
traveled section of the Pond. Do however continue to look at the weekly
e-mails as we continually add trips based upon what is being seen, weather
and availability of our leaders.
To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @
7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will
have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology
at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide
to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors
open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at
7:00 PM.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Monday April 14*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we search a different patch of Horn Pond for early spring
migrants - particularly Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there
may also be phoebes, several sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's
find a surprise. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 19*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation
area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow,
Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers, and
lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early
warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul
Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Sunday, April 20*
*Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM *We'll circle the reservoir looking for
early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly
short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us
by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave
early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in
the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from
Westmoreland Avenue. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson
<johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, April 27*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending walks at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland wildlife sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator
(formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and
Revere. Access information is below. Wear good 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.
Wheelabrator 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 <s2ary39...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator 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. Note that, due to recent security concerns, the
gate to the plant parking lot may be shut if you arrive early. Please pull
off to a safe place and wait -- someone will be along to let us in.
*Tuesday, April 29*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 Meeting Start *
*A practical guide to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why
it matters)*
*Robert J. Gegear** – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Please join the Menotomy Bird Club on Tuesday, April 29th @ 7:00 PM at the
Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will have Robert J.
Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at UMass
Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide to
restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Thursday, May 1*
*Wright-Locke Farm, Winchester*
*Lisa Craig 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we explore parts of this 20 acre community farm that includes
historic farm buildings, growing fields; pasture lands to the north of the
farmstead and wooded areas to the west abutting the Whipple Hill and Locke
Conservation Areas. Let’s see what gems are hidden away in this new area.
Meeting Place: Park and meet at Mullen Field located across the street from
43 Lockeland Road and the auxiliary fire station. 8:00 - 10:00 AM Lisa
Craig <lisa.t.craig...>
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.
Date: 4/11/25 5:41 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Saturday MBC trip postponed , trip added for Monday
There was a copy paste error for Mondays walk, the 14th. It says Brooks
Estate in the title but it's Horn Pond.
Hope to see you then.
Diana Fruguglietti
Woburn
On Fri, Apr 11, 2025, 8:15 AM Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
wrote:
> Fellow MBC members,
>
> Based on the weather forecast, I am going to reschedule my Horn Pond trip
> to *NEXT Saturday*.
>
>
>
> We have added another trip to Horn Pond on Monday that will focus on a
> less traveled section of the Pond. Do however continue to look at the
> weekly e-mails as we continually add trips based upon what is being seen,
> weather and availability of our leaders.
>
>
>
> To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @
> 7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/109+Skillings+Road?entry=gmail&source=g> > in Winchester as we will have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in
> the Department of Biology at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just
> the buzz: A practical guide to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity
> (and why it matters)
>
>
>
> Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
> England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
> urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
> discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
> plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
> degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
> used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
> diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors
> open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at
> 7:00 PM.
>
>
>
> Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
> throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
> what you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
>
> *Monday April 14*
>
> *Brooks Estate, Medford*
>
> *Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
>
> Join us as we search a different patch of Horn Pond for early spring
> migrants - particularly Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there
> may also be phoebes, several sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's
> find a surprise. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana
> Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
>
>
>
> *Saturday, April 19*
>
> *Horn Pond, Woburn*
>
> Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation
> area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow,
> Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers, and
> lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early
> warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul
> Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
>
>
>
> *Sunday, April 20*
>
> *Arlington Reservoir *
>
>
> *John Edmondson 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM *We'll circle the reservoir looking
> for early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a
> fairly short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can
> find us by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy
> to leave early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club.
> Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street
> from Westmoreland Avenue. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson
> <johnhedmondson...>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Sunday, April 27*
>
> *Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
>
> *Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
>
>
>
> Here are details for attending walks at this property:
>
>
>
> Bear Creek is an upland wildlife sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator
> (formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and
> Revere. Access information is below. Wear good 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.
>
>
>
> Wheelabrator 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 <s2ary39...> know
> you're coming so we can have a head count.
>
> Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator plant, 100 Salem
> Turnpike (Rte 107), Saugus
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/100+Salem+Turnpike+(Rte+107),%0D%0ASaugus?entry=gmail&source=g>.
> 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. Note that, due to recent security concerns, the
> gate to the plant parking lot may be shut if you arrive early. Please pull
> off to a safe place and wait -- someone will be along to let us in.
>
>
>
> *Tuesday, April 29*
>
> *6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 Meeting Start *
>
> *A practical guide to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why
> it matters)*
>
> *Robert J. Gegear** – Jenks Center, Winchester*
>
> Please join the Menotomy Bird Club on Tuesday, April 29th @ 7:00 PM at
> the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/109+Skillings+Road?entry=gmail&source=g> > in Winchester as we will have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in
> the Department of Biology at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just
> the buzz: A practical guide to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity
> (and why it matters)
>
>
>
> Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
> England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
> urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
> discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
> plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
> degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
> used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
> diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands.
>
>
>
> Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
> promptly at 7:00 PM.
>
>
>
> *Thursday, May 1*
>
> *Wright-Locke Farm, Winchester*
>
> *Lisa Craig 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
>
> Join us as we explore parts of this 20 acre community farm that includes
> historic farm buildings, growing fields; pasture lands to the north of the
> farmstead and wooded areas to the west abutting the Whipple Hill and Locke
> Conservation Areas. Let’s see what gems are hidden away in this new area.
> Meeting Place: Park and meet at Mullen Field located across the street from
> 43 Lockeland Road and the auxiliary fire station. 8:00 - 10:00 AM Lisa
> Craig <lisa.t.craig...>
>
> 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.
>
> Paul Ippolito
> Woburn
>
> --
> 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/CAMPscqCnhXyh7hyZ5yz%3D3%<2BwiR3eycN4WZrzoGJGhrXEAvEAP_w...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/CAMPscqCnhXyh7hyZ5yz%3D3%<2BwiR3eycN4WZrzoGJGhrXEAvEAP_w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 4/11/25 5:15 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Saturday MBC trip postponed , trip added for Monday
Fellow MBC members,
Based on the weather forecast, I am going to reschedule my Horn Pond trip
to *NEXT Saturday*.
We have added another trip to Horn Pond on Monday that will focus on a less
traveled section of the Pond. Do however continue to look at the weekly
e-mails as we continually add trips based upon what is being seen, weather
and availability of our leaders.
To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @
7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will
have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology
at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide
to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors
open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at
7:00 PM.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Monday April 14*
*Brooks Estate, Medford*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we search a different patch of Horn Pond for early spring
migrants - particularly Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there
may also be phoebes, several sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's
find a surprise. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 19*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation
area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow,
Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers, and
lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early
warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul
Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Sunday, April 20*
*Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM *We'll circle the reservoir looking for
early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly
short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us
by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave
early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in
the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from
Westmoreland Avenue. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson
<johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, April 27*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending walks at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland wildlife sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator
(formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and
Revere. Access information is below. Wear good 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.
Wheelabrator 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 <s2ary39...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator 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. Note that, due to recent security concerns, the
gate to the plant parking lot may be shut if you arrive early. Please pull
off to a safe place and wait -- someone will be along to let us in.
*Tuesday, April 29*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 Meeting Start *
*A practical guide to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why
it matters)*
*Robert J. Gegear** – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Please join the Menotomy Bird Club on Tuesday, April 29th @ 7:00 PM at the
Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will have Robert J.
Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at UMass
Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide to
restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Thursday, May 1*
*Wright-Locke Farm, Winchester*
*Lisa Craig 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we explore parts of this 20 acre community farm that includes
historic farm buildings, growing fields; pasture lands to the north of the
farmstead and wooded areas to the west abutting the Whipple Hill and Locke
Conservation Areas. Let’s see what gems are hidden away in this new area.
Meeting Place: Park and meet at Mullen Field located across the street from
43 Lockeland Road and the auxiliary fire station. 8:00 - 10:00 AM Lisa
Craig <lisa.t.craig...>
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.
