The BBC’s first scholarship winner, Aidan Pavao, recently returned from the Hog Island summer camp and sent along a brief report. Check out the scholarship page for more information about the program and how to contribute and expect to hear more from Aidan in the future.
My experience at Hog Island was undoubtedly a highlight of my summer. I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet some amazing people and pioneering ornithologists. The program taught me loads about research and studies on birds, including topics such as nesting programs, banding, audio and video recording, and study skin preparations. It brought me much closer than I expected to birds: I envisioned getting good looks at puffins, but my expectations were shattered when I found myself just feet from them in an observation blind. But far more important than getting good looks at birds was the immersive experience in which I lived with people who dedicate their whole lives to birds. Whether I gained knowledge from formal presentations or from conversation at the dinner table, the stories that these people offered were worth the entire week on their own.
Some of my pictures are posted here. I will try to go through them again and get some more uploaded soon.
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Webinar: How do you protect the invisible? Conservation challenges and opportunities for Marine Birds
For most people, seabirds are out of sight and out of mind, while seabird populations have dropped a staggering 70 percent globally over the past 60 years due to factors such as invasive species, unsustainable fisheries, and marine trash This talk will reintroduce seabirds, their conservation challenges, and the ways in which they are critical
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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
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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.
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Parker River Marsh Cruise
Newburyport - Yankee Clipper Tours Waterfront Promenade Park, 36 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA, United StatesExplore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from a new perspective on a cruise through the Parker River marshes! Join us on the Yankee Clipper docked in Newburyport Harbor for a leisurely cruise through the Refuge. Enjoy close views of shorebirds, gulls, terns, and Saltmarsh Sparrows on this tour. Group discount tickets are available by registering
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Great Meadows NWR, Concord
Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United StatesWe will walk slowly along the dike looking for rails, shorebirds, and wading birds. The we will continue to an adjacent site where we have permission to enter private property, to look for Night-Herons. On our return, we will look for migrating Common Nighthawks! Note that entrance fee or pass is required. Loaner binoculars available;







