Date: 1/11/26 4:30 pm From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday January 25, 9 am; report for January 11 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, January 25 at
9 am. Details at the end of this email.
Note that there is NO WALK scheduled for Sunday January 18.
The January 11 walk was attended by about 15 people. Conditions after the
previous day's warmer temperatures and rain were muddy. Nevertheless,
participants enjoyed prolonged views of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks and
Lapland Longspurs, as well as a seemingly expanding mini-flock of Eastern
Meadowlarks -- now up to 4 individuals.
Thanks to Tim Brown for fulfilling list-keeping duties. If you were there,
the following link will allow you to share the list:
Bear Creek Sanctuary (restricted access), Essex, Massachusetts, US
Jan 11, 2026 9:25 AM - 12:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.016 mile(s)
32 bird species
Canada Goose 3
Mallard 2
American Black Duck 43
Surf Scoter 10
White-winged Scoter 10
Bufflehead 12
Common Goldeneye 12
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 20
Mourning Dove 52
Ring-billed Gull 10
American Herring Gull 75
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Common Loon 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Horned Lark 80 Many resident birds foraging in open fields in the Bear
Creek Reservation. These are continuing wintering birds and is a low
estimated count.
Carolina Wren 3
European Starling 150
Northern Mockingbird 1
Lapland Longspur 5
Snow Bunting 100
White-crowned Sparrow 1 Seen in foliage near the WINWaste property
parking area during the Bear Creek birding trek.
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Meadowlark 4 Seen in grassy field in the Bear Creek
Reservation.
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on January 25:
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...>
<mailto:<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:
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: 1/11/26 8:33 am From: Paul Devaney <pbdevaney37...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] New yard bird.
Hearing “Kek, kek, kek.” made me gaze up and across the street from my
front sidewalk at 10:40 this morning. A large raptor glided into the top of
a tall deciduous tree and perched among the branches. Other movements near
it made me think there was a pair of Cooper’s Hawks. More “kek kek” and
flight from that spot led me to conclude a woodpecker’s flight while
showing large white patches under the wings. The raptor eventually flew
over me revealing it to be a Red-tailed. It had disturbed a pair of
Pileated woodpeckers thus their calling and moving around the trees one
clinging to a trunk, the other up in the thin branches. All eventually
moved on leaving 16 turkeys in my yard.
Date: 1/6/26 11:44 am From: Paul Ippolito <paulippolito295...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] MBC Meeting next Tuesday and trip reminder for this Sunday
Fellow MBC members,
There is another in a series of walks at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus on
this coming Sunday, January 11th that Soheil posted earlier this week.
In addition, we will have first meeting of 2026 on this coming Tuesday
night, January 13th – Zach Adams will discuss his book BIRDS OF NEW
ENGLAND. The book is a comprehensive guide to the birds of New England,
with stunning photos, maps, and nuanced information on how to locate and
identify each unique bird.
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.
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, January 11*
*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.
*Tuesday, January 13*
*6:30 PM Social Time, 7:00 PM Meeting Start *
*Birds of New England*
*Zack Adams – Jenks Center, Winchester*
Join us as author Zach Adams will discuss his book BIRDS OF NEW ENGLAND.
The book is a comprehensive guide to the birds of New England, with
stunning photos, maps, and nuanced information on how to locate and
identify each unique bird.
Doors open at 6:30 for set up and social time and the meeting starts
promptly at 7:00 PM.
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: 1/4/26 11:26 am From: <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday January 11, 9 am; report for January 1 walk
Folks,
Happy new year!
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Sunday, January 11 at
9 am. Details at the end of this email.
The walk on New Years Day was held under exceptionally adverse weather
conditions -- no one anticipated horizontal snow. Nevertheless, some cool
winter birds were seen, the highlight being a gorgeous and omnipresent
dark-phase Rough-legged Hawk which kept us company throughout the morning.
Matt Clark, our indefatigable cinematographer, has posted one of his
inimitable YouTube videos. The magical Snow Bunting footage should not be
missed:
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on January 11:
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...>
<mailto:<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:
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.
Hi Laurie, There has been an Orange-crowned Warbler hanging around Mt. Auburn recently, and it is not a bad time to have one in the area. Although it was unusually cold in December, it has was not snowy or icy locally, so natural foodshave been more available on a widespread basis. That means less competition in general at feeders, inc. suet feeders and mealworms. Best, Paul Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...>
I really think I have an Orange-Crowned Warbler in my yard, and wonder if anyone else has seen one. It really does not seem possible, given the time of year, but the description matches (olive in color overall, thin pale eye arc, bright yellow undertail coverlet - all confirmed). I noticed it feeding on some bark butter, along with Juncos and White-Throated Sparrows.
And before anyone suggests: it is definitely not a Goldfinch or a Kinglet. It is the shape and size of a Warbler, and also has the behavior and movements of one. It is also not any other Warbler one might happen to see this time of year, such as a Yellow-Rumped.
Date: 12/27/25 8:03 am From: Laurie Caldwell <duckwatson...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] free xmas trees for cover
Hi Folks,
I wanted to share that Follen UU church in Lexington has (shockingly, as of yesterday) hundreds of xmas trees left out for free in the lot they use to sell them, on Mass Ave just opposite the church.
I have been loading them in my truck and leaning them against my back fence for bird cover and roosting purposes. I normally collect my neighbors' discarded trees for the purpose, but these trees are now available.
