Sitting here on this wintry day, I thought this would be a good time to catch up on the events being planned for 2017. The list is by no means complete as of this writing but I think it is a good start. I want to thank all of the trip leaders and meeting speakers who for the most part volunteer their time and expertise to educate and entertain our member and friends. Check the events calendar often for updates.
Wednesday, March 8 7:00 PM Massachusetts Marsh Birds – Steve Arena
Steve Arena, a long time friend and trip leader for ABNC, has been conducting freshwater marsh bird surveys in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for over 30 years. Steve will share with us his photos, videos, and experiences with these seldom heard and even seldom seen denizens of the freshwater marshes. Steve will present a brief overview of the marsh bird protocol he uses in support of State and Federal monitoring programs. Steve will also go through each regularly occurring species detailing habitat, visual and audio identification, and challenges birders are faced when marsh birding. The evening will include a rich audio-visual presentation of these elusive species that is sure to be informative, educational, and fascinating.
Friday, April 14, 7 a.m. “Early Bird” Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Athol
Tuesday, April 18 7:00 PM ABNC Geology Division
Hosted by Paul Kachinsky: This monthly meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month will feature various topics of discussion relative to geology. Come join in for this informal evening of exploration and learning. 7:00 PM MREC 100 Main Street Athol Ma.
Friday, April 21, 7 a.m. “Early Bird” Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Athol
Friday, April 28, 7 a.m. “Early Bird” Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Athol
Wednesday, May 10 7:00 PM (MAPS) Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship
Join Ashley Green in learning about a newly established MAPS breeding bird banding station in Franklin County. Get to know about this continent-wide network of stations, what demographic information is collected and how it can be useful in the conservation of birds and their habitats.
Saturday, May 13 Montague Plains for Nightjars
Dave Small will lead this trip to one of Massachusetts premier Sandplain habitats for a chance to hear Whip-poor-wills and other evening birds. Flashlight, headlamp, and insect repellant recommended. Meet us about 7:30 at the intersection of E. Mineral Rd and Millers Falls Road (just east of the Turners Falls airport) info c all Dave@ 978-413-1772
Thursday, April 6, 8:00 – 10:00 am – Accessible Birding with Joe
Join Joe Superchi on the second Thursday of the month (through November) in a search for birds at local sites. Open to birders of all abilities. Meet at the end of South Street Athol at Water/sewer Division gate.
Saturday, April 29 10:00 – 2:00 Vernal Pool’s of the South Athol Conservation Area
Ma Natural Heritage biologist Karro Frost will guide us in learning about the unique life found in vernal pools. Learn how to certify pools with the Vernal Pool Rare Species (VPRS) database. Bring boots a snack, drinking water and a sense of adventure. Meet at 9:30 am at MREC to carpool or 10:00 am at the Conservation area. To find the South Athol Conservation area entrance: travel south on South Athol Road from Athol center and the entrance will be on the right 1.1 miles south of the route 2 overpass, between the intersections of Riceville Road and Conant Road. (GPS – 3800 South Athol Road) A Conservation Area sign at the driveway will point you down the dirt roadway to a small parking area on the right before the gate (private residence).
Friday, May 5, 7 a.m. “Early Bird” Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Athol
Sunday, May 7 8:00 – 10:00 am Birding the South Athol Conservation Area
Join Ernie LeBlanc birder and former landowner of the South Athol Conservation Area for a search for early spring migrant birds. Bring binoculars drinking water hiking shoes and a sense of adventure. We welcome birders of all abilities. Meet 8:00 am at the Conservation area. To find the South Athol Conservation area entrance: travel south on South Athol Road from Athol center and the entrance will be on the right 1.1 miles south of the route 2 overpass, between the intersections of Riceville Road and Conant Road. (GPS – 3800 South Athol Road) A Conservation Area sign at the driveway will point you down the dirt roadway to a small parking area on the right before the gate (private residence).
Friday, May 12, 7 a.m. “Early Bird” Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Athol
Friday, May 19, 7 a.m. “Early Bird” Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Athol
Friday, May 26, 7 a.m. “Early Bird” Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Athol
Sunday, May 28 Dragonflies at South Athol Conservation Area
Join Ma Natural Heritage’s Lynn Harper and Dave Small for a look at early dragonflies at the South Athol Conservation Area. Bring dragonfly net, shoes or boots to get wet, water snacks and a sense of adventure.
Saturday, June 17, 9 p.m. – late night 6th Annual Moth Ball
Join ABNC president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field at Dave and Shelley’s house, 1542 Pleasant St., Athol, to search for Lunas, underwings, silkmoths and other night-flying insects. Participants are invited to bring their tents, snacks to share and favorite moth baits. (Don’t know what those are? You’ll find out!) Info: Dave Small, 978-413-1772 or Dave@dhsmall.net.