1996 STATISTICAL REPORT
by Robert H. Stymeist, Statistician
During 1996, the Brookline Bird Club listed 293 species of birds on 207 reported trips. A total of 248 trips were scheduled, 73 all-day, 144 morning, 28 afternoon or evening, and three weekends. Forty-one trips were not reported. In Massachusetts the Club reported a total of 290 species on 169 trips.
On six trips to New Hampshire, a total of 142 species was tallied. Highlights included a Bicknell’s Thrush and twenty-one Yellow-bellied Flycatchers in the White Mountains. On a trip to the Connecticut Lakes region near Pittsburg, NH, twelve members saw seven Olive-sided Flycatchers, two Black-backed Woodpeckers and a Gray Jay. Ida Giriunas on her annual trip to Machias Seal Island and surroundings led 12 members through many different habitats and recorded 100 species including two species not recorded on any Massachusetts trip: Red-shouldered Hawk and 5,000 Atlantic Puffins. The trip to Machias was delayed due to fog and therefore no landing could be made.
The following write-ins to the Massachusetts Audubon Society (MAS)
Checklist were reported by the Club in 1996:
Eared Grebe Rockport January 13
Tundra Swan Gloucester January 27
Golden Eagle Plum Island January 28
Common Murre Weymouth February 4
Great Gray Owl Rowley February 2, 11, 18
Mew Gull Newbury March 31
Whooper Swan Ipswich April 20
Cerulean Warbler Mount Auburn May 11
Bullock’s Oriole Mount Auburn May 15
Common Raven Mount Greylock June 22
Tufted Duck Sterling October 13
White-fronted Goose Ipswich December 1
Missing from the Club list in 1996 were Cory’s Shearwater, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Eurasian Wigeon, Redhead, King Rail, Red Phalarope, Caspian Tern, Royal Tern, Barn Owl, Chucks-wills-widow, Acadian Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Sedge Wren, Loggerhead Shrike, White-eyed Vireo, Connecticut Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel, Lark Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow, Red Crossbill and White-winged Crossbill.
Essex County was visited by the Club most often, with a total of 111 trips (97 to Newburyport and Plum Island and 14 to Cape Ann). Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge was second with 35 trips. Other trips were led in over 25 different locations, including 7 pelagics although only 4 were reported.
A special thank-you to the sixty-five leaders who guided our members throughout the year. Several leaders deserve special mention. Steve Grinley led an impressive 27 trips, Bill Drummond led 17. Glenn d’Entremont and Bob Petersen each led 11 trips, and John Nove , Dennis Oliver and Bob Stymeist each led 10 trips.
The biggest trip list was as always Bill Drummond’s spring trip on May 18 with 130 species. Fifty-one members all got excellent looks at two Clapper Rails on Plum Island and a Golden-winged Warbler in Groveland. Other century trips included a Glenn d’Entremont Blue Hills-Squantum trip on May 11 with 102 species, a Bob Stymeist trip from Eastham to Truro on September 7 with 101 species, and a Bill Drummond trip to Newburyport on September 8 with 103 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 [...]