2005 Central Mass Birding Calendar
This calendar lists upcoming events such as bird trips, meetings, and special events such as breeding bird surveys, Christmas counts, etc. To contribute a listing, you can email to rsquimby@wpi.edu or call Rick Quimby at (508) 835-6567 and leave a message. This is not intended as a discussion forum for birding-related topics (MASSBIRD serves this function well), so please confine your submissions to the listing of events that will be of interest to Worcester County birders.
The previous year's listings are archived here.
Here are the current birding events listings in chronological order:
Please submit your observations as soon a possible (no later than February 1) via mail or email to: Charles Caron 247 Bragg Hill Road Westminster, MA 01473 email: caronenv@aol.com(submitted by Charles Caron, Editor of The Chickadee).
Sponsored by Broad Meadow Brook
Program Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Instructor: Mark Lynch, Master Birder
Program Audience: Adult
Fee: Adults $6.00 m/ $9.00 nm
Program Date(s) and Time(s):
Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
The tidal Seekonk River hosts some of the most unique breeding and migratory
birds and creatures in the entire Blackstone National Corridor. This is the
only spot in the National Park where common terns and black-backed gulls breed.
Numbers of post-breeding egrets and herons line its urban shores from
mid-summer until fall and even migrant flocks of shorebirds find the river
attractive.
Hundreds of migratory ducks gather here every fall and winter despite
pollution and disturbance.
Mark Lynch has conducted several years of systematic surveys of bird life along the Seekonk River and will reveal some of what he has discovered. He will also talk about the numerous serious challenges facing wildlife in this very disturbed, but rich habitat.
Registration is required by contacting: Broad Meadow Brook 414 Massasoit Road Worcester, MA, 01604 Phone: 508-753-6087 www.massaudubon.org(submitted by Kristin Steinmetz)
Sponsored by Broad Meadow Brook
Program Location: Seekonk River
Instructor: Mark Lynch, Master Birder
Program Audience: Adult
Fee: Adults $15.00 m/ $20.00 nm
Program Date(s) and Time(s):
Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The tidal Seekonk River at the terminus of the Blackstone National Corridor
is an important area for wintering waterfowl. Species like bufflehead, scaup,
mergansers, goldeneye, and canvasbacks can be found feeding in this very urban
stretch of river between Providence and East Providence. This is also an
important location for wintering gulls. Join us for some unique urban natural
history exploration and learn about this very different part of the Corridor.
Instructions and Directions: Snow date February 27. We will carpool from the
Rt. 20/Mass Pike "Park and Ride" at 7:00 am.
Registration is required by contacting: Broad Meadow Brook 414 Massasoit Road Worcester, MA, 01604 Phone: 508-753-6087 www.massaudubon.org(submitted by Kristin Steinmetz)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex
73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Contacts: Debra Kimbrell-Anderson (978) 443-4661, ext. 16
Michael S. Dixon (978)-443-4661 x 34
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASSABET RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE OPENS!
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to announce that the Assabet
River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will be opening to the public on
Saturday, March 26, 2005. Refuge staff and members of the Friends of the
Assabet River NWR have worked long and hard towards the establishment and
opening of Assabet River NWR. Assabet River NWR was established in 2000
when the U.S. Army transferred 2,230 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service to be part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge is
located approximately 20 miles west of Boston within the towns of Hudson,
Maynard, Stow and Sudbury and provides significant habitat for wildlife,
including several species considered threatened or endangered by the state
of Massachusetts.
The Refuge System is the world's largest collection of lands and waters set
aside specifically for the conservation of wildlife and ecosystem
protection. The Refuge System consists of 545 national wildlife refuges
that provide important habitat for native plants and many species of
mammals, birds, fish and threatened and endangered species, encompassing
more than 96 million acres. Refuges provide a wide variety of recreational
opportunities and many have visitor centers, wildlife trails, and
environmental education programs. Nationwide, over 40 million visitors
annually hunt, fish, observe and photograph wildlife or participate in
interpretive activities on national wildlife refuges.
