With the trees finally bare and the midst of winter migrations, November is a great time for birding. Last Saturday, the Drumlin Farm Saturday bird walk ventured to Arlington Reservoir. The birders found 7 different species of ducks, including gadwall, American wigeon, northern shoveler, green-winged teal, hooded merganser, ruddy duck and of course, mallards. This American wigeon is a male in breeding plumage, distinguishable by the green eye stripe, white forehead, and little white hip patch.
Another exciting find were American Tree Sparrows! American Tree Sparrows spend the summers breeding in Northern Canada, then migrate to the States for the winter. Once the snow starts to fall, these birds will drink up to 30% of the weight in water by eating the snow. Last week was the first sighting of American Tree Sparrows for everyone in the group this year.
Drumlin Farm’s nature walks always provide great opportunities to explore the outdoors. Bird focused walks are offered in the spring and fall on Thursdays and Saturdays and naturalist walks are offered once a month year round. All are welcome and encouraged to join the walk and share in the discovery of nature. No registration is required but if you’d like to join, email Jennifer Riley for more information. Or if you’re looking for a more rigorous bird excursion, check our program guide for local and out-of–state birding trips led by Mass Audubon experts!
Be sure to keep us posted on your exciting wildlife sightings, too! Get in touch on facebook or leave us a comment here!