Date: 11/18/24 12:43 pm From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, November 24, 9 am; report for November 17 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is scheduled for Sunday,
November 24 at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are at the end of this
email.
November 17 walk highlights included many of the same species as last Sunday
(Short-eared owl, Bald Eagles, Northern Harrier, Peregrine, American
Kestrel, American Pipits, Horned Larks, Eastern Meadowlarks). A
Sharp-shinned Hawk and a flock of Snow Buntings further spiced up the day.
I also received the following note from Jan Smith: "I had an interesting
non-avian sighting on the Bear Creek walk yesterday. Towards the end of the
walk when we were all spread out while heading back to the parking area, I
found a small garter snake, about 12 inches long and about as thin as a
pencil. I managed to show it to two other participants. I picked it up to
check on the species ID and then let it go again and saw it wriggle off. I
don't remember ever seeing a snake on any of these walks in the past, and it
certainly seems late in the year for any snake to be active."
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on November 24:
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly
Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeastern 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.
