Date: 10/16/25 7:22 am From: 'PAUL ROBERTS' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Harrier at Home 10/15/25 and Mystic Lakes Dam Hawk Flight 10/16/25
Hi, Last night I had a life bird fly over my home in West Medford. A juvenile Northern Harrier, the first I've seen over my house in 42 years. We were returning from a day at Lighthouse Point in New Haven, watching 345 hawks, largely accipiters but including 10 harriers, among them a Gray Ghost. As I was unpacking the car at dusk, the harrier flew right over me, ending a great day. This morning in one hour the NW/N winds at 10-20+mph put on one of the best raptor shows I can recall at the lakes in 26 years. A late Osprey, the two local adult Bald Eagles (KZ and FAE), a juvenile female Sharp-shinned Hawk tail-chasing a male Merlin (first I think I've ever seen), another juvenile sharpie; 2 juvenile female Cooper's Hawks soaring together, a juvenile male Cooper's Hawk harassing a crow, and an adult female Cooper's Hawk flying east across the lower lake; 2 Red-tailed Hawks; 1 to possibly 3 different Merlins; an adult Peregrine harassing KZ, and possibly the same Peregrine soaring on its own. We are in peak accipiter and Peregrine migration right now, so chilly days with strong winds out of the north can produce decent flights anywhere. Keep your eyes open! Best, Paul Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
Date: 10/13/25 11:33 am From: Andrew Whitacre <akwhitacre...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Eastern meadowlark at Lexington Community Farm
Just an fyi, enjoyed long looks at one in the rain an hour ago while looking for the clay-colored sparrows. It was first perched in the marigolds and then hung out around the covered rows in the corner closer to Lowell Street.
Date: 10/13/25 11:21 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Horn Pond Trip Sunday 10-12, the Community Gardens Continue to produce some great birds.
On Sunday a group of birders explored Horn pond Conservation Area in Woburn. Particular emphasis was placed on the Community Gardens Area, as it continues to produce some very good observations.
Paul Ippolito Woburn
Highlights Included: Lincoln's Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dickcissel, Wilson's Snipe and a VERY cooperative Cooper's Hawk perched in the Gardens.
Date: 10/13/25 11:09 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Meeting Tuesday & trips on Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Fellow MBC members,
Our next meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 14 as we will have Bill
Wilson from Birds and Beans lead a discussion about how coffee farming
affects people, farms, forests, and birds all over the world.
In addition, the Menotomy Bird Club has trips this week on Wednesday at
Mary Cummings Park in Burlington, on Saturday at Arlington Reservoir, and
Sunday at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus.
To help you plan, we have included trips through October.
Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually
adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders.
Fall migration is happening now with some interesting observations being
posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
what you are seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Tuesday, October 14*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds and Beans*
*Bill Wilson – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few
understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin
and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all
over the world.
Bill Wilson is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Birds & Beans coffee.
With the help of three other families and support from Scott Weidensaul,
Bridget Stutchbury and Kenn Kaufman, they launched their company in 2008 to
save the Smithsonian ‘Bird Friendly®’ shade grown coffee certification.
Bill shares the story of Birds & Beans, which is not only Bird Friendly®,
but also USDA Organic, and Fair Trade, and show how this approach helps to
save birds, tropical forests, family farmers and their workers, local rural
economies and the Earth we all share.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Wednesday, October 15 Mary Cummings Park, Burlington*
*Diana Fruguglietti, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM *Join us as we explore Mary
Cummings Park in Burlington, part of a 216 acre park with rustic trails as
we search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Meet at the ball field
parking lot on Blanchard Road. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, October 18 Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM*
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 is a public park and people walk dogs here
frequently. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St. in Arlington, directly
across from Westmoreland Ave. Cosponsored with Brookline Bird Club. 7:30 -
9:30 AM John Edmondson <Johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, October 19*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending the walk at this property:
Bear 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.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is
about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit
on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard
Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back.
Here is a link to google maps: http://tinyurl.com/326v87d.