Date: 4/10/25 9:18 am From: <neil.c......> <neil.calabro1...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Upcoming Millenium Park Bird Walk: Sat., Apr. 19
Hi everyone,
I want to alert you all to a BBC-sponsored bird walk at Millenium Park, next Sat., Apr. 19, 2025 at 8 am.
I'll be co-leading a walk Michael McCarthy where we will observe resident birds and spring migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk.
The trails are flat and easy to walk.
We may do an optional 30 minute trip extension to an adjacent location such as West Roxbury High School Marsh. Be sure to wear a hat and waterproof footwear and pack water.
The walk is free but preregistration is required. Please preregister by emailing <neil.c......> <https://groups.google.com/>. Registration is limited to 20 people.
Millenium Park is located at 300 Gardner St, Boston, MA. Once you enter the park, turn left and then you will quickly see a small sign at the first left turn labelled Canoe Launch. Follow that road to the end. Meet in the parking lot nearest the canoe launch, at end of lot.
Date: 4/10/25 6:59 am From: Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, April 27
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday April 27
at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are below.
Note that there will be NO WALKS at this property on April 13 or April 20.
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on April 27:
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.
Date: 4/9/25 7:43 am From: Debora Diggins <debora.diggins...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Horn Pond this morning
It is a bright, sunny, and cold morning with WNW winds, so it was tempting to reschedule for a warmer day. However, Renee LaFontaine and I spent a little over an hour this morning at Horn Pond and the bright sunshine and some very nice birds made it worth the trip. The highlights were:A pair of copulating Cooper's Hawks (the female was huge!)
2 Common Mergansers1 Swamp Sparrow1 Hermit Thrush1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Brown Creeper1 Pine Warbler 1 American Coot1 Pied-billed Grebethe usual backyard birds and woodpeckersa mixed flock of very friendly and food-seeking chickadees and white-breasted nuthatches diving at uswhite throated sparrowscommon grackles and red-winged blackbirdsand of course many friendly dogs and an adorable little bernese-doodle puppy
Date: 4/8/25 2:37 pm From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] [GiveAHoot-ArlingtonforOwls] dead heron in arlington from discarded fishing gear
Sad news...
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Laura Kiesel <lakiesel...>
Date: Tue, Apr 8, 2025, 4:23 PM
Subject: [GiveAHoot-ArlingtonforOwls] dead heron in arlington from
discarded fishing gear
To: ArlingtonProgressive <arlingtonprogressive...>, <
<Giveahoot...>, Sustainable Arlington <
<sustainable-arlington...>
Today a beautiful Great Blue Heron got hooked by a dangling fish hook into
its wing and was entangled in line at the pond at Menotomy Rocks Park. He
drowned to death as a result.
This GHB will be examined by a vet to see if anything else contributed to
his death but fishing gear was definitely the primary culprit. The fishing
line waste issue has become a huge problem at our local ponds. As some may
recall, I rescued a Black Crowned Night Heron last fall hooked and
entangled at Spy Pond and that same month a GBH was pictured swallowing a
fish still fully attached to hook, line, and bobber at MRP. The incidents
received coverage in YourArlington
<https://www.yourarlington.com/arlington-archives/town-school/town-news/21268-leafblowers-031723.html>.
I had ramped up efforts to appeal to the town to do more about this and
even consider restrictions on recreational fishing. Repeated emails to
Parks & Recs requesting a meeting with Save Arlington Wildlife went
unanswered.
These birds are already facing so many challenges from avian flu,
rodenticide poisoning, habitat encroachment, and drought (due to global
warming). Discarded fishing line is another obstacle compounding their
struggle to survive.
I'd like to ramp up a campaign on this but I'd need a lot more help to that
end.
Many thanks to my super volunteer Denise Jaillet and retired rehabber Ellen
Reed for retrieving the heron and Reed for giving it a quick assessment.
Photo of GBH in the water courtesy of Beth Melofchik (who alerted Save
Arlington Wildlife to the mortality) and photo of bird on land courtesy of
Denise Jaillet.
Date: 4/8/25 4:47 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC trip tomorrow, Wednesday and this weekend
Fellow MBC members,
We have a series of walks this week starting on Wednesday at Brooks Estate
in Medford, and Saturday at Horn Pond in Woburn (The weather for Saturday
looks a bit iffy, so do check your e-mails for any updated information). Do
however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we continually add trips
based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our leaders.
To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @
7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will
have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology
at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide
to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors
open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at
7:00 PM.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Wednesday April 9*
*Brooks Estate, Medford*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we search for early spring migrants - particularly Pine, Palm,
and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there may also be phoebes, several
sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's find a surprise. Meet at the
entrance at 266 Grove St. 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 12*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation
area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow,
Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers, and
lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early
warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul
Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Sunday, April 20*
*Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM *We'll circle the reservoir looking for
early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly
short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us
by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave
early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in
the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from
Westmoreland Avenue. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson
<johnhedmondson...>
*Tuesday, April 29*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 Meeting Start *
*A practical guide to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why
it matters)*
*Robert J. Gegear – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Please join the Menotomy Bird Club on Tuesday, April 29th @ 7:00 PM at the
Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will have Robert J.
Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at UMass
Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide to
restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Thursday, May 1*
*Wright-Locke Farm, Winchester*
*Lisa Craig 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we explore parts of this 20 acre community farm that includes
historic farm buildings, growing fields; pasture lands to the north of the
farmstead and wooded areas to the west abutting the Whipple Hill and Locke
Conservation Areas. Let’s see what gems are hidden away in this new area.
Meeting Place: Park and meet at Mullen Field located across the street from
43 Lockeland Road and the auxiliary fire station. 8:00 - 10:00 AM Lisa
Craig <lisa.t.craig...>
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.
Date: 4/7/25 9:00 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] [AMBC Google Group] Reminder of April 8 Association Meeting and Panel Discussion
Fyi if anyone wants to attend
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'John Nelson' via Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs <
<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...>
Date: Mon, Mar 31, 2025, 11:23 AM
Subject: [AMBC Google Group] Reminder of April 8 Association Meeting and
Panel Discussion
To: Massachusetts Assoc of Bird Clubs <
<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...>
Association members,
You are all invited to attend a meeting of the Association of Mass Bird
Clubs via Zoom at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on April 8. The meeting will feature a
panel discussion on "Birding, Biodiversity, and Environmental Justice." I
urge club representatives to help spread the word to your club members. A
great group of panelists from around the state will share a range of
experiences, expertise, and perspectives on what birders and bird clubs can
do to promote biodiversity, environmental justice, and nature education.
All members of member clubs are welcome to attend and participate. Zoom
link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84730079018
Distinguished panelists include: (1) Conrad Crawford, Environmental Justice
Liaison for Mass. Dept. of Fish and Game (2) Sebastian Moreno,
Environmental Conservation Ph.D. candidate at UMass Amherst and featured
speaker at the Mass Audubon Birders Meeting (3) Chris Cato, president of
Eagle Eye Institute, outdoor learning programs in Western Mass. (4) Jessica
Kagle, founder and director of Kestrel Educational Adventure, nature
education programs on the North Shore (5) Dave Small, longtime leader of
the Athol Bird and Nature Club.
Date: 4/6/25 3:30 pm From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] NEW ZOOM LINK 4 April 8 MCPPG ZOOM-Sidewalk strip gardens
For those interested in native plants here's a link for an interesting zoom
talk
Diana
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: jmdevine09 <jmdevine09...>
Date: Sun, Apr 6, 2025, 2:18 PM
Subject: [Mystic Charles Pollinator Pathways] NEW ZOOM LINK 4 April 8 MCPPG
ZOOM-Sidewalk strip gardens
To: Mystic Charles Pollinator Pathways <
<mystic-charles-pollinator-pathways...>
Hi all - Please plan to attend Tuesday, April 8ths MCPP meeting to learn
tips and share experiences around efforts to expand pollinator pathways by
planting native plants in sidewalk strips, bump outs, tree wells, traffic
islands, etc.