Having completed long term planning referred to as our Comprehensive
Conservation Plan, Assabet River NWR will be open to the public for
wildlife dependent activities. Approximately 5 miles of trails will be open
for wildlife observation and photography. Please join refuge staff at 10:00
a.m. at the refuge kiosk, just inside the main gate and entrance to the
refuge off Hudson Road in Sudbury. Refuge Manager Debra Kimbrell-Anderson
and Outdoor Recreation Planner Michael Dixon will be present to welcome and
introduce you to the refuge. Members of The Friends of Assabet River NWR
will also be present to talk with visitors about the refuge and the Friends
group between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Friends of Assabet
River NWR have worked alongside Service staff in the establishment and
preparation of the refuge for use by the public. Many hours went into
removing hazards, clearing buildings and debris, and establishing trails
prior to the opening of the refuge. Much of this work was accomplished by
the Friends of Assabet River NWR and they have many wonderful stories to
share. Current access to the refuge is through the main entrance off
Hudson Road in Sudbury. From the east, head west on Hudson Road, turn
north (right) into the parking lot of the Sudbury, Marlborough State Forest
in Sudbury. From the west, head east on Hudson Road passing the
Massachusetts State Fire Academy, turn north into the State Forest parking
lot. From the North, take Rt. 27 south to Fairbanks Road, south (right)
onto Fairbanks Road, follow to Hudson Road, turn right and follow
directions driving west to the entrance. Additional parking and access is
planned in the future. Access and user fees are planned but will be
instituted at a later date.
A formal refuge opening is planned for May 21, 2005. Mark your calendars
for a day of celebration filled with activities including music, tours,
refreshments, exhibits and guest speakers. Visit our kiosk and website
often and obtain the most recent information on refuge activities and
planning: http://www.assabetriver.fws.gov. For further information please
contact Refuge Manager Debra Kimbrell-Anderson (978) 443-4661, ext. 16 or
Outdoor Recreation Planner Michael Dixon (978) 443-4661, ext. 34. We look
forward to seeing you!
(submitted by Mark Lynch via Massbird). APRIL 3 9PM: "When my baby walks down the street, all the birdies go: Tweet! Tweet! Tweet!". And tonight's guest knows exactly why. We spend a wild hour with professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts DONALD KROODSMA who has studied birdsong for more than thirty years. Why do birds sing? How many different songs can they sing? What can a bird^Òs song tell us about behavior, evolution and geography? You will be surprised and delighted to find out just some of the answers to these questions. Don has written one of the best, most enthusiastic and enlightening books about how real science is done titled: THE SINGING LIFE OF BIRDS. You will never listen to that Robin chirping on your lawn the same way again. Dr. Kroodsma discusses issues like the importance of sonograms, song variation in populations of species in one location (Point Reyes White-crowned Sparrows: how and when is song learned?); regional variation in Marsh Wren songs (Are Eastern and Western populations different species?), why Sedge Wren songs are so different and variable; evolution and song in Oscines and Sub-Oscines (and why the yearly variation in the songs of the Three-wattled Bellbird is so damned interesting); the crazy songs of Martha's Vineyard Black-capped Chickadees, and the songs of "non-singing" birds like Blue Jays, among many other topics. All the pertinent songs will be broadcast during the interview AND the sonograms of those songs will be available on the WICN website during the broadcast. The show will be archived for the month of MAY. Don is a passionate researcher and The Singing Life of Birds is one of the best books I have read about how "science" is actually "done." Don't miss this interview.WICN (90.5FM) is broadcast throughout central New England and is also webcast throughout the world. To get WICN on your PC, go to: www.wicn.org and click on "Listen Online". (submitted by Mark Lynch).
