A million blackbirds in Methuen
Mass Audubon: A Million Blackbirds? Birding Event in Methuen
Sun, Nov 01, 2009 5:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Peat Meadow Methuen, MA
Instructors: Dave Larson – Joppa Flats Education Coordinator
Audience: Adult
Fee: Adults $23.00m/ $30.00nm
Instructors: Dave Larson – Joppa Flats Education Coordinator
Audience: Adult
Fee: Adults $23.00m/ $30.00nm
The fee for the program includes transportation,
legal access to the best viewing location (which is on private property),
bird identification and interpretation, and a guided visit to other, nearby locations.
legal access to the best viewing location (which is on private property),
bird identification and interpretation, and a guided visit to other, nearby locations.
Join us to view one of the most overwhelming avian spectacles in Essex County. In the fall as many as a million blackbirds (largely common grackles and red-winged blackbirds, but with numbers of rusty blackbirds) roost overnight in the marsh called Peat Meadows in Methuen. In fact, this area has been designated as a Massachusetts Important Bird Area because of this roost. While the birds trickle in during the evening, they all erupt out of the marsh in a very short time in the morning. This spectacle is what we are seeking. You will be astonished by the sheer numbers of birds – it might even wake you up! After the departure of the birds, we will take a break for breakfast (not included in fee) and then seek other birds in the immediate area.
Instructions and Directions:
Meet at the commuter parking lot at Exit 47 (Pelham St.) off I-93 in Methuen.
Bring binoculars and your sense of humor.
Peat Meadow is owned in part by the city of Methuen. (the RED PIN)
Registration is required.
Register by mail: program registration form. (PDF 66K)
Register by phone: with a credit card by calling 978-462-9998.
For your own security, DO NOT send credit card information via email.
For more information, contact:
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