NEWBURYPORT BIRDERS' MAY MIGRATION PROGRAMS

Easy Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Date: Tuesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 7:30 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $15 - No Registration Required
Meeting Location: Meet Sue at the observation deck by the Purple Martin houses at Parking Lot #1.

We start at a civilized hour; we'll walk to the Salt Pannes Wildlife Observation Area & back; we won't ever be far afield, and there will be lots of birds for us to see! These easy-paced walks are great for new birders or for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds on the Refuge. Loaner binoculars are available.


Wild West Newbury on Wednesday Evenings
Dates: Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15 - No Registration Required
Meeting Location: Pike's Bridge Road parking area on Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury

We'll be exploring Pike's Bridge Road and other highly productive, birding locations in West Newbury during these evening programs. Some carpooling is involved. No facilities are available during this program.

Directions: From the Scotland Road exit off I-95, take Scotland Road heading west; then take an immediate right onto Turkey Hill Road. Drive north on Turkey Hill Road about half a mile to a large, dirt pull off on the left [this is where the road curves right]. Pikes Bridge Road is a dirt road with a metal gate across it which allows no vehicles to enter.

Bird Walks At Hellcat
Date: Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Time: 7:00 am - 10:00 am
Fee: $15 - No Registration Required
Meeting Location: Meet Sue at the Hellcat Parking Lot on Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Visiting Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island and not walking the Hellcat trails in May is like going to Colorado and not visiting Pike's Peak. Whether you're a seasoned birder or never considered watching birds before, a walk at Hellcat is always enjoyable! We have loaner binoculars, and you'll be shown how to use them if need be.


Newbury's Ould Towne Ramble
Date: Sunday, May 6
Time: 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Fee: $20 - Registration Required
Meeting Location: We'll gather at the Lower Green in Newbury at the junction of High Road [Route 1A] & Newman Road.

Join Sue for a morning bird walk in Newbury's Ould Towne. We'll explore the Lower Green area and Newman Road's diverse habitat. We'll search for grassland birds, shorebirds and woodland birds. Wear sturdy shoes; bring a hat, insect repellent and a beverage.

Explore The Little River Trail
Date: Sunday, May 20
Time: 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Fee: $20 - Registration Required
Meeting Location: Hale Street in Newburyport at the small pull-off [after both Cabot Stain entrances] on the right just 1.1 miles from the Low & Hale Street junction

Yes, this is one of Newburyport’s best kept secret, birding locations. Seldom do you hear of groups birding the Little River Trail; during this program, we’ll show you this under-explored, birding hot-spot. We look forward to introducing you to new vistas and interesting observations at this gem of a property. Wear sturdy shoes; bring a hat, insect repellent
and a beverage.


Birding Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area in Byfield
Date: Sunday, May 27
Time: 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Fee: $20 - Registration Required

This 1500+ acre property consists of hardwood forest with understory. Rocky hills dot the property as well as small, fire ponds. Parts of this property are poorly drained and seasonally wet. The headwaters of Cart Creek and the Little River are within the property. This property offers a wide range of nesting birds in old pasture and wooded tracts. We will walk least 2.5 miles on fairly level, gravel roads, searching for breeding birds. Wear sturdy shoes; bring a hat, insect repellent and a beverage.

Directions: Take Route 95 to the Central St/Byfield Exit. Follow Central Street east to Orchard Street (3/4 mile). Turn left onto Orchard Street and drive approx. 1 mile to the parking area on the left.