LOOK OUT FOR LOONS The haunting wail of the common loon (Gavia immer) evokes a sense of wild and remote areas which may be why some people are surprised to learn Massachusetts is home to a small, but growing number of nesting loons. MassWildlife Biologists Bridgett McAlice and Carolyn Mostello recently summarized common loon nesting activity for 2004 and will be working with other cooperators this spring to document loon nesting sites across the state. In 2004, 28 territorial pairs on 12 waterbodies were documented with 19 attempting to nest. A total of thirteen chicks were produced and presumed fledged. In 2003, 24 pairs of territorial loons were observed with 19 pairs nesting on 6 waterbodies. "The Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs are home to the majority of Massachusetts' nesting loons," said McAlice. "Other nests have been documented in relatively quiet water supplies and private ponds in Worcester County, but it's entirely possible there are nests in other parts of the state which haven't been reported to us." McAlice noted that cooperators and volunteers played a vital role in gathering field data for MassWildlife. She acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Conservation Recreation, Massachusetts Aquatic Conservation Society, Biodiversity Institute, Forbush Bird Club and other volunteers. As soon as pond ice melts, loons sporting their striking black and white breeding plumage will be returning to their territorial waters. Egg laying begins at the end of May. McAlice encourages anyone to report sightings of loons, specifically pairs of birds, seen from mid- April through May. Be sure to include the name of the town, location and name of waterbody to her at the Central District Wildlife Office at 508/835-3607.From the MassWildlife Calendar of Events:
June 6 - 20--Help MassWildlife Find Goose Broods!--Be on the lookout for families of geese (adults and young) that number 12 or more birds. MassWildlife staff will be leg and neck banding Canada geese beginning in mid- June through mid-July and they need reports of the locations of goose families to band. Goose banding can take place in many locations: beaches, golf courses, cemetaries, condominium developments and municipal parks. If you know where a large flock is located, contact Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us and provide the following information: Best address of flock location, (or directions) or body of water where the birds are located, approximate number of goslings (young geese), total number of birds, property owner. After July 15, help MassWildlife estimate goose populations by contacting us with yellow neck band numbers you see on Canada geese. Provide location of the bird and numbers of birds in that flock with the banded bird. These reports can be made until Labor Day when the survey period ends. Aug 1- August 15--Mute Swan Survey--During this period, MassWildilfe staff will be actively seeking and accepting reports of mute swans as part of a periodic swan survey. Due to the mushrooming population that has spread west across the state, it's difficult to get staff out to all possible swan locations. Contact MassWildlife at Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us with the location/waterbody where the swans are located along with the number of swans at that location.For more information, contact:
Marion E. Larson Information & Education Biologist MassWildlife Field HQ 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westboro MA 01581 Ph 508/792-7270x111 Fax 508/792-7275 Discover the wild side of Massachusetts at: www.mass.gov/masswildlife(submitted by Marion Larson).
NOTA BENE: Folks who tried to listen to my interview with DONALD KROODSMA
over the Internet connection will have noticed technical difficulties. This
was not the station's fault, but something that was happening in the wild
and wooly world of the Internet itself. THAT show about bird song will be
archived on our website for the month of MAY. The format of these archived
shows has been vastly improved. You will be able to listen to it not only
from the website itself, but also download it as a "pod-cast" to your I-Pod or your PC MP 3 player.
WICN (90.5 FM) is broadcast through central New England and is webcast
throughout the world. To get WICN on your PC, go to:
www.wicn.org
and click on LISTEN ONLINE. Susan Cerulean's interview will be archived for
the month of JUNE.
(submitted by Mark Lynch).
At 9:30 we talk with writer and natural historian SUSAN CERULEAN about
the raptor that has been her all consuming passion for years. This
surreal-looking hawk has become a symbol of beauty and wilderness for Susan,
who has tracked them through saw-grass prairie, marsh and even city. Travel
with us tonight to the endangered habitat of the Big Cypress country of
southern Florida when we discuss Susan's new book TRACKING DESIRE: A JOURNEY
AFTER SWALLOW-TAILED KITES.
www.wicn.org
and click on PROGRAMS then ARCHIVE and look for the show there as a
"pod-cast" MP3, you can listen to from your PC or download to your I-Pod or
MP3 player.
(submitted by Mark Lynch).
Tuesday, May 10th
1pm PST/ 4pm EST
At http://www.nature.org/chat/
Award-winning author, Phillip Hoose, eloquently describes the tragedy of
extinction through the dramatic story of the legendary bird, the
ivory-billed woodpecker: In his book, The Race to Save the Lord God Bird, he
details those who tried to possess it, paint it, shoot it, sell it, and, in
a last-ditch effort, save it.
This powerful saga continues with the recent rediscovery of the ivory-billed
woodpecker. How many birds are out there? What can be done to ensure the
ivory-bill will live on? Why does this bird's survival matter?
