>> PAST EVENTS <<
2022
REGIONAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS
To view this year's results go to: ANNOUNCEMENTS
Consider taking part in the 123rd Christmas Bird Count, a nationwide Citizen Science project sponsored by the National Audubon Society. To learn more about the counts--history, science, and data –
visit www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
To view maps of count circles, click HERE
If you’re interested in participating, contact the compiler(s) for details.
visit www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
To view maps of count circles, click HERE
If you’re interested in participating, contact the compiler(s) for details.
STURBRIDGE -- Wednesday, December 14th
(Blizzard date Thursday, December 15) Compiler: Mark Lynch 508-799-9343 [email protected] WORCESTER - Saturday, December 17th (Snow/ice date: Sunday, December 18) Compiler: John Liller 508-877-5770 [email protected] ATHOL -- Saturday, December 17th Compiler: David Small 978-413-1772 [email protected] |
WESTMINSTER -- Tuesday, January 3, 2023 (Date subject to change) Compiler: Charles Caron 978-874-5649 [email protected] UXBRIDGE -- Sunday, December 18th (Snow/ice date: Wednesday, December 21) Compiler: Strickland Wheelock 508-265-2896 [email protected] GROTON-OXBOW – Sunday, December 18th Compiler: Jon Skinner [email protected] QUABBIN – Saturday, December 31st Compiler: Scott Surner [email protected] 
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O - M - G IS FOR GORILLA!
SELF-DRIVING THROUGH UGANDA
Wednesday November 16, 2022
Rutland Public Library, 280 Main Street, Rutland
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In 2018, Cindy and Chuck Hartwell of New Salem, and Bonnie House of Phillipston, spent 19 days traveling through the African nation of Uganda visiting national parks in search of Ugandan birds and wildlife. The Hartwells shared their photos and videos of their visit to a rhino sanctuary, wildlife viewing along the Nile River, a chimpanzee trek, and the highlight -- trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to closely observe a family of endangered Mountain Gorillas.
Thank you to the Hartwells for this captivating and lively presentation! |
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BIRD & NATURE WALK
MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
NEW BRAINTREE
Sunday November 13, 2022 9-noon
MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
NEW BRAINTREE
Sunday November 13, 2022 9-noon
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Seven enthusiastic participants explored the southwest segment of the rail trail in New Braintree under overcast and partly-rainy conditions. Many trees and shrubs still held their colorful leaves, so the scenery was eye-catching. The river was high and flowing strong. Bird activity was quite steady, with little mixed flocks of "winter resident" species and an unexpected encounter with a Bald Eagle feeding in a conspicuous location. A "heard-but-not-seen" Hermit Thrush was calling in one spot. The few fungi encountered were long past the stage of attractiveness, likely due to the roller-coaster temperatures and late fall rains.
To view the bird checklist, go to https://ebird.org/checklist/S122390452 |
THE AMAZING WINTER CROW ROOST
OF LAWRENCE
with Craig Gibson
Wednesday
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Craig Gibson is a well-known bird and conservation photographer. His current focus is on expanding awareness about the winter crow roost. He has initiated and coordinated a range of activities and events with local arts, education, and community groups and works with a growing number of conservation and environmental organizations. His efforts have raised much greater awareness of the roost, and he has been
a catalyst for new community science initiatives. Photos by Craig Gibson |
For decades, the city of Lawrence, MA has hosted a significant winter crow roost. The winter crow roost consists of mostly American Crows, along with a smaller number of Fish Crows. The size of the winter roost typically grows from an initial group of 2,500 in October to almost 10,000 crows in January and February!
The Crow Patrol was established during the 2017-2018 winter crow roost season. Craig Gibson,
along with Bob and Dana Fox, got the ball rolling.
Attendees gained an appreciation of this fascinating phenomenon!
The Crow Patrol was established during the 2017-2018 winter crow roost season. Craig Gibson,
along with Bob and Dana Fox, got the ball rolling.
Attendees gained an appreciation of this fascinating phenomenon!
BIRD WALK: LEARNING THE
LITTLE BROWN BIRDS OF FALL
Rail Trail & Winimusset WMA
New Braintree
Sunday October 9, 2022 8:30-11:30 a.m.
LITTLE BROWN BIRDS OF FALL
Rail Trail & Winimusset WMA
New Braintree
Sunday October 9, 2022 8:30-11:30 a.m.