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
*Sunday, October 26*
*Carlisle Cranberry Bog*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
We’ll search Carlisle’s Cranberry Bog area for newly-arrived winter
visitors and late fall migrants — waterbirds, raptors and songbirds.
Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the Cranberry
Bog House, 750 Curve Street. 8:00 - 10:30 AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Alan Ankers,
Renee LaFontaine or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Date: 10/11/25 7:03 am From: <roxan......> <roxanasmom...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Invitation to march in the Honk! Parade as a wildlife species
Arlington birders,
March with us! We invite the entire community We have for you to wear in
the parade bird costumes (Red-winged Blackbirds), two Great Blue Heron
giant puppets (requires a strong back, as those are backpack puppets),
three banners that have birds, many owl face masks, and plenty of bird prey
(butterfly puppets on sticks, a stray giant caterpillar or two (the
caterpillars are good or a pack of 5-6 children).
So if you've always wanted to march in Honk! or it's a first real parade
for kids or grandkids, come along to Davis Square no later than 11 a.m.
tomorrow, Sun. 10/12. We also have many, banners, flags, and giant puppets,
all celebrating local species. It's our last time marching in Honk!—most of
our parade gear is being given to the Mystic River Watershed Alliance for
their events. You can sign up here: https://tally.so/r/3xqbQE
I'm a lurker on this list and I don't get emails, so I may not see any
responses to this post. Use the form link above to sign up.
Date: 10/10/25 11:51 am From: Toshia McCabe <toshia.fcolors...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] 3 Bills to support birds
he American Bird Conservancy (ABC) recently distributed a form to urge MA
state reps to support the following bills, which are going to committee on
October 27th. If they pass the committee, then a full vote by the
legislature will take place.
2 Bills about neonics -- Neonics are among the most dangerous chemicals for
birds — just one coated seed can kill a songbird. These chemicals are
coated onto crop seeds and also contaminate soil and water, killing
beneficial native insects that birds rely on for raising chicks and fueling
migration.
S.587 -- Senate bill to ban neonics on corn, soy, and wheat
H.108 -- House bill to limit neonic application to professional applicators
only
1 bill to ban anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) on public and private
property --The problem: Anticoagulant rodenticides kill mice and rats — and
they also poison the Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Barn Owls, Turkey
Vultures, and other Massachusetts birds that eat them.
H.965 -- House bill would prohibit most uses of ARs, except in public
health emergencies.
Date: 10/9/25 4:30 pm From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Trip on Sunday and events early next week
Fellow MBC members,
The Menotomy Bird Club has a trip this weekend on *SUNDAY* at Horn Pond in
Woburn. (Apologies as I listed this on the wrong day earlier this week – go
figure, its my own trip)
Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 14 as we will have Bill Wilson from
Birds and Beans lead a discussion about how coffee farming affects people,
farms, forests, and birds all over the world.
We also have a trip for Wednesday next week at Mary Cummings Park in Woburn.
To help you plan, we have included trips through October.
Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually
adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders.
Fall migration is happening now with some interesting observations being
posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
what you are seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Sunday, October 12*
*Woburn Horn Pond Conservation Area*
*Paul Ippolito 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
Join us we take a walk exploring the varied habitats of the Horn Pond
Conservation Area. The walk will focus on the main pond, accompanying
lagoons, and marsh areas with a particular focus on the Community Gardens
in search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Fall in the Community
Gardens brings possibilities such as Lincoln Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow,
Indigo Bunting and we can always hope for an elusive Dickcissel or Fox
Sparrow. Meeting Place: Sturgis Street entrance to Horn Pond. 8:00 - 10:30
AM Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Tuesday, October 14*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds and Beans*
*Bill Wilson – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few
understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin
and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all
over the world.
Bill Wilson is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Birds & Beans coffee.
With the help of three other families and support from Scott Weidensaul,
Bridget Stutchbury and Kenn Kaufman, they launched their company in 2008 to
save the Smithsonian ‘Bird Friendly®’ shade grown coffee certification.
