Date: 6/20/25 11:14 am From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Fwd: [MASSBIRD] BBC Birds and Blanding's Kids' Walk
Hi all,
I highly recommend this family walk with a good chance of seeing the
endangered Blanding's Turtle in the wild. It's next Thursday!
Spaces remaining at this moment.
John
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kathy Dia <katbirder...>
Date: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Birds and Blanding's Kids' Walk
To: <Massbird...>
Spaces remaining!!
Birds and Blanding’s Family Walk — A walk for kids ages 8+ with
accompanying adult(s
*Sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club*
*Thursday June 26, 8-10AM, Concord area*
Special guest Dr. Bryan Windmiller of Zoo New England will talk about the
endangered Blanding’s turtles that call Great Meadows NWR home. Then we
will head out to see what turtles, birds, and mammals and other wildlife we
can observe on the refuge. Dr. Bryan will set a live turtle trap the night
before, so we hope to have the opportunity to see a live Blanding's
turtle! Group size is limited. Please email trip leader Kathy Dia to
register (<kdia...>). Due to limited group size this walk
is limited to kids age 8+ and their parent/adult chaperones. Meeting
location will be sent to all registrants three days before the walk.
Date: 6/20/25 5:20 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Meeting, Tuesday, June 24
Fellow MBC members,
Spring migration is wrapping up and our season is winding down for the
Summer, however do continue to look at your e-mails as we will look to add
trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders. As you will see there is a July trip listed.
To help you plan ahead, our next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 24th @
7:00 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road in Winchester as we will
have Lillian Stokes providing a talk about Finches of the United States and
Canada.
*Tuesday, June 24*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 Meeting Start *
*FINCHES OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA*
*Lillian Stokes** – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Please join the Menotomy Bird Club as we will have Lillian Stokes providing
a talk on the Finches of the United States and Canada.
From goldfinches to crossbills, from backyards to wilderness peaks, finches
are one of the most exciting, mysterious, and beloved group of
songbirds. In this lively, information-packed talk featuring stunning
photography, Lillian Stokes, best-selling author of 35 Stokes guides, will
introduce you to the 43 finches of the United States and Canada from
feeder-favorite goldfinches to Red Crossbill tribes, to least known
mountain-top Black Rosy Finches to endangered Hawaiian Finches with their
own “Darwin’s finches”-like story.
The talk will cover finch identification, behavior, irruptions, how to
attract and conserve finches and more. Sprinkled throughout with quotes
from the creative Quick Take chapter intros, filled with amazing facts,
scientific knowledge and gorgeous photos, this talk will leave you
understanding so much more about the finches you thought you knew.
*Saturday July 19*
*Charles River Walk, Waltham*
*Emily Szczypek 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM*
Join us as we stroll along an easy to walk paved path. Possible sightings
include Wood Ducks, Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, and Great Blue Heron.
Cosponsored with Waltham Land Trust and Brookline Bird Club. No dogs
allowed. This trip will not run in the event of rain. Meet at the Shaw's
parking lot, 130 River Street, Waltham, MA southwest corner of the
lot. 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Emily Szczypek <plover08...>
There are still 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.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Date: 6/11/25 8:55 am From: 'PAUL ROBERTS' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Utah Birds, Geology, and Fremont Petroglyphs
Hi, My apologies to the list but a male on this list and I have discussed his plans for possibly birding in Utah this summer and looking for petroglyphs. I have several excellent sources to share with him, but have lost all the contact information and would ask him to email me his address and phone number so we can get together and I can pass along several outstanding references. If anyone else is going to Utah or the Colorado Plateau to bird or explore for archaeological sites and petroglyphs, please feel free to contact me and Julie. We have gone to Utah to hike, bird, and explore pre-Columbian art and history regularly for the past 20 years or so. We wish we were there now. If you are interested in the history, The Ancient Southwest: A Guide to Archaeological Sites by Gregory McNamee is a wonderful introduction to most sites throughout the Colorado Plateau. It gives you a great idea of what you can see and the significance of each site. I could also recommend sites for Golden Eagles and Swainson's Hawks in summer. Best, Paul Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...> 339-222-0197
Date: 6/10/25 9:59 am From: Toshia McCabe <toshia.fcolors...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: Shiloh Schulte's shorebird research legacy
Thank you Soheil, that's beautiful video that shows just how small and
beautiful Samipalmated Sandpipers are.
