Date: 3/16/26 10:45 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Woodcock walk in Burlington tomorrow night Tuesday, 3-17 & Bear Creek Walk on Sunday
Fellow MBC members,
As a reminder we are planning for a Woodcock walk tomorrow night - Tuesday
March 17 - at Mary Cummings Park in Burlington as well another in a series
of walks at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus on Sunday.
Last week, the Woodcocks did NOT disappoint. We were lucky enough to have
at least 4 separate individuals visible on the ground and I estimate 15 –
20 woodcocks, calling and / or flying overhead. The peents and flyovers
continued as we made our way out of the fields around 7:30 PM.
If you have not a chance to experience an American Woodcock display it
feels magical because it happens at dusk in early spring, when the male’s
quirky “peent” call breaks the quiet and he suddenly spirals high into the
darkening sky with musical wing sounds. The hidden, well-camouflaged bird
then zigzags silently back down to the ground, creating a brief twilight
performance that feels mysterious.
I expect conditions to be good but wet, wear appropriate footwear to keep
your feet dry...
Hope to see some of you there.
- Paul Ippolito, Woburn
*Tuesday, March 17*
*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 22*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending the walk at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly
Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus
and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and
be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be
prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is
about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit
on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard
Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back.
Here is a link to google maps: http://tinyurl.com/326v87d..
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Diana
Fruguglietti <Diana.fru...> 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.