Before and during the chat, you are invited to submit
questions to Phillip Hoose at chat@tnc.org
SPECIAL OFFER: Everyone who submits a question and listens to the chat will
be entered to win an autographed copy of The Race to Save the Lord God Bird.
To learn more about the ivory-billed woodpecker and to read an excerpt from
the award-winning The Race to Save the Lord God Bird visit
http://www.nature.org/ivorybill/
If you need more information please contact me at keira.costic@ctsg.com or
202-448-5212.
(submitted by Keira Costic, for The Nature Conservancy).
May 28, Sept. 24, Nov. 26
7:30-9am
Free Program
Sponsored by Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester, MA
Call 508-753-6087 to register or for directions
The last Saturday of May, September, and November, we will continue offering a
bird walk to all interested parties. Our hope is to document the many birds
that use this park and to start a regular sightings list. Meet at the Newton
Square tennis courts on the corner of Pleasant and Highland Streets
(Worcester);. Look for the Mass Audubon instructor.
For more info, contact:
Kristin Steinmetz
Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and Conservation Center
414 Massasoit Road
Worcester, MA 01604
508-753-6087
www.massaudubon.org
(submitted by Kristin Steinmetz).
Upcoming Public Meeting Needs You!
Long Term Uses of the Greenwood Street Landfill Site
Wednesday, June 1st, 6:00 p.m.
City of Worcester, City Council Standing Committee of Public Works
Meets at the Quinsagmond School,
832 Millbury St, Worcester (Quinsagmond Village)
As you may know, this site is home to the state listed species-the
Grasshopper Sparrow and thanks to careful monitoring over the years by Mark
Lynch and Sheila Carroll and others, these records are on file with the
State Natural Heritage Program. As result, due to the Mass Endangered
Species Act, any activity that affects this special grassland habitat must
be reviewed and approved by the Natural Heritage Program.
Progress to date is excellent. The current activity at the site involves
the recapping of the old land fill and that process has been reviewed and
conditioned such that only one-third of the mound can be disrupted at any
one time. Plus this first phase of recapping is split into three stages and
before each stage can proceed Natural Heritage must sign off and give
permission.
So the point is for the immediate future, the grasshopper sparrow habitat is
reasonable well protected. However, this recapping process may be concluded
with three years or so and then the City is considering what else could go
on that site. The City hired a consultant firm-Camp, Dresser and McKee to
conduct study of other long term, reuse options and that study was released
a few weeks ago. Copies can be read on line on the City Website.
The upcoming meeting on June 1st is for discussion of options and we would
like to be sure that ideas for passive recreational use-walking trails up to
the top to where an observation platform could be located will get serious
consideration. This would give the Mound the protection and designation it
needs and deserves as a critical habitat area. The remainder of the
landfill site can be redeveloped into other uses but the mound and sides
really need to stay natural. The visibility this site receives right from
new Route 146 is fabulous and could really compliment the Blackstone
Heritage Corridor and add to the scenic gateway into the city of Worcester.
I truly believe there is room for additional development on the West side of
the landfill site where contaminated sludge beds where once located and need
to be redeveloped as part of a clean up process. The hope is that
ultimately this can be a win, win, win for the neighborhood, the birds, and
the City as a whole.
We really need people to speak up for this approach. The neighborhood is
quite nervous about some of the proposed reuses such a trash transfer
station. They also want to see some revenue generating options. I am
hoping everyone can stay open-minded, think out of the box, and pursue
options that include protection of a significant wildlife sanctuary area for
educational use and perhaps ecotourism use as part of the Blackstone River
Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Your involvement is welcome and needed. Please spead the word. This could
be a wonderfuf and attractive area of the City. We have the time to really
think it through and make the best of it.
Deb Cary
home: 978 464-5889
16 Merriam Rd.
Princeton, MA 01541
work: 508 753-6087 ext 17
Mass Audubon's Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Rd.
Worcester, MA 01604
cell: 508 450-5590
Here is a follow-up memo from Deb Cary regarding the outcome of the meeting:
To: Worcester City Councilors
From: Deb Cary, Director, Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife
Sanctuary
RE: June 1st Meeting at the Quinsagmond School -Reuse Options for Greenwood
Street Landfill
Date: June 2, 2005
Councilor Paul Clancy conducted a very civil, informative public meeting. The
consultant-Camp, Dresser, and McKee gave a brief power point presentation.
