WARE RIVER NATURE CLUB
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CARING FOR NATURE IN OUR OWN BACKYARD



Fostering an appreciation of the wildlife and ecological features of north central Massachusetts and beyond

Encouraging the study of nature
​close to home


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Exploring the natural world of the
​Ware River region


Advocating for wildlife, biodiversity, and good stewardship of public lands


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​                                                   ABOUT WARE RIVER NATURE CLUB

Enthusiasm for the rich natural history of the north central Worcester County region led to the founding of the Hubbardston-Ware River Nature Club by a group of Hubbardston residents in 2014. Since then our membership has expanded, and members hail from all parts of northern Worcester County and beyond. To reflect this growth, our name was changed to Ware River Nature Club in 2015. We are a growing group of professional and amateur naturalists, hikers, birders, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, writers, plant-lovers, and more who believe that appreciation of nature and the outdoors begins in our own backyards.
 WHAT WE OFFER
  • Programs and presentations by guest speakers on a variety of nature topics September through June
  • In some years a spring mini-conference exploring a special environmental topic in depth
  • Year-round educational field trips led by experienced leaders
  • Annual fundraiser dinner meeting with special speaker(s) and silent auction
  • Advocacy for non-game wildlife and environmental protection
  • Support and assistance for small landowners who want to increase biodiversity and enhance wildlife habitat on their properties
  • Backyard mini-assessments and species inventories

 
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Members receive discounts on fees for special programs, meetings, and other offerings.
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INTERESTED IN BECOMING
A CITIZEN SCIENTIST?
 

We are always looking for volunteers to help with monitoring nestboxes installed at several nearby locations. We are also seeking observers and data collectors for our Grassland Birds Initiative. Training and supportive materials will be provided. For details, see CONSERVATION PROJECTS, or contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com.
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                                                                        ANSWER TO CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS BIRD? 
                                                                      on our page FROM THE FIELD: Midsummer Miscellany


Jim Morelly captured an image of a leucistic male Scarlet Tanager. Leucism in birds can take many forms, and in the case of the tanager it caused pale, washed out plumage. You can see where the feathers are supposed to be black (wings) and bright red (body).
Leucism, or leukism, is an abnormal plumage condition caused by a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin, from being properly deposited on a bird’s feathers. As a result, the birds do not have the normal, classic plumage colors listed in field guides or seen in most photos, and instead the plumage may have several color changes, including:
  • Bold white patches where the bird should not have any
  • Paler overall plumage that looks faint, diluted or bleached
  • Overall white plumage with little or no color visible
The degree of leucism, including the brightness of the white and the extent of pigment loss, will vary depending on the bird’s genetic makeup. While leucistic birds will show irregular plumage coloration, it is still possible to identify these birds easily. Many birds with leucism still show a faint wash of color in recognizable patterns on their feathers, even though the color may not be as strong as would be typical.

For more discussion about identifying birds with leucistic or albino features, click HERE.
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Photo by Alan Rawle
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Photo by Jim Morelly
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