I found this article, written by Shiloh ,on the Manomet website. If you
poke a round a little, you'll find pictures of him on the website too. I
didn't know him, but I have a lot of respect for Manomet and its mission.
They must feel this loss so deeply.
On Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:59:37 PM UTC-4 <sohz......> wrote:
> Thanks to Barbara for spreading the sad news.
>
> I only met Shiloh once or twice but was always struck by his kindness and
> humility as well as his fierce dedication to shorebird conservation. He
> spent many summers in the arctic researching shorebirds breeding across the
> northern tier of Canada and Alaska.
>
> In approximately 2014 he posted the video below, which he shot on Coats
> Island in Hudson Bay. In it he does not appear; instead he shows Brad Winn
> of Manomet holding a Semipalmated Sandpiper and talking about the
> life-cycle of that bird:
>
> https://youtu.be/DG_93Sy9xfE?si=9efiTY4K5Z0Mga91 >
> Soheil Zendeh
> Littleton, MA
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: <massbird......> <massbird......> On Behalf Of
> Barbara Volkle
> Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 10:20 AM
> To: massbird <mass......>
> Subject: [MASSBIRD] sad news - Shiloh Schulte
>
> I'm passing along the sad news of the death of Manomet Conservation
> Sciences scientist, Shiloh Schulte, in a helicopter crash in Alaska's North
> Slope.
>
> “Shiloh was a deeply respected member of the Manomet Conservation Sciences
> team, whose passion for shorebird conservation and unwavering commitment to
> protecting our planet inspired everyone fortunate enough to work alongside
> him,” the organization said Saturday in a statement.
>
> He coordinated an American Oystercatcher recovery program for Manomet.
>
>
> https://mustreadalaska.com/two-killed-in-fatal-north-slope-helicopter-crash-identified-as-maine-bird-scientist-and-veteran-pilot/ >
> There's an extensive article in the Boston Globe, accessible to
> subscribers.
>
> A sad loss for those who knew him and a sad loss for conservation efforts.
>
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough, MA
> <bar......>
>
>
Date: 6/9/25 9:59 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Shiloh Schulte's shorebird research legacy
Thanks to Barbara for spreading the sad news.
I only met Shiloh once or twice but was always struck by his kindness and humility as well as his fierce dedication to shorebird conservation. He spent many summers in the arctic researching shorebirds breeding across the northern tier of Canada and Alaska.
In approximately 2014 he posted the video below, which he shot on Coats Island in Hudson Bay. In it he does not appear; instead he shows Brad Winn of Manomet holding a Semipalmated Sandpiper and talking about the life-cycle of that bird:
-----Original Message-----
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of Barbara Volkle
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 10:20 AM
To: massbird <massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] sad news - Shiloh Schulte
I'm passing along the sad news of the death of Manomet Conservation Sciences scientist, Shiloh Schulte, in a helicopter crash in Alaska's North Slope.
“Shiloh was a deeply respected member of the Manomet Conservation Sciences team, whose passion for shorebird conservation and unwavering commitment to protecting our planet inspired everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him,” the organization said Saturday in a statement.
He coordinated an American Oystercatcher recovery program for Manomet.
There was a catbird singing in a tree in my backyard in the Heights when I
left for work this morning. They definitely seem to be making their
presence known in the area!
--Nina Shepardson, Arlington
On Monday, June 2, 2025 at 4:59:40 PM UTC-4 David K. Bean wrote:
> I just rode from Arlington out to Bedford on the bike path and it is alive
> with catbirds. I think little green caterpillars are falling to the ground
> and the birds are gobbling them up. Have catbirds become more common around
> here? Maybe they’re just congregating on the trail for the jubilee.
>
>
>
> David Bean
>
Date: 6/2/25 1:59 pm From: David K. Bean <dkbeanlaw...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Catbirds
I just rode from Arlington out to Bedford on the bike path and it is alive with catbirds. I think little green caterpillars are falling to the ground and the birds are gobbling them up. Have catbirds become more common around here? Maybe they're just congregating on the trail for the jubilee.
