Newburyport Birders received the American Birding Association's [ABA] birding tour company endorsement. It's really complimentary. This is wonderful news for you, our participants! The bottom line is we get people excited about birding, convey some of our experiences and encourage more people to partake in this fast growing hobby.
Our focus on you, the observer, is our first concern. As ethical birders, we have demonstrated that we have a track record for conducting high quality birding programs. We are concerned about the environment and the birds. We've paid attention to the details of guiding and met the mark of attributes and tour characteristics. Our skilled guides have high standards, and we uphold the code of ethics and lead by example. We put a major emphasis on our participants improving their skills, and our program are natural history learning experiences. Our groups are small enough for each participant to have an outstanding birdwatching adventure. We are proud of this endorsement and will work diligently to uphold the ABA standards and encourage each of our participants, to become a member of the ABA. To learn more about the American Birding Association click on the link on the web page.
Paula has monitored Eastern Bluebirds on her property in Newton, NH. A bluebird pair started their first nest in April in the wooded area behind her house most probably in a natural cavity. The young fledged during a May storm, and there were losses. Then in a bluebird box in her yard, a female laid five eggs; they hatched, and all five fledged! The pair started a third clutch. The abundance of food and quality nesting sites facilitated the multiple clutches. It's educational to watch bird behavior during the nesting season! Paula's property has numerous species of birds. Her subjects have been Scarlet Tanager, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Wren, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Chipping Sparrow, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Indigo Bunting and a late- nester, the American Goldfinch. That's why most of the regular, early morning birders at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge have missed seeing her.
Sue designed and conducted a program for enthusiastic seniors. The Georgetown's Council on Aging group had stunning looks at Purple Martins, Marsh Wrens, Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and that Bobolink stole the show. The cold, cranberry lemonade refreshed us as we observed and discussed the natural history of Osprey. An Introduction to Birdwatching Course at Alfalfa Farm in Danvers was fashioned and launched by Sue and was great fun. The students were active and interested learners. We all enjoyed our field study at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield. The Resource Room was id e al during the torrential rain! We observed numerous species of birds that utilize bird garden at the sanctuary. We had fine looks at Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Special thanks to the Staff at IRWS and to Dick and Hannah at Alfalfa Farm!
Two Accolades Kick Off 2006 for Sue McGrath:
Sue was elected a member of Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology’s Nuttall Ornithological Club in January. Founded in 1873, it is the most venerable North American bird club. The club meets at Harvard monthly during the academic year, and meetings feature speakers on avian subject matter. Dues and endowments finance bird research and a series of ornithological papers.
Sue was elected president of the Essex County Ornithological Club at its annual meeting held in January. The club was founded in 1916, and in 1974, women gained membership and in 2006 there’s a female president. ECOC promotes interest in the study of field ornithology and general natural history throughout Essex County. The Club seeks to involve its members in projects and pursuits to further such study. Sue has served as an ECOC Council member for the past two years. Sue’s interests and activities related to bird behavior, field study and educational programs are strengths that should serve her well as she assumes leadership of the Club. ECOC meets at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.
Dot Sevigny has moved to a home with a lush habitat for birds,and in doing so, her eyes have been opened to an aspect of birding that she had not really given much thought to: the annual cycle of the birds in her own backyard. Yes, she knows that different birds are present during different seasons, but she had not witnessed their daily behavior the way she has this year. By listening to different songs, watching chicks fledge and observing the seasonal changes in birds’ diets, Dot has experienced a new understanding and appreciation of avian life.
There is something to be said for lacing up your hiking boots, grabbing your binoculars and heading out to watch birds. There is also something to be said for sitting by the window and gazing out at your backyard feeders and identifying the species that visit. In the rush of busy schedules, it’s important to reconnect with the natural world. Setting up a simple feeding station and a water source is inexpensive and doesn’t take much time. The rewards can be immediate as well as lasting. Birds will come to your feeders year round. By maintaining a food and water source, you may even be lucky enough to have them nest nearby.
Thank you, Dot, for reminding us to slow down and appreciate the birds.
In mid-October, Paula McFarland birded for two days in Addison, Vermont and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the annual Snow Goose migration at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area. Despite the rain, the sight of thousands of beautiful, white Snow Geese flying in from the north was thrilling. The geese fly in a loose "V" formation and appear to nearly flip over as they twist and turn to slow their speed as they approach the ground. Once on the ground, careful observation revealed several, immature "Blue" Geese.
The Addison area has miles of agricultural fields which attract many raptors. Red-tailed Hawks were plentiful. Other raptor observations included Sharp-shinned Hawks, a Cooper’s Hawk, male and female Northern Harriers and numerous American Kestrels. It was a treat to see these small falcons hunting from their utility wire perches. Also, in a roadside area with many snags, several Turkey Vultures perched in a spooky, pre-Halloween tableau.
The farm lands in this area also attract many, smaller birds. Large numbers of adult and juvenile White-crowned, Song, Chipping and White-throated Sparrows flitted along the roadside. Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos as well as Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets worked hard to find insects in the wet weather. Other treats included a Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Rusty Blackbird, Palm Warbler, Northern Parula, American Pipits and numerous Pectoral Sandpipers.
Addison is a great place to visit, and a trip to this beautiful region is highly recommended.
Thank you, Paula, for sharing the highlights of your trip!