t a b l e o f c o n t e n t s

North Shore Wildlife Sanctuaries Map and Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Notes & Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Programs

Adult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Children, Families, & All Ages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18

Joppa Flats Education Center Programs

Adult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-26

Children, Families, & All Ages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-30

Trips and Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-34

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Registration Procedures & Policy Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Marketing Department Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 781-259-2135 marketing@massaudubon .org

Cover photos: Eastern Chipmunk—Richard Johnson©

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary—Richard Johnson©

Averills Island—Jeanne Li©

Barred Owl—Dave Larson©

Back cover photo: Red Admiral—Scott Santino©

Ipswich River Preschool Logo: Victor Atkins©

Winterberry Artwork, page 29—Abbie Ormord©

Printing: DS Graphics

Funding provided in part by:

Register Online! You can register for many of Mass Audubon’s programs online . See page 36 for details.

Put down your football and pick up your binoculars

for the

Titans of the Birding World Clash on

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 20175 am - 7 pm

Join us with your team of four to seven birders and competeto find bird species in Essex County, Massachusetts,

and Rockingham County, New Hampshire.

See page 25 for details!

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Open to families

with children ages 4 to 10

Friday, October 21 & Saturday, October 22

At sundown this Halloween season, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will be transformed into a magical forest . Join us for a guided walk along

our Halloween trail, home to some interesting creatures that come out just for Halloween .

See page 14 for details!

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Poetry at Joppa Flats

Homecoming by David Davis

Returned from Baghdad all in pieces: head overseas, body in the ocean, feet coveredwithdesertdust.Wentfishing

Derby Creek’s foam-covered pools, knotholes along the canyon grain .

Same wet branches, same guardian spruce, same fallen logway, same numb worm,

same tug on the line . My ghost and I felt the trout pulling us

out of old undertows, home .

David Davis is the Poet-in-Residence at Joppa Flats Education Center and a member of the Powow River Poets . See page 22 for information about our poetry-plus presentation series,“TheArtsandtheExperienceofNature.”

Natural History Art Exhibition: Jim Fenton Come to Joppa Flats to see ar t exhibitions that highlightthebeautyanddiversityinnature.Thisholiday season, our guest artist is well-known bird photographer JimFenton.TheArtist’sReceptionisopentoalland free to attend . For details on this and other exhibits, go to massaudubon .org/joppaflats and click “On Exhibit .”

November 6-January 8: Photographs by Jim Fenton

Artist’s Reception: Sunday, November 6, 2:30-4:00 pm

Stay in Touch with Joppa Flats

Visitusatmassaudubon.org/joppaflatstofindprogramlistings, read news and special events .

facebook.com/MassAudubonJoppaFlats

Superbowl of Birding XIV Savethedate!Organizeyourteam!The14thannual Superbowl of Birding will take place on Saturday, January 28 . Superbowl of Birding is an exciting team event that takes place each winter in Essex County, Massachusetts, andRockinghamCounty,NewHampshire.Teams compete for prizes in nine categories, from beginners to experts . Participants always have a great time! For more information, please contact us at 978-462-9998 or go to massaudubon .org/superbowl .

Merrimack River Eagle Festival Celebrate the beauty of winter and the presence of bald eagles along the lower Merrimack River on Saturday, February 18 . See a live raptor demonstration in downtown Newburyport; participate in educational activities at the Joppa Flats Education Center and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge; take a van tour with a naturalist to see eagles; and explore the Merrimack River on your own .

For more information, please contact us at 978-462-9998 or go to massaudubon .org/eaglefestival .

Joppa Flats Brings the World of Nature to Your Group Is your group looking for a colorful natural history lecture for your monthly meeting or special event? Staff naturalists and trip leaders at Joppa Flats have developed a series of one-hour programs that explore our fascination with the natural world . Lectures include In the Wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton (Antarctica), Ecology of Bald Eagles, Feeding Backyard Birds, Bird Banding on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and Backyard Bird Sanctuaries . We also present travelogues on Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, Belize, Panama, Bhutan, Ecuador, Belize, and Brazil, as well as on many intriguing locations in North America . For more information, please call us at 978-462-9998 .

Facility Rental JoppaFlatsEducationCenteroverlooksthemagnificentMerrimack River and the Plum Island Estuary . It provides an ideal venue for your next business meeting or special event (e .g ., memorial service, wedding, family reception) . If you would like, staff and volunteers at Joppa Flats can conductadelightfulnaturalhistoryfieldtriporprogramfor your guests . Please call Melissa Vokey at 978-462-9998 for details and availability .

E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r , N e w b u r y p o r t

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We expect another spectacular fall migration here in the Great Marsh and around Plum Island. Wave after wave of species will arrive and pass through as they’ve always done—but in some cases, in fewer numbers. The reasons for declines in migratory birds are complex, but the discussion always returns to human impact.

And yet, many of us have found ourselves hitting the brakes to let wild turkey toms cross the road. We watch with amusement as they strut by, acting like they’re in charge. That would have sounded like an outlandish fantasy in the 1970s when wild turkey populations were nearly decimated. But thanks to a concerted effort by both nature advocates and hunters, we were able to restore the species’ numbers. It’s a complicated history, but one that proves we can often make something happen if we want it badly enough. So, what do we want for red knots and meadowlarks? How will we achieve these visions?

We know this: going birding can help. The growing awareness of the beauty and the plight of birds and other species, even plants, is drawing people into citizen-based restoration and monitoring in growing numbers. With a minimum of two weekly opportunities to go out into the world of birds (Saturdays and Wednesdays), and additional workshops and special day trips, birders can explore their passion to their hearts’ content with us at Joppa Flats. Children of all ages can discover the intricacies of birds and habitats with every public and school program we offer.

Our message across the board? Get involved with Mass Audubon, ask questions, learn with us, and help us act to recover declining species and turn the tide.

David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director

P.S. Throughout the catalog, indicates a program that takes place within a Massachusetts Important Bird Area, and “BCP” signifies a graduate of the Joppa Flats Birder’s Certificate Program.

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b i r d sFriday Morning Bird Walks: Fall MigrantsFridays in September / 8:00-11:00 amLeader: Dave Williams, BCPper session $12 members, $15 nonmembers

Get an early start on the birding day with local trips in the area . Many birds are most active early in the morning and therefore easier to see . Explore various locations in the greater Newburyport/Plum Island area, including such birding hot spots as the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Oak Hill Cemetery in Newburyport, Pikes Bridge Road in West Newbury, and Salisbury Beach State Reservation . Thefocusfortheseexcursionswillbethebirds migrating through our area, including warblers, shorebirds, raptors, and other exciting migrants .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please bring binoculars and a field guide. Registration is not required.

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Introduction to Birdwatching Sunday, September 4 / 9:00 am-3:00 pm Leaders: Alison O’Hare, BCP, and Ann Gurka, BCP $36 members, $42 nonmembers

Do you enjoy watching birds but want to improve your abilitytoidentifythem?Learnthebasicsoffieldidentification,including physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, voice, and more . Following the classroom presentation, we will helpyoupracticeandintegrateyouridentificationskills duringourfieldtrip.Ourlowparticipant-to-naturalist ratio allows for lots of individualized attention as we work throughtheidentificationofavarietyofexcitingspecies.

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a field guide, lunch, and snacks.

b i r d sSaturday Morning Birding Saturdays / 9:00-11:30 amLeaders: Debra Listernick, Alison O’Hare, Dave Weaver, and Dave Williams, BCP; Jonathan Brooks and Lynette Leka, Naturalistsper session $10 members,$12 nonmembers

Wish you could join us for birding on Wednesdays but work gets in the way? Or is Wednesday the day for your piano/tai chi/crochet lesson? Good news! You can come outside and enjoy Saturday Morning Birding! Our experienced leaders will take you around to birding hot spots in the Newburyport/Plum Island area in search of avian activity . Beginners and birders of all skill levels are welcome . Don’t forget to bring your sense of excitement about this great area— one of the best year-round birding locations in the country .