On a bright, sunny day that started off cool (low 40s F.) and gradually warmed, we walked along edges and margins of the cornfields, wetlands, and woods of this WMA in search of a variety of “little brown jobs”—fall-plumage warblers, pipits, and sparrows. The birds we encountered are on these checklists:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S120348465
https://ebird.org/checklist/S120346205
https://ebird.org/checklist/S120348465
https://ebird.org/checklist/S120346205
PICKING YOUR BATTLES
WITH INVASIVE PLANTS
by Karro Frost
Plant Restoration Biologist - Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
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Wednesday
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Many of us are chagrined to discover a vast array of non-native invasive plants in our yards and gardens—Oriental bittersweet, garlic mustard, glossy buckthorn, Japanese honeysuckle. . . the list goes on!
Where do we start if we want to tackle these invaders?!? Karro discussed ways to approach the invasives on our property and prioritize which to control first, and she informed us about the new invasives that are, unfortunately, on the horizon. |
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IDENTIFYING GOLDENROD
AND THE INSECTS THAT LOVE IT
North Common Meadow
Petersham
Saturday September 10, 2022
9 a.m. – noon
CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS--MAYBE WE'LL TRY NEXT YEAR!
AND THE INSECTS THAT LOVE IT
North Common Meadow
Petersham
Saturday September 10, 2022
9 a.m. – noon
CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS--MAYBE WE'LL TRY NEXT YEAR!
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Join us for a collaborative learning opportunity as we put our heads together to distinguish different species of goldenrod and, while we’re at it, the various insects that are using it as a source of pollen or nectar. This will be a slow, easy walk. Bring your favorite field guides, apps, binoculars, and camera. After we make our best efforts in the field for a couple of hours, we’ll retreat to the Petersham Country Store and/or Petersham Common for lunch (bring your own if you wish) to study photographs and plant specimens. No insects will be collected! 
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Brown-hooded Owlet on goldenrod. Photo by Doug Wipf
To sign up, contact
[email protected] |
HARVARD POND NATURE HIKE
Petersham
Saturday August 27, 2022 8 a.m. – noon
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Not usually on our field trip schedule at this time of year, this late summer walk around
Harvard Pond had a different “flavor.” Water lilies were blooming, and we encountered a few shorebirds. Insect life is usually rich here in late summer, but it was less so because of the ongoing drought. Tom Swamp was drier than usual, and the hottest spot on the hike. We spent most of our time on the well-shaded trails encircling the pond. For a list of all the birds encountered: https://ebird.org/checklist/S117673891 |
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IDENTIFYING FOREST TREES AND SHRUBS IN SPRING
with Herm Eck
Forester for Quabbin Reservoir and Ware River Watershed
Coldbrook Road, Oakham/Barre
Saturday May 21, 2022 9 a.m. – mid-day
Eight of us joined Herm for a casual educational program and walk and learned identifying features of some common trees and shrubs of the Ware River Watershed. We explored a section of the Mass Central Rail trail and had the additional distractions of singing birds, spring wildflowers, and important infrastructure related to the watershed. In addition to finding numerous native trees and shrubs of all ages, we inevitably came across many invasives, which led to much discussion about the origin of these undesirable plants and their impact on the landscape. During the short walk, we easily encountered 30+ woody plants. Wildflowers in bloom included nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum), fringed polygala (Polygala paucifolia), and creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens). Birds noted included Magnolia Warbler and Indigo Bunting, both singing.
To see the checklist, go to: https://ebird.org/checklist/S110916749
To see the checklist, go to: https://ebird.org/checklist/S110916749
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NATURE HIKE--
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Five members had an interesting ramble through oak-pine woodland and along wetlands and the pond. We encountered a diverse mix of bird species, the fiddleheads of emerging ferns, and fascinating remnants of old structures. A portion of the walk was along the Midstate Trail,
but the most enjoyable hiking was off-trail.
but the most enjoyable hiking was off-trail.
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Bird highlights were Hermit Thrushes, Palm Warblers, and a pair of Common Loons. Loons have not historically nested on Long Pond but this pair looked like they might be prospecting. WRNC volunteers and other loon conservation authorities are following up on this sighting. To view a complete checklist:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S108675984 |
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USING TRAIL CAMERAS TO STUDY WILDLIFE BEHAVIOR
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Geared to the curious naturalist, this outstanding presentation, combining excellent photos and videos with practical tips, covered the basics, and then some.
Janet introduced numerous trail camera options
–how they work and how to set them up –
and then discussed smart camera placement techniques to help interested people capture photos and videos that reveal the secret habits of animals.