Bill shares the story of Birds & Beans, which is not only Bird Friendly®,
but also USDA Organic, and Fair Trade, and show how this approach helps to
save birds, tropical forests, family farmers and their workers, local rural
economies and the Earth we all share.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Wednesday, October 15 Mary Cummings Park, Burlington*
*Diana Fruguglietti, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM *Join us as we explore Mary
Cummings Park in Burlington, part of a 216 acre park with rustic trails as
we search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Meet at the ball field
parking lot on Blanchard Road. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, October 18 Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM*
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 is a public park and people walk dogs here
frequently. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St. in Arlington, directly
across from Westmoreland Ave. Cosponsored with Brookline Bird Club. 7:30 -
9:30 AM John Edmondson <Johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, October 19*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending the walk at this property:
Bear 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.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is
about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit
on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard
Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back.
Here is a link to google maps: http://tinyurl.com/326v87d.
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
*Sunday, October 26*
*Carlisle Cranberry Bog*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
We’ll search Carlisle’s Cranberry Bog area for newly-arrived winter
visitors and late fall migrants — waterbirds, raptors and songbirds.
Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the Cranberry
Bog House, 750 Curve Street. 8:00 - 10:30 AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Alan Ankers,
Renee LaFontaine or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Date: 10/7/25 9:19 am From: June Peoples Mallon <junepeoples...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] Fun birding documentary
This is a wonderful and entertaining film. Thanks for sharing the link!
June Peoples Mallon
Marlborough, MA
617 990 4003
she/hers
On Tue, Oct 7, 2025, 9:23 AM Debora Diggins <debora.diggins...>
wrote:
> Hi folks,
> I watched a documentary last night about two brothers who pursue an ABA
> big year, but are novice birders. It’s low-key, tongue-in-cheek, and
> cleverly produced. It celebrates the fun of birding and the beauty of the
> birds, while also revealing the realities of traveling around the country
> in pursuit of birds and the culture of the competition. There is some
> breaking of birding ethics that I found disturbing, however, it is still a
> very enjoyable watch and gently raises some good questions about the impact
> chasing birds has on the birds and our planet. Free on YouTube.
>
> https://youtu.be/zl-wAqplQAo >
> Debora
>
> --
> Group home page:
> https://menotomybirdclub.com/ > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Arlington Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to arlingtonbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<CC776693-442E-4702-8B6B-BD693F8447DE...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/arlingtonbirds/<CC776693-442E-4702-8B6B-BD693F8447DE...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/7/25 6:23 am From: Debora Diggins <debora.diggins...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Fun birding documentary
Hi folks,
I watched a documentary last night about two brothers who pursue an ABA big year, but are novice birders. It’s low-key, tongue-in-cheek, and cleverly produced. It celebrates the fun of birding and the beauty of the birds, while also revealing the realities of traveling around the country in pursuit of birds and the culture of the competition. There is some breaking of birding ethics that I found disturbing, however, it is still a very enjoyable watch and gently raises some good questions about the impact chasing birds has on the birds and our planet. Free on YouTube.
I want to thank everyone who responded so quickly to my query. A few organizations have been suggested including Manomet, Mass Audubon, and Tin Mountain Conservation Center in NH. The Brookline Bird Club has a link on their website to other organizations where you may donate your equipment.
Happy birding!
Date: 10/6/25 5:49 pm From: 'Emily Szczypek' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] donation of spotting scope and tripod
Hi, Wish I had known sooner, I may be being to Plymouth tomorrow & might have been able to drop it off. I have some contact there. Joyous birding, Emily Szczypek On Monday, October 6, 2025 at 05:39:20 PM EDT, Debora Diggins <debora.diggins...> wrote:
Hi Folks,I know this question came up recently but I can't find the answer. I'd like to donate some birding equipment in good condition. Does anyone know any organizations in need of a spotting scope and tripod? Thanks,Debora
Date: 10/6/25 3:00 pm From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] donation of spotting scope and tripod
I think Manomet could fit shorebird conservation work. I can't right now
but if you are interested I could find a contact for you and ask if they
can use such donations.
