THE 1992 STATISTICAL REPORT
by Robert H. Stymeist
A total of 273 species were listed by the Brookline Bird Club on 139 reported field trips during 1992. A total of 156 trips were scheduled: 63 all day, 72 morning, 16 afternoon or evening and 5 weekend trips. Seven trips were cancelled due to bad weather, and nine trips went unreported. The annual July 4th weekend in Machias, Maine, added Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Boreal Chickadee to the overall Club list. A field trip to Forest Hills Cemetery coupled with a behind the scene tour of the aviary at Franklin Park Zoo with staffer and birder Tom Aversa added 86 write-ins.
Not counting the Franklin Park “zooies”, the following write-ins to the Massachusetts Audubon Society (MAS) Checklist were reported by the Club in 1992:
Arctic/Pacific Loon Provincetown April 12
Common Murre Provincetown April 12
Cerulean Warbler Quabbin May 17
Cerulean Warbler Mount Auburn May 18
“Brewster’s” Warbler Newbury July 7
Bar-tailed Godwit Monomoy August 8
“Ipswich” Sparrow Newburyport October 24
Atlantic Puffin Stellwagen November 1
The Club also recorded Ruddy Shelduck in Norton and Muscovy Duck at Mount Auburn.
Missing from the Club list in 1992 were all the pelagic species with the exception of Leach’s Storm-Petrel. This certainly is a first-time event in the Club’s long history of organizing and leading pelagic trips. Not one shearwater or jaeger was seen. Other missing birds include Northern Fulmar, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Bobwhite, (pheasant was recorded on only three trips), Clapper Rail, King Rail, the uncommon Common Moorhen, Marbled Godwit, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Ruff, Red-necked Phalarope, Red Phalarope, Caspian Tern, Royal Tern, Black Skimmer, Dovekie, Thick-billed Murre, Chuck-will’s-widow, Whip-poor-will, Red-headed Woodpecker, Loggerhead Shrike,
Golden-winged Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Seaside Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, and White-winged Crossbill.
The Newburyport area was the most visited birding spot with 46 reported trips. Mount Auburn was second with 30 trips, all in late April and May. Ipswich was visited seven times, followed by Quabbin six times, and five trips to Great Meadows.
Sixty-two leaders guided our members around the state. Bill Drummond was the recorded leader for ten trips, followed by John and Josh Nove, who led nine trips, and David and Dennis Oliver, Dot Davis, and Bob Stymeist each led seven trips. Bill Drummond again wins the honors for recording the most species on a single day trip. On May 16, he and 32 members listed 126 species.
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Upcoming Field Trips
Shorebirds & More at Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will be looking for Shorebirds and other Refuge specialties. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restroom available.
Squantum – Quincy
Quincy - Squantum - Moswetuset Hummock Quincy, MA, United StatesWe'll check the marshes and the mudflats in Squantum for shorebirds, starting at Moswetuset Hummock and visiting other spots nearby. At high tide (~6:15 am), we'll try checking the high tide roosts for shorebirds as well. Be prepared for the possibility of biting insects. Cosponsored with South Shore Bird Club.
An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin DCR park staff for a relaxed, one-mile bird walk through flat, easy terrain at this Massachusetts State Reservation and birding hot spot. At Belle Isle and at additional nearby locations— We’ll search for large groups of herons and egrets, and shorebird rarities. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations (by car or [...]
Muddy River and Halls Pond
Boston - 401 Park Dr - REI Entrance 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, United StatesA great walk of the Muddy River and Halls Pond, perfect for beginners or casual birders in the city! A loop going down the section of the Muddy River by Longwood, to the delightful birding Oasis of Halls Pond boardwalk, and then back along the Muddy River to the meeting spot. Meet at 401 Park Drive [...]
Early Birders @ Charles River Esplanade
Boston - Charles River Esplanade (Frances Appleton Bridge Meeting Point) MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit the Charles River Esplanade for an evening bird walk! Located in the heart of Boston, the Esplanade is a 64-acre park along the south side of the Charles River. While serving as one of Boston’s staple common areas, it is also a good spot to observe [...]