Several members will share strategies and successes/failures/tips with
creating town programs or strip gardens in front of their homes. All
participants, please bring questions and/or wisdom from your experiences!
*THE ZOOM LINK FOR THIS IS NEW. (We'll go back to the regular link in May).*
Below is the information. Please share this with others who are not on our
Google Group email. Thanks! - Jean, Sarah, Brucie & Kim, (and Elaine for
hosting the Zoom.)
Date: 4/6/25 3:03 pm From: Lorraine Kaplan <lorraine.e.kaplan...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] First of year yellow-rumped and palm warblers at Arlington Reservoir
I was delighted to see one yellow-rumped and two palm warblers at about 5:30 pm at the Reservoir. First of year for me!
Date: 4/5/25 6:52 am From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Two Brookline Bird Club field trip changes to announce
Hi All,
I want to let people know about two changes to BBC trips this weekend. All details are on our website.
*Today's Woodcock walk at Rock Meadow in Belmont has been rescheduled to next Saturday due to weather.Monday's (4/7) Lynnfield Marsh evening walk has been relocated due to trail conditions at the previously planned location. They are now planning to access the marsh using the Partridge Island Trail off Main Street in Lynnfield. All details are on the website.*
THank you to Betty for sharing Eastern Phoebe siting. We had cedar waxwings in our backyard feeder yesterday! Winchester High School area Spring is showing it's beauty...
> ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Betty Widerski <bwiderski.resist...> > To: ArlingtonBirds <arlingtonbirds...> > Date: 04/04/2025 11:07 AM EDT > Subject: [Arlington Birds] Eastern Phoebe > > > Near Thompson at 7:30am today. Time for me to leave a little earlier and listen before getting into my car! > > Betty > > BettyWiderski.com > WhatBettyKnows.com > > -- > 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/<180DC2EB-3DDE-43C4-B883-D3E71CC65B68...>
Date: 4/4/25 3:29 pm From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] MBC trips Friday and this weekend
Hi Folks,
My trip (2 weeks from Sunday) April 20 will start at 7 am. Here's a
corrected version of the trip listing. We'll try to be faster than 3 hours
and you can leave early.
John
*Sunday, April 20*
*Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM*We'll circle the reservoir looking for
early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly
short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us
by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave
early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in
the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from
Westmoreland Avenue.. 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM. John Edmondson
<johnhedmondson...>
On Thu, Apr 3, 2025 at 7:38 AM Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
wrote:
> Fellow MBC members,
>
> We have a series of walks this week starting on tomorrow Friday at Horn
> Pond in Woburn (please note the meeting location is the Lake Avenue parking
> lot), Saturday at Greenough Land in Carlisle, and another in a series of
> trips to Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus. Do however continue to look at the
> weekly e-mails as we continually add trips based upon what is being seen,
> weather and availability of our leaders.
>
>
>
> To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @
> 7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will
> have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology
> at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide
> to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
>
>
>
> Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
> England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
> urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
> discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
> plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
> degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
> used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
> diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors
> open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at
> 7:00 PM.
>
>
>
> Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
> throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
> what you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
>
> *Friday, April 4*
>
> *Horn Pond, Woburn*
>
> *Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
>
> Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
> Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
> Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Lake Avenue parking lot 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
> Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
>
>
>
> *Saturday, April 5*
>
> *Greenough Land, Carlisle*
>
> *Alan Ankers 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
>
> Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for
> lingering winter visitors and earlier migrants. Co-sponsored by the
> Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811
> Maple Street. 7:30-10:00 AM Alan Ankers <alankers...>
>
>
>
> *Sunday, April 6*
>
> *Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
>
> *Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
>
> Here are details for attending walks at this property:
>
>
>
> Bear Creek is an upland wildlife sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator
> (formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and
> Revere. Access information is below. Wear good 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.
>
>
>
> Wheelabrator 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 <s2ary39...> know
> you're coming so we can have a head count.
>
> Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator 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. Note that, due to recent security concerns, the
> gate to the plant parking lot may be shut if you arrive early. Please pull
> off to a safe place and wait -- someone will be along to let us in.
>
> *Wednesday April 9*
>
> *Brooks Estate, Medford*
>
> *Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
>
> Join us as we search for early spring migrants - particularly Pine, Palm,
> and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there may also be phoebes, several
> sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's find a surprise. Meet at the
> entrance at 266 Grove St. 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana Fruguglietti
> <diana.fru...>
>
>
>
> *Saturday, April 12*
>
> *Horn Pond, Woburn*
>
> Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation
> area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow,
> Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers, and
> lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early
> warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul
> Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
>
>
>
> *Sunday, April 20*
>
> *Arlington Reservoir *
>
>
> *John Edmondson 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM *We'll circle the reservoir looking
> for early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a
> fairly short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can
> find us by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy
> to leave early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club.
> Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street
> from Westmoreland Avenue.. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson
> <johnhedmondson...>
>
> 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.
>
> Paul Ippolito
> Woburn
>
> --
> 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/CAMPscqBiH2%2Bc6tWfsKLv5C5fXqH81aGjWQtX%<3DNWXsdtb-pG52Q...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/CAMPscqBiH2%2Bc6tWfsKLv5C5fXqH81aGjWQtX%<3DNWXsdtb-pG52Q...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 4/3/25 11:10 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Eagle Hill Institute— Ornithology Seminars for 2025—Suggested Announcement
Fyi
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Eagle Hill Office <office...>
Date: Thu, Apr 3, 2025, 1:51 PM
Subject: Eagle Hill Institute— Ornithology Seminars for 2025—Suggested
Announcement
To: <diana.fru...> <diana.fru...>
Hello,
We hope you might be amenable to posting/sharing an announcement of Eagle
Hill Institute's upcoming ornithology seminars with the Menotomy Bird Club.
We would welcome a brief confirmation if you are amenable to doing so.
Thank you for considering this!
Best,
Sophia
Eagle Hill Institute’s 2025 Ornithology Seminars
Eagle Hill is right on the coast of Eastern Maine, between Acadia National
Park and Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge.
If you have any questions about the content of the seminar, please reach
out to the seminar instructor(s), whose contact info can be found on the
seminar flyer. If a seminar you are interested in is full, and you would
like to be put on the waitlist, please fill out the application form.
If you have any questions about registering for the seminar, please contact
us at <office...>
https://eaglehill.us/ Chase: 207-546-2821 #206 (pound sign needs to be entered)
Bailey: 207-546-2821 #207 (pound sign needs to be entered)
Sophia: 207-546-2821 #208 (pound sign needs to be entered)
Date: 4/3/25 9:25 am From: 'Alan Ankers' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: RE: [Arlington Birds] MBC trips Friday and this weekend
All,
In addition to my bird walk on Saturday, the Carlisle Conservation Foundation also has a Vernal Pool walk on Sunay, led by Bryan Windmiller. 10:30 AM, Greenough Land (parking lot opposite 811 Maple Street).
Alan Ankers
Carlisle, MA
From: <arlingtonbirds...> <arlingtonbirds...> On Behalf Of Paul Ippolito
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 7:39 AM
To: Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...>
Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC trips Friday and this weekend
Fellow MBC members,
We have a series of walks this week starting on tomorrow Friday at Horn Pond in Woburn (please note the meeting location is the Lake Avenue parking lot), Saturday at Greenough Land in Carlisle, and another in a series of trips to Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus. Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we continually add trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our leaders.
To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @ 7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at 7:00 PM.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, report what you’re seeing and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
Friday, April 4
Horn Pond, Woburn
Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Lake Avenue parking lot 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana Fruguglietti <mailto:<diana.fru...> <diana.fru...>
Saturday, April 5
Greenough Land, Carlisle
Alan Ankers 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for lingering winter visitors and earlier migrants. Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811 Maple Street. 7:30-10:00 AM Alan Ankers <mailto:<alankers...> <alankers...>
Sunday, April 6
Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus
Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Here are details for attending walks at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland wildlife sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator (formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear good 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.
