Successful Pelagic Trip to Nantucket Shoals
On December 6 over 70 BBC birders and guides departed from Hyannis and headed out to Nantucket Shoals about the Helen H. The plan was to go as far offshore as possible before looping back to the northwest on their return, which would take them past the large sea duck concentrations near Monomoy.
This was an effective strategy, yielding good numbers (and views!) of Black-legged Kittiwake, Atlantic Puffin, Dovekie, Northern Fulmar and several late shearwaters the further out we got.
Eventually they came upon a recently deceased Minke Whale surrounded by dozens of Fulmar (both light and dark morphs), a Sooty Shearwater and a handful of gulls, including a juvenile Great Black-backed that was standing atop the carcass and pecking away. Suddenly, as many of the seabirds took flight and scattered, one of the leaders shouted “Skua!” and I began to tell participants to begin photographing the bird as there was a good chance it could be a Great given the date. While the bird flew directly above us, the lighting was not ideal, and it only made one pass. While initially ID’ed as late South Polar Skua, further examination of photos led to the conclusion that this was the sixth Massachusetts record of Great Skua!
Read the eBird report for more details.
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Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Millennium Park
Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and winter 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. A water bottle, water proof clothing including a hat, gloves, and trail shoes are recommended. [...]
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Delaney WMA in Stow
Stow - Delaney WMA Boat Launch 353 Harvard Road, Stow, MA, United StatesDelaney WMA in Stow is an Important Bird Area with a variety of habitats, including a shallow lake, a slow-running stream and a marsh, all bordered by mixed conifer/deciduous forest. We’ll go for a slow-paced 2-to-3 mile walk along trails with moderate terrain changes to see how many species we can find.
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Bear Creek Sanctuary (on behalf of Soheil Zendeh and WINWaste)
Saugus - Bear Creek Sanctuary (WINWaste) 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA, United StatesBear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather. [...]
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Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will explore various hot-spots on the refuge for fall migrants. Anything is possible during fall migration! Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to enter Parker River NWR. There are decent bathrooms at lot 1 where we start. Beginners welcome! Late arrivers can phone John at 781 859 9450 to find out [...]
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Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond (Early Birders Series) Rescheduled from 11/7
Boston - Franklin Park Tennis Courts (Meeting Spot) MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Franklin Park! Located in Roxbury, Boston’s largest open space is home to a plethora of natural features, including miles of trails, playing fields, a pond, and plenty of birds! Here we will look for all sorts of songbirds, including late fall migrants and early winterers. Whether [...]