People were given the opportunity to share comments and ask questions. Everyone
was very respectful. (Give Paul a hand for running a productive meeting!);
The dominant recommendation was for recreation and open space. Very limited
support was expressed for commercial development. Complete opposition was
expressed for the idea of a solid waste transfer facility. Some folks
commented that since Commissioner Moylan was such an excellent negotiator, they
had confidence that he would be able to obtain an acceptable new contract with
Wheelabrator Resource Recovery Plant.
It was especially impressive to hear so many people be so eloquent and
enthusiastic about all the positive activity that is now going on in the area.
Tremendous praise and support was expressed about the coming Northern Gateway
Visitor Center and the Blackstone Bikeway/River way. Additional comments
focused on Blackstone River Park (former Middle River Park);, the revitalization
of Quinsigamond Village and the over all connection with the Blackstone River
Valley National Heritage Corridor, and how this former landfill area should
compliment these projects.
It seemed to me that most comments were very consistent with the public
comments that were submitted to the City on the WEBSITE and printed in the
appendix of the Camp, Dresser and McKee Report. Of the 13 documented comments,
12 all supported open space and recreation uses, including the comment from
Rand Whitney which stated their support for recreation on the East side of the
site and their request for a parcel on the western side. The 13th comment
suggested a zoo. Attached are the comments I submitted at the meeting on
behalf of Mass Audubon. There was little that we could add that other
speakers had not already mentioned.
We too believe that a significant portion of this site has incredible potential
to serve the entire city as a major recreational resource. In part due to the
required provision that some grassland be permanently maintained for the
threatened grasshopper sparrow habitat, plans for passive recreation and trails
on some of the mound site have great merit and we encourage the city to pursue
this route.
For example, how about a walking trail up to an observation platform and tower
that would allow one to look out over the Blackstone River Valley? The views
would be spectacular! It could be a destination point for people from near and
far to enjoy, and located in the midst of tremendous revitalization and
Blackstone River Corridor related projects. Plus it is just down the street
from where our new baseball team is playing ball. On the west side of the
former landfill (not the mound); there seems to be potential for mixed uses. I
would like to reiterate our offer to provide van transportation for a group to
visit other sites to gain added perspective.
Letâ^À^Ùs make this area a destination point for more tourists not more trucks.
Additional comments:
The Cost of Waste Disposal
The cost of waste disposal is going up, no matter who does it or what facility
is used. In Massachusetts we have an aggressive statewide solid waste master
plan that encourages reduction, recycling and composting.
As the cost of residential waste disposal goes up, people have options as to
how they respond. We do not have to be victims. We can produce less waste by
taking advantage of recycling and composting programs now offered. In addition
to recycling and composting, as consumers, we can buy products with less
packaging and reduce our overall volume.
The City of Worcester composting operation at Ballard Street is on the verge
becoming an even better, state of the art operation. Once that site is allowed
to fully utilize the recently capped portion of the former Ballard Street
Landfill, there will be space enough to spread out and locate composting rows
and screening areas. This re-design should provide enough space for the Hope
Ave Composting operation to be relocated there. Also, I would expect the
management of the site will be top notch and complaints of any odors will be
minimal if not non-existent.
Worcester can again be the trendsetter in recycling and help its residents deal
with increased costs by assisting with ways to reduce overall trash produced.
This is an opportunity not a burden. In 1993 Worcester rose to the challenge
of adopting one of the most progressive and successful recycling programs in
the country. We can do it again. We do not need to site a waste transfer
facility in this section of the City in order to deal with increased waste
disposal costs. Letâ^À^Ùs reduce the waste we generate- that would be the
optimal solution.
Just as you all voted to support the Green Energy initiative, please support
the three Râ^À^Ùs of good waste management- Reduction, Reuse, Recycling.
Deb Cary
(submitted by Mark Lynch).
Subject: Greenwood Street landfill's future to be discussed
Future Plans for Worcester's Greenwood Street Landfill Site:
Wednesday, July 27th, 6:00 p.m.
at Worcester City Hall, City Council Chamber,
#3rd Floor-
Please Come!