Date: 6/2/25 10:47 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Drones
Forwarding in case you know anyone in the Gloucester area that you can pass
this along to.
Thanks
Diana Fruguglietti
Woburn
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kim Smith <kimsmith.designs1...>
Date: Mon, Jun 2, 2025, 12:52 PM
Subject: Drones
To:
Dear PiPl Friends,
I imagine anyone who receives my newsletter already knows this but in case
you may know of someone who would benefit from reading the following,
please share. Thank you so much :)
*Why Can't I Fly My Drone Over Good Harbor Beach*
Fairly frequently when coming onto Good Harbor Beach to check on the
Plovers, we find the birds off their nests and in utter panic. I have
learned over time that there is only one reason why the birds along the one
mile stretch of beach are frightened enough to leave their nests, in
unison. Sure enough, in a moment or two, you hear the drone's whirring
motor first and then observe as it passes over the protected areas of the
beach. Usually not one go-around, but the operators make repeated passes
over the birds. Whether zooming at top speed or hovering, the Plovers are
terrified by these modern day avian predator-like cameras.
It is illegal and considered harassment under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
to operate a drone over breeding areas. People are either unaware, feign
ignorance, or even worse, are aware and simply don't care. Countless times
we have come onto our shifts to find all the birds in the area in complete
meltdown mode. The birds think the drone is a predator that has come to eat
their eggs, chicks, or themselves. There are even instances where a bird
has flown after the drone and becomes injured. Today a man told me he was
fully licensed to fly his drone over Good Harbor Beach. Drone operators
need to understand that state, federal, and local ordinances supersede any
licensing permit (see below for Good Harbor Beach regulations regarding
drones).
There is accumulating evidence that the mere presence of drones causes
direct harm to birds, not just during breeding season. The unfamiliarity
and noise interrupts courtship, mating, and feeding. Entire tern and heron
colonies have been abandoned due to drone disturbances.
[image: Piping Plover frightened by drone copyright Kim Smith.jpeg]
*Plover in crouched position, frightened by overhead drone, and off her
nest*
This past spring there was a political rally at Good Harbor Beach. We
thought it tremendous that people were gathering in support of their views
and the birds had absolutely no problem with the steady stream of people
entering the beach from all directions. However, the representative's
organizers began preparing a sign that could be read only from an aerial
pov, which meant they intended to fly a drone over the beach. We asked the
organizers to please not fly the drone but they ignored our pleas and told
us the drone was only going to fly over the water and the drone would only
be on the beach for a few minutes. Of course we knew that would not be the
case and sure enough the drone flew repeatedly over the dunes, disturbing
every bird along the entire length of the beach. After fifteen minutes of
sounding their alarm calls, all the birds on the beach flew off in unison.
The drone was documented flying low over the beach for 45 minutes. Clearly,
a beach with nesting birds is not the place to hold a rally if a drone is
part of the equation, particularly when there are other locations as easily
accessed.
Over millennia, nesting birds evolved with the constant threat of avian
predators, including hawks, falcons, crows, gulls, and eagles. They have
not adapted to understand that a drone is not a predator, no matter how
much the drone operator protests that the birds are unbothered by the drone
and have become used to its presence.
It is imperative for the safety of the birds that they have a healthy fear
of drones. The last thing we want are nestlings thinking that hovering
airborne shapes are nothing to be afraid of.
In our collective experiences monitoring the Plovers, we come across
unethical behavior not only on the part of drone operators but also by
fellow wildlife enthusiasts. We have seen photographers mashed up against
the symbolically roped off areas, despite massively long telephoto lens,
parking themselves for hours on end, and also following the birds
relentlessly up and down the beach, despite the bird's clear signals it is
trying to get away and/or tend to its chicks. Early on in the pursuit of my
dream to document wildlife, I was part of crowds that photographed owls.
Observing how sensitive are owls, I no longer film owls in known locations.
If I come across an owl or rare bird when out filming, I take a few photos
and footage and go on my way. Crowds and hovering persons are also the
reason why I no longer post specific locales and keep location information
general.