Wheelabrator 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 <mailto:<s2ary39...> <s2ary39...> know you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator 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>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. Note that, due to recent security concerns, the gate to the plant parking lot may be shut if you arrive early. Please pull off to a safe place and wait -- someone will be along to let us in.
Wednesday April 9
Brooks Estate, Medford
Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Join us as we search for early spring migrants - particularly Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there may also be phoebes, several sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's find a surprise. Meet at the entrance at 266 Grove St. 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana Fruguglietti <mailto:<diana.fru...> <diana.fru...>
Saturday, April 12
Horn Pond, Woburn
Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow, Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers, and lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul Ippolito <mailto:<paulippolito295...> <paulippolito295...>
Sunday, April 20
Arlington Reservoir
John Edmondson 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
We'll circle the reservoir looking for early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from Westmoreland Avenue.. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson <mailto:<johnhedmondson...> <johnhedmondson...>
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.
Date: 4/3/25 7:15 am From: 'PAUL ROBERTS' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Some Things are Tough to Swallow
When you're been birding almost daily for more than fifty years you've tended to see a lot. Some of it you forget over the years, some of it you look forward to every year, and sometimes you see something you've never seen before, which can be surprising when birding locally. Several weeks ago I spotted a Horned Grebe in basic plumage splashing down into the Lower Mystic Lake around dawn on a dark, stormy day. It landed right in front of me, submerged several times, and swam away. I saw it briefly over several days, when I saw it dive southeast from the dam viewing platform and come up with a small eel, thread-thin and about 4-6 inches long, but very thin, like thin spaghetti, or perhaps even angel hair pasta. I've seen eagles catch large eels (one of their favorite foods) at the Mystic Lakes, and gulls and ducks catch what I would call small eels there, but I had never seen anything catch an eel this small, though I had seen these thin thread-like fish climb the fish ladder during the herring migration, when fish counts are made. The tiny eels look blackish, not transparent like the earlier "glass eel" stage," and they are incredibly robust. When captured they wiggle and writhe; they often try to wrap themselves around the beak of the predator so it can't swallow them, and at times wad up into a tight ball, apparently to make it harder for the bird to grab or swallow the eel. Each time I saw this bird land in the same spot; dive several or more times for 5-10 minutes; catch two eels; and paddle away to the other side of the lake. I had the clear feeling it was shy and wanted to avoid human activity, including hearing human voices. It was always alone; not feeding in the midst of ducks cormorants, or roosting gulls. Each time the stay was brief, so a photographer friend who really wanted to photograph the grebe missed it day after day. The bird was seen up by Sandy Beach and down by the river. It apparently worked both lakes daily, and in a routine because I tended to see it around the same time every day in the same spot. Two days ago it arrived a little later, but very close to the platform, and it did not leave. Over just less than an hour, it caught and swallowed at least 15 eels! Some observers might have thought it caught more, but that would have been misleading because I saw eels swallowed and then repeatedly escape from the grebe's throat and beak.The grebe would recapture it quickly and then slam the thin, writhing fish against the water repeatedly while holding on. It appeared at times to dive with the eel in its beak as though hoping to swallow water to facilitate the capture, but it appeared that at times eels used the water to escape. Some eels clearly escaped multiple times. I was looking for eagle activity during this, but this was so unusual I focused most of my attention on it and took numerous photographs. Can you imagine trying to eat live, writhing wet angel hair pasta without using your hands, much less any utensil? While it was actively swimming? I had never seen anything like this, and was amazed that the grebe had been able to find so many eels in one spot maybe 30 yards off the dam. Then I found out why. I have been mystified by American eels for several decades. The opposite of anadromous herring, which live in the oceans but go into the freshwater streams where they were hatched to spawn every year once they are adults, our American eels live their adult life in freshwater but migrate to the Sargasso Sea to lay their eggs. The young hatch and as minute fish they float in the currents and then with powered swimming apparently go to where their ancestors came from (I think this is open to debate), but the net result is that while adult herring are swimming up the Mystic to spawn, adult eels have migrated south thousands of miles to lay their eggs in warm open water. While the adult herring are "running," young glass eels or elvers are "returning" to presumably ancestral waters to live to adulthood, before they migrate down those rivers to spawn in the Sargasso. Courtesy of Kartsen Hartel, local noted fish authority and author, I had his book on "Inland Fishes of Massachusetts," (he was lead author) and his copy of the "Bible," the epic "Bigelow and Schroeder's Fishes of the Gulf of Maine." (3rd edition, edited by Bruce Collette and Grace Klein-MacPhee.) More is known about the eels in their freshwater habitats than in their saltwater breeding grounds where almost nothing is known. For many diurnal birds of prey the female is notably larger than the male, as much as 15-30%. Female eels are much much larger than the male. Males normally reach 12-14 inches in total length, but females are 14 inches to over 52 inches. They need that size because when they migrate they may be carrying 2.5 to as many as 10 million eggs! In Karsten's book, he describes how the young elvers (young eels are called elvers) move from the small, transparent, "glass eel" stage to dark elvers along the Massachusetts coast in March, when they begin migrating up stream. It seems quite possible the Horned Grebe "stumbled" on a mass of migrating young elvers. (It is also possible that he found a bed where large numbers of local elvers like to "bed" for the day, as they tend to be nocturnal.) Whatever, I have never seen anything eat 15+ eels in an hour. Moreover, there was large migratory movement that night and I have not seen the grebe since, so it is possible he/she was feasting on eels to fuel the beginnings of a long migratory flight to the western U.S. or Canada, where they breed. I should note that I saw MK and KZ catch many large eels on the lakes, and know where they have repeatedly found some of the largest eels I've ever seen. I'll never forget when MK returned from the lakes to her fledgling in the cemetery and generously gave an eel several feet long to her offspring. The poor kid had been begging for food all morning, so MK delivered this huge eel to it. But the kid could not understand how to eat an eel; it was not like other fish. You apparently had to peel it like a banana. The kid cried and cried, prompting MK to come back and start eating the eel in front of the kid (like Mom or Dad unwrapping a plastic-encased toy made in China.) The kid got the hang of it, started eating, and later carried the remains of the eel high to a 60+ foot pine, where it dined on it over the course of the entire day! I've seen hundreds,probbaly thousands of Horned Grebes feeding off our coast every winter. I had never seen what they were eating before, much less how and how many. Eels are only one of their myriad prey items. Best, Paul Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
Date: 4/3/25 6:05 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Essex County Ornithological Club - Friday April 4 meeting - Thoreau and the Birds of Concord
Fyi
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Phil Brown <ecocmail...>
Date: Thu, Apr 3, 2025, 8:29 AM
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club - Friday April 4
meeting - Thoreau and the Birds of Concord
To: MassBird <massbird...>
Friday, April 4, 7:45pm
Thoreau and the Birds of Concord
Artwork viewing 7:00-7:30pm and after the lecture
ECOC Meeting 7:30-7:45pm
In-person | Morse Auditorium, PEM
Join us for a special event featuring author/editor Geoff Wisner and
artist/naturalist Barry Van Dusen in conjunction with their recent book
A Year of Birds: Writings on Birds from the Journal of Henry David
Thoreau (2024). Learn about this first-ever collection of Thoreau’s
writings on birds to be arranged by the day of the year, emphasizing the
relationship of local birds with their environment and the spiritual
significance of the seasons. Hear from both Wisner and Van Dusen about
this collaboration that is both a work of art and natural history
literature. The book features 150 watercolors and field sketches by Van
Dusen as well as a foreword by celebrated naturalist Peter Alden.
A book signing of A Year of Birds will follow the program.
A temporary installation of Van Dusen’s original watercolors and field
sketches will be on view in the auditorium foyer, including select works
featured in the book, from 7-7:30pm and again following the presentation.
This program is made possible by The Echo Charitable Foundation.
Cosponsored by PEM.