John
On Mon, Oct 6, 2025, 5:39 PM Debora Diggins <debora.diggins...>
wrote:
Date: 10/6/25 2:39 pm From: Debora Diggins <debora.diggins...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] donation of spotting scope and tripod
Hi Folks,I know this question came up recently but I can't find the answer. I'd like to donate some birding equipment in good condition. Does anyone know any organizations in need of a spotting scope and tripod? Thanks,Debora
Date: 10/6/25 12:15 pm From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Wednesday MBC trip Postponed due to weather forecast
Fellow MBC members,
With the current weather forecast calling for wet, soggy conditions on
Wednesday, the trip to Mary Cummings Park has been pushed back a week until
Wednesday the 15th.
The Menotomy Bird Club has a trip this weekend on Saturday at Horn Pond in
Woburn.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 14 as we will have Bill Wilson from
Birds and Beans lead a discussion about how coffee farming affects people,
farms, forests, and birds all over the world.
To help you plan, we have included trips through October.
Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually
adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders.
Fall migration is happening now with some interesting observations being
posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
what you are seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Wednesday, October 8 Mary Cummings Park, Burlington*
*Diana Fruguglietti, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM *Join us as we explore Mary
Cummings Park in Burlington, part of a 216 acre park with rustic trails as
we search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Meet at the ball field
parking lot on Blanchard Road. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Sunday, October 12*
*Woburn Horn Pond Conservation Area*
*Paul Ippolito 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
Join us we take a walk exploring the varied habitats of the Horn Pond
Conservation Area. The walk will focus on the main pond, accompanying
lagoons, and marsh areas with a particular focus on the Community Gardens
in search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Fall in the Community
Gardens brings possibilities such as Lincoln Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow,
Indigo Bunting and we can always hope for an elusive Dickcissel or Fox
Sparrow. Meeting Place: Sturgis Street entrance to Horn Pond. 8:00 - 10:30
AM Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Tuesday, October 14*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds and Beans*
*Bill Wilson – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few
understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin
and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all
over the world.
Bill Wilson is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Birds & Beans coffee.
With the help of three other families and support from Scott Weidensaul,
Bridget Stutchbury and Kenn Kaufman, they launched their company in 2008 to
save the Smithsonian ‘Bird Friendly®’ shade grown coffee certification.
Bill shares the story of Birds & Beans, which is not only Bird Friendly®,
but also USDA Organic, and Fair Trade, and show how this approach helps to
save birds, tropical forests, family farmers and their workers, local rural
economies and the Earth we all share.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Wednesday, October 15 Mary Cummings Park, Burlington*
*Diana Fruguglietti, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM *Join us as we explore Mary
Cummings Park in Burlington, part of a 216 acre park with rustic trails as
we search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Meet at the ball field
parking lot on Blanchard Road. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, October 18 Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM*
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 is a public park and people walk dogs here
frequently. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St. in Arlington, directly
across from Westmoreland Ave. Cosponsored with Brookline Bird Club. 7:30 -
9:30 AM John Edmondson <Johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, October 19*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending the walk at this property:
Bear 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.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is
about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit
on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard
Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back.
Here is a link to google maps: http://tinyurl.com/326v87d.
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
*Sunday, October 26*
*Carlisle Cranberry Bog*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
We’ll search Carlisle’s Cranberry Bog area for newly-arrived winter
visitors and late fall migrants — waterbirds, raptors and songbirds.
Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the Cranberry
Bog House, 750 Curve Street. 8:00 - 10:30 AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Alan Ankers,
Renee LaFontaine or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Date: 10/6/25 9:55 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday October 19, 9 am; report for October 5 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, October 19 at 9 am. Detail at the end of this email.
The walk on October 5 was attended by 8 people who were happy to stroll on a warm day in the fresh breeze off the water. The recent region-wide drought seems to have produced an enormous crop of seed-bearing brush and weeds; note the large number of sparrows, especially Savannahs, in the list below. Other than the seed-eaters, species counts were low.