As some of you know, the Greenwood Street Landfill has been home for many,
many years for the state listed grasshopper sparrow- one of several
grassland birds across the state that is experiencing significant loss in
habitat. The current project undertaken by the City of Worcester, in
concert with a private waste management company, to recap this landfill, is
now moving forward and protection of grassland habitat is a condition of the
permit. However, the long term reuse of the site is still up for discussion
and that is what this upcoming meeting at City Hall will focus on.
On June 1st, earlier in the summer, a meeting was held at the Quinsigamond
School about these re-use options and the dominant recommendation was for
recreation and open space. Very limited support was expressed for any
commercial development. Complete opposition was expressed for the idea of a
solid waste transfer facility. It was especially impressive to hear so many
people be so eloquent and enthusiastic about all the positive activity that
is now going on in the area. Tremendous praise and support was expressed
about the coming Northern Gateway Visitor Center and the Blackstone
Bikeway/Riverway. Additional comments focused on Blackstone River
Park(former Middle River Park), the revitalization of Quinsigamond Village
and the over all connection with the Blackstone River Valley National
Heritage Corridor, and how this former landfill area should compliment these
projects.
We too believe that a significant portion of this site has incredible
potentia to serve the entire city as a major recreational resource. In part
due to the required provision that grassland habitat be permanently
maintained for the threatened grasshopper sparrow habitat, plans for passive
recreation and trails on the mound site have great merit and we courage the
city to pursue this route. On the West side of the former landfill where
contamination has been more significant (not the mound site) there seems to
be potential for mixed commercial uses.
For the mound site, for example, how about a walking path up to an
observation platform and tower that would allow one to look out over the
Blackstone River Valley? The views are spectacular! It could be a
destination point for people near and far to enjoy, and located in the midst
of tremendous revitalization and the Blackstone River Corridor related
projects. The city has just rezoned the former Worcester Steel property
(former Liberty Properties) for more creative mixed reuse and expectations
are high that the Worcester Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the
Worcester Historical Museum will be moving forward on their plans to
relocate to the former Washburn and Moen Wire Works Building right there at
146 and Millbury St to serve as the Northern Gateway Visitor Center for the
Blackstone Heritage Corridor. Plus it is just down the street from where
the new baseball team is playing.
So the point is-the Greenwood Street Landfill is a key site and must be
redeveloped to compliment and enhance all the other development and
revitalization going on.
Please speak up on this issue and attend the upcoming public meeting on
Weds, July 27th at 6:00 at Worcester City Hall, City Council Chamber with
the City Council Public Works Committee.
from Deb Cary, Mass Audubon Society
(Forwaded by Mark Lynch).
SUNDAY NIGHT SEPTEMBER 4 AT 9PM WICN (90.5FM) will broadcast my interview
with Ivory-billed Woodpecker re-discoverer TIM GALLAGHER.
Below is the description from our on-line Program Guide:
"SEPTEMBER 4: He set out to write a story about those fanatics who were
convinced, despite all evidence to the contrary, that a long extinct bird
was still among the living. To his surprise, he ended up sighting the bird
himself and has created quite a controversy in ornithology and birding
circles. Tonight we talk with writer and photographer TIM GALLAGHER about
THE GRAIL BIRD: HOT ON THE TRAIL OF THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER."
BTW: Read the Aug. 30 NEW YORK TIMES "Science" section for the latest on
the ongoing controversy about Tim's sightings and what Tim say's about what
constitutes proof of the bird's existence.
The interview that follows at 9:30PM focuses on the interesting history of
one of the former habitats of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker: the Okefenokee
Swamp.
"Over the centuries, the huge and very wild Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia has
been many things to many people: a place to escape to, a place for Native
Americans to wage war, a place to hatch fantastic get rich quick schemes, a
place to plunder its natural resources, a place to live your life far away
from society and finally a place to be preserved and cherished for its
wildness. Historian MEGAN KATE NELSON talks about TREMBLING EARTH: A
CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE OKEKENOKEE SWAMP."