About the Presenters:
Geoff Wisner is an author, editor, and book reviewer based in New York
City. A board member of the Thoreau Society, his books include Thoreau’s
Wildflowers, Thoreau’s Animals, and A Year of Birds: Writings on Birds
in the Journal of Henry David Thoreau. He is currently editing a volume
of the Civil War diaries of George Templeton Strong for the Library of
America. He earned a degree in English and American Literature from
Harvard University and has written for the Boston Globe, Christian
Science Monitor, and The Wall Street Journal.
Barry Van Dusen is an internationally recognized wildlife artist living
in central Massachusetts who is known for working directly from life,
even when sketching difficult subjects like wild birds. His articles and
paintings have been featured in Bird Watcher’s Digest, Birding, and
Yankee magazines and he has illustrated a variety of natural history
books, including A Year of Birds, and pocket guides. He is also author
of Finding Sanctuary, in which he describes and illustrates 61 of Mass
Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers, and museums.
--
Phil Brown
Webmaster for:
Essex County Ornithological Club
<ecocmail...>
Date: 4/3/25 4:39 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC trips Friday and this weekend
Fellow MBC members,
We have a series of walks this week starting on tomorrow Friday at Horn
Pond in Woburn (please note the meeting location is the Lake Avenue parking
lot), Saturday at Greenough Land in Carlisle, and another in a series of
trips to Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus. Do however continue to look at the
weekly e-mails as we continually add trips based upon what is being seen,
weather and availability of our leaders.
To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @
7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will
have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology
at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide
to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors
open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at
7:00 PM.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Friday, April 4*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Lake Avenue parking lot 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 5*
*Greenough Land, Carlisle*
*Alan Ankers 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for
lingering winter visitors and earlier migrants. Co-sponsored by the
Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811
Maple Street. 7:30-10:00 AM Alan Ankers <alankers...>
*Sunday, April 6*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending walks at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland wildlife sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator
(formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and
Revere. Access information is below. Wear good 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.
Wheelabrator 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 <s2ary39...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator 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. Note that, due to recent security concerns, the
gate to the plant parking lot may be shut if you arrive early. Please pull
off to a safe place and wait -- someone will be along to let us in.
*Wednesday April 9*
*Brooks Estate, Medford*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we search for early spring migrants - particularly Pine, Palm,
and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there may also be phoebes, several
sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's find a surprise. Meet at the
entrance at 266 Grove St. 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 12*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation
area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow,
Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers, and
lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early
warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul
Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Sunday, April 20*
*Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM *We'll circle the reservoir looking for
early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly
short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us
by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave
early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in
the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from
Westmoreland Avenue.. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson
<johnhedmondson...>
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.
Date: 4/2/25 2:42 pm From: Andrew Whitacre <akwhitacre...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Fwd: Play with/as/about Birds at MIT Museum After Dark: Birds on May 8 (21+, 6-9pm)
Hi friends! Owls and woodcocks are great, but there's a different kind of
evening birding coming up on May 8
<https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/programs/mit-museum-after-dark>...the MIT Museum
is hosting one of its 21+ "After Dark" events, this one on our favorite
topic. There's food and drink! See below for details...
These events do sell out, so be sure to snag your spot if you're interested.
Andrew
======
*MIT Museum After Dark Series*Enjoy a lively evening of entertainment,
science, and tinkering for the 21+ crowd!
After Dark is a monthly adults-only, after-hours event at the museum. Full
of science and surprises, expect demonstrations, tastings, conversation and
interactive play. Our galleries will be open for you, and we'll always have
live music, cash bar, and bites for purchase by culinary specialists from
around the city.
Thursday May 8
6–9pm
Birds
Swoop in and connect with your extended flock for an evening celebration of
all things avian.
Here's the line-up:
- What does an engineer see when she looks at a bird? Find out with
renowned MIT Professor Lorna Gibson as she explores fantastic feathers and
remarkable bills.
- Create your own vibrant bird-inspired art using gel plates and
artist-quality printmaking supplies with the Nest, Mass Audubon's Art
Studio and Maker Space.
- Join representatives from MIT's Beery <https://beerylab.csail.mit.edu/> and Broderick <https://www.csail.mit.edu/research/broderick-lab> Labs to
explore how technology and generative AI can play a role in bird research,
appreciation, and conservation.
- Test your knowledge of bird identification, migration patterns, and
more through engaging digital and analog games with the MIT Game Lab
<https://gamelab.mit.edu/>.
- Enjoy a special pop-up exhibition curated by the Museum of American
Bird Art
<https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/maba-education-center>,
featuring the beauty and wonder of birds through the eyes of artists!
From 5:00 - 7:00pm, After Dark guests are also invited to join Birding 101,
taking place in the MIT Open Space. The tours are available on a first
come, first served basis.
Date: 4/1/25 8:40 am From: 'Emily Szczypek' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Horn pond mbc/bbc walk this morning
Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Emily
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 11:20:21 AM EDT, Diana F. <diana.fru...> wrote:
I led a walk this morning from 8 to 10. The weather was cold and windy. The highlight was a pair of Black Crowned Night Herons perched in a tree along the lagoon near Sturgis St. Also a pair of Fish Crows gave good views as we were alerted to them by their call.
Complete list in the link below
My next walk is Friday meeting at the Lake Ave parking lot of Horn Pond when we will explore the mountain area.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S222269689 Diana Fruguglietti Woburn
Date: 4/1/25 8:20 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Horn pond mbc/bbc walk this morning
I led a walk this morning from 8 to 10. The weather was cold and windy. The highlight was a pair of Black Crowned Night Herons perched in a tree along the lagoon near Sturgis St. Also a pair of Fish Crows gave good views as we were alerted to them by their call.
Complete list in the link below
My next walk is Friday meeting at the Lake Ave parking lot of Horn Pond when we will explore the mountain area.
Date: 3/31/25 4:40 pm From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, April 6 at 9 am; report for March 30 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday April 6 at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are at the end of this email.
A small and hardy group walked the sanctuary on Mach 30 under cold and damp conditions. The cloudy, wet conditions, as usual, forced some migrants down. In particular, a small flock of Song Sparrows flitted about the parking lot and the garden spot; and there were more Wilson's Snipes seen than in any recent walk. But the highlight was a pair of spectacularly near-breeding-plumaged Lapland Longspurs which allowed close views.
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on April 6:
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.
Date: 3/31/25 10:48 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: RE: [Arlington Birds] New England Shorebird Guide
Folks,
I appreciate the posts about the shorebird app on the Bird Observer site. I need to explain a couple of things in addition:
This is not a downloadable app – yet. At the moment it is a website and accessible on your smart phone (iPhone or android), laptop or computer as long as you have an internet connection. For most places in eastern Massachusetts, that should be seamless.
is a mini-help file in case you need help navigating the app. It’s supposed to be mostly visual, but just in case…
Soheil Zendeh
Littleton, MA
From: <arlingtonbirds...> <arlingtonbirds...> On Behalf Of Diana F.
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 12:38 PM
To: Arlingtonbirds <Arlingtonbirds...>
Subject: [Arlington Birds] New England Shorebird Guide
Fyi
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'John Nelson' via Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs <association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> <mailto:<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> >
Date: Mon, Mar 31, 2025, 11:31 AM
Subject: [AMBC Google Group] New England Shorebird Guide
To: Massachusetts Assoc of Bird Clubs <association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> <mailto:<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> >
Association members,
I am passing along this announcement from Soheil Zendeh about his great New England Shorebird Guide--a freely available shorebird guide phone app. The first version of the guide can be found on the Bird Observer website:
Date: 3/31/25 10:31 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: RE: [Arlington Birds] New England Shorebird Guide
This is very cool. Thank you John and thanks Diana for forwarding the note.
Later in April, I will ask Marsha to send a note out reemphasizing this material and giving some more details – how many species are covered, etc. Right now we’re about to add at least 5 more species accounts – more likely 7 or 8 more – to the 19 already on the site.
Soheil
From: <arlingtonbirds...> <arlingtonbirds...> On Behalf Of Diana F.