Bear Creek Sanctuary (restricted access), Essex, Massachusetts, US Oct 5, 2025 9:22 AM - 12:24 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.426 mile(s)
25 bird species
American Black Duck 5
Ring-billed Gull 1
American Herring Gull 190
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 162
Snowy Egret 3
Great Egret 3
Great Blue Heron 2
Osprey 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 1
European Starling 132
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
American Pipit 45
House Finch 1
Savannah Sparrow 100
Song Sparrow 30
Bobolink 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Blue Grosbeak 1 Blue-black feathers, large beak.
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on October 19:
Bear 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.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike (Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back. Here is a link to google maps:
http://tinyurl.com/326v87d.
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the property without an escort.
Date: 10/2/25 4:29 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Trips this week and beyond
Fellow MBC members,
As a reminder, the Menotomy Bird Club has a selection of trips this weekend
including one on Saturday at Foss Farm in Carlisle and one at Bear Creek
Sanctuary in Saugus. In addition we have a weekday trip next week on
Wednesday at Mary Cummings Park in Burlington.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 14 as we will have Bill Wilson from
Birds and Beans lead a discussion about how coffee farming affects people,
farms, forests, and birds all over the world.
To help you plan, we have included trips through October.
Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually
adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders.
Fall migration is happening now with some interesting observations being
posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
what you are seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Saturday, October 4*
*Carlisle – Foss Farm*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM*
We’ll look for fall migrants such as sparrows and raptors in the community
gardens and farm fields, including the old piggery, and also explore the
wooded wetlands alongside the Concord River. Co-sponsored by the Carlisle
Conservation Foundation. Meet at Foss Farm parking lot, just west of the
bridge over the Concord River on route 225. 8:00 - 11:00AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
*Sunday, October 5*
*Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus *
*Soheil Zendeh 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM*
Here are details for attending the walk at this property:
Bear 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.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know
you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike
(Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is
about 1½ miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit
on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard
Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you’ve gone too far — turn back.
Here is a link to google maps: http://tinyurl.com/326v87d.
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
*Wednesday, October 8 Mary Cummings Park, Burlington*
*Diana Fruguglietti, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM *Join us as we explore Mary
Cummings Park in Burlington, part of a 216 acre park with rustic trails as
we search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Meet at the ball field
parking lot on Blanchard Road. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Sunday, October 12*
*Woburn Horn Pond Conservation Area*
*Paul Ippolito 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
Join us we take a walk exploring the varied habitats of the Horn Pond
Conservation Area. The walk will focus on the main pond, accompanying
lagoons, and marsh areas with a particular focus on the Community Gardens
in search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Fall in the Community
Gardens brings possibilities such as Lincoln Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow,
Indigo Bunting and we can always hope for an elusive Dickcissel or Fox
Sparrow. Meeting Place: Sturgis Street entrance to Horn Pond. 8:00 - 10:30
AM Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...>
*Tuesday, October 14*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds and Beans*
*Bill Wilson – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few
understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin
and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all
over the world.
Bill Wilson is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Birds & Beans coffee.
With the help of three other families and support from Scott Weidensaul,
Bridget Stutchbury and Kenn Kaufman, they launched their company in 2008 to
save the Smithsonian ‘Bird Friendly®’ shade grown coffee certification.
Bill shares the story of Birds & Beans, which is not only Bird Friendly®,
but also USDA Organic, and Fair Trade, and show how this approach helps to
save birds, tropical forests, family farmers and their workers, local rural
economies and the Earth we all share.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Saturday, October 18 Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM*
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 is a public park and people walk dogs here
frequently. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St. in Arlington, directly
across from Westmoreland Ave. Cosponsored with Brookline Bird Club. 7:30 -
9:30 AM John Edmondson <Johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, October 26*
*Carlisle Cranberry Bog*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
We’ll search Carlisle’s Cranberry Bog area for newly-arrived winter
visitors and late fall migrants — waterbirds, raptors and songbirds.
Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the Cranberry
Bog House, 750 Curve Street. 8:00 - 10:30 AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Alan Ankers,
Renee LaFontaine or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I’ve looked at many Uganda tours, but what hooked me as a photographer was
that the guide, Robert Gallardo, is as much a butterfly fanatic as he is a
birder.
