Date: 1/27/25 7:03 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 9 am; report for January 26 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, February 2 at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are at the end of this email.
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.
On the January 26 walk, the day started cold but calm and ended up much warmer but with a fierce wind. A substantial team of observers (14 people) had lovely close looks at a Cooper's Hawk and a pair of Bald Eagles and frustratingly fleeting looks at a Rough-legged Hawk. The winter passerine flock, mostly Horned Larks in recent weeks, contained (at a minimum) a pair of Lapland Longspurs. Many fed on the roads which were clear of snow, thus affording us much closer and better looks than when they hide among the dried plant stalks.
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on February 2:
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 (unless they are closed -- see note above), park in the parking lot immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the property without an escort.
