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Members Trip – Winter Birding along the North Shore of Massachusetts
December 1, 2016 - December 4, 2016
Travel over to the North Shore of Massachusetts from December 2nd to December 4th in search of winter seabirds. The North Shore of Massachusetts (Cape Ann and Plum Island) is known to birders worldwide for its numbers of winter seabirds. Sea ducks (long-tailed duck, eiders & scoters), gannets, and alcids (guillemots, razorbills, murres, & dovekie) gather in impressive concentrations and variety, and a careful exploration of the area’s gorgeous coastal geography is quite likely to turn up such winter bird specialties as the harlequin duck, eared grebe and snowy owl.
Friday, December 2nd 12:00 PM: Meet trip leaders Jess Prockup and Wendy Tocci at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Parking Lot 3 for an afternoon outing to look for sea ducks, Northern Shrike, Lapland Longspur and even a possible harbor seal. After we have had our fill of long-tailed duck, eiders, scoters, gannets and alcids, we will check into the Fairfield Inn hotel (~$100/night double occupancy) in Amesbury, MA.
Saturday, December 3rd 6:00 AM: Gather at the hotel parking lot for an early morning departure to Halibut Point State Park. Seabird watching is best is in the early morning hours. We will make several stops along the coast on our way to Gloucester for afternoon gull watching. Target birds for the morning will include alcids, gannets, sea ducks (including Harlequin and King Eider) and Purple Sandpipers. Iceland and Glaucous gulls are possibilities for Gloucester.
Sunday, December 4th 7:30 AM: We will explore the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge which offers a 6.5-mile wildlife drive allowing us to view wildlife in a variety of habitats including salt marsh, dune, and maritime forest. There are also a number of interpretive boardwalk trails and observation towers. If time allows other possible stops include the Spencer Peirce Little Farm and the Joppa Flats Audubon Center.
Please contact Jess (procolinos@gmail.com) or Wendy (wtocci@gmail.com) for more information.
DOWNLOAD THE REFRIGERATOR READY FIELD TRIP LIST FOR 2025
All participants should be aware of existing guidelines and new field trip protocol listed below:
Participant responsibility agreement while attending a JBNHS field trip: By registering, each participant acknowledges their acceptance of the Individual’s Responsibilities.
Individual’s Responsibilities are:
- To stay with the group, follow trip leader’s requests, and do not separate unless you notify trip leader
- To understand that out-of-doors activities involve hazards and that one participates at one’s own risk
- To wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the terrain, and for sun and insect challenges as well
- To adhere to the ABA Birding Code of Ethics, respect and preserve the flora, fauna, and properties we visit
- To be mindful and courteous to other participants
Additionally:
- Optics may be shared if those involved are comfortable with doing so
- Carpooling is at the discretion of participants.
- Preregistration is required for all field trips and participation may be limited.