I have not traveled with Naturalist Journeys, but a good friend has
traveled a handful of times with them and has been very happy with her
trips.
This evening I saw my first white-throated sparrow of winter ‘25-‘26 in my
yard (Arlington Hts.)
Hard to let go of summer!
Steven A. Simpson
Arlington, MA
Date: 9/25/25 5:01 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Trip on Friday
Fellow MBC members,
As a reminder, the Menotomy Bird Club has a trip tomorrow, Friday at Horn
Pond in Woburn.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 14 as we will have Bill Wilson from
Birds and Beans lead a discussion about how coffee farming affects people,
farms, forests, and birds all over the world.
To help you plan, we have included trips through September and October.
Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually
adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders.
Fall migration is happening now with some interesting observations being
posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
what you are seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Friday, September 26 Woburn Horn Pond Conservation Area*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM*
Join us we take a walk exploring the varied habitats of the Horn Pond
Conservation Area. The walk will focus on the main pond, accompanying
lagoons, and marsh areas with a particular focus on the Community Gardens
in search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Fall in the Community
Gardens brings possibilities such as Lincoln Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow,
Indigo Bunting and we can always hope for an elusive Dickcissel or Fox
Sparrow. Meeting Place: Sturgis Street entrance to Horn Pond. 8:30 - 10:30
AM Diana Fruguglietti <diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, October 4*
*Carlisle – Foss Farm*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM*
We’ll look for fall migrants such as sparrows and raptors in the community
gardens and farm fields, including the old piggery, and also explore the
wooded wetlands alongside the Concord River. Co-sponsored by the Carlisle
Conservation Foundation. Meet at Foss Farm parking lot, just west of the
bridge over the Concord River on route 225. 8:00 - 11:00AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
*Wednesday, October 8 Mary Cummings Park, Burlington*
*Diana Fruguglietti, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM *Join us as we explore Mary
Cummings Park in Burlington, part of a 216 acre park with rustic trails as
we search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Meet at the ball field
parking lot on Blanchard Road. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Tuesday, October 14*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds and Beans*
*Bill Wilson – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few
understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin
and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all
over the world.
Bill Wilson is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Birds & Beans coffee.
With the help of three other families and support from Scott Weidensaul,
Bridget Stutchbury and Kenn Kaufman, they launched their company in 2008 to
save the Smithsonian ‘Bird Friendly®’ shade grown coffee certification.
Bill shares the story of Birds & Beans, which is not only Bird Friendly®,
but also USDA Organic, and Fair Trade, and show how this approach helps to
save birds, tropical forests, family farmers and their workers, local rural
economies and the Earth we all share.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Saturday, October 18 Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM*
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 is a public park and people walk dogs here
frequently. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St. in Arlington, directly
across from Westmoreland Ave. Cosponsored with Brookline Bird Club. 7:30 -
9:30 AM John Edmondson <Johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, October 26*
*Carlisle Cranberry Bog*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
We’ll search Carlisle’s Cranberry Bog area for newly-arrived winter
visitors and late fall migrants — waterbirds, raptors and songbirds.
Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the Cranberry
Bog House, 750 Curve Street. 8:00 - 10:30 AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Alan Ankers,
Renee LaFontaine or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Date: 9/22/25 4:37 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Meeting Tuesday Night & Trips this Week
Fellow MBC members,
The Menotomy Bird Club has a series of activities this week including our
first meeting of the Fall season on tomorrow night, Tuesday, September 23rd
– Avian Illustration with Avery Whitlock at the Jenks Center in Winchester
(While advance registration is NOT required
https://share.google/r51D48ZTEb0f8D8xZ, if possible, please try to do so as
it allows the Jenks Center to better set up for the amount of people
attending), as well as a trip on Friday at Horn Pond in Woburn. To help
you plan, we have included trips through September and October.
Do however continue to look at the weekly e-mails as we will be continually
adding trips based upon what is being seen, weather and availability of our
leaders.