To ethically document wildlife requires thought and is also a tremendous
responsibility. We can all do our part to protect the beautiful creatures
in our midst by being mindful and sensing their boundaries, especially,
especially during the time of year when they are breeding.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information. I hope your
question is answered, and why. Please share this post. Thank you :)
As always, more photos on blog.
Many thanks to City Councilman Scott Memhard for helping me locate the
regulations on the City's website!
*City of Gloucester Good Harbor Beach Regulations for Model Airplanes,
Radio Controlled Aircraft, Drones*
*Good Harbor Beach Parking Lot *
1. Permitted to fly only when beach parking lot is not in operation (no
attendant on duty).
2. Restricted to times when pedestrian and vehicle traffic are at a minimum.
*3. Not permitted before 8:30am. *
*4. Shall fly over the parking lot and marsh areas, not the road or beach. *
5. Noise levels will be restricted to an acceptable level (non-flow thru,
expansion chamber mufflers only).
6. Pilots shall fly in a safe and responsible manner at all times.
7. Pilots will be responsible and liable for their actions.
8. Pilots will abide by regulations in effect and maintain a safe
environment.
*9. Pilots will be considerate of wetlands and wildlife.*
Date: 6/2/25 7:32 am From: Jim Guion <jim_guion...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Forgive this unskilled birder a question (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
Oops, I forgot the link for hummingbird identification:
Jim Guion
________________________________
From: <arlingtonbirds...> <arlingtonbirds...> on behalf of Jim Guion <jim_guion...>
Sent: Monday, June 2, 2025 7:20 AM
To: Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...>; <roxanasmom...> <roxanasmom...>
Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Forgive this unskilled birder a question (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
Hi Julie,
The reason the 'female' hummingbird in the video has a small patch of red centered on her throat is that she is 'not' a ruby-throated hummingbird.
As the caption under the video states, she is an Anna's Hummingbird, a species which has that and other field marks that differentiate her from a female ruby throated.
You can check out the differences at the following link which shows all the hummingbird species in the US, males and females.
Happy Birding!
Jim Guion
________________________________
From: <arlingtonbirds...> <arlingtonbirds...> on behalf of <roxan......> <roxanasmom...>
Sent: Sunday, June 1, 2025 11:18 PM
To: Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...>
Subject: [Arlington Birds] Forgive this unskilled birder a question (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
Everywhere it is said that males have the feathers that can appear red, and females do not. Similarly, everywhere it is said that females build the nest, rather than males. It so happens I am stewarding a community art project involving a ruby-throated hummingbird building a nest. And it so happens that as my "model," I used the bird in this youtube video linked below.
"She" has red feathers at her throat. Anyone care to comment?
Date: 6/2/25 4:20 am From: Jim Guion <jim_guion...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Forgive this unskilled birder a question (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
Hi Julie,
The reason the 'female' hummingbird in the video has a small patch of red centered on her throat is that she is 'not' a ruby-throated hummingbird.
As the caption under the video states, she is an Anna's Hummingbird, a species which has that and other field marks that differentiate her from a female ruby throated.
You can check out the differences at the following link which shows all the hummingbird species in the US, males and females.
Happy Birding!
Jim Guion
________________________________
From: <arlingtonbirds...> <arlingtonbirds...> on behalf of <roxan......> <roxanasmom...>
Sent: Sunday, June 1, 2025 11:18 PM
To: Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...>
Subject: [Arlington Birds] Forgive this unskilled birder a question (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
Everywhere it is said that males have the feathers that can appear red, and females do not. Similarly, everywhere it is said that females build the nest, rather than males. It so happens I am stewarding a community art project involving a ruby-throated hummingbird building a nest. And it so happens that as my "model," I used the bird in this youtube video linked below.
"She" has red feathers at her throat. Anyone care to comment?
Date: 6/1/25 8:18 pm From: <roxan......> <roxanasmom...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Forgive this unskilled birder a question (Ruby-throated Hummingbird)
Everywhere it is said that males have the feathers that can appear red, and females do not. Similarly, everywhere it is said that females build the nest, rather than males. It so happens I am stewarding a community art project involving a ruby-throated hummingbird building a nest. And it so happens that as my "model," I used the bird in this youtube video linked below.
"She" has red feathers at her throat. Anyone care to comment?