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 12:38 PM
To: Arlingtonbirds <Arlingtonbirds...>
Subject: [Arlington Birds] New England Shorebird Guide
Fyi
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'John Nelson' via Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs <association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> <mailto:<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> >
Date: Mon, Mar 31, 2025, 11:31 AM
Subject: [AMBC Google Group] New England Shorebird Guide
To: Massachusetts Assoc of Bird Clubs <association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> <mailto:<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...> >
Association members,
I am passing along this announcement from Soheil Zendeh about his great New England Shorebird Guide--a freely available shorebird guide phone app. The first version of the guide can be found on the Bird Observer website:
Date: 3/31/25 9:38 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] New England Shorebird Guide
Fyi
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'John Nelson' via Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs <
<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...>
Date: Mon, Mar 31, 2025, 11:31 AM
Subject: [AMBC Google Group] New England Shorebird Guide
To: Massachusetts Assoc of Bird Clubs <
<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...>
Association members,
I am passing along this announcement from Soheil Zendeh about his great New
England Shorebird Guide--a freely available shorebird guide phone app. The
first version of the guide can be found on the Bird Observer website:
https://www.birdobserver.org/Better-Birding/New-England-Shorebird-Guide.
Soheil has also uploaded several files that users of the Guide might find
helpful:
Date: 3/30/25 8:00 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Trips this week starting Tuesday
Fellow MBC members,
We have a series of walks this week starting on Tuesday at Horn Pond in
Woburn as well as a look ahead of some upcoming trips in April. Do however
continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we continually add trips based
upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our leaders.
To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29th @
7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will
have Robert J. Gegear an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology
at UMass Dartmouth presenting - More than just the buzz: A practical guide
to restoring pollinator-generated biodiversity (and why it matters)
Plant-pollinator diversity is declining at an alarming rate across New
England, pushing many species to the brink of local extinction unless
urgent conservation measures are implemented. In this talk, Robert will
discuss using species-level ecological data to vastly improve recommended
plant lists aimed at restoring bumblebee and butterfly diversity on
degraded landscapes including how ‘Beecologist’ citizen scientists have
used data-driven conservation approach to successfully restore pollination
diversity ranging from home gardens to multi-acre conservation lands. Doors
open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts promptly at
7:00 PM.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Tuesday, April 1*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Sturgis Street Entrance 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Friday, April 4*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Lake Avenue parking lot 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 5*
*Greenough Land, Carlisle*
*Alan Ankers 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for
lingering winter visitors and earlier migrants. Co-sponsored by the
Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811
Maple Street. 7:30-10:00 AM Alan Ankers <alankers...>
*Wednesday April 9*
*Brooks Estate, Medford*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we search for early spring migrants - particularly Pine, Palm,
and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but there may also be phoebes, several
sparrows, kinglets and thrushes. Or, let's find a surprise. Meet at the
entrance at 266 Grove St. 8:00 – 10:00 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 12*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation
area. We will be searching for early spring migrants such as Tree Swallow,
Eastern Phoebes, Pine, as well as Plam and Yellow-rumped warblers, and
lingering ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Green-winged teal, and early
warblers. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Paul
Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Sunday, April 20*
*Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM *We'll circle the reservoir looking for
early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly
short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us
by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave
early too if you like. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in
the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from
Westmoreland Avenue.. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM. John Edmondson
<johnhedmondson...>
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.
Date: 3/29/25 10:30 am From: 'Emily Szczypek' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Fwd: Mount Auburn Cemetery open 6am April and May
Thank you.
On Friday, March 28, 2025 at 10:10:20 PM EDT, Regina Harrison <onebirdlife...> wrote:
Hello all,In case you have not heard this news elsewhere, Mount Auburn Cemetery will be opening its main gates to both pedestrians and cars at 6:00 am every single morning in April and May. You'll be able to drive into the Cemetery, where you can park either in the circular garden right at the main entrance or on any road that does not have a solid or dashed green line painted on it, keeping all four wheels off the grass please. No more worrying about getting towed from Star Market's parking lot ;-)
You can find full details here: https://www.mountauburn.org/2025/03/03/introducing-early-bird-hours-this-spring/ But the essence is, April and May hours will be:April 1 – May 15 6 AM – 7 PM
May 16 – May 31 6 AM – 8 PM
6 AM to 8 AM will be deemed quiet hours, so no grounds or maintenance work will be happening during those hours.
Happy birding,
Regina Harrison (birder and Mount Auburn staff member)<onebirdlife...>, MA
Date: 3/28/25 7:10 pm From: Regina Harrison <onebirdlife...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Fwd: Mount Auburn Cemetery open 6am April and May
Hello all,
In case you have not heard this news elsewhere, Mount Auburn Cemetery will
be opening its main gates to both pedestrians and cars at 6:00 am every
single morning in April and May. You'll be able to drive into the
Cemetery, where you can park either in the circular garden right at the
main entrance or on any road that does not have a solid or dashed green
line painted on it, keeping all four wheels off the grass please. No more
worrying about getting towed from Star Market's parking lot ;-)
Date: 3/28/25 9:05 am From: <sarahth......> <sarahthompson90...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: UMass Amherst Falcons- 4/4 workshop - opportunity for educators
Thank you, Diana. I was on campus in '88 and remember watching the
peregrine hacking box on the campus center roof! Exciting times!
I'm really happy to hear of the success of the pair on the tall library,
and looked at the cam.
Sarah Thompson
On Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 8:31:26 AM UTC-4 Diana F. wrote:
> Fyi
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Barbara M Volkle <bar......>
> Date: Wed, Mar 26, 2025, 7:55 PM
> Subject: [MASSBIRD] UMass Amherst Falcons- 4/4 workshop - opportunity for
> educators
> To: <mass......>
>
>
> In addition to the announcement below, you can view the Falcon Cam at
> UMass Amherst here:
>
> https://www.library.umass.edu/falcons/ >
>
> From Lauren Hubbard UMass Amherst:
>
> It's that time of year again: our peregrines just finished laying a full
> four-egg clutch this morning. We're very excited!
>
> Just wanted to send along the info for our annual Peregrine Falcons 101
> free online workshop (April 4, 1-2 p.m.) in case the birding community
> would like to join in: https://libcal.library.umass.edu/event/14208486 >
> Additionally, if there are any educators in your midst that would like a
> personal Zoom call with their class (any grade) to learn about the
> falcons, please send them my way. We started offering that recently and
> it's been quite a hit.
>
> Thank you!
> Lauren
>
> Lauren Hubbard
> she/her/hers
> Associate Editor, Digital Content
> UMass Amherst Libraries
> 154 Hicks Way
> Room 415
> Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
> 413-545-6156 <(413)%20545-6156>
> 413-320-1081 <(413)%20320-1081>
> <lauren.......>
> library.umass.edu
>
>
>
Date: 3/28/25 6:41 am From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Canceling Brookline Bird Club field trip at Great Meadows NWR in Concord tomorrow
Hi,
Due to weather, we are canceling the birding field trip at Great Meadows NWR in Concord that was scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, March 29.
I haven't heard from the other leaders of field trips this weekend. Contact information is provided on our website for each leader and you can check directly if you are unsure whether a particular trip is still on. When the weather is bad, it is a good idea to check.
Thanks
John Edmondson (Field Trip Coordinator for the BBC)
It's that time of year again: our peregrines just finished laying a full
four-egg clutch this morning. We're very excited!
Just wanted to send along the info for our annual Peregrine Falcons 101
free online workshop (April 4, 1-2 p.m.) in case the birding community
would like to join in: https://libcal.library.umass.edu/event/14208486
Additionally, if there are any educators in your midst that would like a
personal Zoom call with their class (any grade) to learn about the
falcons, please send them my way. We started offering that recently and
it's been quite a hit.
Date: 3/25/25 7:30 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, March 30 at 9 am; report for March 23 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, March 30 at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are at the end of this email.
