Sunset over North Pool Dike. Photo courtesy of Jim Fenton.
Join the Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for an evening coffee house and lecture series in July! Bird-friendly coffee and pastries will be available for sale and the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Parker River, a non-profit organization that supports the Refuge. Lectures will be informative and entertaining and will be held in the Visitor's Center Auditorium, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Registration is not necessary for these free programs.
Thursday, July 17, 2008, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
In the future, could our refuge be under water? Will the nests of our state bird disappear? Join Erika Spanger-Siegfried, Northeast Climate Project Manager with the Union of Concerned Scientists for this informative and enlightening presentation on climate change and its potential impacts in Massachusetts and on Plum Island.
Thursday, July 31, 2008, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join William Fowler, History Professor from Northeastern University, to learn about the history of the coasting trade in New England, Merrimack Valley and Newburyport.
See you there, Sue
Saturdays, August 23 & 30, 2008, 7:30 am – 10:30 am
Fee: $30 each or $50 for both
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport
at the observation deck next to the Visitor's Information Center at
Parking Lot #1
Explore the various habitats at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge during these longer, interpretative programs. Sue will focus on field marks, where these birds have been and where they are migrating to and behavior at this premier, birding destination. Long-sleeved shirt and long pants are suggested.
Saturday, August 23, 2008, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Fee: $20
Meeting Location: North Pool Overlook at Parker River National
Wildlife Refuge
At Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Tree Swallows aggregate in large, pre-migratory, communal roosts prior to migrating to their wintering grounds. They are extremely graceful in flight, making abrupt changes in speed and direction as they feed on the wing, catching insects in their wide mouths. In the fall, their diets change, and the bayberries of Plum Island are a vital food source. To learn more about the swallows of Plum Island, please join Sue. You'll be thrilled with the sounds and sights of Tree Swallows. Bring your lawn chair with you, and we'll provide light refreshments.
Sunday, August 24, 2008, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Fee: $30 – Please make your check out to The Susan G. Komen Foundation
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport
at the observation deck next to the Visitor's Information Center at
Parking Lot #1
This fundraiser is in memory of Nancy McGrath Kelleher, Sue's sister. Please join Sue for this two-hour, morning walk at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Please wear your favorite pink shirt or hat. Long-sleeved shirt and long pants are suggested. Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of our program.
Course: Introduction to Bird Biology, Bio-150
Semester: Fall 2008: September 3 – December 13
Credits: 3 semester (course may be audited for
no credit)
Campus: Danvers, 1 Ferncroft Road, 978-762-4000
Times: Lectures – Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:15pm; Labs/Field Trips &ndash Saturdays, 8am – 10am
Description: A survey course in avian biology with an emphasis on birds of North America. Topics include field techniques, taxonomy, evolution, anatomy & physiology, feathers & flight, migration, behavior, vocalizations, distribution, reproduction & development and populations & conservation.
Registration: Proof of a communications proficiency is required. Visit or call the Enrollment Office (Danvers Campus) at 978-762-4000 x. 4315, 4458, or 4336. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Additional Information: Steve Haydock, Instructor, Telephone: 978-363-5457, email: SHAYDOCK01@northshore.edu, North Shore Community College: www.northshore.edu
Instructor: Sue McGrath
Saturday, June 21, 2008, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Meeting Location: Parking Lot # 1 at Parker River National Wildlife
Refuge in Newburyport
Birdwatching at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is excellent! Begin to observe, appreciate and identify birds at this program. This is a four-hour class is held at Sue's favorite outdoor classroom, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport. Newburyport has prime habitat for birds due to the Merrimack River estuary area. New birders will learn aids to begin the lifelong hobby of bird watching – special characteristics, bird behavior, habitat preference and vocalizations. We'll observe the birds at this productive bird watching site. We'll focus on bird identification techniques. We'll be walking over gentle terrain at a slow pace. Sturdy shoes are necessary. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, hat, insect repellent and sunscreen are required. Bring snacks and beverages. Each student will be provided with interpretative materials.
Learn more and register by calling North Shore Community College at 978-762-4000.
Sunday, June 8, 2008, 6:30 pm – sunset
Fee: $10 – No registration is needed – see you there!
Join Sue McGrath on a ramble along this scenic riverway. It borders the Powwow River where we'll have the opportunity to look for nesting activity. There are no facilities at this site.
Meeting Location: West end of the Carriagetown Marketplace parking lot behind Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant in Amesbury
Instructor: Sue McGrath
Lecture: Saturday, June 7, 2008, 9:00 am – noon
Field Class: Sunday, June 8, 2008, 9:00 am – noon
Location: Veasey Park, Groveland
Northern Essex Community College is offering this class at Veasey Park in Groveland. The property is largely a glacial drumlin and has a variety of wildlife habitat – meadow, marsh, forest and upland. Johnson's Pond, a public water reserve, borders the park & offers a nice spot for waterfowl observation.
