The BBC is pleased to announce its donation of $250 to support the Purple Martin Legacy Project at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The Friends of the Parker River NWR initiated this worthy project to expand the Purple Martin colonies on the refuge. Decades ago, there were up to a dozen martin colonies down the length of the island. Over the years the colonies dwindled as the wooden bird houses succumbed to time and weather. Through the efforts of BBC member Sue McGrath, who replaced the old, decaying structures with a new system of gourd houses, there are now two martin colonies thriving on the refuge, and another colony located at the north end of the island at the site of the former refuge headquarters. This new project, spearheaded by BBC member Doug Chickering, will start by adding one colony, at a site to be determined, with a goal of restoring the legacy of past years when Purple Martins were a presence the length of the refuge. The Friends plan to recruit volunteers, via their website, to aid in maintaining and documenting the progress of any new colony.
If you wish to support this project individually, you can send a check to Friends of the Parker River NWR, with Purple Martin in the memo line. Mail the check to:
Friends of the Parker River NWR
6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950.
The Friends, and the Purple Martins, will appreciate any donation, large or small.
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Upcoming Field Trips
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United StatesEastern Point, Gloucester
Gloucester - Eastern Point (MAS lot) 199 Eastern Point Blvd, Gloucester, MA, United StatesAn easy but long (four-hour) walk on the roads and grassy footpaths of this traditional warbler hot-spot. Mainly level terrain, but will likely have some muddy areas and uneven terrain. Heavy rain cancels.
Spring Migrants at Magazine Beach
Cambridge - Magazine Beach 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, United StatesWe will search for spring migrants and residents including warblers, vireos, sparrows, orioles, flycatchers, swallows, thrushes, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Plan for walking approximately 1.5 miles on gravel paths and grassy fields. Boots recommended as some areas can be muddy. Limited parking available in parking circle here https://tinyurl.com/sc5tf3h8 with additional parking https://tinyurl.com/2s4k2skt and https://tinyurl.com/5944yx79
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and spring migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk The trails are flat and easy to walk. Be sure to wear a hat and waterproof footwear and pack water. [...]