On a windy and chilly day, Cammy Kaynor was the list keeper for the March 23 walk. If you want the ebird list shared, click on this link:
https://ebird.org/mychecklists?<subID...>&s=t
Bear Creek Sanctuary (restricted access), Essex, Massachusetts, US Mar 23, 2025 9:31 AM - 11:42 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.288 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Very windy and chilly. Consequently, bird numbers were at a minimum. Although it was above freezing (~40oF) the puddles still had ice from last night.
20 bird species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose 12
American Black Duck 3
Green-winged Teal 5
Bufflehead 3
Red-breasted Merganser 6
duck sp. 20 Likely Scoters, Goldeneyes, Eider, and Common Loons. Nobody had a scope for more refined viewing so the majority of fowl in the river and estuary went unidentified.
Mourning Dove 4
Killdeer 5
Ring-billed Gull 3
American Herring Gull 45
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Crow 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 15
White-throated Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 25
new world sparrow sp. 4 2 were possibly Chipping Sparrows. Reddish cap, un marked breast, small size, etc... but I cannot rule out Field Sparrow or maybe a Tree Sparrow with weak breast spot. If someone got a reasonable photo we can edit the listing.
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 5
Northern Cardinal 2
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on March 30:
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.
Date: 3/24/25 2:12 pm From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Meeting Tuesday night and looking ahead into early April
Fellow MBC members,
We have our next meeting, tomorrow, *Tuesday, March 25th @ 7:00 PM at the
Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester* as we will have Marsha C.
Salett, editor of Bird Observer and a teacher/naturalist at Mass Audubon’s
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in South Natick for 30 years, will present an
overview of the variety of original articles they publish: conservation and
natural history, where to go birding, regional rarities, book reviews,
field notes, bird sightings, photographs, artwork, and more.
For more than 50 years, Bird Observer has been the local New England
journal for birders of all skill levels. Their mission is to support and
promote the observation, understanding, and conservation of the wild birds
of New England through bimonthly print and online journals.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
Looking a bit further ahead?
*Tuesday, April 1*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Sturgis Street Entrance 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Friday, April 4*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Lake Avenue parking lot 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 5*
*Greenough Land, Carlisle*
*Alan Ankers 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for
lingering winter visitors and earlier migrants. Co-sponsored by the
Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811
Maple Street. 7:30-10:00 AM Alan Ankers <alankers...>
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.
Date: 3/21/25 7:23 am From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Meeting Place for 3/23 Dunback Walk is Clark Middle School
I want to clarify that the meeting place for the joint BBC/MBC walk to Dunback Meadows I am leading on Sunday morning is CLARK MIDDLE SCHOOL, not Allen Street as mentioned in an email earlier this week.
Date: 3/20/25 6:17 pm From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Trips this weekend and into early April
Fellow MBC members,
There are a few choices this Sunday for bird walks in our area - Dunback
Meadows in Lexington & Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus.
Looking a bit further ahead?
We have our next meeting, *Tuesday, March 25th @ 7:00 PM at the Jenks
Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester* as we will have Marsha C. Salett,
editor of Bird Observer and a teacher/naturalist at Mass Audubon’s
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in South Natick for 30 years, will present an
overview of the variety of original articles they publish: conservation and
natural history, where to go birding, regional rarities, book reviews,
field notes, bird sightings, photographs, artwork, and more.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Sunday, March 23*
*Dunback Meadows, Lexington*
*Cliff Cook 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM*
Join us as we explore the varied habitats of Dunback Meadows in search of
wintering birds and early migrants. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird
Club. Meeting place: Clark Middle School, at the end of Brookside Avenue.
7:30 AM – 10:30 AM Cliff Cook <ccook13...>
*Sunday, March 23*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending walks at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland wildlife sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator
(formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and
Revere. Access information is below. Wear good 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.
Wheelabrator 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 <s2ary39...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator 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, March 25*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 Meeting Start *
*Bird Observer*: *The Birding Journal of New England*
*Marsha C. Salett – Jenks Center, Winchester*
For more than 50 years, Bird Observer has been the local New England
journal for birders of all skill levels. Their mission is to support and
promote the observation, understanding, and conservation of the wild birds
of New England through bimonthly print and online journals. Marsha C.
Salett, editor of Bird Observer and a teacher/naturalist at Mass Audubon’s
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in South Natick for 30 years, will present an
overview of the variety of original articles they publish: conservation and
natural history, where to go birding, regional rarities, book reviews,
field notes, bird sightings, photographs, artwork, and more.
*Tuesday, April 1*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Sturgis Street Entrance 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Friday, April 4*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Lake Avenue parking lot 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 5*
*Greenough Land, Carlisle*
*Alan Ankers 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for
lingering winter visitors and earlier migrants. Co-sponsored by the
Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811
Maple Street. 7:30-10:00 AM Alan Ankers <alankers...>
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.
I don't know how many of you have seen the Florida Scrub Jay ads from the ABC and Earthjustice on facebook. I finally got around to reading about it from an email I received from the ABC today.
The short version of the story is a familiar one: a developer wants to build on land in Scrub Jay habitat, and they want to avoid paying a fee that will go toward conservation efforts. They're suing to remove federal protections (and the associated fee) on the grounds that the Florida Scrub Jay lives only in Florida (not across state lines) so it doesn't deserve federal protections. According to the ABC, there are lots of federally listed species that live in only one state. The outcome of this case will set a precedent.
There's no action in terms of calling your congresspeople (as far as I can tell), but if you are so inclined, you can make a donation to Earthjustice, the firm that filed the request to defend the Florida Scrub Jay's federal protections.
Date: 3/19/25 3:02 pm From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Brookline Bird Club Upcoming Free Webinars
Fyi
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'John Nelson' via Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs <
<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...>
Date: Wed, Mar 19, 2025, 4:35 PM
Subject: [AMBC Google Group] Brookline Bird Club Upcoming Free Webinars
To: Massachusetts Assoc of Bird Clubs <
<association-of-massachusetts-bird-clubs...>
I'm sharing this announcement of some exciting BBC webinars that are free
and open to the general public:
*March 26: At Sea in the Humboldt Current – Ship Life, Pelagic Birds, and
Deep Sea Creatures with Scott Weiman*
Embark on an evening of discovery as marine geochemist Scott Wieman
recounts a recent month-long research expedition aboard the R/V Falkor(too)
from Valparaíso to Puerto Montt, Chile. Scott’s talk blends his experiences
birding the highly productive Humboldt current with the broader
expedition’s exploration of numerous methane cold seeps and submarine
canyons along the Chilean Margin. In addition to sharing photographs of the
diverse pelagic bird life encountered and recounting his exciting sightings
– including the first Murphy’s Petrel within 1000 miles of the Chilean
mainland and seven different albatross species – Scott will provide a
fascinating glimpse into daily life aboard an oceanographic research
vessel, the remarkably unique deep-sea life observed, and how dissolved
methane measurements can reveal key processes in marine carbon cycling.
How have corvids mastered city life, learned human faces and learned to use
tools? What settings and experiments help humans understand some parallels
between human and crow cognition? Corvids—the ubiquitous crows, ravens,
magpies, jays, nutcrackers, and relatives—are familiar backyard birds with
extraordinary behaviors that enable them to thrive where most species
cannot. John Marzluff will share his 40-plus years of research and
findings, as well as his current work in Yellowstone Park.
Date: 3/18/25 12:24 pm From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Earth Month Event featuring Guest Speakers Scott and Amy Weidensaul - First Religious Society of Newburyport
Date: 3/17/25 2:43 pm From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, March 23 at 9 am; report for March 16 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, March 23 at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are at the end of this email.
Most participants got a good glimpse of the colorful Lapland Longspur at the Sanctuary plus a second rather dull one. Otherwise the walk was pleasant but routine -- everyone is anticipating spring.
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on March 23:
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.
Date: 3/17/25 10:50 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Woodcock walk tomorrow night, Tuesday in Burlington & March Activities
Fellow MBC members,
The Menotomy Bird Club will be hosting another evening woodcock walk
tomorrow night, Tuesday. The weather looks favorable and last week we had
a rather nice night so we know that woodcocks have begun to display and
call. Additionally we have a walk on Sunday at Dunback Meadows in
Lexington.
