ABNC October Meeting:
>>><<<Wednesday October 8, 7:00 PM
Common Loons in Massachusetts by Dan Clark
Common loons (Gavia immer) are one of 5 species of loons found worldwide and the only loon species that breed in New England. While images of the Great North Woods are often associated with the sights and sounds of loons, many may be surprised to know that the Common loon is a well established resident of Massachusetts. Uniquely adapted to the water, Common loons can be found on a number of lakes and reservoirs in central Massachusetts. This talk will describe the life history of loons and talk about some of the conservation efforts currently underway here in Massachusetts. Dan Clark is the Director of Natural Resources for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection. Dan has worked for the DCR since 1995 and is responsible for protecting Boston’s unfiltered water supply through a variety of programs, including wildlife management, land acquisition, and forest management. In addition, Dan oversees a variety of programs aimed at enhancing or protecting rare and endangered species on Division lands, active management for rare habitats, vernal pool inventories, and common loon monitoring and management. He received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, his master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and his doctorate in Environmental Conservation from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. At Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main Street Athol Ma.
Tuesday, October 14, 8-10 a.m. Accessible Birding with JoeJoin Joe Superchi on the second Tuesday of the month (through November) in a search for birds at local sites. Open to birders of all abilities. Meet at the Center 100 Main Street Athol. Call ahead for wheelchair van access, 978-248-9491.
Sunday, October 19, 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
Inside Quabbin with Dave SmallJoin retired DCR Assistant Regional Director Dave Small for natural history tour of a portion of the 56,000 acre Quabbin Reservation. This is a vehicle trip limited to 5 high clearance vehicles. Carpooling is mandatory and participants will need to commit to the entire time frame. Focus will be on migrating birds including waterfowl. Bring binoculars, telescope, lunch, water, camera, and dress for the weather. pre-registration is required contact Dave@dhsmall.net to reserve your space.
Tuesday, November 11, 8-10 a.m. Accessible Birding with Joe
Join Joe Superchi on the second Tuesday of the month (through November) in a search for birds at local sites. Open to birders of all abilities. Meet at the Center 100 Main Street Athol. Call ahead for wheelchair van access, 978-248-9491.
Saturday, December 20, all day Christmas Bird Count
Join this “Citizen Science” project, the longest continuously running bird data in the area. Contact Dave Small for additional information and to participate in this nationwide annual event: 978-413-1772 or dave@dhsmall.net. MREC 100 Main Street Athol