ThereisnoSaturdayMorningBirdingonJanuary28.Four-trip special : $30 member, $36 nonmember .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please wear weather-appropriate clothes and bring binoculars (we do have some loaners available). Registration is not required.

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Wednesdays / 9:30 am-12:30 pmLeaders: David Moon, Joppa Flats SanctuaryDirector, and Dave Weaver, BCPper session $14 members, $17 nonmembers

September marks the beginning of our 21st year ofWednesdayMorningBirding!Theseverypopular programs provide an excellent opportunity to explore one of the most productive birding areas inthecountry.Todate,wehaveseenover320 speciesofbirdsontheseWednesdayfieldtrips.

Throughouttheyear,wewillconductourfieldtripsto birding hot spots in the Newburyport/Plum Island area.ThefocusforourprogramswillbetheParkerRiver National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island, the Merrimack River estuary, and other productive areas in Essex County . When appropriate, we will adjust our itinerary to search for rarities reported in the area .

We will depart from our normal routine and bird on Cape Ann on the following Wednesdays: November 30, December 14, and January 11 . We will meet in Gloucester attheFriendly’srestaurantatthefirsttrafficcircleonRoute 128 for our Cape Ann programs .

Thisprogramisidealforbirdersofallskilllevels.

Registration is not required . Four-trip special : $42members,$51nonmembers.Tripsneednot be consecutive for the special price .

Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center unless otherwise noted. Please wear appropriate clothes and bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and snacks or lunch.

Subscribe to our Wednesday Morning Birding Report

Our“WMB”emailupdateshavethelatestinformationabout the birds we’re seeing, with occasional special

announcements about our programs and trips . Tosubscribe,callusat978-462-9998

or email joppaflats@massaudubon .org . .

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Banding Station Visit for Birders Sundays / 8:00-11:00 am September 18 or October 16 Leaders: Ben Flemer, Banding Station Manager, and Lynette Leka, Naturalist $15 members, $20 nonmembers

How would you like a really good look at some of our migrant and resident birds without using your binoculars? Have you always wondered what a wing chord is or how much a bird weighs? Come for a birder’s visit to the Joppa Flats Bird Banding Station at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island . You will be surprised at the actual sizes, colors, and details of the birds you think you know .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

Seabird Cruise Monday, September 19 / 9:00 am-3:00 pm Open to adults and families with children ages 4 and up Leader: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator Cosponsor: Newburyport Whale Watch adult $65 members and nonmembers child $30 members and nonmembers

Join us onboard the Captain’s Lady III as we visit Jeffreys LedgeorStellwagenBanktofindthebestseabirdsaround.Watch for storm-petrels, shearwaters, gannets, jaegers, terns, gulls, and phalaropes, to name a few . Dave Larson from Joppa Flats will spot and narrate sightings .

Seniors receive a $7 discount . Children ages 4 to 12 are eligibleforthechildren’srate.Toregisterforthesemarinebirding trips, please call the Newburyport Whale Watch at 1-800-848-1111 .

Meet on the Newburyport waterfront boardwalk. Wear rubber-soled shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and your camera. The Captain’s Lady III has a well-stocked galley. No alcohol may be brought onboard.

n a t u r eThe Wonder and the Wow: A New Look at NatureSaturdays / 9:30 am-2:30 pm Leaders: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator, and Jonathan Brooks, Naturalistper session $30 members, $40 nonmembers

Why should kids have all the fun? Join leaders Lisa Hutchings and Jonathan Brooks along with other adults for a fresh look at coastal and bird ecology, treasured local habitats, and breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries . Enjoy the sights and sounds of our coastline, and share a group meal to extend the social side of learning about the natural world . You’ll come away with a brand-new enthusiasm for the natural world around you!

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Time is set aside during each program for a group lunch at a local restaurant. The cost of lunch is not included.

September 10: Coastal Road Trip and Birding in New Hampshire

October 22: Wolf Hollow & Ipswich River Watershed Association

November 19: Behind the Scenes at Drumlin Farm

December 10: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary & Bradley Palmer State Forest

January 7: Raptors of the Greater Newburyport Area

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Bird Banding Workshop Thursday, September 22 / 7:00-9:00 pm Saturday, September 24 / 7:30 am-noon Leader: Alison O’Hare, BCP $55 members, $65 nonmembers

TheJoppaFlatsEducationCenter,incooperationwiththeU .S . Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), operates a bird banding station on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge . TheUSFWSandMassAudubonutilizedatafromthestationto monitor species diversity, the movement of birds on the refuge, bird populations, and other factors .

Joppa Flats is offering a limited number of openings in its Bird Banding Workshop for participants who want to learn the basics of bird banding . During the two-hour classroom portionofthisworkshoponThursdayevening,explore the principles and objectives of bird banding, strategies for identifying birds in the hand, and the many aids for aging and sexingtheseincredibleanimals.DuringthefieldtriponSaturday morning, we will visit the bird banding station; participateintheidentification,aging,andsexingprocess;band birds; and help with data collection .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center for both sessions. For the lecture (9/22), please bring your field guide. For the field trip (9/24), bring your binoculars and field guide, and wear a top without buttons (e.g., a sweatshirt, pullover sweater, etc.) to avoid getting tangled in the nets.

Plum Island COASTSWEEP Saturday, September 24 / 9:00 am-5:00 pm Leaders: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, and Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator Cosponsor: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge This is a free event!

COASTSWEEPengagesthousandsofvolunteersannuallyincleaning Massachusetts shoreline and riverbanks across the state.ForourCOASTSWEEPproject,we’llpickuptrashfrom Plum Island beaches, from the north end to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Sandy Point State Reservation . Everyone is welcome, rain or shine . Give us a hand and help to protect the nature of Massachusetts!

Meet at parking lot #1 on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newbury.

n a t u r eLecturesWednesday Evening Lecture SeriesWednesdays / 7:30-8:30 pmFree for members, $4 nonmembers

Joppa Flats Education Center offers a monthly lecture series on natural history topics that is free to Mass Audubon members . Children ages 8 and up are welcome . Preregistration is not required .

September 21: Cruising Spitsbergen for Mammals and Birds

Speaker: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator

October 19: The Arts and the Experience of Nature

Speakers: Dave Davis, Joppa Flats Poet-in-Residence, and Invited Poets and Artists

November 16: Did Ecotourism Save the Rain Forest? Lessons from Costa Rica

Speaker: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director

December 14: South Carolina Birding

Speaker: Bill Gette, former Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

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Bird Photography Workshop Sunday, September 25 / 2:00-4:30 pm Leader: Eduardo del Solar, Instructor $60 members, $70 nonmembers

Thisworkshopaimstodevelopskillsandstrategiestoimproveyourbirdphotographs.Technical,artistic,andpracticaltopicscovered in this workshop include equipment and accessories needed for static photography and shooting birds in flight; light, exposure, and composition techniques; the digital darkroom; where to go and how to approach birds; and ethical issues associated with nature photography .

Typesofbirdphotographycoveredincludebirdonabranch;bird only; environmental photography; behavioral topics including breeding, feeding, migration, and displaying; birds inflight;outdoorstudiophotographyvs.natureor“natural”photography; realism or documentary vs . expressionistic/artistic photography; and captives .

Strategies for improving your skills will be covered in some detail . A minimum of 7 participants is required for this program .

Eduardo del Solar is a master nature photographer and retired schoolteacher who has exhibited widely . He designed this workshop to be accessible to all levels of bird photographers . AgraduateoftheBirder’sCertificateProgram,Eduardoisnow in the eighth year of his ongoing project to photograph the birds of the Americas .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

Build a Climate Solution for Your Old Windows Saturday, October 8 / 10:00 am-noon Leader: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director $20 members, $30 nonmembers

Do you live in an old house with old windows? Do you care about someone who does? Most of the energy loss in old houses comes from the entry of cold air on lower windows and the exit of warm air above . Learn how to build inexpensive but extremely effective interior reusable storm windows with David Moon . We will build some for our leaky windows in the bird blind, so you will get hands-on experience and help make Joppa Flats Education Center greener at the same time!

