Upcoming Events

While I've already missed the April walk, here are some of the bird and nature walks around Newton this Spring. For more information check out the Newton Conservators or Brookline Bird Club websites.

May 4. Saturday 8am. Bird Walk at Cold Spring Park.

May 5. Sunday 6:30am. Hammond Pond with BBC.

May12. Sunday 8am. Nahanton Park Mother's Day Bird Walk.

May18. Saturday 1pm. Canoe/kayak trip at Nahanton Park.

May 19. Sunday 6:30am.  Hammond Pond with BBC.

May 19. Sunday 2pm. Webster Woods Walk.

May 22. Wednesday 7am. Cold Spring Park with BBC.

June 2. Sunday 2pm. Aqueducts Bike Ride.

June 8. Saturday 1pm. Fern Walk at Houghton Gardens.

First Crocuses and Some Readings

First Crocuses of Spring

 Saturday morning I noticed the first crocus buds in the garden and by Sunday morning there were a handful of fully opened flowers. Even though the air had a chill and there is snow in the forecast again, I can’t help but feel the inexorable march towards Spring. Earlier this week I had to stop my walk to work just to watch three downy woodpeckers chasing each other around a tree. I couldn’t help wonder if they were males arguing over territory if one of them was a female who had two fine suitors.

As I was unable to get out birding this weekend I enjoyed the crocuses and incidental birds, but my most vicarious birding came through two readings. My first reading was from the Newton Conservators Newsletter and I enjoyed reading Pete’s article on the rare birds around Massachusetts this winter (including a LeConte’s Sparrow that Pete found himself). There was also news of the newest Newton park, the rail trail that will go from Newton Highlands to Newton Upper Falls. There was also lists of upcoming nature walks for the spring, so I'll do a separate post for upcoming events soon.

My second reading this week came from the Bird Observer. They are trying to determine if birders would be interested in an electronic version of the publication, so they made the February issue freely available online. I think that one of the most popular features every month is an article on Massachusetts birding spots, including all the details you would need to bird the selected location. But I was fascinated, instead, by the article about the Bicknell's Thrush. Actually, the article was equal parts about the biology of the Bicknell's Thrush and a history of  studying the thrush. Maybe I just like my birds, science and history rolled into one, but I thought it was a great read and if you haven't already seen it, definitely download the February issue of the Bird Observer and read it!

Birds in the News

All of my birding recently has been of the accidental variety, but the biggest change that I have noticed is that I am starting to hear bird songs. They must think spring is in the air. Over the last few weeks I have heard mating songs from, chickadees, cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers, song sparrows, and house finches!

Even though I haven't been birding, I have noticed lots of bird related articles in the news and thought I should share some links if anyone is interested:

Tracking snowy owls at Logan Airport.

A dead snowy owl in Gloucester.

How many birds do cats kill?

The oldest living wild bird, an albatross, has a chick

The biology of how owls spin their heads

An article on wood-stork status in Florida

Mark Your Calendars

Spring walks and volunteer opportunities around Newton are under way so mark your calenders and check out the Newton Conservator's website for more details. And while you are there be sure to check out and read the great article about the history of Turkeys in Massachusetts.

April 28, Saturday. Bird Walk in Waltham
April 29, Sunday. NewtonSERVES Projects all around Newton
                            (Nahanton, Saw Mill Brook, Blue Heron Bridge, Dolan Pond)
May 2, Wednesday. Newton Conservators Annual Meeting.
May 6, Sunday. Garlic Mustard Pull at Cold Spring Park.
May 6, Sunday. Newton Aqueducts Hike.
May 12, Saturday. Garlic Mustard Pull (Locations TBD).
May 13, Sunday. Nahanton Park Mother's Day Bird Walk.
May 19, Saturday. Bird Walk at Cold Spring Park (Rain date May 20).
May 20, Sunday. Canoe/Kayak Trip at Nahanton Park.
June 3, Saturday. Fern Walk in West Webster Woods (Rain date June 4).