Fall migration is happening now with some interesting observations being
posted throughout Massachusetts so keep exploring your local patches, *report
what you are seeing* and enjoy all that our area has to offer.
*Tuesday, September 23*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Avian Illustration*
*Avery Whitlock – Jenks Center, Winchester*
We are happy to provide an evening of artistic exploration with local
artist, Avery Whitlock. Avery is a Massachusetts-based illustrator
specializing in cartoon and ornithological illustration, creating
illustrations of birds since graduating from Connecticut College in 2015.
In this workshop, Avery will discuss the discovered love for avian
illustration, before leading a small art class with tips on how to draw
birds. Learn the basics of drawing birds in this introductory class—from
waterfowl to songbirds and everything in between, you will learn the
fundamental skills for drawing birds of all shapes and sizes. Only a pencil
and paper are needed. Extra supplies will be available for anyone who needs
them. All experience levels welcome!
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
While advance registration is NOT required
https://share.google/r51D48ZTEb0f8D8xZ, if possible, please try to do so as
it allows the Jenks Center to better set up for the amount of people
attending.
*Friday, September 26 Woburn Horn Pond Conservation Area*
*Diana Fruguglietti 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM*
Join us we take a walk exploring the varied habitats of the Horn Pond
Conservation Area. The walk will focus on the main pond, accompanying
lagoons, and marsh areas with a particular focus on the Community Gardens
in search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Fall in the Community
Gardens brings possibilities such as Lincoln Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow,
Indigo Bunting and we can always hope for an elusive Dickcissel or Fox
Sparrow. Meeting Place: Sturgis Street entrance to Horn Pond. 8:30 - 10:30
AM Diana Fruguglietti <diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Saturday, October 4*
*Carlisle – Foss Farm*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM*
We’ll look for fall migrants such as sparrows and raptors in the community
gardens and farm fields, including the old piggery, and also explore the
wooded wetlands alongside the Concord River. Co-sponsored by the Carlisle
Conservation Foundation. Meet at Foss Farm parking lot, just west of the
bridge over the Concord River on route 225. 8:00 - 11:00AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
*Wednesday, October 8 Mary Cummings Park, Burlington*
*Diana Fruguglietti, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM *Join us as we explore Mary
Cummings Park in Burlington, part of a 216 acre park with rustic trails as
we search of migrating fall warblers and sparrows. Meet at the ball field
parking lot on Blanchard Road. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Diana Fruguglietti
<diana.fru@...> <diana.fru...>
*Tuesday, October 14*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds and Beans*
*Bill Wilson – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few
understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin
and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all
over the world.
Bill Wilson is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Birds & Beans coffee.
With the help of three other families and support from Scott Weidensaul,
Bridget Stutchbury and Kenn Kaufman, they launched their company in 2008 to
save the Smithsonian ‘Bird Friendly®’ shade grown coffee certification.
Bill shares the story of Birds & Beans, which is not only Bird Friendly®,
but also USDA Organic, and Fair Trade, and show how this approach helps to
save birds, tropical forests, family farmers and their workers, local rural
economies and the Earth we all share.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
*Saturday, October 18 Arlington Reservoir *
*John Edmondson 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM*
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 is a public park and people walk dogs here
frequently. Meet in the parking lot off Lowell St. in Arlington, directly
across from Westmoreland Ave. Cosponsored with Brookline Bird Club. 7:30 -
9:30 AM John Edmondson <Johnhedmondson...>
*Sunday, October 26*
*Carlisle Cranberry Bog*
*Alan Ankers 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM*
We’ll search Carlisle’s Cranberry Bog area for newly-arrived winter
visitors and late fall migrants — waterbirds, raptors and songbirds.
Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Meet at the Cranberry
Bog House, 750 Curve Street. 8:00 - 10:30 AM Alan Ankers
<alankers...>
If you are interested in leading a trip, please reach out to Alan Ankers,
Renee LaFontaine or myself, the club would be so lucky to have you lead.
Please continue to post your observations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