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

Banding Station Visit for Birders Sunday, October 16 / 8:00-11:00 am Leaders: Ben Flemer, Banding Station Manager, and Lynette Leka, Naturalist $15 members, $20 nonmembers

Please see page 21 for details.

Fall Migrants in Boston Sunday, October 23 / 7:00 am-3:00 pm Leader: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator $44 members, $50 nonmembers

What, are you crazy? Birding in Boston? City-phobes have something to learn because Boston is actually dotted with great migrant traps, from the Victory Gardens in the Fenway and PostOfficeSquaretothePublicGardensandthewaterfront. Join Dave Larson on a quick trip through some of the bird-iest spotsintheHuboftheUniverse,andseewhatyoucanfind.We’ll look for thrushes, warblers, sparrows, peregrines, and who knows what else!

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center for the 7:00 am departure. Otherwise, we will meet in Mattapan at the Boston Nature Center at 8:00 am. Bring extra layers of clothing and footwear appropriate for walking. Bring binoculars, lunch, and snacks.

Seabirds of Cape Ann Sunday, October 30 / 9:00 am-3:30 pm Leader: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator or Saturday, November 19 / 9:00 am-3:30 pm Leaders: Steve Mirick, Author of Birding the New Hampshire Seacoast, and Jane Mirick, Naturalist $37 members, $47 nonmembers

Late fall and winter are the best times of year to bird along the rocky coast of Cape Ann . Both migrant and wintering seabirds can be observed at Halibut and Andrews points and in the shelter of the cape’s many coves .

Duringourfieldtrip,wewillvisitHalibut,Andrews,andEastern points, as well as Brace Cove, Niles Pond, and theGloucesterHarborarea.Targetspecieswillincludered-throated loon, red-necked grebe, harlequin duck, black guillemot (and maybe other alcids), and three species of scoters .

Meet at the Fisherman’s Statue on Western Avenue in Gloucester. Wear warm clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring binoculars, snacks, and lunch.

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Birding from Nahant to East Boston Sunday, November 27 / 9:00 am-4:00 pm Leaders: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator, and Linda Pivacek, Naturalist $45 members, $55 nonmembers

Late November provides an opportunity to enjoy the remaining fall migrants as well as wintering species . On this trip, we will explore hot spots in the northern section of Boston Harbor, starting in Nahant, which offers a good concentration of sea ducks, loons, grebes, and winter shorebirds such as purple sandpipers . Wintering and late migrant passerines are possible in the thickets . Revere and Winthrop provide numerous locations for great views of large numbers of ducks, grebes, loons, and gulls, with possible sightings of black-headed and mew gulls, king eiders, Barrow’s goldeneyes, and late or overwintering shorebirds . Finally, Belle Isle Marsh in East Boston is a great spot to see ducks, northern harriers, and hearty sparrows and other passerines that brave fall’s blustery weather .

Meet at the beach parking lot on the left at the end of the causeway to the first island (Little Nahant). Wear warm clothing in layers and waterproof footwear. Bring binoculars and a scope if you have one, as well as lunch and snacks.

Birding the Maine Coast Sunday, December 4 / 8:00 am-5:00 pm Leaders: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, and Debra Listernick, BCP $55 members, $65 nonmembers

ThebeautifulcoastofsouthernMainecontainsavarietyofhabitat types including barrier beaches, salt marshes, rocky headlands, and sheltered coves . Join us as we explore these habitats looking for wintering land birds and seabirds . We will visit very productive birding sites including Portland Harbor, Cape Elizabeth, Prouts Neck, Biddeford Pool, Marginal Way (Ogunquit),andCapeNeddick.Targetspecieswillincludeblack guillemot, long-tailed duck, king eider, Barrow’s goldeneye, Iceland and glaucous gulls, snowy owl, and many more .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes/boots, binoculars, and snacks.

Those Little Brown Things: A Sparrow Workshop Saturday, November 5 / 9:00 am-3:00 pm Leaders: Bill Gette, former Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, and Alison O’Hare, BCP $50 members, $60 nonmembers

Conquer one of birding’s greatest challenges: sparrow identification!Duringthemorninglecture,wewillutilize images, specimens, and other interpretive materials to helpwithsparrowidentification.Wewillalsodiscuss sparrow habitats and the timing for seeing various species in ourarea.Duringourfieldtrip,wewillvisitanumberofproductive habitats in the Newburyport/Plum Island area toseesparrowsandpracticeidentificationtechniques.

Please bring a recently published birding field guide for reference. You’ll also need warm clothing, waterproof shoes/boots, lunch, and binoculars. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

Birding in the Newburyport/Plum Island Area Sunday, November 20 / 9:00 am-1:00 pm Leader: Dave Williams, BCP $20 members, $25 nonmembers

TheNewburyport/PlumIslandareaisoneofthetopbirdinglocations in North America, and one of the best times to explore this area is during the cold months . Large numbers of seabirds migrate along Plum Island, ducks feed and seek shelter in the protected waters of the Merrimack River estuary, and a wide variety of land birds stop in the area to feed and rest before continuing their southward migration . During this program, we will visit the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, the Merrimack River, Salisbury Beach State Reservation, and other very productive sites in Newbury and Rowley .

Wear warm clothing in layers and warm, waterproof footwear. Bring binoculars and snacks. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

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Superbowl of Birding XIV Saturday, January 28 / 5:00 am-7:00 pm adults $35 members and nonmembers children ages 6 to 12 $20 members and nonmembers

Come to northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire for great winter birding and a chance to compete with other birders for prizes in 10 categories . TheSuperbowlofBirding,nowinits14thyear,isaunique,12-hour team competition . During Superbowl, teams of birders seek out the greatest number of species and earn the greatest number of points based on the rarity of the birds recorded . Strategy and planning are essential to win prizes .

Thecompetitionisdesignedtoencouragebirdersofallagesandabilitiestoparticipate.TheFledglingAwardcompetitionisforbirdersages12andunder.TheNewbiesAwardisforbirders ages 18 and under . Adults can compete for prizes in eight other categories, including our top prize, the Joppa Cup.TheSuperbowlofBirdingXIVisyourchancetoenjoyspectacular winter birding in one of the best locations in the eastern United States, meet other birders, and show just how good you and your team really are .

Theregistrationfeeincludesthepost-competitionpizzaparty and prizes . Register before January 1 and receive a $5 discount per person . For registration materials, rules, and information, please go to massaudubon .org/superbowl or call 978-462-9998 .

Registration materials and rules will be mailed separately.

New Year’s Madness Friday, January 1 / 8:30 am-4:30 pm Leaders: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, and David Davis, Naturalist $60 members, $70 nonmembers

Early January is a wonderful time for birding and celebrating thebeautyofwinter.Joinusforanall-dayfieldtriptotheNewburyport/Plum Island area and Cape Ann to search for wintering land birds and seabirds .

In the Newburyport area, we will bird the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Salisbury Beach State Reservation, and the Merrimack River . On Cape Ann, we will visit Halibut, Andrews, and Eastern points; several areas along Atlantic Avenue;andtheBraceCove/NilesPondarea.Targetbirdspecies will include snowy owl, northern shrike, Lapland longspur, snow bunting, harlequin duck, and other sea ducks, loons,andgrebes.Thisisagreatwaytostartthenewyear!

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes/boots, binoculars, snacks, and lunch.

Gulls, Gulls, Gulls: A Workshop Friday, January 6 / 7:00-9:00 pm Saturday, January 7 / 7:30 am-5:30 pm Leaders: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator, and Dave Weaver, BCP $95 members, $125 nonmembers

Gullidentificationcanseemdauntingduetothechangesinplumage with age and season and the large variety of species that can be present, especially in winter . Nevertheless, gulls are common birds found in a wide variety of habitats in Massachusetts, and they deserve attention . Join Dave and Dave for a Friday evening lecture to learn more about these birds and examine specimens, and again on Saturday for a fieldtriptohelpbuildyourunderstandingofhowtosortoutthegullswefind.We’llhitNewburyportHarborandGloucester, two of the greatest gull locations in Massachusetts . In addition to the more common species, target gulls include Iceland, glaucous, Bonaparte’s, and black-headed . We will also take time to study the other wintering land- and seabirds we encounter .

