Events update - Join us for some summer fun!
Da...@dhsmall.net
Athol Bird & Nature Club
Field Trips & Meetings 2025
http://www.atholbirdclub.org
Help Wanted
Many programs can use some extra help: We need Garlic and Arts volunteers both for working at the ABNC Booth and volunteer time with the festival committee to help ABNC’s festival commitment.
Contact Dave if you want to assist
We are looking for a new ABNC Treasurer – Jillian Whitney is asking to be replaced as treasurer and will remain an active board member. If you or someone you know would be interested in assisting us in this volunteer opportunity please let us know. No Natural history skills needed just helping with our finances.
Da...@atholbirdclub.org
Field Trips in Brown Text – Indoor Meetings in Black Text
Summary Spring Hawkwatch at Adams Farm Athol – Mark Morris
The Adams Farm Spring Hawk Watch 2025 campaign was launched on March 10'th with very favorable conditions as well as good results with 23 migrating Raptors to start. A light morph Rough Legged Hawk appeared just beyond the solar array traveling at medium height due North. This turned out to be one of three Rough Legs we recorded in March, all similarly riding our ridgeline at the same height and direction over the Town of Athol. Opening day also featured a female Merlin buzzing through the observation area and eventually tackling a Starling as they both landed mere feet from my truck! This day also brought 12 Black Vultures into view; 2 on top of the Starrett chimney; and small groups of 6 and 4 birds that were essentially together. They proceeded to head to the WSW. Due to protocols of discerning between local or migrating Birds, I listed them as local. A case could have been made either way.
The next day brought warm conditions with a high of 62'F. It also brought our first ever Golden Eagle recorded at Adams Farm. Eric Mueller and I acquired this distant Bird in our scopes over the blue water tank to the South. We continued to track and convey the field marks to one another and noted the white tail with a dark terminal band, smaller, dark head and beak, and a slight dihedral wing profile. We were off to a great start!
When participating in the Spring Hawk Watch, we ultimately have to talk about the weather. With a few days with wind chills into the teens and howling NW gusts 30-40mph, the Observers resolve was tested to follow through with the day's plans of conducting a Watch. Snow squalls and low pressure systems played a negative role as well, canceling consecutive days of observing as the participants of this year's watch hoped for better weather and windows of opportunity. While the Northeast was stuck in a cold, windy, and rainy pattern, the Midwest was relentlessly getting pummeled with damaging Tornadoes and record rainfall and floods well into April. Consecutive weekend rain prevented some Observers from participating. We play the cards that are dealt and record the data that is presented. This is what we signed up for.
Adams Farm continues to be a fascinating place to observe and record both migrating and local Raptors. From start to finish, the resident Raptors are in your face patrolling the skies, conducting their courting flight behavior, defending territory from rivals and Corvids, or hunting. Seldom is there a moment scanning when a Raptor cannot be spotted. The large flocks of Starlings that typically gather behind the observation area are an enticing target for the Raptors that feed on other Birds. Cooper's Hawks, Sharpies, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcons all took a turn trying their luck in plucking a hapless Starling from the large flocks that would "Ball Up" in flight as a defense mechanism. Several times I had both Coops and Sharpies circle up high; start peeling North looking like migrants; then plunge straight down in an attack run, splitting up the flock of Starlings that would take evasive action! Merlins seemed to elicit the most fear as their speed and agility usually is no match for prey items trying to escape. Bald Eagles of all ages coarse through the sky daily and individual Birds become recognizable. Turkey Vultures on the local roosts start to emerge in large numbers in early March, dwindling down as breeding unfolds. When conditions were right, we had as many as 8 local Red Tailed Hawks in the air at one time.
The total number of migrating Raptors that were recorded on this year's Watch was 1,849, down significantly from last year's total of 2,770. The good news was increasing numbers of Turkey Vultures, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, Red Shouldered Hawks, Red Tails, Rough Legged Hawks, Golden Eagle, Merlins, and Peregrine Falcons. Some of these species were marginally better. We recorded site records on consecutive days of Osprey with 21 on April 10'th, and 22 on the 14'th! We had a HUGE jump in Bald Eagles from 29 last year to 72 in 2025. This is a credit to so many individuals and agencies nationwide that have dedicated much time, energy, and resources to bring back this awesome and regal Bird. The Bald Eagle hacking program of Massachusetts, originating in the mid 80's on Prescott Peninsula inside the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed, is not far from Adams Farm and it's quite possible that descendants of that program pass through our site. Sadly, no American Goshawks were recorded again this year. The Sharp Shinned Hawk continues to decline. We had marginal declines in CH and AK. The biggest setback of the Spring, and the reason our totals were much lower, was the Broad Winged Hawk. This species seems always to be a wildcard as to when and where large groups of these long distance flyers will pass by. We recorded 966 Broad Wings on this year's count, down significantly from last year's total of 1,983, with a difference of a WHOPPING 1,017 Birds. I'm hoping they are not in decline.