Sue will help you learn how to watch birds. Birdwatching can be an eye- opening experience! This program consists of two, three-hour components; the first class is a three hour lecture, and the second class is a three hour field component in the "outdoor classroom", Veasey Park. The lecture provides new birders with the aids needed to begin bird identification: special characteristics, bird behavior, habitat preference and bird vocalization. In the field class, we'll observe the birds at this productive birdwatching site, focusing on observation and bird identification techniques.
Our field study will require walking over gentle terrain at a slow pace; sturdy shoes are required. Dress for the weather; long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are suggested. Please bring a snack and beverage.
To learn more and register, call Vanessa Pepin at Northern Essex Community College at 978-556-3807.
Saturday, June 7, 2008, 6:30 pm – sunset
Meeting location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge &ndash Parking Lot One
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Please register early – limited enrollment.
Join Refuge Volunteer, Sue McGrath, for a guided bird walk exploring this Important Bird Area. We'll discuss the birds and see a variety of birds that nest on the Refuge. Interpretive materials are provided. Families with children age 8 and older are welcome.
Sunday, May 18, 2008, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Meeting location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – Parking Lot One
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Please register early – limited enrollment.
Accompany Refuge Volunteer, Sue McGrath, for a guided bird walk exploring the Refuge's varied habitats. We'll see many species of birds and enjoy the hues of the saltmarsh. Interpretive materials are provided. All skill levels are welcome including children age 8 and older accompanied by an adult. Wear sturdy, walking shoes.
Friday, May 9, 2008, 6:30 pm – sunset
Fee: $10 – No registration is needed – looking forward to seeing you!
Spring is a wonderful time to explore and to spark your curiosity about birdwatching. Join Newburyport Birders on the Old Eastern Marsh Trail section of the Salisbury Historic Rail Trail. This trail provides stunning views of The Great Marsh and some upland, wooded islands.
Meeting Location: Friedenfels Street in Salisbury; meet at the parking area just prior to the granite, railroad bridge. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. There are no facilities at this site.
Sunday, May 11, 2008, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Fee: $10 – No registration is needed – I'll see you there!
Accompany Sue McGrath of Newburyport Birders on a leisurely walk on Newman Road as we search for birds in an area that Native Americans called "Quascacunquen" [meaning waterfall, referring to the falls on the Parker River]. This salt marsh crossed by tidal creeks was created in the lowlands and valleys. This unusual, half-upland, half-marine landscape makes for a rich and diverse ecosystem. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. There are no facilities at this site.
Meeting Location: Newbury's Lower Green at the junction of Newman and High Roads
Instructor: Sue McGrath
Lecture: Saturday, April 26, 2008, 9:00 am – noon
Field Component: Sunday, April 27, 2008, 9:00 am – noon
Birdwatching can be an eye-opening experience, and early spring is an excellent time to begin to appreciate the world of birds! This program consists of two, three-hour components. The first class is a three- hour lecture, and the second class is a three-hour field component in an "outdoor classroom". The lecture component provides new birders with the aids needed to begin bird identification -- special characteristics, bird behavior, habitat preference and bird vocalization. In the field component, we'll observe the birds at a productive bird watching site, focusing on observation and bird identification techniques. Our field study component may have a parking or admission fee and will require walking over gentle terrain at a slow pace. Sturdy shoes are necessary. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, hat, insect repellent and sunscreen are suggested for the field component. Bring a snack and a beverage. Students will need to provide their own transportation to the outdoor classroom.
To learn more about these classes, please call North Shore Community College at 978-762-4000.
You asked us for longer field programs, and we’ve designed several new “Focus On” field programs that will allow you to gain more knowledge about bird life. We’ll be introducing more of these 3-hour field programs in 2008. You can register for one or for all four programs. The four program, special fee is $100; each individual program is $30. Join us at all four and save! You’ll improve your identification skills and your birding knowledge. The program times are: 9:00 am – Noon on the following dates:
All programs are conducted at our favorite, outdoor classroom, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and interpretive materials are provided. Limited enrollment; advance registration required. Contact Sue McGrath by email or by phone at 978-462-4785.
Sunday, April 13, 2008, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fee: 2 participants for $20
Meeting Location: Provided upon registration
Each spring American Woodcock engage in one of the most demonstrative and unusual courtships. Males of this cryptic and secretive shorebird species perform an impressive, aerial display flight at dusk. First we'll hear a little natural history about these birds, and then we'll walk to nearby fields to watch and listen to their remarkable display.