Your registration fee includes instructional materials, transportationduringfieldexercises,andacontinentalbreakfast . Please ask for information on dining and lodging choices in the historic Newburyport area .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center on both days. For the field portion of the program, please dress for the weather. Bring lunch, snacks, a field guide, binoculars, and scopes.

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Teacher Workshops: Modeling Nature Education Saturdays / 9:00 am-1:00 pm Leader: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator per class $25 members, $35 nonmembers

Looking to connect your students to nature while also building upyournatureeducationconfidenceintheclassroom?Thesefour-hour teacher workshops begin at Joppa Flats Education Center, where participants will gain practical inspiration from our classroom resources, activity kits, and curricula . Then,we’reoffforanextendedtimeoutdoorstointroduceyou to local bird and winter wildlife ecology in the Greater MerrimackValleyarea.Teacherswillwalkawaywithmanynew and exciting lesson plans, group activities, ideas for student-generated projects, and a greater understanding of the importance of protecting the nature of Massachusetts . You’ll acquire new information, learn about local conservation efforts,andincreaseyourcomfortlevelandconfidenceinteaching your students about the natural world .

Thisseriesisdesignedforteachers,sciencecurriculum specialists, administrators, and naturalists with a focus on PreKthroughGrade5.Thefeeincludestraininghandouts,activity sheets, suggested reading lists, educational tools, a list of resources, and the Mass Audubon member newsletter and program catalog .

Four Professional Development Points (PDPs) will be awarded at the end of each workshop .

November 12: Forest and Salt Marsh Ecology at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary

December 17: Winter Wildlife Walk at Maudslay State Park

January 21: Hawks, Harriers, and Snowy Owls of Plum Island

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please dress for the weather with waterproof footwear. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be rescheduled.

EDUCATORS Introduction to Volunteering: Field School on Plum Island Tuesdays / 8:30 am-12:30 pm Leaders: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator, and Joppa Flats Naturalists per session $25 members, $35 nonmembers

Do you love the outdoors and want to learn more about sharing nature with others? Come to Joppa Flats and consider becoming an education volunteer! Joppa Flats presents nature education to schools, groups, and families throughout the school year at Joppa Flats, at school sites, and in various local habitats on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge . Weprovidecompletein-the-fieldtrainingtoprepareyouto assist our naturalists . You’ll be shown a wide variety of hands-on activities and experiments pertaining to various levelsofquestioning,learningmodalities,andSTEAMtopics(science, technology, engineering, art, and math) . Join our team, work with gifted educators and naturalists, and help Mass Audubon with our mission to increase awareness and inspire stewardship of the natural world .

As a Joppa Flats education volunteer, you will need to commit to one weekday each week for fall 2016 and spring 2017, and only two weekdays per month during the winter months . Uponcompletionofyourfirstfourshiftsasaneducationvolunteer, you may request a full refund of the training program registration fees .

Field School Fall Series

September 6: Rocky Shore Tide Pools & Sandy Beach

September 13: A Visit to the Bird Banding Station and Birding by Van

September 20: Salt Marsh Ecology and Maritime Forest Walk

Field School Winter Series

January 3: Raptors on Plum Island

January 10: Winter Bird Banding

January 17: Animal Tracking and Winter Wildlife

All sessions begin at Joppa Flats Education Center and continue in the field, weather permitting. Please dress for the weather with appropriate footwear and bring a snack. Themes may change if the weather is inclement.

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children, families, & all ages Fall Field Trips for Homeschoolers Fridays / 12:30-3:00 pm Open to children ages 7 to 14 Leaders: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator, and Kirsten Lindquist, Joppa Flats Teacher-Naturalist per session $16 members, $19 nonmembers

September 9:Ponding and Meadow Sweeping at Mill Pond, West Newbury

Grab your boots and get ready for an aquatic adventure! We kick off our fall season with one of our favorite spots for ponding, birding, hiking, and journaling about nature . We’ll discuss the life cycles of aquatic insects, amphibians, and reptiles as we explore lifeinthefreshwaterusingdissectingscopesandfieldguides.

October 14: Tide Pooling and Birding at Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH

Fallisagreattimetoexploretherockyintertidalzone.Theocean is warm and many creatures have been breeding all summer, so there is a higher biodiversity to see . At Odiorne State Park we will start with birding as we hike the grounds . Then,asthetideebbs,we’llmakeourwayovertotherockyintertidalzonewithourbucketsandfieldguidesinsearchof marine invertebrates .

November 4: Fish Traps and Rotting Logs at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Rowley

Thegreenheadsandmosquitoesaregone,andthefoliageand salt marsh in autumn are spectacular, so it’s off to Rough MeadowsWildlifeSanctuarywego!We’llexplorethefieldsand forest paths for woodpeckers and wintering birds, turn over some rotting logs and rocks in search of insects and creatures readying for winter, and then head over to the salt marshasthetiderecedes.Settingfishtrapsinthemarshtocatch and identify different species of minnows will be one of many highlights!

December 9: Animal Home Hunt and Compass Work at Maudslay State Park, Newburyport

Go north! Winter is approaching so it’s time to seek out signs of cold weather preparations in the animal world . Along with our animal home hunt, we’ll keep active and warm with some group games about predator/prey relationships and strategies for survival, and we’ll be designing our own treasure hunts with compasses .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Parents are welcome to stay or drop off their child. Please dress for the outdoors and bring a nut-free snack. A health form for your child will accompany your registration confirmation and will need to be completed and submitted before the first session.

Family Day at the Bird Banding Station Saturday, September 10 / 9:30-11:30 am or Sunday, October 2 / 9:30-11:30 am Open to families with children ages 6 and up Leaders: Ben Flemer, Banding Station Manager, and Lynette Leka, Naturalist adults $8 members, $10 nonmembers children $5 members, $6 nonmembers

Come for an exciting visit to the Joppa Flats Bird Banding Station on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge . See Mass Audubon scientists capture, measure, weigh, examine, and release migrant songbirds . Learn about migration, habitat use,andscientificresearchatarealfieldstation.Thestationoperates only during the height of migration in spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) . Children must be accompanied by adults .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

See, Think, and Wonder Walks for Preschoolers Fridays / 2:00-3:30 pm Open to families with children ages 3 to 6 Leader: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator per session adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers per session children $5 members, $7 nonmembers

Autumn has arrived, and our favorite thing to do is to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats to see what’s new! Welovetofindthings;thinkaboutcolors,shapes,andpatterns;and wonder why this place is a special home to wildlife . Each nature exploration will focus on the importance of a sense of place . Local and migrating birds, other wildlife, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy .

Please dress for the weather with waterproof footwear. Not recommended for siblings under 3. In the case of inclement weather, this event will take place indoors at Joppa Flats Education Center. September 16: Search, Touch, and Sort in the Tide Pools of Sandy Point Meet at Sandy Point State Reservation, upper lot.

October 21: Seek, Scoop, and Sweep at Mill Pond Meet at Mill Pond Recreation Area, West Newbury.

November 18: Roll, Dig, and Burrow at Rough Meadows Meet at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Patmos Road, Rowley.

December 16: Run, Gather, and Hide at Maudslay Meet at Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. $5 parking fee.

January 20: Track, Follow, and Find in Our Riverside Yard Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center.

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Free-for-All: Celebrate Nature’s Harvest! Sunday, November 13 / 10:00 am-3:00 pmOpen to families with children ages 2 and up Leaders: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator, and Kirsten Lindquist, Joppa Flats Teacher-Naturalist This is a free event!

Nature’s riches abound during this festive time of year . Sample delicious homemade treats made with local beach plums and cranberries . Inhale the aroma of white pine tea or a bayberry candle . Boldly bite into a seaweed salad or nibble on some pickleweed . For ages 7 and up, test your skill at tree identification,dissectandcomparenativeandinvasivefruits,take a guided bird walk, and make a take-home nature collage . For ages 2 to 6, we’ll have storytelling, crafts, and guided games about trees, birds, and seashells both indoors and out . Family presentations will be offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm . Bring your appreciation (and your appetite !) and enjoy nature’s harvest with your family .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. This program is open to all ages. Preregistration is not required. Children must be accompanied by adults. Rain or shine. Creative thematic dress is welcome.