FYI I have every year put them out with the first yard waste P/U in April - they are always picked up - which gets the birds through the worst of the winter weather. Additionally, I have hawks regularly shopping my feeders, currently a daily Sharp-Shinned, and I figure providing more cover at least evens the odds a bit.
Date: 12/23/25 2:09 pm From: 'Emily Szczypek' via Arlington Birds <arlingtonbirds...> Subject: Re: [Arlington Birds] New Years Day Party at Bear Creek Santuary, Saugus: Jan 1, 2026 at 9 am
Happy, Healthy 2026 everyone, we have a built-in commitment on New Year's Day. Enjoyed being at BC on 12-21. Geoff spotted a very cooperative Merlin just sitting on the ground paying no mind to us, Kestrel is always a treat too!!
Joyous birding,
Emily Szczypek
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 03:59:17 PM EST, Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> wrote:
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Thursday, January 1, at 9 am. Don't miss the party! Details below.
Cammy Kaynor kindly provided the checklist for the December 21 walk:
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on January 1:
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:
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: 12/23/25 1:53 pm From: Mark Hibberd <markghibberd...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: New Years Day Party at Bear Creek Santuary, Saugus: Jan 1, 2026 at 9 am
Yes, and Logan get them regularly- go figure!
M
On Tue, Dec 23, 2025 at 4:43 PM Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> wrote:
> Thanks Mark.
>
> In past years we had as many as 4 different SNOW at Bear Creek. That was
> in an exceptionally owly year. But ones and twos every other year. It’s now
> been 4 - 5 years since a SNOW sighting there. And I have no theory as to
> why not. There has been one at Winthrop Beach already. Last year there was
> one sighted at Point of Pines, Revere. For some reason none at BC. It could
> be that the presence of coyotes is discouraging to the Snowies — but why
> not to Shorties? Ah, the mysteries…
>
> Soheil Zendeh
>
> On Dec 23, 2025, at 3:30 PM, Mark Hibberd <markghibberd...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Thanks Soheil
> It’s interesting that we don't seem to see Snowy owls though you often
> have shorties
> Is that just my sampling error or do we not see them for a reason?
>
> I may miss the party as we already have a family birthday party scheduled
>
> Merry Christmas
> Mark
>
> On Tue, Dec 23, 2025 at 3:59 PM Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> wrote:
>
>> Folks,
>>
>>
>> The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Thursday, January
>> 1, at 9 am. Don't miss the party! Details below.
>>
>>
>> Cammy Kaynor kindly provided the checklist for the December 21 walk:
>>
>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S289560523 >>
>>
>> Here are details for attending the walk at this property on January 1:
>>
>>
>>
>> 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
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/100+Salem+Turnpike+(Rte+107),+Saugus?entry=gmail&source=g>.
>> 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.
>>
>>
>> *Soheil ZendehLittleton, MA 01460*
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Metro Boston Shorebird Group" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to bostonshorebirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/CABfm92_qGW_dbQMpDMa1ZyO2uKD9Xk-BH8r6afS92b2N0O%<3D29A...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/CABfm92_qGW_dbQMpDMa1ZyO2uKD9Xk-BH8r6afS92b2N0O%<3D29A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
Date: 12/23/25 1:43 pm From: Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: New Years Day Party at Bear Creek Santuary, Saugus: Jan 1, 2026 at 9 am
Date: 12/23/25 1:30 pm From: Mark Hibberd <markghibberd...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Re: New Years Day Party at Bear Creek Santuary, Saugus: Jan 1, 2026 at 9 am
Thanks Soheil
It’s interesting that we don't seem to see Snowy owls though you often have
shorties
Is that just my sampling error or do we not see them for a reason?
I may miss the party as we already have a family birthday party scheduled
Merry Christmas
Mark
On Tue, Dec 23, 2025 at 3:59 PM Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> wrote:
> Folks,
>
>
> The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Thursday, January
> 1, at 9 am. Don't miss the party! Details below.
>
>
> Cammy Kaynor kindly provided the checklist for the December 21 walk:
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S289560523 >
>
> Here are details for attending the walk at this property on January 1:
>
>
>
> 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
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/100+Salem+Turnpike+(Rte+107),+Saugus?entry=gmail&source=g>.
> 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.
>
>
> *Soheil ZendehLittleton, MA 01460*
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Metro Boston Shorebird Group" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to bostonshorebirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/CABfm92_qGW_dbQMpDMa1ZyO2uKD9Xk-BH8r6afS92b2N0O%<3D29A...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bostonshorebirds/CABfm92_qGW_dbQMpDMa1ZyO2uKD9Xk-BH8r6afS92b2N0O%<3D29A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 12/23/25 12:59 pm From: Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] New Years Day Party at Bear Creek Santuary, Saugus: Jan 1, 2026 at 9 am
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary in Saugus is on Thursday, January 1,
at 9 am. Don't miss the party! Details below.
Cammy Kaynor kindly provided the checklist for the December 21 walk:
Here are details for attending the walk at this property on January 1:
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:
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.
Last year's cruise, on Saturday, January 18, produced some exceptional sightings and numbers of winter waterfowl, shorebirds, alcids and raptors. Check it out: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210082348
The estimate of 125 Purple Sandpipers was the highest count of that bird I can remember from any site in recent memory.
Mass Audubon's Annual Birders Meeting will take place on Saturday, March
14. This year's meeting explores the theme, Wired for Flight: Technology
and Triumphs in Bird Conservation. Speakers will share how innovations in
science are reshaping how we study and conserve birds.
From now through January 15, take advantage of early bird pricing, with
both member and nonmember tickets available at $10 off regular pricing.