This year's team of Observers totaled 29, comprised mostly of members of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch and the Athol Bird and Nature Club, raised our observation hours again this year to 267. GREAT WORK BY EVERYONE INVOLVED! Special thanks to Joe Fountain, Tom Gottschang, Joanne Hart, Ernie Leblanc, Eric Mueller, and Ted Purcell for their dedication for the cause this Spring. Special THANK YOU to Kathy Olsen, whose donation of 3 pairs of binoculars and a digital camera along with my own original pair of 8x42 Bushnell binoculars, gave a big boost of inventory to Elizabeth Cassinari’s fledgling Bird Club at the Athol/Royalston Middle School. Thank you to Observers Donna Blasko, Elizabeth Cassinari, Scott Carlson, Chris Eddy, Steve Farrel, Mike Gebo, Austin Gelinas, Jean Hampel, Jeff Johnstone, Evan Lipton, Bob Mallet, Greg McGuane, Jack Miano, Bob Michaud, Kathy Olsen, Bill Rasku, Jon Skinner, David Small, Richard Spedding, Scott Wahlstrom, Greg Watkevich, and Scott Winnikka for taking the time to help find and ID some of our amazing Raptors this Spring!
Finally, we all owe a BIG debt of gratitude to Chelsea White, Clare Barns, Rick Adams, and the rest of the Adams Farm family and staff for continuing to once again support the group effort of documenting all of the Raptors as well as other Birds passing through this site. This relationship is 4 years complete now and is a testament that through communication and transparency, entities with completely different goals can occupy the same common ground. I am extremely proud of this relationship and others that are linked to the Hawk Watch and hope to continue this well into the future! Please support our local Farms, they all need our help.
June 20th at 9:30 am join the North Central Ma Nature journal club to explore the Wampanoag trail in Gardner on June 20th at 9:30 am. We will be focusing on birds so bring binoculars. If you have any questions or would like to join us email Trina at thewa...@gardnerale.com, for directions and in case of schedule changes due to weather. Free, open to all.
Sunday June 22 11AM – 1PM Meadow Stroll near the North Orange Community Church 
Join Dave Small, Conservation Director at Mt. Grace Land Trust and President of Athol Bird and Nature Club, we plan a leisurely nature stroll around the pasture and visit White’s Pond. We plan to learn about Bobolinks and other grassland birds, Dragonflies, and whatever else flies in front of Dave. Ben Wells-Tolley of Chase Hill Farm will describe the Pasture management and his Normande cows that graze there in the autumn. The pasture is located just west of the Church on Main Street at 62 Main Street North Orange. Look for Mt Grace Event Signs. Parking is available near the Community Church of North Orange and Tully. Look for Mt Grace Event Signs. Bring your lunch and we can enjoy a picnic together after the stroll. For more information contact: Caitie Dwyer-Huppert, Community Outreach Associate Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust Direct: 978-541-1779, dwyer-...@mountgrace.org Office: 978-248-2043 Hosted by Bob Busby and Maureen Conte.
Sunday July 6, 2025, 1:30 pm in-person Join Linda and Ernie Leblanc at “The New England equestrian center of Athol is a 250-acre municipal equestrian park located at 802 New Sherburn Road in Athol. There are several 
multi-use trails winding through the parks pine/hemlock/oak forest, a vernal pond, meadow, and more. We'll be walking the forested “Join Up Trail” which has been enhanced with the addition of Chrissy Dorn’s beautiful artwork in the form of 20 original native plant identification signs throughout the trail. Although parts of the park may also be explored depending on the interests of the group. Linda will share her love and knowledge of Natural History of NEECA as you walk along the parks well maintained trails. Meet at 1:30 PM at the spectator parking area. There are clear signs directing one into the park and to that parking area. Bring insect spray and sun hat, and water if you like. To learn more about NEECA check on the website https://www.neeca.org ,
Saturday, July 12 · 10am - 1pm EDT Drawing through the Microscope ($75 fee) In this workshop, we will use 
graphite pencil, ink pen, and color pencil to learn accurate drawing techniques for microscopic images. Microscope is 8x to 320x and we will capture your images with photos and work from those. We will have a wide array of natural materials to choose from including botany slides, insect wings, seeds, mushroom spores, etc. You might want to explore Brooks Woodland Preserve across the street before the workshop, to collect biological materials to draw. Parking for the workshop is available along the roadside across the street on East Street, and along Oliver Street. No previous experience required, and all materials provided. Just bring your curiosity! Instructor Nancy Lowe is an artist, naturalist and educator.