WICN (90.5FM) is broadcast throughout central New England and is also
webcast throughout the world. To get WICN on your PC, go to:
www.wicn.org
and click on "ÓListen Online".
"Inquiry", my show, airs SUNDAYS at 9PM EST USA. Each show consists of two
30-minute interviews about art, history, science and social issues I find
interesting.
While at the website, if you click on PROGRAMS then on the SUB MENU: "COMING
UP" you will find listings for Inquiry for the next two weeks. Shows are
also "ARCHIVED" as MP3 "I-Pod friendly" downloads on the website for 30
days during the calendar month following the month of broadcast. Click on
"PROGRAMS" then "ARCHIVE" and scroll down for this past month's shows and
a FAQ section.
(submitted by Mark Lynch).
Hawk Watching in Massachusetts - Plus Live Birds of Prey with Larry Keating
Friday, Sept. 16, 7:00-8:30pm
Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester
Fee: $6 adult members, $8 for adult non-members, $4 for child non-members, $6
for child non-members
Call Broad Meadow Brook at 508-753-6087 to register
Want to learn more about the fall hawk migration that takes place every year
right here in Massachusetts? Join Shawn Carey, President of Eastern Mass Hawk
Watch (EMHW) for an introduction to hawk watching in eastern Massachusetts and
the northeastern United States. View his video Looking Skyward: A Passion for
Hawk Watching, and learn where and when to watch birds of prey as they migrate
south for the winter.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Live Birds of Prey presentation with Larry Keating and his
Rulers of the Wind!
(submitted by Kristin Steinmetz).
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18 at 9:00PM: Quite by chance, writer JOHN HANSON MITCHELL
uncovered a stack of old photographs he initially thought were taken by the
renown Harvard ornithologist William Brewster. He later discovered that a
little known African American named Robert Gilbert actually took these
pictures. Thus began a decades long quest to find out who this overlooked
assistant to one of the great ornithologists really was. In the end Mitchell
uncovers a fascinating tale of science and race relations and celebrates
the life of an extraordinary and brilliant man who succeeded despite social
pressures and the iron ceiling of race and racism in early 20th Century
America. The book is titled: LOOKING FOR MR. GILBERT: A REIMAGINED LIFE OF
AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN.
THEN at 9:30PM we speak with artist CATHERINE HAMILTON whose stunning
drawings of birds are very original interpretations of a complex and ever
changing natural world. Tune in and find out why birds in particular are so
important to her work.
WICN (90.5FM) is broadcast throughout central New England and is also
webcast throughout the world. To get WICN on your PC, go to:
www.wicn.org
(submitted by Mark Lynch).
TO BE BROADCAST ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 9 AT 9PM:
At 9PM: BILL THOMPSON III is the editor of BIRD WATCHER'S DIGEST, one of
the leading periodicals for birders everywhere. He has just edited and
written a unique book that takes the beginner birder beyond the field guide.
The book is called IDENTIFY YOURSELF: THE 50 MOST COMMON BIRDING
IDENTIFICATION CHALLENGES. Tonight Bill offers tips on how to become a
better birder and why some species identification in the field confounds
even the best and most experienced hardcore birders.
Then at 9:30PM: JULIE ZICKEFOOSE is a widely acclaimed artist and writer who
focuses on the lives of birds. Some of her latest work can be seen in
IDENTIFY YOURSELF. We talk with Julie about how she works, her artistic
influences, the challenges of capturing on paper something that flies and
the differences between natural history art and illustration.
WICN (90.5FM) is broadcast throughout central New England and is also
webcast throughout the world. To get WICN on your PC, go to:
www.wicn.org
(submitted by Mark Lynch).
October Tour of the Month: Birder's Tour of the Worcester Art Museum
Wednesday, October 19, 2PM
Saturday, October 22, 2PM
Don your wellies! Bring your bins! Get your life list out! It's the annual
Birder's Tour of the Worcester Art Museum with docent Mark Lynch, in which
we wend our way through 4,000 years of art identifying species of birds
found in the works. Learn how birds have been have been admired in art, myth
and religion for their beauty, wildness, variety, powers of flight
and taste! Free with Museum admission.
For information on directions, hours, admission fees et, go to:
www.worcesterart.org
(submitted by Mark Lynch).