Summer & Fall Field Identification of Shorebirds & Waterfowl

This is a field-based group-study for birders who are ready to begin tackling the challenging-to-identify shorebirds and migrating waterfowl. The best way to learn these species is to get in the field with others and observe as many birds as possible, as often as possible – so that’s what we’re going to do! Our venue will be one of the best shorebird birding hotspots within close-distance of NH: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, MA.

• Each 5 hour trip will be led by Extension Wildlife Habitat Specialist, Matt Tarr.
• During each trip we will explore numerous birding hotspots within the refuge and take our time to observe, study, and identify every shorebird & waterfowl species encountered.
• Each trip is limited to 10 students to maximize your learning experience and chance to study birds carefully.
• Many of the birds we observe are small and at a distance, so much of our birding will be through a spotting scope. Matt will always have three scopes, but you should definitely bring your own if you have one.
• Each trip will meet at Parking Lot 1 at sunrise. We will then carpool into the refuge and bird together as a group for at least 5 hours (there are numerous restrooms in the refuge).

Who should participate in this program?:

• These trips are suitable for anyone who is interested in improving their ability to identify shorebirds and waterfowl.
• Anyone is welcome to attend – but these trips are best suited to birders who have some birding experience and are comfortable looking through a spotting scope to best view the majority of the birds we will encounter.
• While these trips occur mostly on paved roads or gravel roads/trails, they do involve long periods of standing in place (you’re definitely NOT going to get your steps in during these trips!)

Trip dates:

• Thurs August 7^th - 5:45 am – 11am
• Weds Aug 27^th - 6:00 am – 11:15am
• Fri Sept 12^th - 6:30 am – 11:45am
• Fri Sept 26^th - 6:45 am –  Noon
• Thurs Oct 16^th - 7:00 am – 12:15pm
• Weds Oct 29^th 7:15 am – 12:30pm

Cost: $35 per trip. You don’t need to attend every trip. You can register for as many trips as you would like to attend.

Registration is required and each trip is limited to 10 people. The registration fee is non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled due to weather.