It’s hard to believe that Ida Giriunas, well known Massachusetts birder and long-time director of the Brookline Bird Club (BBC), passed away two years ago on August 20. We wanted to update friends and the birding community on the status of the expansion of the Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary’s bird habitat garden area in her name, funded by your generous contributions. In spite of the uncertainty created by the pandemic for the last year and a half, IRWS has been busy adding to the gardens and they are filling out beautifully. A sanctuary volunteer is in the process of creating a guide to the plants including their names and benefits to the birds. Additional plants will be added this fall, and a location for a plaque will be evaluated. While we hoped to have a formal dedication, that is on hold till the current public health situation is resolved to satisfactory levels of safety for MAS staff and visitors. Please stop by to see the gardens! The photos don’t do it justice. But remember to go online beforehand and reserve a parking spot.
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Upcoming Field Trips
Whale and Seabird watching trip out of Plymouth
Plymouth - Captain John's Whale Watching Tour Company 10 Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA, United StatesThe BBC is partnering with the Captain John's Whale Watching Tour Company to travel to Stellwagen Bank - primary feeding grounds for the Humpback Whale, the endangered Right Whale, and other marine wildlife, including seabirds. With the help of onboard naturalists, we will search for seabirds - storm petrals, shearwaters, gulls and terns, gannets, and [...]
Field Trip: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley – Plymouth area
Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming. What key field marks, behaviors, habitat, range, and timing can help? How can shorebird migration patterns and seasonal plumage help? With shorebird migration now underway, the BBC is hosting both a webinar and a limited participation field trip to [...]
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 [...]
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.
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United StatesBeginners encouraged. A two-hour walk over easy to moderate trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Co-sponsored by DCR.