Sunday July 13, 2025, 1:00 pm in-person Sunday Open House A close look at Pond Life - Aquatic biologist Cathy Szal 
and Katrina Walton Aquatic biologist Cathy Szal and science teacher Katrina Walton will offer a hands-on exploration of pond life. There will be a brief introduction to ponds and different types of pond life. They will bring in live aquatic invertebrates, plankton samples and aquatic vegetation. There will be microscope tables with both compound and dissecting scopes for visitors to observe microscopic pond life and aquatic vegetation. There will be pans of live aquatic invertebrates and magnifying glasses. They will also have drawing materials for nature journaling.
Saturday July 19th ,2025, 9:00 PM to whenever. The infamous "MothBall" Kicks off National Moth Week in 2025. 
The Mothball returns, Shelley and I invite our friends and neighbors to our Annual MothBall at our home at 1542 Pleasant Street, Athol. July 19th, 2024, 9:00 PM to whenever… Bring Flashlight, camera, lawn chair, a beverage and/or snack to share (keep it simple grab and go) and your sense of adventure. No rain dates. This will be an all-outdoor event with portable toilets in place. Please register with Dave just to let us know who is coming. We are Looking forward to a fun evening, Welcome to the dark side 😊 Dave at Da...@atholbirdclub.org to register or if you have additional questions.
Sunday 1:00 pm July 20, 2025, in-person (Will Close – "4 Season Nature Journaling- a Series" Will Close is an artist, designer, educator, and wildlife tracker who specializes in the intersection of nature, art, design, and teaching. He holds a degree in Fine Art Painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and studied wildlife track and sign under Dan Gardoqui and Daniel Hansche. Bring your sketch pad, pencils, and a portable chair for comfortable drawing in the field. Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center 100 main Street Athol Ma
Sunday July 27, 2025, 1:00 pm in-person Dragonflies of the Ware River Watershed Sheila Carrol. Stay tuned this program is part of the Northeast Chapter of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas regional meeting to be held at MREC. Watch for additional details. Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center 100 main Street Athol Ma
Sunday August 3, 2025, 1:00 PM , in-person Junior Duck Stamp open house -Please join us in celebrating the 2025 Junior Duck Stamp Artists on Sunday August 3, 2025, between the hours of 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Millers River Environmental Education Center, 100 Main Street, Athol, MA. The MREC is wheelchair accessible. No RSVP required.
Attend this open house to leisurely enjoy the artwork of students in grades K-12. Take some time to meet other student artists, educators, and guests. In addition to the artwork, you are invited to enjoy the natural history exhibits, native pollinator gardens, and the adjacent Alan Rich Environmental Park. Lite refreshments will be offered.
The intention of the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation through the Arts Program is for students to communicate visually what they have learned 
about waterfowl, habitat, and wetland conservation by creating and submitting artwork of a native North American duck, goose, or swan. In Massachusetts, the Junior Duck Stamp Program is sponsored by MassWildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council.
Wednesday 7:00 pm September 10th, The Impact of Rodenticides on Wildlife in New England.
A zoom presentation with Stephanie Ellis and Laura Kiesel. Hawks, owls, eagles, foxes and other predators are highly effective at keeping rodent populations in check and ecosystems in balance. But the increased use of rodenticides, particularly second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, poses a growing threat to wildlife. These highly toxic and persistent pesticides are having a wide-ranging impact on predator and prey species in both urban and rural environments, sickening and killing non target species and becoming widespread in the wildlife food web. Several states have introduced legislation to restrict or ban anticoagulant rodenticides, and some municipalities in Massachusetts have successfully worked to pass regulations restricting or prohibiting their use.
Stephanie Ellis, wildlife rehabilitator and Director of Wild Care, Inc. in Eastham, and Laura Kiesel, journalist and founder of Save Arlington Wildlife and the nonprofit Save Massachusetts Wildlife, will lead a discussion around the reasons behind the rise of the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, how they are impacting wildlife, and how citizens can advocate for safer and more effective alternatives to rodent poisons in their communities.
The WARE RIVER NATURE CLUB newsletter for June is available with the link below.
It can also be accessed by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://www.warerivernatureclub.org/uploads/4/4/1/6/44166651/wrnc_june_newsletter_2025.pdf
Dave Small
978-413-1772
Athol Bird and Nature Club
Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol Ma 01331
The Environmental Center is now open by appointment and available for use by our partners