Wintering Birds and a Chili Lunch Sunday, December 11 / noon-2:30 pm Open to families with children ages 7 and upLeader: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator adults $11 members, $14 nonmembers children $8 members, $11 nonmembers

Can you imagine being a small bird trying to survive our winters? We’ll start at Joppa Flats with some homemade chili and cornbread to fuel up, and then we’ll head out to the PinesTrailandHellcatmaritimeforestontheParkerRiverNational Wildlife Refuge to seek out those wintering birds .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please dress for the weather with waterproof footwear. Children must be accompanied by adults. Not recommended for siblings under 6. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be rescheduled.

Seabird Cruise Monday, September 19 / 9:00 am-3:00 pm Open to adults and families with children ages 4 and up Leader: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator Cosponsor: Newburyport Whale Watch adults $65 members and nonmembers children $30 members and nonmembers

Please see page 21 for details.

Hawk Watch Hike for Teens Saturday, October 1 / 8:00 am-4:30 pm Open to youth ages 13 to 18 Leader: Kirsten Lindquist, Joppa Flats Teacher-Naturalist $40 members, $45 nonmembers

Get a sneak peek at fall foliage as we hike up Pack Monadnock to one of New England’s prime hawk watch spots! We’ll check out New Hampshire Audubon’s Hawk Observatory, scan the sky for raptors, and meet other hawk counters up at 2,278 feet of elevation . Along the 3 .5 mile hike (round-trip) we’ll keep an eyeoutforotherwildlifeandenjoytheviews.Thisisaneasy-to-moderate hike and a reasonable trek for beginning hikers .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Bring your lunch; extra trail snacks are provided. Also please bring sturdy, closed-toed shoes or hiking boots; two water bottles; a warm hat; jacket; and light gloves. A health form for your child will accompany your registration confirmation and will need to be completed and submitted before the program.

Imagine, Sing, & Learn at Joppa Fridays / 9:30-11:00 am Open to families with children ages 3 to 6 Leader: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator per session adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers per session children $5 members, $7 nonmembers

Thisparent/childprogramisdesignedforthecreative, curious, and active preschooler . Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack . We’ll give you coloring pages to take home, and you’ll receive song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun-fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electronic goody bag after each class .

October 14: Wake Up, It’s Night!

November 4: Fly Home, Bird!

December 9: Ready for Winter!

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please dress for the weather since some activities may take place outdoors.

children, families, & all ages

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December Vacation Imagine, Sing, & Learn at Joppa Open to families with children ages 3 to 6 Leader: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator adults per session $6 members, $8 nonmembers children per session $5 members, $7 nonmembers

TheseDecembervacationprogramsaredesignedforfamilies with creative, curious, and active preschoolers . Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack . We’ll give you coloring pages to take home, and you’ll receive song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electronic goody bag after each class . Join us for one or more of these fun family programs during the holidays!

Wednesday, December 28 / 9:30-11:00 am: Birds Who Hunt

Thursday, December 29 / 9:30-11:00 am: Bird Treats and Feeder Trees

Friday, December 30 / 9:30-11:00 am: Snow and Ice are Nice!

Registration is required. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Children must be accompanied by adults. Please dress for the weather since some activities may take place outdoors.

December Vacation Family Treks and Trails Open to families with children ages 7 to 14 Leaders: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator, and Kirsten Lindquist, Joppa Flats Teacher-Naturalist adults per session $6 members, $8 nonmembers children per session $5 members, $7 nonmembers

What raptor is that flying overhead? How do birds stay warm all winter? Do you know how to identify an animal’s tracks?Comefindoutasweguideyouonawinterwalkto keep minds and bodies active with group games, family challenges, and lots of great wildlife and bird sightings . We’ll meet at Joppa Flats, then hop into our cars and head out for theday’sadventure.Allfieldequipmentwillbeprovided.Join us for one or more of these fun family programs during the holidays!

Wednesday, December 28 / 1:00-3:00 pm: Hawks, Owls, and Eagles

Thursday, December 29 / 1:00-3:00 pm: Winter Birds

Friday, December 30 / 1:00-3:00 pm: Winter Wildlife Walk

Registration is required. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please dress for the weather with waterproof footwear. Children must be accompanied by adults. Not recommended for siblings under 6.

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Birds of Prey and Brownies Sunday, January 8 / 9:30 am-noonOpen to families with children ages 7 and up Leader: Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats School and Youth Education Coordinator adults $11 members, $14 nonmembers children $8 members, $11 nonmembers

Eagles, owls, and hawks, oh my! Beat the winter blahs with a high-energy search for birds of prey on Plum Island . We’ll star t things off at Joppa Flats with a short PowerPoint presentationandsomehomemadebrowniesandfruit.Then,we’ll bundle up with radios and binoculars and head out to Plum Island to look for snowy owls, bald eagles, and various hawks over the salt marsh, in the dunes, and along the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge road .

Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Please dress for the weather with waterproof footwear. Children must be accompanied by adults. Not recommended for siblings under 6. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be rescheduled.

Celebrate your child’s special day at Joppa Flats—it’s a great way to have fun

and support the nature of Massachusetts!

For $245, our birthday party package includes:

Private program spaceTwohoursofhands-oneducationalfun

with time out for cakeAll tableware (cloths, napkins, plates, utensils)

Party decorations and bannersTake-homeartprojectsforeachchild

Customized goodie bag and birthday bannerfor the birthday child

Birthday Parties at Joppa Flats

for Mass Audubon Members

For children turning 3 or 4:Limited to 12 children

with one parent chaperone per child (required)

For children turning 5 to 10:Thebasecostcoversupto12children.

Additional children are $15 each, with a maximumof 18 children . Please plan on one parent chaperone

per every five children .

Choose Your Theme!(For all ages) Beach Creatures, Backyard Birds,

Eagles & Owls, Ocean Animals, Butterflies,Arctic Animals, Penguin Pals, Ponding Party,

TheDeepSea,Bug-ology

(Special for ages 7 to 10) All of the above plusEndangered Animals, Ocean Science,

Insect Investigations, Virtual Whale Watch

Please reserve two months in advance . Email Lisa Hutchings at lhutchings@massaudubon .org

to book your party today!

children, families, & all ages

Superbowl of Birding XIV Saturday, January 28 / 5:00 am-7:00 pm Open to adults and families with children ages 6 to 12 adults $35 members and nonmembers children $20 members and nonmembers

See page 25 for details.

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Monhegan Island WeekendFriday, September 16-Sunday, September 18 / 3 daysLeaders: Carol Decker, Ipswich River Sanctuary Director, and Scott Santino, Ipswich River Teacher-NaturalistContact: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 978-887-9264$515 members, $585 nonmembersNonrefundable deposit: $75

Join us for a weekend of birding and naturalizing on this beautiful rockbound island . Located 10 miles off the coast of Maine, Monhegan is not only remote and enchanting, but it alsoservesasatrapformigrantsongbirds.Thisistheplaceto be for exciting views of the fall migration . Hawks will be on their flight south, and in past years we have had incredible aerial displays from migrating falcons . We will explore a variety of habitats including freshwater pond, coniferous forest, and rocky shoreline . Seals can be seen from the island, and sighting a whale is always a possibility . We will stay at the TrailingYew,arusticinnsituatedaboveMonheganHarbor.

The fee includes round-trip van transportation from the sanctuary to Port Clyde, a one-hour ferry trip to and from the island, lodging (double occupancy), most meals, and field instruction. For an itinerary, call 978-887-9264 or email ipswichriver@massaudubon.org. Please register at least six weeks in advance. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space.