The American Woodcock's "PEENT" is one of the most magical, evening sounds of spring. Bring your sense of wonder and binoculars; be prepared to walk on unpaved, wet, uneven terrain.
Limited enrollment and pre-registration required; contact Sue at newburyportbirders@comcast.net or at 978-462-4785.
Sunday, April 13, 2008, 5:30 pm to sunset
Meeting location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge's Maintenance
Area Parking Area
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Please register early – limited enrollment.
Accompany Refuge Volunteer, Sue McGrath, for a guided bird walk exploring the Refuge's varied habitats. We'll see many species of birds – newly arriving migrants and lingering winter birds. Interpretive materials are provided. All skill levels are welcome. Dress in layers for the weather and wear sturdy, walking shoes.
Sunday, April 13, 2008, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot #1
Free Program
Join Shawn Carey and Craig Jackson of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch and learn about the millions of birds of prey that migrate north in the spring to their summer grounds. Of those millions of hawks moving north, thousands of them migrate through Massachusetts and New England. Want to learn more about the spring hawk migration that takes place every year at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge? This promises to be an educational and fun time for anyone interested in raptors!
Sunday, April 6, 2008, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Fee: 2 participants for $20
Meeting Location: Stackyard Road, Rowley; park at the junction of
Stackyard and Patmos Roads
You'll learn birding skills and feel the thrill of finding and identifying birds as we search for early spring migrants on our walk out to Nelson Island, a portion of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Join Sue and share your love of learning and the thrill of discovery with your grandchild, child, niece, nephew or young naturalist. All children [over age 8] are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared to walk 3-5 miles on unpaved and often wet roads and trails. There are no facilities at this site. Bring binoculars, a beverage and a snack.
Sunday, March 9, 2008, 5:00 pm – sunset
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge's Maintenance
Area Parking Lot
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Register early – limited enrollment.
Celebrate Daylight Savings by birding with Refuge volunteer Sue McGrath. This bird walk will provide new to birdwatching participants an opportunity to be introduced to an important bird area. March birding can be exciting on the Refuge! We'll seek out the newly arriving migrants and wintering birds. Participants will learn skills for finding and identifying birds. All skill levels are welcome! Dress in layers for the weather and wear sturdy, walking shoes.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum
Island Turnpike, Newburyport
Two Programs: 1:00 and 3:00 pm
General Admission Fees: Adults $10; Children & Seniors $8
Newburyport Birders and the Friends of Parker River are teaming up to bring Tom Ricardi back to Newburyport! Tom will conduct two, educational programs on our national symbol, the Bald Eagle.
We are delighted to host Tom and his birds of prey. This breath-taking program features up close and personal views of live birds of prey. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about Tom’s non-profit facility and his fabulous work there. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Parker River.
February 17 – 22, 2008
Fee: $15
This year Newburyport Birders has increased its offerings of Bald Eagle programs so you can arrange a private tour with your family and friends!
The Bald Eagle is one of our national symbols. Each winter Bald Eagles from northern New England move south to the lower Merrimack River which provides perfect, winter habitat for these majestic birds. These spectacular birds soar high over the water and then stoop to secure prey with their sharp talons.
We’ve got programs planned during the week and on weekends to meet everyone’s needs. These limited enrollment programs are very popular – don’t delay; reserve your place today by emailing or calling Sue for the schedule at newburyportbirders@comcast.net or 978-462-4785.
Saturday, February 9, 2008, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Meeting location: Maintenance Area parking area at Parker River
National Wildlife Refuge
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Register early because these programs have limited enrollment.
As a Refuge Volunteer, Sue will introduce participants to the bird life at the Refuge as we explore different habitats and search for wintering birds. Interpretive materials are provided. All levels of bird enthusiasts, including children accompanied by an adult, are welcome. Dress in layers for the weather – including warm and waterproof boots.
Sunday, January 20, 2008, 11:00 am &ndash 1:30 pm
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge’s Hellcat Lot
Fee: $15
So the road south of Hellcat is closed to motorized vehicles in the winter to preserve the integrity of that unpaved surface. It doesn’t mean we can’t bird there in winter. Join Sue on snowshoes! We’ll explore the peace and beauty of Plum Island in winter. You’ll learn bird identification tips, and we’ll discuss the natural history of the birds we encounter. Bring your snowshoes, poles, optics and a snack. Dress in layers for the weather.
This limited enrollment program will be very popular – don’t delay; reserve your place today by emailing or calling Sue at newburyportbirders@comcast.net or 978-462-4785.
Saturday, January 19, 2008, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Meeting location: Maintenance Area parking area at Parker River
National Wildlife Refuge
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Register early because these programs have limited enrollment.
