Successful Gull Walk at Revere Beach
On Saturday November 15 the BBC sponsored a very successful gull-focused walk at Revere Beach. 35 birders showed up to learn about plumages, molts, and cycles. Led by Soheil Zendeh, Justine Hanson, and local gull expert Suzanne Sullivan, the group spent two hours examining and learning how to identify 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cycle Herring Gulls.
As our fall speaker Amar Ayyash, author of The Gull Guide, explained, not two Herring Gulls look alike. We learned to focus on feather groups such as scapulars, coverts and primaries while not getting overly distracted by leg and f ootcolor. We also had the opportunity to examine several Ring Billed Gulls and a handful of adult Great Black Backed Gulls. While they did not offer as much variety as the Herring Gulls, we found opportunities for instruction and these species sometimes served as points of contrast with the abundant Herring Gulls.
The most interesting bird of the morning was a probable “Great Lakes” 2nd cycle Herring Gull, which displayed the lighter colors thought to be found in that breeding population.






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Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Family Bird Walk, Condon Shell, Medford
Medford - Condon Shell Parking 2501 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA, United StatesSponsored by the Medford Public Library. Join local birder Leslie Kramer of Brookline Bird Club for a family-friendly bird watching walk along the river! Our group will meet at the Condon Shell parking lot and follow the path along the river, which is ADA-accessible and stroller friendly. Note: Attendance is free but registration is required [...]
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Mystic River Reservation (Early Birders Series)
Medford - Mystic River State Reservation 4253 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Mystic River State Reservation! Located just north of Boston in Medford, Mystic River Reservation is a state nature reserve home to over 300 acres of space in a riverfront setting. As we navigate our way around the 2.3 mile park loop trail, expect to see all [...]
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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 shorebirds during their peak in migration and passerines that are beginning their southerly migration. Participants are responsible for their own transportation [...]
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Autumnal Equinox Walk
Leader's ChoiceCelebrate the beginning of the Fall season by birding favorite patches, locally and beyond.
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Mt Auburn Cemetery Rescheduled from Sunday
Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United StatesThis trip has been rescheduled from Sunday (9/20) to Saturday (9/19). Join us to observe resident birds and fall 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 (generally) flat though there are some [...]