These “camera traps” are taking wildlife research by storm because they are a noninvasive way to literally shed new light on the private lives of wild creatures.
Wildlife camera enthusiasts don’t need to be scientists.
Anyone with curiosity, persistence, and an inexpensive trail camera
can study cutting edge animal behavior topics.
It was wonderful having Janet provide information to help us learn how!
Janet introduced numerous trail camera options
–how they work and how to set them up –
and then discussed smart camera placement techniques to help interested people capture photos and videos that reveal the secret habits of animals.
These “camera traps” are taking wildlife research by storm because they are a noninvasive way to literally shed new light on the private lives of wild creatures.
Wildlife camera enthusiasts don’t need to be scientists.
Anyone with curiosity, persistence, and an inexpensive trail camera
can study cutting edge animal behavior topics.
It was wonderful having Janet provide information to help us learn how!
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Janet is a conservation biologist by training, a certified tracker, and a writer who travels around the country tracking and camera trapping everything from mouse to moose.
Her book Camera Trapping Guide: Tracks, Sign and Behavior of Eastern Wildlife
was published in 2018.
Her book Camera Trapping Guide: Tracks, Sign and Behavior of Eastern Wildlife
was published in 2018.
FLORA OF WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN
by Robert Bertin
Distinguished Professor of Science Emeritus, College of the Holy Cross
Thursday March 31, 2022 7 p.m.
Rutland Public Library, 280 Main St., Rutland
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is known for its botanical richness. We learned about Robert’s three-year study of the plants of the Reservation and Minns Wildlife Sanctuary. In his talk he examined the native and the non-native, old records, new finds, rarities, and the mundane. Robert explained the importance contribution of the ski slopes to the floristic diversity of the mountain and the role of elevation and slope aspect in contributing to patterns of plant distribution. |
Robert’s research focuses on the flora of Massachusetts and how that flora has changed over time in relation to changing climate, introduction of non-native species, and changes in land use. Along with several colleagues, he has examined the floras of Worcester County, Franklin County and the City of Worcester in relation to historical floras documented by herbarium specimens and literature reports. His findings have been published in numerous botanical and science journals. With Thomas Rawinski he wrote Vascular Flora of Worcester County, Massachusetts, a 2012 publication detailing the county’s species and their occurrence.
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WINTER WALK
QUABBIN GATE 40 PETERSHAM Sunday February 27, 2022 9:30 a.m. – early afternoon |
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Considered by some the best historical hike in the Quabbin Reservoir lands is the 1½-mile road to Dana Common that begins at Gate 40. Woodland and open fields lead to the Common, dotted with stone walls, cellar holes, and brooks. In winter the historic remnants aren’t so obvious, and a snowfall of 6"-8" on February 25th added another layer to the landscape, but seven participants enjoyed a sunny, scenic walk to the Common along the plowed roadway. (Plowing ended just beyond the Common.)
The area is home to many wildlife species, so we were on the lookout for tracks and sign of mammals. The expected coyote and white-tailed deer tracks were mostly in deep snow and weren't clear enough for photos, but we found distinct bobcat prints.
The area is home to many wildlife species, so we were on the lookout for tracks and sign of mammals. The expected coyote and white-tailed deer tracks were mostly in deep snow and weren't clear enough for photos, but we found distinct bobcat prints.
Bobcat track by Doug Wipf.
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Illustration from Paul Rezendes' TRACKING AND THE ART OF SEEING showing the asymmetry of cat tracks.
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Bird activity was low, but one Bald Eagle soaring overhead was a highlight. A complete list of birds is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S103862819
Online program--
LICHENS FOR BEGINNERS
with Joe Choiniere
Wednesday February 23, 2022 7 – 8 p.m.
Lichens are everywhere--those grayish and greenish splotches on tree trunks, boulders and stone walls which brighten and enlarge in wet weather. They are common in almost every habitat and present on all continents, growing on-tree limbs, rocks, stone walls, cemetery markers, asphalt, sidewalks,
concrete abutments, soil, sand, and even metal roofs.
So, what are they? How many species? Can we learn a few common species?
This will be a broad look at lichens with some biology (especially that awesome partnership between fungiand green algae/cyanobacteria that forms lichens), ecology, and identification. We’ll learn what you need to understand for identification and recognition, including color, substrate and growth form. We’ll look at the four growth-form groups of lichens. (Wait a minute. . .aren’t there three groups? No…four! That’s why you need this program!) Finally, we’ll study the three or four most common and easy-to-ID species in the common lichen substrates of soil, rock, and bark, using Powerpoint slides AND live specimens!
concrete abutments, soil, sand, and even metal roofs.
