Dave Williams led a group of BBC members to the Joppa Flats banding station located on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on September 23, 2017.  It was a beautiful morning for the visit and the birds were very cooperative!  Twelve species of birds were captured and banded during our visit, including 8 species of warblers.
The visitors got an up-close and personal look at the banding process.  Bander Ben Flemer showed the group how they take the wing cord measurement, determine the birds age and sex, weigh the bird (pretty cool!),  make note of the amount of fat on the bird, and place the band on the bird’s leg.  All of this was done with the upmost care for the bird.
We hope to make this an annual Fall trip in the future!

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Upcoming Field Trips

  • Hellcat at Parker River NWR

    Parker River NWR - Lot #4 Newbury, MA, United States

    During the past few years the refuge has opened the dike to hiking during National Wildlife Refuge Week. We will plan to do that hike if the dike is again open this year. Otherwise we hike the boardwalk and normal dike area.

  • Arlington Reservoir

    Lexington - Arlington Reservoir 210 Lowell Street, Arlington, MA, United States

    In the fall water levels are lowered creating good conditions for ducks and shorebirds. We will also visit the adjacent Lexington community farm. Birds are found feasting on the remains of the crops planted there. We will walk about a mile on wide paths and some uneven ground (possibly muddy). Note that the reservoir area [...]

  • Fruitlands Museum, Harvard

    Harvard - Fruitlands Museum 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard, MA, United States

    Cosponsored with Boxborough Birders. We will look for fall migrants and resident birds. Expect to walk about 2 miles on trails through meadow and woods, with some steep sections. Heavy rain cancels the trip.

  • An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh

    East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Join 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 raptors, native sparrows, finches, herons, and egrets. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations (by car or bike). Binoculars [...]

  • Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

    Mattapan - MAS Boston Nature Center 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA, United States

    Explore this urban oasis for sparrows and other possible fall migrants like Dickcissel and Blue Grosbeak. We will take an easy walk through varied habitats. Co-sponsored with the Boston Nature Center.

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