Block Island Birding WeekendFriday, September 23-Sunday, September 25 / 3 daysLeaders: Carol Decker, Ipswich River Sanctuary Director, and Susan MacCallum, South Shore Sanctuaries DirectorContact: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 978-887-9264Cosponsor: South Shore Sanctuaries$545 members, $615 nonmembersNonrefundable deposit: $75

A gift from the glaciers, Block Island is located approximately 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast . Although small, this beautiful island offers a number of different habitats and spectacular scenery . In the fall, the island belongs primarily to the birds and birders . It is a resting and feeding place for migratingshorebirdsandoceanbirds.Theislandalsoformsanatural trap for land birds that have wandered out over the ocean during their southward migration . We expect to see a variety of warblers, raptors, herons, shorebirds, and, of course, the unexpected .

The fee includes all ground and boat transportation, interpretive materials, entrance fees, and lodging, unless otherwise noted. Fees are based on double occupancy; single rooms may be available for an additional fee. Personal items and meals are not included. For an itinerary, call 978-887-9264 or email ipswichriver@massaudubon.org. Please register at least six weeks in advance. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space.

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Texas to New Mexico: Bosque del Apache and the Rio Grande Corridor Tuesday, January 10-Monday, January 16 / 7 days Leaders: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, Bill Gette, former Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, and Alison O’Hare, BCPContact: Joppa Flats Education Center 978-462-9998 $1,295 members, $1,395 nonmembers Nonrefundable deposit: $400

TheRioGrandeValleyinNewMexicoisafabulousdestinationfor viewing birds in the winter . At Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and other wetlands, we should see tens of thousands of cranes, ducks, and geese . In the thickets and grasslands,wewillfindawonderfuldiversityofpasserines,especially sparrows .

WewillfollowtherivervalleyfromElPaso,Texas,to Albuquerque, New Mexico, birding mountain, riparian, desert, grassland, and aquatic habitats . We could see over 130 species of birds, including Ross’s goose, Clark’s grebe, sandhill crane, juniper titmouse, crissal thrasher, black-tailed gnatcatcher, black-throated sparrow, burrowing owl, pyrrhuloxia, red-naped sapsucker, mountain chickadee, and golden and bald eagles . We also have a good chance of seeingblack,brown-capped,andgray-crownedrosy-finches.

Theadditionalfeeforasingle-roomsupplementis$400.

Final payment is due December 10. Leaders will send out trip materials after final payment is received. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space.

Leaders’ Choice Getaway Thursday, January 19-Friday, January 20 / 2 days Leaders: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Education and Science Coordinator, and Dave Weaver, BCP Contact: Joppa Flats Education Center 978-462-9998$295 members, $345 nonmembers Nonrefundable deposit: $100

Join Dave and Dave for an adventure into the winter wonderland ofNewEngland.Thegoalofthistwo-day,one-nighttripistoseek out winter specialties . We will chase after rarities such as northern owls and rare gulls, of course, but our main focus is tofindwinterfinches(pinegrosbeaks,redandwhite-wingedcrossbills), redpolls, and Bohemian waxwings . Our destination will depend on the most recent reports . On previous trips, we have seen a northern hawk owl, evening grosbeaks, Bohemian waxwings, snow buntings, a gray jay, white-winged crossbills, and much more! We promise fun, a place to sleep, and some great birds .

Fees are for double occupancy .

Final payment is due December 19. Trip details are determined a couple of days before departure and will be sent to all participants by email. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space.

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Nantucket Winter Birding Friday, January 20-Sunday, January 22 / 3 DaysLeaders: Carol Decker, Ipswich River Sanctuary Director, and Scott Santino, Ipswich River Teacher-NaturalistContact: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 978-887-9264Fee: TBDNonrefundable deposit: $100

JoinusforabirdingadventuretohistoricNantucketIsland.Theheathlands, moors, vast beaches, and rolling ocean surf are captivating in the winter light, and, with the island pleasantly deserted, it’s the perfect time for our visit . Long-tailed ducks, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, winter off the Nantucket Shoals . Rafts of other seabirds including ducks, loons, alcids, and grebes can be observed from many vantage points . On previous trips, we have seen large numbers of northern gannets diving offshore, and have found unusual species such as lesser black-backed and black-headed gulls, and Eurasion wigeon . We’ll also focus on the island’s owls and look and listen for barn, short-eared, and saw-whet owls and easternscreech-owls.Thisisanidealtripforbothbeginningand experienced birders .

The fee includes round-trip van transportation, lodging (double occupancy), and ferry. Meals are not included. Single-room supplement: TBD. For an itinerary call 978-887-9264 or email ipswichriver@massaudubon.org. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space. Final payment is due by December 9.

Ocean State Birding WeekendSaturday, February 4-Sunday, February 5 / 2 daysLeader: Scott Santino, Ipswich River Teacher-NaturalistContact: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 978-887-9264$280 members, $335 nonmembersNonrefundable deposit: $75

Less than two hours away from the North Shore, and with 40 miles of coastline, Rhode Island can be a wonderful winter birding location . Great numbers of ducks and other seabirds can be found in bays and coastal ponds each winter since the mild coastal climate typically prevents freezing . We’ll spend a majority of our time in the Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown areas enjoying the beauty of scoters, mergansers, eiders, and harlequins, and spotting possible rarities including Barrow’s goldeneyes and king eiders . Highlighted locations include Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, a 242-acre peninsula between the Sakonnet River and Rhode Island Sound; and the 300-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary’s upland fieldsandthickets.AsthesunsetsSaturdayevening,we’llscan the skies for short-eared owls as they drift over the marshes looking for prey . You’ll enjoy the experience of a birdwatching weekend-minus a long drive home .

The fee includes all ground transportation, lodging, and entrance fees. Meals are not included. Single-room supplement: $40. For an itinerary or more information, call 978-887-9264 or email ipswichriver@massaudubon.org. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space. Final payment is due by January 8.

Northern Minnesota: Boreal Birding Wednesday, March 1-Sunday, March 5 / 5 days Leaders: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education Coordinator, and Dave Weaver, BCP Contact: Joppa Flats Education Center 978-462-9998$995 members, $1,095 nonmembers Nonrefundable deposit: $300

Join us as we venture forth into the snowy boreal forests and bogs of northern Minnesota in search of great gray, northern hawk, snowy, boreal, saw-whet, great horned, and other northern owls . We will concentrate on the famous Sax-Zim Bog area, as well as on north shore locations of Lake Superior . In addition to owls, possible sightings include redpolls, crossbills, boreal chickadee, grosbeaks, and hawks; spruce, ruffed, and sharp-tailed grouse; as well as possible moose, gray fox, and timber wolf . Okay, we admit it can get cold, so bring lots of layers, hand-warmer thingies, oh, and a hat—don’t forget the hat .

Thelistedfeesarefordoubleoccupancy.Theadditionalfeefor a single room is $300 . Please call for a detailed brochure .

Final payment is due February 1. Leaders will send out trip materials after final payment is received. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space. Note: Please do not make your flight arrangements until you have checked with the trip leaders.

Classic Trinidad BirdingSaturday, March 25-Saturday, April 1 / 8 daysOptional Tobago Extension: Saturday, April 1-Tuesday, April 4Leader: Scott Santino, Ipswich River Teacher-NaturalistContact: Natural History Travel Office 800-289-9504$2,990 members and nonmembers Optional Tobago Extension: $1,200

In all the lush Caribbean, there is no place more popular for birders than the exquisite, mountainous two-island nationofTrinidadandTobago.You’llfindeasyaccesstoan extraordinary diversity of the world’s most stunningly beautiful birds, including scarlet ibises, rufous-tailed jacamars, white-tailed tropicbirds, and 17 different kinds of hummingbirds . More than 430 bird species occur here, many of them South American since the islands are as close as seven miles from Venezuela . We will stay at the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre, a charming lodge located in a 2,000-acre tract of rainforest high in the Arima Valley of the island’s Northern Range . Visitors usually see more than 40 species ofbirdsbeforebreakfast.Incontrast,Tobago’savifaunaismore Caribbean in its makeup, and here we will stay at the charming Blue Waters Inn . A comfortable and relaxing birding trip, this tour is a long-standing favorite for those who are new to tropical birding .

Registration is through Mass Audubon’s Natural History Travel Office. For more information go to massaudubon.org/travel or call 800-289-9504.