So, what are they? How many species? Can we learn a few common species?
This will be a broad look at lichens with some biology (especially that awesome partnership between fungiand green algae/cyanobacteria that forms lichens), ecology, and identification. We’ll learn what you need to understand for identification and recognition, including color, substrate and growth form. We’ll look at the four growth-form groups of lichens. (Wait a minute. . .aren’t there three groups? No…four! That’s why you need this program!) Finally, we’ll study the three or four most common and easy-to-ID species in the common lichen substrates of soil, rock, and bark, using Powerpoint slides AND live specimens!
Joe is a lifelong naturalist who particularly enjoys teaching beginners the basics
and common species in a wide variety of natural history subjects.
He teaches and leads nature programs and courses in central MA.
and common species in a wide variety of natural history subjects.
He teaches and leads nature programs and courses in central MA.
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GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
Rutland
Monday February 21, 2022 9 a.m. – early afternoon
Rutland
Monday February 21, 2022 9 a.m. – early afternoon
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Three WRNC members teamed up with leader Ted Purcell in Rutland to see what could be found for birds. The weather cooperated with sunny skies and unseasonably mild temperatures. The birds must have been taking advantage of the pleasant conditions, along with the lack of significant snow covering the ground, and decided to disperse.; they
were no longer concentrated in sheltered locations. Birdfeeder activity was steady, but the team wanted the challenge of finding birds away from feeders. Unfortunately, the Horned Larks and occasional Snow Buntings that were being seen at Jordan's Dairy Farm were nowhere in sight. Highlights were an early Turkey Vulture and good looks at American Goldfinches, which have been scarce this winter. A total of 25 species were found and reported to eBird. You can view the checklists by clicking on each below: https://ebird.org/checklist/S103467530 https://ebird.org/checklist/S103468107 https://ebird.org/checklist/S103468543 https://ebird.org/checklist/S103469513 https://ebird.org/checklist/S103469872 https://ebird.org/checklist/S103470808 https://ebird.org/checklist/S103465528 |
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ZOOM Program--
COLORADO GROUSE GRAND SLAM
with Scott Surner
Wednesday January 26, 2022 7 p.m.
Sharp-tailed Grouse photo by Cam Barlow.
Scott shared his experiences traveling to Colorado and adjacent states in April for spectacular birds and scenery. April is prime time in the Colorado region for observing the remarkable breeding displays of several species of grouse and prairie chickens at their leks (traditional dancing grounds). And there are plenty of other western bird species he encountered, including ducks, hawks, shorebirds, and western region finches and warblers.
We enjoyed having an expert guide on this virtual trip to a truly special destination, featuring many excellent photographs and some information
about traveling and birding in the region.
Scott Surner has been studying and observing birds for over 45 years throughout Massachusetts, as well as the rest of New England and several other states. His travels have taken him to various “birdy” destinations in Central America, Mexico, and Canada. He has taught bird ID classes at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst since 1980 and is a founding member and
past president of the Hampshire Bird Club.
We enjoyed having an expert guide on this virtual trip to a truly special destination, featuring many excellent photographs and some information
about traveling and birding in the region.
Scott Surner has been studying and observing birds for over 45 years throughout Massachusetts, as well as the rest of New England and several other states. His travels have taken him to various “birdy” destinations in Central America, Mexico, and Canada. He has taught bird ID classes at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst since 1980 and is a founding member and
past president of the Hampshire Bird Club.
WINTER WALK at BARRE FALLS DAM
Hubbardston
Sunday, January 23, 2022 9:30 a.m.
Hubbardston
Sunday, January 23, 2022 9:30 a.m.
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Six of us went for a leisurely morning walk to enjoy the winter landscape, sunshine, and crisp air. We walked Tracy Road and portions of Brigham Road. There were a few inches of mostly-frozen snow on the ground, so walking was easy although rather crunchy and noisy! Nevertheless, we encountered some mixed flocks of winter birds--Dark-eyed Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees, and one Red-breasted Nuthatch (uncommon this winter). A Red-tailed Hawk was flying around the dam area as we were ending the walk. Mammal tracks we found included otter, bobcat, coyote, red and gray squirrel, and skunk.
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