Looking a bit further ahead?
We have our next meeting, *Tuesday, March 25th @ 7:00 PM at the Jenks
Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester* as we will have Marsha C. Salett,
editor of Bird Observer and a teacher/naturalist at Mass Audubon’s
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in South Natick for 30 years, will present an
overview of the variety of original articles they publish: conservation and
natural history, where to go birding, regional rarities, book reviews,
field notes, bird sightings, photographs, artwork, and more.
Early spring is providing some interesting observations being posted
throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report what
you’re seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Tuesday, March 18*
*Woodcocks at Mary Cummings Park*
*Paul Ippolito 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM*
Join us at sunset as we listen and look for the mating sky dance of the
American Woodcock. Activity should begin around 7:00 p.m. and last for
about an hour - flashlight recommended; please no dogs. Meet at the
Trustees Picnic Area near the Airplane Field (NOT the Soccer Field) use 25
Blanchard Road to find this parking lot via GPS. 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM Paul
Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Sunday, March 23*
*Dunback Meadows, Lexington*
*Cliff Cook 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM*
Join us as we explore the varied habitats of Dunback Meadows in search of
wintering birds and early migrants. Cosponsored with the Brookline Bird
Club. Meeting place: Clark Middle School, at the end of Brookside Avenue.
7:30 AM – 10:30 AM Cliff Cook <ccook13...>
*Tuesday, March 25*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 Meeting Start *
*Bird Observer*: *The Birding Journal of New England*
*Marsha C. Salett – Jenks Center, Winchester*
For more than 50 years, Bird Observer has been the local New England
journal for birders of all skill levels. Their mission is to support and
promote the observation, understanding, and conservation of the wild birds
of New England through bimonthly print and online journals. Marsha C.
Salett, editor of Bird Observer and a teacher/naturalist at Mass Audubon’s
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in South Natick for 30 years, will present an
overview of the variety of original articles they publish: conservation and
natural history, where to go birding, regional rarities, book reviews,
field notes, bird sightings, photographs, artwork, and more.
*Tuesday, April 1*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Sturgis Street Entrance 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Friday, April 4*
*Horn Pond, Woburn*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Let's look for early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Field Sparrow and early warblers such as Palm, Pine and
Yellow-rumped. Meet at the Lake Avenue parking lot 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Diana
Fruguglietti <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, April 5*
*Greenough Land, Carlisle*
*Alan Ankers 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for
lingering winter visitors and earlier migrants. Co-sponsored by the
Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811
Maple Street. 7:30-10:00 AM Alan Ankers <alankers...>
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.
On Sun, Mar 16, 2025 at 10:55 AM John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...>
wrote:
>
> We had a large group today at the Arlington Reservoir for the co-sponsored
> Brookline Bird Club and Menotomy Bird Club walk. Cloudly, bordering on
> foggy. Not very cold though. Only a few drops of either rain or condensing
> fog while we were out.
>
> At the start we heard from a dog walker that there was a hawk over the
> path near the Lexington Gardens so we headed that way. On the way we were
> treated to a lengthy conflict between a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a
> Northern Flicker in the vicinity of a freshly made cavity in a tree. We
> speculated that the hole was made by the Red-bellied and it was trying to
> chase off the Flicker. The Flicker was not leaving without a fight.
>
> There were Killdeer in the farm fields and flying around actively. Hard to
> count accurately. Some were heard in the reservoir direction and I assumed
> were part of the same group of 4 that were moving around, but there could
> have been more.
>
> We finally came across the Red-tailed Hawk in the back part of the farm
> near the chicken coop. Then another. Both first year birds with banded
> tails instead of the classic red tail. Recognizable by the belly band and
> general shape.
>
> On the water, we had good looks at Bufflehead, Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy
> Ducks, Mallards and Black Ducks. One Scaup turned up and was probably a
> Greater but I didn't feel certain and put it down as Greater/Lesser.
>
> Expected more Grackles. The only ones I saw were flying over the farm
> field at one point. Lot's of Red-winged Blackbirds.
>
> Thanks for the help from participants finding birds and helping others to
> see them! It was a fun walk I thought.
>
> This link will allow anyone to add the list to their ebird checklists.
> https://ebird.org/mychecklists?subID=ZW1haWw/c3ViSUQ9UzIxODg0MjAzNg==&s=t >
> John Edmondson
>
>
> Arlington Reservoir, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
> Mar 16, 2025 7:57 AM - 9:40 AM
> Protocol: Traveling
> 1.05 mile(s)
> Checklist Comments: 27 of us (maybe 28). BBC and Menotomy BC
> co-sponsored walk. Interesting to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker have a
> conflict with a Northern Flicker which may have been investigating a fresh
> cavity made by the Red-bellied.
> 27 species (+1 other taxa)
>
> Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 17
> Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 2
> Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 13
> American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 3
> Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 3
> Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 17
> Greater/Lesser Scaup (Aythya marila/affinis) 1 Ed noticed it with the
> Ring-necked Ducks. Likely Greater but it was a bit distant and I think we
> can't be sure. It had a rounder seeming head that was held low and forward.
> Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 12
> Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 2
> Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 3
> Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 4
> Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2 2 first year birds
> Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2 Having a fight with a
> Flicker, perhaps because the Flicker was investigating a cavity made by the
> Red-bellied. Can't be sure the casue of the fight.
> Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 3
> Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 2 Having a fight with a
> Red-bellied
> Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
> Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) 1
> Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
> European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 6
> Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1
> American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 12
> House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 7
> Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 4
> Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 7
> Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 18
> Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 4
> Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4
>
> View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S218842036 >
>
>
Date: 3/16/25 7:56 am From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Today's walk at Arlington Reservoir
We had a large group today at the Arlington Reservoir for the co-sponsored Brookline Bird Club and Menotomy Bird Club walk. Cloudly, bordering on foggy. Not very cold though. Only a few drops of either rain or condensing fog while we were out.
At the start we heard from a dog walker that there was a hawk over the path near the Lexington Gardens so we headed that way. On the way we were treated to a lengthy conflict between a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Northern Flicker in the vicinity of a freshly made cavity in a tree. We speculated that the hole was made by the Red-bellied and it was trying to chase off the Flicker. The Flicker was not leaving without a fight.
There were Killdeer in the farm fields and flying around actively. Hard to count accurately. Some were heard in the reservoir direction and I assumed were part of the same group of 4 that were moving around, but there could have been more.
We finally came across the Red-tailed Hawk in the back part of the farm near the chicken coop. Then another. Both first year birds with banded tails instead of the classic red tail. Recognizable by the belly band and general shape.
On the water, we had good looks at Bufflehead, Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Mallards and Black Ducks. One Scaup turned up and was probably a Greater but I didn't feel certain and put it down as Greater/Lesser.
Expected more Grackles. The only ones I saw were flying over the farm field at one point. Lot's of Red-winged Blackbirds.
Thanks for the help from participants finding birds and helping others to see them! It was a fun walk I thought.
Arlington Reservoir, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Mar 16, 2025 7:57 AM - 9:40 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.05 mile(s) Checklist Comments: 27 of us (maybe 28). BBC and Menotomy BC co-sponsored walk. Interesting to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker have a conflict with a Northern Flicker which may have been investigating a fresh cavity made by the Red-bellied. 27 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 17 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 2 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 13 American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 3 Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 3 Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 17 Greater/Lesser Scaup (Aythya marila/affinis) 1 Ed noticed it with the Ring-necked Ducks. Likely Greater but it was a bit distant and I think we can't be sure. It had a rounder seeming head that was held low and forward. Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 12 Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 2 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 3 Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 4 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2 2 first year birds Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2 Having a fight with a Flicker, perhaps because the Flicker was investigating a cavity made by the Red-bellied. Can't be sure the casue of the fight. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 3 Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 2 Having a fight with a Red-bellied Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2 Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) 1 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1 White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2 European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 6 Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 12 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 7 Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 4 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 7 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 18 Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 4 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4