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South Carolina: Birding the Coastal Lowlands Wednesday, April 26-Monday, May 1 / 6 days Leaders: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, and Bill Gette, former Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Contact: Joppa Flats Education Center 978-462-9998$1,250 members, $1,350 nonmembers Nonrefundable deposit: $450

TheSouthCarolinacoastallowlandsareapremierbirdingdestination . During our six-day program, we will explore the area’s most productive birding venues . Our itinerary includes visits to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge on the Georgia/South Carolina border, several wildlife management areas (e .g ., Webb, Donnelley, and Bear Island), the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge at Bull Island, Francis Marion National Forest, Congaree National Park, and the floodplain forests along the Savannah River .

Since we will be visiting so many different habitats during early spring migration, we expect to see a wide variety of birds . Our target species will include several restricted-range rarities such as Swainson’s warbler, red-cockaded woodpecker, wood stork, painted bunting, brown-headed nuthatch, and Bachman’s sparrow . Along the coastal wetlands and barrier beaches, we will see many species of waders and shorebirds;withluck,wewillfindaWilson’splover.Intheextensive lowland pine/oak forests, we will see many species of southern wood-warblers including prothonotary, hooded, Kentucky, and yellow-throated . In the Allendale area, we will look for both Mississippi and swallow-tailed kites .

Thiswillbeaspectaculartripthroughabeautifulpartofourcountry.Theadditionalfeeforasingleroomis$450.Pleasecall for a detailed brochure .

Final payment is due March 26. Leaders will send out trip materials after final payment is received. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space. Note: Please do not make your flight arrangements until you have checked with the trip leaders.

California: Birding Monterey Bay and BeyondThursday, May 4-Thursday, May 11 / 8 daysLeaders: Scott Santino, Ipswich River Teacher-Naturalist, and Susan MacCallum, South Shore Sanctuaries DirectorContact: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 978-887-9264Cosponsor: South Shore Sanctuaries $2,695 members, $2,795 nonmembers Nonrefundable deposit: $180

California’s incredibly diverse habitats and extensive coastline boast the third largest list of birds in North America coming inat606,onlybehindArizonaandTexas.Manybelieveifyou’re going to spend a week in California to bird, the best region is the Monterey area . We’ll take a boat ride into MontereyBay,acknowledgedasthefinestseabirdlocationin the country, with Shearwater Journeys and well-known tour guide Debi Shearwater . During the boat trip we’ll look for regional specialties including Laysan and black-footed albatrosses, ashy storm-petrel, Brandt’s cormorant, pigeon guillemot, and Cassin’s and rhinoceros auklets .

On land we’ll explore the headlands, redwood groves, and coastal scrub of Big Sur; the sandy beaches and mudflats at Elkhorn Slough; and the riparian woodlands at Pinnacles NationalMonument.Theincrediblewildlifeinthisareaincludes elephant seal, sea otter, golden eagle, prairie falcon, and the federally endangered California condor . Other trip highlights will include a private tour of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory bird banding station and an afternoon attheMontereyBayAquarium.Thisitineraryisdesigned tomaximizetimeinthefieldandreducetimesittinginCalifornia’swell-knowntraffic.

The fee includes lodging (double occupancy), all ground transportation, boat trip, field instruction, and entrance fees. Single rooms are available for an additional fee. Airfare and meals are not included. Final payment is due February 28. Cancellations made within eight weeks of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space. Please call for an itinerary. Note: Please do not make your flight arrangements until you have checked with the trip leaders.

New Jersey and New York Birding Weekend: Birding on the Border May 2017 / 3 daysLeaders: Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Education and Science Coordinator, and MaryMargaret Halsey, Naturalist Contact: Joppa Flats Education Center 978-462-9998Dates and Prices TBA

Northern New Jersey and adjacent areas in New York are veryexcitingbirdingdestinationsforbreedingbirds.Thistripis about quality rather than quantity . We will concentrate on some of the more southerly warblers, including cerulean, Kentucky, worm-eating, and yellow-breasted chat . In addition to these species that are rarely seen in Eastern Massachusetts, we will visit a place that has breeding golden-winged warblers, a species recently lost as a breeder in Massachusetts . Of course, this trip is not just about warblers . We will be looking for other “southernspecialties”includingbluegrosbeakandsummertanager, as well as cuckoos, flycatchers, and many more exciting species .

Trips & Tours

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Machias Seal Island and Eastern Maine Saturday, June 10-Monday June 12 / 3 daysLeader: Bill Gette, former Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Contact: Joppa Flats Education Center 978-462-9998Price: TBA

A trip to Machias Seal Island and eastern Maine during nesting season is a fantastic experience! During our program, we plan to visit Machias Seal Island, the Deblois Blueberry Barrens, Quoddy Head State Park, and many other sites in the Machias/ Cutler area . On our 30 previous expeditions, we have seen a total of 202 species of birds and a variety of mammals .

Machias Seal Island is noted as a nesting colony for seabirds includingAtlanticpuffins,commonmurres,andrazorbills.TheDebloisBlueberryBarrens,QuoddyHead,andtheCutlerarea are noted for a wide variety of land birds including the upland sandpiper, vesper sparrow, black-backed woodpecker, sprucegrouse,borealchickadee,andgrayjay.Throughoutour trip, we will have the opportunity to see and hear nesting warblers .

Please call for a detailed brochure .

Leaders will send out trip materials after final payment is received, approximately two weeks before the trip’s start date. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space.

Natural History Travel800-289-9504

For more information and a complete list of our International Tours

visit massaudubon.org/travel or call 800-289-9504

Chile Cruise: February 9-20 with Wayne Petersen

Galapagos Cruise: February 17-26 with Elissa Landre

Kenya Safari: February 28-March 14 with Mark Faherty

Panama Birding: March 16-24 with Bill Gette

Belize Birding: March 18-25 with Jeff Collins and Sue MacCallum

Amazon Riverboat Cruise, Peru: March 24-April 2 with Jon Atwood

And many more listed here:massaudubon.org/travel

Iceland, India, Namibia, and more!

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Trips & Tours

Birding the Connecticut Lakes, New HampshireFriday, June 2-Sunday, June 4 / 3 daysLeader: David Moon, Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director, and Dave Larson, Joppa Flats Science and Education CoordinatorContact: Joppa Flats Education Center 978-462-9998$665 members, $765 nonmembersNonrefundable deposit: $200

During this exciting weekend program, we will explore the Connecticut Lakes region of northern New Hampshire, anarearichinwildlifeandmagnificentscenery.Overour14previous trips, we have seen a total of 129 species of birds, includingmanyborealspecies.Targetbirdswillincludeblack-backed and pileated woodpeckers, gray jay, common raven, yellow-bellied and alder flycatchers, spruce grouse, boreal chickadee, rusty blackbird, Philadelphia vireo, and many species of warblers (e .g ., mourning, blackpoll, Wilson's, and bay-breasted) . We also expect to see a wide variety of butterflies and several species of mammals including moose .

Theprogramfeeisfordoubleoccupancyandincludesalltransportation between Newburyport and the Connecticut Lakes,lodgingatTheGlen(awonderfulnortherninn),andsix meals . Single rooms are not available on this trip . Please call for a detailed brochure .

Final payment is due May 2. Leaders will send out trip materials after final payment is received, approximately two weeks prior to the trip's start date. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure cannot be refunded or credited unless we can fill your space.

N o r t h S h o r e E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r s

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General Information

Ipswich River Wildlife SanctuaryOne of Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuaries, Ipswich Riveroffers nearly 2,000 acres of land and more than 12 miles of interconnecting trails that invite you to explore forests, meadows, and wetlands . Mowed fields provide habitat for American woodcocks and eastern bluebirds while the floodplain forests are resting and nesting sites for warblers and vireos . Canoe along eight miles of the Ipswich River, which meanders through the sanctuary, and camp on Perkins Island, a half-mile up the river . Members can rent canoes from May 1 through October 31 . Members can also rent a small cabin that is conveniently located close to the sanctuary’s program facilities and sleeps four . In spring, listen for the chorus of American toads and pickerel frogs . In various seasons, watch for river otters, painted turtles, and great blue herons . View an active beaver lodge in Rockery Pond . Climb the drumlin and esker, landscape features created by a glacier 15,000 years ago . In winter, sap buckets fill the sugar grove, marking the season of our maple sugaring programs . Huge rocks and exotic trees and shrubs that were par t of a former arboretum provide an adventurous walkalongtheRockeryTrail.

