The Brookline Bird Club has almost 80 years of field trip reports that we’d like to add to eBird. As one of the oldest bird clubs in the United States, our archive of field trip data is a potentially rich source of information for researchers studying long term population trends, as well as helping inform current conservation efforts within the state.
Currently, the oldest report in eBird for Mt Auburn is from 19th May, 1957. This was a solid twelve warbler day. Missing from that list – Northern Cardinal (first eBird report for Mt Auburn 1967), Northern Mockingbird (1964), Tufted Titmouse (1970), Red-bellied Woodpecker (1991). The BBC trip reports contain a huge amount of data on the rise and fall of these and other species from many of the key birding locations in the state, including Mt Auburn reports from as far back as 1939.
Reports from the last 25 years of birds from the State Species of Concern List will be evaluated for possible submission to the MA department of wildlife. A list of those species can be found here: www.mass.gov/service-details/l
The club has scanned decades worth of field trip cards, but needs help converting those images to a format than can be uploaded to eBird. We’re looking for volunteers to help transcribe data from the field card images onto spreadsheets. The only requirements are a willingness to commit a useful amount of time to the project, and a keen attention to detail. We estimate that it could take up to about 20 hours to transcribe the data for recent years (“America’s most active bird club!”); less for the earlier years. If you can only commit to working on a single year’s worth of data over the course of many months, that’s fine. This will be a marathon, not a sprint.
If you’re interested in helping, please contact David Scott for further details: davidscott6@yahoo.co.uk
Completed club field trip card from May 20, 1939.
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United States -
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. Cosponsored by Massachusetts Audubon Society. Limited parking available in parking circle here https://tinyurl.com/sc5tf3h8 with additional
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Millennium Park
Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner 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 flycatchers, swallows & warblers. Birders of all levels welcome. The trails are generally flat and easy to walk, with some rough patches. A water bottle, sunblock, insect repellent, waterproof
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Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United StatesA two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip (text ok). Cosponsored by DCR. For more Information see: https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park
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Allens Pond Mass Audubon Sanctuary, Dartmouth
Dartmouth - Allens Pond - Beach Lot 1284 Horseneck Rd, Westport, MA, United StatesWe will hike the Beach Loop and Quansett Trail. Mostly flat trails, but a mix of sandy, rocky, and muddy areas. We will look for migrants and breeders in a variety of habitats. If there is further interest we will continue to other nearby areas for any specialty species of interest.