Woodcock walk in Burlington tomorrow night Tuesday, 3-17 & Bear Creek Walk on Sunday

[Paul Ippolito]

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 paulipp...@gmail.com

 

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  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.

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