Could we be in for another Snowy Owl irruption? There have been numerous sightings of Snowy Owls throughout the Northeast including many in Massachusetts. The BBC Conservation/Education committee has made a donation to MA Audubon’s Snowy Owl Project run by Norman Smith since 1981. Norman Smith, Director of Mass Audubon’s Blue Hills Trailside Museum, has been studying Snowy Owls since 1981. As part of his research, he attaches bands and transmitters to Snowy Owls at Boston Logan International Airport, and then tracks their travels.
MA Audubon is a partner of Project SNOWstorm which is a collaboration between dozens of scientists and organizations. It was formed in the wake of the historic Snowy Owl irruption of 2013-14, and continues to expand their study of the ecology of wintering Snowy Owls. Cooperating researchers capture and place a solar powered transmitter on the owl using kind of a backpack harness. The researcher’s are then able to track the movements of these birds.
Come join the BBC on one of our many walks this winter. Who knows, maybe there will be a Snowy Owl sighting!
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Upcoming Field Trips
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United StatesChestnut Hill Reservoir
Chestnut Hill Reservoir 2420 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, United StatesWe will walk one mile on good, mostly level trails.
Weston Station Pond Rookery
Discover a Weston hot-spot featuring a Great Blue Heron rookery accessible by public transportation. The walk offers excellent chances for spring migrants, raptors, nesting Eastern Bluebirds and various waterfowl. Beginners welcome. Leader will pre-walk the route to scout for arriving species each session.
Birding by Ear: Evening Chorus (note time change)
South Hamilton - John J. Donovan Reservation & Sagamore Hill Conservation Area 473 Sagamore St, South Hamilton, MA, United StatesA leisurely two-mile mile loop with a focus on listening to the evening songbird chorus. Recommended for those looking to learn more about birding by ear and migration. Open to beginners. Long pants and shirts recommended for mosquito protection. Bug spray too.
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon
Sharon - Moose Hill 293 Moose Hill Pkwy, Sharon, MA, United StatesWe’ll be looking and listening for migrants along the Billings Loop. Let’s find what Glenn can hear! Co-sponsored with the South Shore Bird Club.