MBC Trips Thursday, Friday and Sunday

[Paul Ippolito]

Fellow MBC members,

This week we have a series of walks including a walk on Thursday at Mount Auburn Cemetery, a walk on Friday at Arlington Reservoir, a walk on Sunday at Horn Pond as well as another in a series of walks on Sunday at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus. 

 

Please note that my Horn Pond walk on Sunday will be a faster paced walk covering a large area as we try to find as many species as possible on this half day walk. Parts of the walk have uneven terrain as we work our way up to some of the powerline areas.  These trails are a bit steeper and have some loose gravel. 

 

We continue to load in some of trips throughout May and into early June including a few trips that are a bit further away in distance but that offer opportunities for our MBC members.

 

Do, however, continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our leaders.

 

Spring migration is happening now with some interesting observations being posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, report what you are seeing and enjoy all that our area has to offer.

Thursday, May 14

Spring Migration at Mount Auburn Cemetery

John Edmondson 6:15 AM – 8:15 AM

Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and Watertown is one of the best local spots to experience spring migration & this is the time of year to begin to experience that migration. Co-sponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in front of the Story Chapel on Central Ave, across from the Asa Gray Garden (Lawn Ave circle). 6:15 AM - 8:15 AM John Edmondson johnhed...@gmail.com

 

Friday, May 15

Arlington Reservoir 

John Edmondson 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
We'll circle the reservoir looking for early spring migrants including waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a fairly short walk in distance on easy paths. If you arrive late, you can find us by heading around until you catch up (we should be obvious). Easy to leave early too if you like. Co-sponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St, Arlington directly across the street from Westmoreland Avenue.. 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM. John Edmondson johnhed...@gmail.com

 

Sunday, May 17

Horn Pond, Woburn

Paul Ippolito 7:00 AM – Noon

Join us as we explore the varied habitat of the Horn Pond Conservation area. As we are still in a peak period for migration, we will be searching for migrating warblers and resident birds such as Orchard Orioles, Swallows, Eastern Phoebes, Warbling Vireos, Yellow Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Please note this will be a fast paced walk covering a large area as we try to find as many species as possible on this half day walk. Parts of the walk have uneven terrain; muddy areas are possible. Meet at the Sturgis Street entrance 7:00 AM - Noon Paul Ippolito paulipp...@gmail.com

 

Sunday, May 17

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  s2...@comcast.net  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.

 

Tuesday, May 19

Federated Woman’s State Forest, Petersham 

John Edmondson 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Join us as we explore this Quabbin Region spot for several species of warblers, thrushes, and other central Mass woods surprises. We’ll drive to multiple stops along the paved road followed by a hike of more than 2 miles on a hilly trail to the top of Soapstone Hill for different species. Co-sponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Registration in advance requested for organizing purposes. Email the leader please. 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM. John Edmondson johnhed...@gmail.com

 

Friday, May 22

Spring Migration at Mount Auburn Cemetery

John Edmondson 6:15 AM – 8:15 AM

Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and Watertown is one of the best local spots to experience spring migration & this is the time of year to begin to experience that migration. Co-sponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet in front of the Story Chapel on Central Ave, across from the Asa Gray Garden (Lawn Ave circle). 6:15 AM - 8:15 AM John Edmondson johnhed...@gmail.com

 

Sunday, May 24

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord

Jason Forbes 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Join us as we look for Marsh birds with rails and Least Bittern our main targets.  Note that an entrance fee or pass (America the Beautiful or Duck Stamp) is required.  Meet at the Refuge parking lot off Monsen Road (off Route 62) in Concord. 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM Jason Forbes ja...@brewsterlinnet.com

 

Saturday, May 30

Dunback Meadow, Lexington

Cliff Cook 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Join us we target late migrants including Mourning Warbler and flycatchers. Be prepared to walk three to five miles.  Co-sponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. Meet at the tennis court parking near the Clark Middle School on Stedman Road in Lexington. 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM Cliff Cook cco...@gmail.com

Sunday, June 7

Martin Burns WMA,  Newbury  Orchard Street Entrance 

Linda Ferraresso 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM 

We will walk on fairly level gravel roads for 3 miles looking for breeding birds including Field Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, and Prairie Warbler. Co-sponsored with the Brookline Bird Club. No restroom facilities. Meet at the Orchard Street entrance in Newbury. Linda Ferraresso 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM tatt...@comcast.net

If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Diana Fruguglietti 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.

Paul Ippolito
Woburn