Kids Walk at Great Meadows in Concord
Trip leader Kathy Dia and special guest Dr. Bryan Windmiller, from Zoo New England, led a bird and turtle walk at the Great Meadows NWR impoundments in Concord. Bryan set several live traps in the marsh before the walk, and though no turtles were caught, participants saw lots of wildlife! Pictured participants are observing leopard froglet (no longer a tadpole and not yet a frog), dragonfly nymph and other marsh creatures.
Twenty-three bird species were seen or heard, including Marsh Wren, Swamp Sparrow, Wood Duck ducklings, Cedar Waxwings, and Osprey. Participants observed various insects, including firefly and damselfly, and stopped to smell the common milkweed!
Dr. Bryan told participants about the endangered Blanding’s turtles, which make their home at Great Meadows. Since 2008, a sampling of hatchlings have been “headstarted” (cared for so they can grow to a less vulnerable size) and released in a program that involves local fourth graders. Females are radio tagged and tracked. The population at Great Meadows has increased from an estimated 80 to about 500, Blanding’s turtles reach sexual maturity at about age fifteen. On June 25, the first nesting by one of these headstarted females was confirmed! This conservation success story builds on the efforts of both school children and local residents and farmers whose land provides turtle nesting sites.
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Upcoming Field Trips
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 [...]
Millennium Park
Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin us to look for birds in a unique urban habitat that often draws numerous uncommon and rare birds.Target birds include bluebirds, bobolinks, egrets, flycatchers & kingbirds, grosbeaks, hawks, herons, kingfishers, orioles, owls, rails, ravens & crows, sandpipers, swallows & swifts, vultures, warblers, and woodpeckers. Birders of all levels will enjoy this trip. The trails [...]