As a Refuge Volunteer, Sue will introduce participants to the bird life at the Refuge as we explore different habitats and search for wintering birds. Interpretive materials are provided. All levels of bird enthusiasts, including children accompanied by an adult, are welcome. Dress in layers for the weather – including warm and waterproof boots.
Sunday, December 16, 2007, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Fee: $12
Meeting location: Parking area at the end of Stackyard Road, Rowley
Explore Nelson Island during this natural history program. Participants will be introduced to this secluded portion of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Sue will teach you about field identification aids and discuss physical adaptations of and the behavior of birds. All levels of birding enthusiasts are welcome. We’ll walk on grassy trails that can be wet. Dress in layers for the weather and wear sturdy, waterproof boots. This is an easy walk over gravel/dirt terrain. There are no facilities at this site. Interpretive material are included. Limited enrollment; advance registration required. Contact Sue McGrath by email or by phone at 978-462-4785.
Sunday, December 9, 2007, 9:00 &ndash 11:00 am
Meeting location: Maintenance Area parking area at Parker
River National Wildlife Refuge
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Register early because these programs have limited enrollment.
As a Refuge Volunteer, Sue will introduce participants to the rich bird life at the Refuge as we explore different habitats and search for wintering birds. All levels of bird enthusiasts, including children accompanied by an adult, are welcome. Dress in layers for the weather! Interpretive materials are provided.
Sunday, November 25, 2007, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Meeting location: Maintenance Area parking area at Parker
River National Wildlife Refuge
Register by calling the PRNWR Headquarters at 978-465-5753. Register early because these programs have limited enrollment.
As a Refuge Volunteer, Sue will introduce participants to the rich bird life at the Refuge as we explore different habitats and search for wintering birds. All levels of bird enthusiasts, including children accompanied by an adult, are welcome. Dress in layers for the weather! Interpretive materials are provided.
Friday, November 23, 2007, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Fee: $12
Meeting location: At the end of Sweet Apple Tree Lane (off Ferry Road) in Salisbury
During this slow-paced walk, you’ll be introduced to Salisbury’s saltmarsh. We’ll discuss the natural history of the birds encountered. Sue will help you with field identification tips and will discuss bird behavior. Bird enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to participate. Dress in layers and wear sturdy, warm footwear. Interpretive materials will be provided. Limited enrollment; advance registration required. Contact Sue McGrath by email or by phone at 978-462-4785.
Thursday, November 22, 2007, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Fee: $12
Meeting Location: At the parking area on the left past the Maudslay State Park Barn on Curzon Mill Road
Join Sue on a two-hour, Thanksgiving morning, bird walk. After all it’s the day for birds! You’ll be back in time to peel the squash and prepare the cranberry relish. We’ll be walking the Curzon Mill area; so sturdy, waterproof shoes are suggested. We’ll discuss the field identification marks of the birds we encounter along our ramble. All levels of bird enthusiasts are welcome, including children over age 8 accompanied by an adult. Interpretive materials are included. There are no facilities available at this site. Limited enrollment; advance registration required. Contact Sue McGrath by email or by phone at 978-462-4785.
Saturday, November 10, 2007, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fee: $12
Meeting location: Ipswich Town Pier
Join Sue on an exploration of scenic Great and Little Necks in Ipswich. You’ll learn to identify birds and discuss the birds that winter in our area. We’ll scan Eagle Hill River, Clark Pond and Plum Island Sound.
Dress in layers for the weather. All levels of bird enthusiasts are welcome. There are no facilities at this location. Limited enrollment; advance registration required. Contact Sue McGrath by email or by phone at 978-462-4785.
Lecture: Saturday, October 20, 2007
Field Component: Sunday, October 21, 2007
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Sue McGrath
October in Essex County is the ideal time to learn about birds and their habits. Birds on the property are abundant and offer excellent observation opportunities. Sue McGrath will help you learn how to watch birds at Veasey Park in Groveland.
Birdwatching can be an eye-opening experience! This program consists of two three-hour components; the first class is three hours instruction on bird topography and identification tips, and the second class is a three hour field component in our "outdoor classroom", this 40+ acres of conservation land. The lecture component provides new birders with the aids needed to begin bird identification: special characteristics, bird behavior, habitat preference and bird vocalization. In the field component, we’ll observe the birds at this productive birdwatching site, focusing on observation and bird identification techniques.
Our field study component will require walking over gentle terrain at a slow pace; sturdy shoes are required. Dress for the weather; long- sleeved shirts, long pants, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are suggested. Bring a snack and a beverage. Students will need to provide their own transportation.
To learn more and register, call Vanessa Pepin at Northern Essex Community College at 978-556-3807.