Successful Gull Walk at Revere Beach
On Saturday November 15 the BBC sponsored a very successful gull-focused walk at Revere Beach. 35 birders showed up to learn about plumages, molts, and cycles. Led by Soheil Zendeh, Justine Hanson, and local gull expert Suzanne Sullivan, the group spent two hours examining and learning how to identify 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cycle Herring Gulls.
As our fall speaker Amar Ayyash, author of The Gull Guide, explained, not two Herring Gulls look alike. We learned to focus on feather groups such as scapulars, coverts and primaries while not getting overly distracted by leg and f ootcolor. We also had the opportunity to examine several Ring Billed Gulls and a handful of adult Great Black Backed Gulls. While they did not offer as much variety as the Herring Gulls, we found opportunities for instruction and these species sometimes served as points of contrast with the abundant Herring Gulls.
The most interesting bird of the morning was a probable “Great Lakes” 2nd cycle Herring Gull, which displayed the lighter colors thought to be found in that breeding population.






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Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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CANCELLED Woodcocks at Alewife
Cambridge - Alewife Alewife MBTA Red Line Station, Cambridge, MA, United StatesCancelled due to leader schedule conflict.
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Timberdoodles in Sharon
Sharon - Moose Hill Farm (trustees) 396 Moose Hill Street, Sharon, MA, United StatesCome watch American Woodcock display behavior. Water-resistant shoes helpful, but not needed.
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Vernal Equinox Walk. Leader’s Choice
Leader's ChoiceThe trip leader will monitor recent sightings prior to meeting and select the birdiest spots. Contact leader for details. Call or e-mail no later than 7 PM on March 20.
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Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesLed by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl, and other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations
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Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will explore various hot-spots on the refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.