Address87PerkinsRow,Topsfield,MA01983 978-887-9264 Office / 978-887-0875 Fax ipswichriver@massaudubon .org

Office/Gift Shop/Trail HoursOffice and Gift Shop:Weekdays,TuesdaythroughFriday,9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Weekends and Monday holidays, May 1-October 31, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; andNovember 1-April 30, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm . Trails:Opendawntodusk,TuesdaythroughSundayandMonday holidays .

Admission$4 for nonmember adults; $3 for nonmember children (2-12) and seniors

For information about other North Shore wildlife sanctuaries, including Cedar Pond, Eastern Point, Marblehead Neck, and Nahant Thicket, contact Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary at 978-887-9264 or ipswichriver@massaudubon.org.

For information about Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, please contact Joppa Flats Education Center at 978-462-9998 or joppaflats@massaudubon.org.

Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife SanctuaryJoppa Flats Education Center is located at the gateway to oneof the country’s most productive year-round wildlife viewing areas—the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island estuary . Highlights for visitors are the many species of birds that utilize the area’s extensive salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal waters . During local area field trips, Joppa Flats program participants have recorded over 300 species of birds, including bald eagle, snowy owl, and many warblers, shorebirds, andwaterfowl.ThevisitorcenteroverlookingtheMerrimackRiver includes a children’s education room with a marine aquarium, a conference center, ar t exhibits, a nature shop,butterfly gardens, and interpretive displays .

AddressP .O . Box 1558 / OnePlumIslandTurnpikeNewburyport, MA 01950978-462-9998 Office / 978-462-4143 Fax joppaflats@massaudubon .org

Education Center/Grounds HoursEducation Center:TuesdaythroughSundayandMonday holidays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm . Grounds: Open daily, dawn to dusk .

AdmissionSuggested donation: $2 for nonmembers

Endicott Wildlife SanctuaryThissanctuarycomprises over 43 acres of mixed woodland, fields,andwetlands,andanewwalkingtrailisnowopen. Endicott offers a variety of volunteer opportunities and internships in education and ecological management .

ThereareprogramsforteachersandstudentsincludingtheSalt Marsh Science Project . Our programs for middle and high school students focus on real science, with real scientists and real issues . Coastal topics, invasive species, and inquiry-based lessons are our specialty . For more information about our school programs go to massaudubon .org/endicott-school .

TheIpswichRiverWildlifeSanctuaryNaturePreschool is located here . It offers programs for 3- to 5-year olds in nature-based emergent curriculum, creative classrooms, outdoor play areas, and gardens .

Address346 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA 01984 978-927-1122 Office endicott@massaudubon .org

Ipswich River Nature Preschool Office: 978-237-0108 kfirst@massaudubon.org

R e g i s t r a t i o n P r o c e d u r e s& P o l i c y G u i d e l i n e s

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Registration Advance registration with full payment is required for all programs unless otherwise noted . You may call in advance to inquire about space availability; however, we cannot hold a space for you until we have received your payment in full . Pleaseregisterearlybecausemanyprogramsfillquickly. If you are registering for a class and less than one week remains before the program begins, please call the sanctuary hosting theprogramtoconfirmthatspaceisavailable.Ifyouarenota Mass Audubon member, you may join when you register and pay the member program fee .

Four Easy Ways to Register! We accept MasterCard, VISA, and Discover

•Register Online!You can register for many of Mass Audubon’s programs online.Thatmeansyoucansignupanytimeofday(regardless of whether that sanctuary is open or not), and you will instantly know if a program is full or has a wait-list . Visit our program catalog online: massaudubon .org/catalog . Please note that some programs and trips do not take online registration . For these, please call the appropriate sanctuary during business hours .

•By Telephone: Call the sanctuary that is hosting the program . Please have your membership, credit card, and course information ready .

•By Mail: Complete the registration form and return it with your check, money order, or credit card authorization to the sanctuary that is hosting the program for which you are registering . All checks and money orders should be made payable to Mass Audubon .

•In Person: During business hours, stop by the sanctuary that is hosting the program you are interested in attending and register in person . Note: Registering in person should be done prior to the program start date because registering the day of the program, in many cases, will be too late .

Confirmation Information Writtenconfirmationmaynotbesentforeveryprogram. Youwillbenotifiedifyoudonotgetintoaprogrambecause it is full, or if your name has been placed on a wait-list . Please read all future correspondence carefully because it may contain information pertinent to your program such as what to bring or wear, directions to a location, etc .

Meeting LocationsMeeting locations are listed with the program descriptions in this brochure .

Filled Programs/Wait-Lists Most programs have minimum and maximum enrollments depending on the type of class and instructional techniques . If the program of your choice is full, we will notify you immediately and automatically place you on a wait-list .

If you do not wish to remain on the wait-list, please notify the sanctuary hosting the program and a refund will be issued . We will notify you at least 24 hours in advance of the program only if space becomes available . If space does not open up, you will receive a full refund within three weeks of the program date .

Cancellation/Refund PolicyToreceiveaprogramrefundifyounolongerplantoattend, you must notify the sanctuary hosting the program at least oneweekpriortothefirstclass.This policy does not apply to day camp programs or overnight trips. Each sanctuary reserves the right to change programs, schedules, and instructors or to cancel programs due to low enrollment . Please note that certain programs require a nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit . A full refund will be processed if the sanctuary cancels the program . Refunds require approximately three weeks for processing .

Inclement WeatherMost programs are held rain or shine; please dress accordingly . We will do our best to notify you if the class is canceled or postponed due to the weather . If the weather is questionable and you have not heard from us, please call the sanctuary .

For programs that list a rain/storm date, we recommend that you hold the alternate date open . Refunds will not be issued if the class is switched to its alternate date and you are not able to attend . If no rain date is listed, we may try to reschedule the class . In this case, refunds will be issued if you cannot attend on the rescheduled date . If the class cannot be rescheduled you will receive a refund .

Additional Questions?If you have additional questions about registration policies, or have a question about a particular program, please call the sanctuary hosting the program directly .

Where to Send Registration FormsFor Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 87 Perkins Row Topsfield,MA01983 978-887-9264Office

For Joppa Flats Education CenterP .O . Box 1558Newburyport, MA 01950 978-462-9998Office

R e g i s t r a t i o n F o r m

Important Note: Since manyof our programs fill up quickly, the best way to guarantee a spot is to register online or call the sanctuary. For all registrations by mail, please submit a separate form for each wildlife sanctuary.

Individual’s Information

Circle One: Dr. / Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. / Miss

Adult Name/Contact Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone (Day) Phone (Evening) Cell

E-mail Please send me the e-newsletter for Ipswich River Joppa Flats

Membership Information

Mass Audubon Member? Yes No

Member No. Membership Exp. Date / /

Not currently a Mass Audubon Member? Join NOW and enjoy Membership Discounts and other great benefits.For details, visit www.massaudubon.org/join.

Individual ($48) Family ($65) Explorer ($80) Contributor ($100) Protector ($150) Sponsor ($250) Patron ($500)

Session Information

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/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /

/ /Total Program Fee(s)

Membership Fee

Additional Donation

Total Amount Enclosed

Check or Money Order

Please make all checks and money orders payable to Mass Audubon.

MasterCard, Visa, or Discover

Name on Credit Card

Credit Card No.

CVV# Exp. Date

Signature

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983 Office: 978-887-9264

Joppa Flats Education CenterP.O. Box 1558, Newburyport, MA 01950Office: 978-462-9998

For your personal security, please do not send credit card information by fax or email.

Program/ Session Name

Date(s) & Time

Participant’s Full Name

(Adult or Child)

Child’s Date of Birth (if applicable)

Child’s Age

Session Fee

Where to Send Registration and Payment: