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Fall 2016 September-December 2016

SOUTH SHORE SANCTUARIESNorth River • Daniel Webster • North Hill Marsh

Stewardship – What Does It Mean?A quick check of the thesaurus brings up a varied list of syn-onyms such as guardian, curator, keeper, and overseer. But none of these really refl ect the complex factors that go into decision making when trying to maintain the landscape and diversity that make our sanctuaries such special places to visit.

Invasive plant management is one aspect that is time consuming and ongoing. Invasive plants are those that have been introduced, either accidentally or on purpose, to a new area where they spread and eventually overtake native vegetation and habitats. For example, common reed (also called phragmites) was introduced from Europe, probably in the 1800s, and is now widely established in marshes and along waterways. At Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, we have been actively managing the edges of the Green Harbor River and the wet panne in an attempt to limit the spread. While there are many large, well-established stands of phragmites at the site, our efforts have been concentrated on new encroachments, where we have seen some success.

Oriental bittersweet is another invasive plant that needs con-stant attention. Spread by birds who eat the seeds and then drop them, this quick-growing vine engulfs trees and shrubs, and also spreads as a mat over grasslands. While we will never be rid of it, we are able to control it somewhat and limit its impacts.

Maintaining and enhancing diversity is another stew-ardship priority. The grasslands of Tilden Farm, North River, and Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuaries are maintained through mowing. These early successional habitats would become shrub-lands and then return to forest if not for this work. With that change, the bobolinks, purple martins, and tree swallows would disappear from the landscape. Other wildlife species require these shrublands and thickets. By pruning out saplings and vines, these sites are attractive to species like rabbits, American wood-cocks, and brown thrashers.

Ensuring that animals have a place to raise their families is also an important factor in implementing a steward-ship plan. While leaving dead trees is a good fi rst step, providing nest boxes for cavity nesters like American kestrels, bluebirds, and chickadees further assists these populations. We are cur-rently discussing how to best provide for the barn swallows that have found our wildlife observation blinds. Though successfully nesting inside the blinds, their productivity and numbers might increase if they weren’t in such a public space. We are also hop-ing to build some more chimney swift nesting sites – read more about that on page 2.

While rewarding, stewardship costs add up quickly, both for staff time and required equipment and maintenance. We have been developing the stewardship fund for Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary to help support the continuing management of the numerous acres of early successional grasslands. Thanks to many of you, this fund benefi ted greatly from the success of our spring 2016 Bird-a-thon and Walk for Wildlife events, but there will always be more opportunities to help.

If you visit Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary to capture wildlife images, enjoy the landscape and serenity, or simply appreciate having open spaces where native plants and animals thrive, please consider supporting our efforts. Whether it’s through a donation to the stewardship fund, attending or helping out at events like Farm Day (see page 3), or volunteer-ing with friends at an upcoming work day, we greatly appreciate your partnership.

Thank you for all your interest and support,

Members of AmeriCorps Team Raven 2 help with phragmites control at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

Sue MacCallum, South Shore Sanctuaries’ Director

Purple martin gourds and one of the 125+ nest boxes at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

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Thousand Pound Nest BoxesDid you know that a chimney only holds one chimney swift nest? Though these birds roost together in great numbers, each individual pair nests separately. While chimney swifts are widespread today, data from Mass Audubon’s Breeding Bird Atlas suggests they may be suffering the same insidious decline seen in other aerial insectivores – a decline yet to be linked to a defi ni-tive cause.

About 20 years ago we received a phone call from Scituate resident Clyde Gurney, who said he had built us a chimney swift chimney. Following some discussion and prep work, Clyde showed up with the chimney on a large trailer. Thanks to our front end loader and some creative engineering, it was installed at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary. With only one ex-ception, it has been a success-ful nesting site for a chimney swift pair each year since its installation.

We hope to expand on this success by providing 3 more “chimneys” at our South Shore sites for these acrobatic fl yers. Each one costs about $1,250 in materials and labor. You can support this effort through a donation to the South Shore Sanctuaries Chimney Swift Fund. Please contact me directly for more information on this exciting project and how you can contribute.

-Sue MacCallum, Director, South Shore Sanctuaries781-837-9400 x7901, smaccallum@massaudubon.org

South Shore SanctuariesNorth River • Daniel Webster • North Hill Marsh

WHO WE ARESusan MacCallum, Director x7901Emily Simmer, Offi ce Manager x7902David Ludlow, Property Manager x7904Amy Quist, Education Coordinator/Camp Director x7903Douglas Lowry, Teacher Naturalist x7907Sharon Seeg, ReceptionMatt Adams, Caretaker, North River Wildlife SanctuaryJesse Wilkins, Caretaker, Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

HOW TO REACH US781-837-9400 southshore@massaudubon.orgmassaudubon.org/southshorefacebook.com/MassAudubonSouthShore

OUR SOUTH SHORE SANCTUARIESAll trails, observation blinds, and picnic and nature play areas are open daily from dawn to dusk. North River Wildlife Sanc-tuary’s Visitor Center, picnic area, and a loop trail are all-per-sons accessible, as is a trail to an observation blind at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary.

OFFICES, GIFT SHOP, & DISCOVERY ROOM At North River Wildlife Sanctuary 2000 Main Street (Route 3A), Marshfi eldFrom Route 139/3A intersection in Marshfi eld, take 3A north 4.6 miles. Or, from Route 123/3A rotary in Scituate, take 3A south 1.5 miles.Admission: Free to members, except special events. Nonmember adults $4; children (2-12) and seniors (65+) $3.Nature Center HoursMonday-Friday: 9 AM-4 PMSaturdays: 10 AM-3 PM (April through Christmas only) Sundays & Holidays: Closed

Daniel Webster Wildlife SanctuaryWinslow Cemetery Road, Marshfi eldTake exit 12 from Route 3 onto Route 139 east. Turn right on Webster Street, then left on Winslow Cemetery Road. Follow the road to the end for sanctuary parking. Admission: Free to members, except special events. Nonmember adults $3; children (2-12) and seniors (65+) $2.

North Hill Marsh Wildlife SanctuaryMayfl ower Street, DuxburyFrom Route 3A in Duxbury, take Mayfl ower Street 1.2 miles to sanctuary parking.

Tidmarsh Farms – Big News!An exciting opportunity to acquire and protect over 600 acres of restored wetland and forest has been unfolding in Plymouth. Currently known as Tidmarsh Farms, this potential future Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary is located in one of the most biologically diverse areas of our state, and one of the fastest growing. Partnering with the Town of Plymouth, we hope to purchase and protect Tidmarsh into the future. The site will also serve as a base for expanding educational activities in the Plymouth area.

With your support, we plan to open this new sanctuary in 2018!

Learn how you can help and stay up-to-date on our progress at massaudubon.org/southshore (where you can subscribe to Trail Mail, our monthly enewsletter); and by following us at facebook.com/MassAudubonSouthShore.

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Will you help us make this beloved event the best one yet? Farm Day is made possible by the help of nearly 100 volunteers!

Community Service credit is available for students. Please be sure to include when and where you would like to work.

Mail completed forms to North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main Street, Marshfi eld, MA 02050; fax to 781-834-9835; or email the information to esimmer@massaudubon.org. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old unless accompanied by an adult.

Name:___________________________ Age & School (if student):__________ Phone(s):___________________________

Email:_________________________________ Mailing Address:_______________________________________________

When would you like to help? Prep the week BEFORE Farm Day Build hay maze Friday, October 14, 5 PM

On Farm Day: All Day 9:30 AM-4 PM (includes complimentary lunch)

Setup 7-10 AM Morning 9:30 AM-1:30 PM Afternoon 12:30-4 PM

How would you like to help? (Check all that interest you.) Admissions

Country Kitchen

Cotton Candy/Popcorn

Donate Baked Goods

Face Painting

Hayride Attendant

Hay Maze Attendant

Crafts for Kids

Games for Kids

Parking

Soup Kitchen

Ticket Sales

Wherever Needed

Our 36th annual fall festival at

• Hayrides & hay mazes• Farm animals• Eyes on Owls presentations • Delicious local eats • Kids’ games & crafts• Reiner Family Band live bluegrass• Artisan demonstrations & sales...• And lots more!

New this year – Preregister online! Breeze past the admissions line and head straight into the fun!

Join Mass Audubon during your registration to take immediate advantage of member savings!

Farm Day!

Farm Day photos © Josh Kuchinsky Photography

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfi eld

Saturday, October 15, 10 AM-4 PM (Rain date October 22)

Admission: $8 ($5 for members)Children 2 and under are free!

This annual event celebrates Mass Audubon’s 1984 acquisition of this stunning property, saving it from development and protecting over 500 acres of important habitat. All proceeds help us continue to maintain Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary for people and wildlife.

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Mass Audubon protects 36,500 acres of land throughout Massachusetts, saving birds and other wildlife, and making nature accessible to all. As Massachusetts’ largest nature conservation nonprofi t, we welcome more than a half million visitors a year to our wildlife sanctuaries and 20 nature centers. From inspiring hilltop views to breathtaking coastal landscapes, serene woods, and working farms, we believe in protecting our state’s natural treasures for wildlife and for all people – a vision shared in 1896 by our founders, two extraordinary Boston women. Today, Mass Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental education leader, offering thousands of camp, school, and adult programs that get over 225,000 kids and adults outdoors every year. With more than 125,000 members and supporters, we advocate on Beacon Hill and beyond, and conduct conservation research to preserve the natural heritage of our beautiful state for today’s and future generations. We welcome you to explore a nearby sanctuary, fi nd inspiration, and get involved. Learn how at massaudubon.org.

Repetition in Nature: Paintings by Nancy Farara On display and for sale: Saturday October 1-Monday October 31Opening reception: Saturday, October 1, 3-6 PMVermont artist Nancy Farara has an undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and a master’s in education from Johnson State College. Her work primarily focuses on shapes, patterns, and rhythms in nature, as she plays with the subtle color and shape differences in objects like leaves. By establishing patterns while consciously altering the colors, a varied and dynamic composition is attained. While repetition is all around us in nature, it can be a challenge in art – a challenge Nancy gladly embraces.

View exhibits during our offi ce hours: 9 AM-4 PM weekdays, 10 AM-3 PM SaturdaysIn the Gallery at North River Wildlife Sanctuary

Holiday Open House & Woodturners’ Exhibit & SaleOpen House & Demonstrations: Saturday, 12/3, 10 AM-3 PMWoodturners’ Exhibit & sale: Saturday December 3-Wednesday December 21Enjoy cider and snacks while shopping for unique and locally handmade gifts. Kids can enjoy our Discovery Room while you shop, and our trails are open all year for strolling.

In addition to offering our nature-themed gifts for adults and children, we welcome back the Massachusetts South Shore Woodturners to fi ll our exhibit rooms with their hand-turned creations. From bowls to pepper mills, bottle stoppers, candle-holders, napkin rings, ornaments, pens, bracelets, and more, the unique patterns created by natural wood variations will defi nitely impress.

The woodturners will demonstrate their craft at the Open House, spinning tops and miniature bowls from their lathes for the younger set. Marshfi eld’s Kevin Dunn will also return to demonstrate a different wood craft – hand-carving birds like the ones in his “Peeps & Tweets” collection (available in our gift shop year-round).

We may have some surprise additions, so be sure to save the date for this fun and festive event!

Snowy Owls: Paintings by Christopher Geraghty On display and for sale: Friday November 18- Tuesday December 27 A Feature of Our December 3 Open House (see below)We are pleased to include these beautiful paintings of this treasured winter visitor as both a stand-alone exhibit and a feature of our Holiday Open House. Originals and prints will be available for sale – a perfect holiday gift for the snowy owl fans in your life! Geraghty, who resides in Hanover, has been painting ever since he was able hold a paintbrush. He is an advocate for animals, both wild and domestic, and specializes in custom pet portraits.

massaudubon.org/southshore facebook.com/MassAudubonSouthShore 781-837-9400 southshore@massaudubon.org

nancyfarara.blogspot.com

geraghtyportraits.com, facebook.com/chrisgeraghtyportraits

msswt.org

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As we move into another school year, we look forward to:• Teaching about seasonal change as the fall colors work their magic

• Searching for evidence of wildlife along school trails in the winter, and thinking about which animals are able to survive, and why.

• Warm spring days exploring the intertidal zone at Duxbury Beach, caught up in the curiosity of horseshoe crabs

• Offering science-based water and ponding programs, now that our new ponding platform at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary is complete!

We hope your school can join us this year! Our calendar fi lls quickly, so don’t wait too long! Learn more about our offerings at massaudubon.org/northrivereducation or contact me directly with any questions.

-Amy “Twig” QuistEducation Coordinator/Summer Camp Director aquist@massaudubon.org, 781-837-9400 x7903

Twig’s Two Cents: Year-Round Nature Education

As summer winds down and another camp season comes to a close, our campers get ready to go back to school… and so do our educators! While less concerned with the newest school fashion trends, our focus is on the latest updates to educational practices, and how to best enrich school curriculums with hands-on outdoor learning experiences that support specifi c learning standards.

Over the past year, Mass Audubon’s school-based education programs at the statewide level reached over 60% of Massachusetts towns. Through learning ex-periences at our wildlife sanctuaries, in classrooms, schoolyards, and other outdoor areas, we’re helping connect students more closely to nature and the communities in which they live.

Here along the South Shore, we provided 46 fun and interactive programs in 11 communities – Abington, Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanover, Hingham, Lakeville, Marshfi eld, Norwell, Pembroke, and Scituate. We engaged with over 1,600 students in grades PreK-5, explor-ing everything from birds to bugs to barrier beaches. While learning about habitat loss, the competition for resources, and the impact on wildlife, we built over 200 nest boxes to support local cavity nesting birds.

One school we have worked with extensively is Vinal Elementary in Norwell. In addition to a four-part program series on seasonal change and its impacts on living things with their fi rst graders, we completed another successful year of Project BEAK (Bird Education and Activities for Kids) with their second graders. Designed in cooperation with their second grade team, this project involves a series of fi ve school visits throughout the year. With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, students work independently, in small groups, and as a class to learn about birds – their unique adaptations, their habitats, and how all plants and animals depend on their sur-roundings and cohabitants to meet their needs in the places they live. The students develop observational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as they wrap up the year with a bird nest engineering design challenge.

The opportunity to have multiple visits with these students adds even more strength to the program. It allows each lesson to build on prior knowledge; develops rapport between students, teachers, and Mass Audubon educators; and motivates learning by providing a “special” educational experience for students to look forward to. A meaningful transition from grade to grade helps students make greater connections to the natural world just outside our doors and their role in it.

massaudubon.org/southshore facebook.com/MassAudubonSouthShore 781-837-9400 southshore@massaudubon.org

Register for Camp in January!If you are considering North River Nature Camp as part of your upcoming summer, we recommend you start planning early! This past summer brought us the most campers we’ve ever had, which was fantastic. Several sessions fi lled early, and waiting lists grew long. A good “problem,” no doubt, but it’s always disappointing when we can’t accommodate everyone who wants to join the fun.

Registration opens in January, and is shared through this print newsletter as well as our enewsletter, website, and Facebook page. Link up with us to make sure you get fi rst pick at our exciting offerings! You may also request to be added to our camp email list. Thank you all for spreading the word and bringing so many awesome campers into our community!

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FOR ALL AGES

PROGRAM CATALOG

FOR KIDS

WILL

December Vacation Programs: North River Winter Adventures 1, 2, & 3

Wednesday, December 28: Adventure 1 Thursday, December 29: Adventure 2Friday, December 30: Adventure 3

For children in grades 1-5, ages 7-11 9 AM-3 PM each day (register for any or all; daily activities vary)North River Wildlife SanctuaryWith Amy “Twig” Quist, Ed Coordinator/Camp Director$70/$60 per member child per day

As the excitement of the holidays winds down, continue the celebra-tion with some winter adventures! Investigate the trails looking for tracks, scat, and other evidence of wildlife, experiment with winter adaptations, and explore the season through play and adventure along the trails. Finish each day with hot cocoa by the fi re.

South Shore Explorations: Round the BendThree Saturday Explorations; register for any or all! 9/17, 10/29, 11/12, 10 AM-2 PM each dayMeet at North River Wildlife Sanctuary$15/$12 member adult, $11/$8 member child per sessionWith Teacher Naturalist Doug Lowry

Join us for one, two, or all three of these exploratory trips to some of the South Shore’s most compelling but lesser-known natural history hot spots. Hidden pockets of strik-ing beauty are often the reward for curiosity and investigating what’s around the next bend. Each trip will be appropriate for all ages and focus on a variety of habitats and ecosys-tems. Plan on a couple of short walks, and bring a picnic lunch and a spirit of adventure!

Little NaturalistsSecond Tuesday of each month, 9:30-10:30 AM For children ages 3-5 with caregiver $7/$5 member child (no charge for accompanying adults) North River Wildlife Sanctuary With Marilyn Christmann, Retired Teacher, & Terry Stephens, Teacher Naturalist

Learn about New England animals and how they live through walks, stories, songs, and crafts. These programs often fi ll early, so make sure to preregister! Each month focuses on a different seasonal theme.

September 13: OpossumsOctober 11: BatsNovember 8: MiceDecember 13: Feeder BirdsJanuary 10: Bears

Our Last Two Duxbury Beach Programs of the Summer!No need to preregister, just show up! These free programs, sponsored by Duxbury Beach Reserva-tion, Inc., run from 9:30-11 AM. Meet at Duxbury Beach and park on the ocean side of the Powder Point Bridge behind the Harbormaster building.

Thursday 8/25: Piping Plovers With Patty Levasseur, Coastal Waterbird BiologistFor ages 10+. Join this powerhouse protector of piping plovers as she shares the amazing life stories of this impressive bird and textbook example of crucial advocacy.

Saturday 8/27: Kites and the Science of FlightWith Teacher Naturalist Doug LowryFor all ages. We will build a few simple kites as we explore the science of fl ight and the remarkable adaptations birds have developed in order to take to the air.

February 14: SkunksMarch 14: DucksApril 11: Pond FishMay 9: BeaversJune 13: Butterfl ies

Join us for a program! Preregistration and cancellation procedures • Preregistration and prepayment are required for all programs unless otherwise noted.

• Please preregister at least 3 days in advance. Programs have limited space – they often fi ll early, or may be cancelled if enrollment is low. Early preregistration helps ensure that programs will run.

• Refunds or credits can only be given with 48 hours notice (overnight trips and summer camp require additional notice – please see those sections for details), or if a program is cancelled.

How do I preregister?• Online: massaudubon.org/southshore

• By phone: 781-837-9400

• By mail: include a check or credit card information with the form on page 11.

Please read program preregistration and cancellation procedures (page 6 or 11)

7Please read program preregistration and cancellation procedures (page 6 or 11)

Friday Morning Bird WalkEvery Friday, 8:15-11:45 AM No need to preregister; just show up! Meet at North River Wildlife SanctuaryWith Property Manager & Naturalist David Ludlow, and/or Teacher Naturalist Doug Lowry $15/$12 member

Birders of all levels will enjoy spending the morning searching for birds in a variety of habitats year-round.

Birding by Van Three Monday sessions; register for any or all! 9/12, 10/3, 11/14; 9-11:30 AM each day Meet at North River Wildlife SanctuaryWith South Shore Sanctuaries Director Sue MacCallum$15/$12 member per session

Enjoy birding but prefer not to walk long distances? Travel to local hot spots by van with us to see what we can fi nd outside our windows. We will step outside occasionally and take short walks on level ground, but no need for hik-ing boots! Preregistration is required to secure your seat in the van.

FOR ADULTS

Fall Fungus Foray at North Hill MarshSaturday 9/24, 9 AM-noonNorth Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Duxbury$25/$20 member adultWith Lawrence Millman, PhD, Mycologist & Author

Back by popular demand, Dr. Millman returns for another of his famous fungus forays. This walk will feature the fungi and lichens of our North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, a diverse habitat that offers up a variety of species. Millman will discuss features that help identify both individual species and the diversity of fungal substrates, fascinating links that are crucial to ecosystems. We will provide hand lenses and loupes if you do not have your own. Please note that this program does not focus on edibles, though we will discuss some of fungi’s nonculinary uses. Lawrence Millman has written 15 books and conducted fungal inventories in places as diverse as Iceland, Nantucket, Belize, Greenland, and Panama. He is currently working on a “Red List” of rare and endangered species of New England fungi.

Cranberry Bog and Harvest TourSaturday 10/1, 8:30 AM-12:30 PMNorth River Wildlife Sanctuary$30/$25 member adultWith Teacher Naturalist & cranberry connoisseur Doug Lowry

This van tour will investigate one of this country’s three culti-vated native fruits. The tart cranberry was a staple of the people

of the First Nations, and its cultivation has played an infl uential part in our local history. We will visit an abandoned bog to learn about ecological succession and how the once-thriving cranberry grow-ing culture has declined due to economic pressures. We will also visit a local bog in production during harvest. Massachusetts cranberry growers are stewards to 14,000 acres of bog and 48,000 acres of upland and wetland support land that provide crucial open space and wildlife habitat.

❊ NEW! ❊3-Day Natural History Field School

Wednesday 9/28-Friday 9/30Wed./Thurs.: 8:30-4 PM; Fri. 8:30 AM-8:30 PMNorth River Wildlife Sanctuary$280/$250 member adultWith Teacher Naturalist Doug Lowry

What is fi eld school? It’s kind of like camp for adults. Join us for 3 full days and one evening of fun, exciting activities and opportunities for lifelong natural history learning. The world will be our oyster as we spend time exploring the habitats, ecosystems, and science within our community. We are bringing in some ringers as we explore beaches, birding, boat-building, creative writing, a service project, mammal skull studies, a campfi re, and a locally sourced banquet. We will provide a picnic lunch each day and a banquet dinner Friday.

Birding With Your Own TutorSaturday 11/12, 9-10:30 AMDaniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary$11/$8 member

Looking for an outside activity for your family or friends? How about learning a fun new skill side by side? We will provide a birding tutor from our cadre of experienced and enthusiastic birders for small groups of up to 5 people. Along with approach-able expertise, we will have fi eld guides and binoculars to share. Learn the basics to set you up for a lifetime of birding adventures!

Winter Solstice HayrideWednesday 12/21, 6:30-8:30 PMDaniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary$11/$8 member

Bundle up in your favorite warm layers and join us in the cel-ebration of the Winter Solstice. Bring your own box dinner and we will supply hot cocoa, dessert, hay bale seating around the campfi re, stories of animals transitioning into the winter, and a solstice hayride guided by lanterns. Some quiet time at Fox Hill will be spent enjoying the winter stars.

FOR ALL AGES (continued)

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Bird Feeding Like a ProWednesday 11/2, 7-8:30 PMNorth River Wildlife Sanctuary$15/$11 member adultWith Steve French, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, Hanover

Learn everything you need to know about feeding birds! Discov-er which seed and seed mixes are ideal for attracting a variety of species to your feeders. Learn about proactive measures to maintain your feeders and enhance the health of your feathered guests. Whether you are just starting to feed birds or a sea-soned devotee, Steve will surely pique your avian appetite.

Baja California Sur: Stick or StingWednesday 11/30, 7-9 PMNorth River Wildlife Sanctuary$12/$10 member adultWith Teacher Naturalist & adventurer Doug Lowry

Tour the amazing adaptations of the fl ora and fauna of Baja California Sur in this photographic exploration. Delve into the unique properties of the plants and animals that thrive in this southern extension of the Sonoran Desert. From kangaroo mice that stand on hind legs and howl like wolves, to wasps that lay their eggs in living tarantulas, Baja is home to some truly fasci-nating survival adaptations. Extreme temperature fl uctuations, intermittent rain, and an interface with the sea make for some complicated obstacles that these problem solvers have over-come. A light snack will be provided.

Owl Prowl: Slinking for Strigiformes Two dates to choose from – register for either or both! 7-9 PM: Saturday 12/17. OR Wednesday 12/28Meet at North River Wildlife SanctuaryWith Doug Lowry$25/$20 member per session

This popular winter activity is a tradition not to be missed! Search the secretive domain of one of nature’s most skilled nocturnal hunters with hopes of observing these stealthy crea-tures. Test your auditory skills by listening for their distinct calls, some of which can be heard from a mile away. We will bundle up and pile into the van to take advantage of the most up-to-date scouting reports. Dress for colder temperatures and bring a fl ashlight with a red light option if you have one.

Desserts & DestinationsAt North River Wildlife Sanctuary

Join us for one, two, or all three programs$14/$10 member adult per session

Share a taste of the culture, landscapes, wildlife, and – of course – the desserts! Enjoy tagging along on these exotic getaways from the comfort of our program room. A regional dessert will be shared along with bird-friendly, organic, fair-trade certifi ed Birds & Beans® coffee (which can be purchased through our Gift Shop). This series is cosponsored with the South Shore Bird Club.

Saturday 10/29, 3-5 PM: AlaskaWith Bob Fox and Dana Duxbury-Fox, birders & travelersThe largest state is also the third-least populated, by humans that is. Birds are a different matter. Albatross, woodpeckers, loons, murrelets, and so many more cool species can be found there. Through a photo slide show, we will explore the evolu-tion of Alaskan birds.

Saturday 11/12, 3-5 PM: ColumbiaWith Steven Whitebread and Sally Avery, birders & travelersColumbia is well known for its diversity of habitats and high numbers of endemic birds. This is especially true of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an isolated mountain range separated from the Andes and the world’s highest coastal range, situated in northeastern Columbia.

Saturday 12/10, 3-5 PM: NamibiaWith David Clapp, celebrated traveler, educator, & past South Shore Sanctuaries DirectorNamibia is an emerging jewel of conservation. Its parks and wildlife habitats are connected to the Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), the world’s largest conservation area that supports breathtaking varieties of African fl ora and fauna. David will recount his adventures and describe some of the 600 bird species, animals both predator and prey, and unique plants that thrive in Namibia. His infec-tious commitment to exploration and curiosity is sure to fuel your travel bug!

FOR ADULTS (continued)

Friday 10/7, 2-6 PM: Give silkscreening a try at the Marshfi eld Farmers’ Market!

Free admission, Marshfi eld Fairgrounds, 140 Main Street

Teacher Naturalist Doug Lowry will guide you in printing greeting cards using silkscreen. The cards will be sold at our October 15 Farm Day (see page 3) at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, and will highlight the fl ora and fauna of this site while raising stewardship funds to maintain it. Check out this art form to see if you’d like to join our solstice silkscreening workshop on 12/7 and 12/10.

Solstice Silkscreening: Two-Part WorkshopWednesday 12/7, 7-9 PM, andSaturday 12/10, 8:30 AM-noon

North River Wildlife Sanctuary$35/$30 member adult (includes both sessions)

With Teacher Naturalist Doug Lowry

This two-part workshop will combine the celebra-tion of the Winter Solstice with a historical style of printmaking. Each participant will have the chance to design, create, and print a multi-colored seri-graph to be used as a Solstice greeting card. For inspiration, we will look through artists’ work that honors the beauty of winter. Practice a number of approaches to stencil, ink, and squeegee. All materials will be provided.

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Rhode Island: Block Island Birding WeekendFriday, September 23-Sunday, September 25With South Shore Sanctuaries Director Sue MacCallum, & Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Director Carol Decker $615/$545 member ($75 deposit)

A gift from the glaciers, Block Island is approximately 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast. Although small, this beautiful island offers a number of different habitats and spectacular scenery. In the fall, the island is a resting and feeding place for migrat-ing shorebirds and ocean birds, and it forms a natural trap for land birds that have wandered out over the ocean during their southward migration. We expect to see a variety of warblers, brown thrashers, dickcissels, merlins, red-breasted nuthatches, and more. Cosponsored with Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Belize: Birds and MoreSaturday, March 18-Saturday, March 25, 2017With South Shore Sanctuaries Director Sue MacCallum, & Jeff Collins, Mass Audubon’s Director of Ecological Management$3,000 per person; contact us for details

Belize is a tiny birding jewel in the globally signifi cant Mesoamer-ican Biological Corridor, which stretches from southern Mexico to Panama. Blessed with an abundance of habitats, Belize’s rich biodiversity means we can expect to see/hear over 225 bird species during our 8-day trip (out of nearly 600 documented in the country). We’ll admire the 8-foot wingspan of the jabiru, and the fl amboyant rainbow bill of Belize’s national bird, the keel-billed toucan. We’ll also watch for the spectacular orange-breasted falcon soaring over the cliffs by our lodge.

The juxtaposition of familiar US birds alongside Central American residents highlights the importance of protecting habitat all along migratory routes. Mass Audubon has been working to conserve land in Belize, which we’ll discuss along with other modern conservation initiatives. While this trip is birding-focused, we’ll have time to swim in lovely clear rivers, visit Mayan archeologi-cal sites, and look and listen for howler and spider monkeys, ocelots, nine-banded armadillos, and tayras. Belize also supports the highest density of jaguars in Central America and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

OVERNIGHT TRIPS FOR ADULTS

Travel with us! Preregistration and cancellation procedures • Please register at least one month in advance.

• A nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit is required to secure your space.

• Trip cancellations must be made before the deadline stated in the trip itinerary. Otherwise, payments cannot be refunded, credited, or transferred.

• Fees include accommodations (double occupancy), ground and boat transportation, entrance fees, interpre-tive materials, and fi eld instruction. Single rooms may be available for a supplemental fee. Meals and personal items are not included unless specifi ed.

• Please contact us for a detailed itinerary prior to reg-istering: southshore@massaudubon.org, 781-837-9400.

California: Birding Monterey Bay and BeyondThursday, May 4-Thursday, May 11, 2017 With South Shore Sanctuaries Director Sue MacCallum, & Scott Santino, Ipswich River Teacher Naturalist$2,795/$2,695 member ($180 deposit) includes lodging, entrance fees, ground transportation, and picnic lunches

California’s incredibly diverse habitats and extensive coastline boast the third-largest list of birds in North America – 606 – trailing only Arizona and Texas. Monterey is considered the fi nest seabird location in the country. We’ll explore Monterey Bay by boat in search of regional specialties including Laysan and black-footed albatross, ashy storm-petrel, Brandt’s cormorant, pigeon guillemot, Cassin’s and rhinoceros auklets, and western and California gulls.

On land, we’ll explore the headlands, redwood groves, and coastal scrub of Big Sur; the sandy beaches and mudfl ats at Elkhorn Slough; and the riparian woodlands at Pinnacles Na-tional Monument, where we’ll seek out elephant seal, sea otter, golden eagle, prairie falcon, and the federally endangered Cali-fornia condor. We’ll also visit the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for a private tour of their banding station. Cosponsored with Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wish List: Your trash may be our treasure! ∙ 1/4-sheet palm sander ∙ Megaphone ∙ Gas-powered snowblower ∙ Hot glue guns ∙ Night vision wildlife camera ∙ Bench grinder ∙ Cordless screw gun (at least 12V) ∙ Broadcast lime spreader

For camp and children’s programs: ∙ Acrylic paint ∙ Dry pinecones for crafts ∙ Dry-erase markers ∙ Children’s nature books∙ Handheld compasses (10) ∙ Pipe cleaners ∙ Craft materials (felt, markers, craft glue, chopsticks)

It’s time to replace our spotting scopes! Cash donations are always appreciated, and may be earmarked for general use or specialized funds such as Optics or Youth Programs.Collared aracari © David Shaffer

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Coastal Waterbird Wrapup 2016Beaches provide important foraging habitat for a variety of migrating shorebirds, and also nesting habitat for some. Piping plovers and least terns, among other species, settle on local beaches each summer to raise their families.

Launched in 1986 in response to declining popu-lations of piping plovers and terns in Massachusetts, Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program works to protect nesting and foraging areas throughout the state. Based at local coastal sanctuaries and coordinated in partnership with private landowners and federal, state, and municipal agencies, the program has helped to recover the number of piping plovers nesting in the state from 135 pairs in 1986 to 650 pairs in 2011 – about 1/3 of the Atlantic Coast population! At South Shore Sanctuaries, we were fortunate to have a team of 3 biologists and 2 interns during the 2016 summer. This hardworking crew monitored piping plovers and terns on beaches from Hull to Saquish, collecting data and helping beach owners comply with state and federal regulations.

In total, we watched 35 pairs of piping plovers raise approxi-mately 65 chicks. The number is not defi nite as of this writing since some of the chicks are not yet fl edged (fl ying). Once they fl edge, their chance of survival increases and they are added to the count. While this number may seem large, these birds remain vulnerable during their migrations and on their wintering habitat, and many will not make it back to raise their own families.

Our biologists talk with many beachgoers during the summer and greatly appreciate all your interest and assistance. Thank you for keeping dogs on leashes, children out of fenced areas, and following posted regulations. With your help, we can all share the beautiful resources we have here on the South Shore.

The Birding Beat: Bills, Bills, Bills: Part 1

By David Ludlow, Property Manager & Naturalist

A bill’s shape and features can be a big help in bird identifi cation. In fact, bill shape was the whole premise of the study of Darwin’s fi nches on the Galapagos Islands. This study identifi ed 15 differ-ent fi nch species that had evolved over 2 million years, with one of the key differences being the adaptations of the fi nch bills to suit available food resources.

This type of food-oriented bill variation is common. Short, stout bills like you see in sparrows, fi nches, and grosbeaks, are for eat-ing seeds. Watch your feeder closely and you’ll notice that the house fi nch will stay at the feeder and crack open the sunfl ower seeds with just its bill. Chickadees and tufted titmice have smaller bills, and need to take the seed to chisel it open against a branch or similar surface.

Insect eaters like warblers, wrens, blackbirds, and gnatcatchers have thinner, pointier bills to suit this purpose, while the sharp, hooked bills of eagles, hawks, and shrikes are ideal for tearing fl esh. A very general division of shorebirds puts them in two groups. Species with short, blunt bills like plovers use large eyes to hunt for food on the water’s surface and pick up what they see. The thinner, pointier, longer bills of birds like sandpipers are used to hunt for food under the water as they probe and feel for it with their bills.

Although ducks dine mostly on vegetation, some are specialists. The northern shoveler, for example, has a wide, fl at bill used to sift pond scum and mud to get the tasty morsels hidden within. Eiders have strong, heavy bills for crushing crabs and other shellfi sh, and mergansers have narrow, serrated bills for catching

slippery fi sh. Our winter Birding Beat article will delve more deeply into specialists, so make sure you are on our mailing list in January!

As you are identifying birds, consider how their bill shape may be related to their diet. This will help you remember key fea-tures, while also providing insight into where the birds can be found and what behavior to look for.

Black-bellied plover © Shawn P. Carey (Migration Productions)

Northern shoveler © Doug Wauchope

Osprey © Doug Wauchope

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Your name____________________________________ Phone_____________________ Email_______________________

Street address________________________________________________ Town______________________ Zip________

Credit card #__________________________________________ Exp. date________ CVV_______ Check enclosed ____

Membership #___________________ Nonmember____ Please send me membership information__________

Are you participating in the program?______ Additional participants # Adult______ # Child______

Additional participant(s) name(s) _________________________________________ DOB (if child)___________ Grade____

Program Title I____________________________________________________ Date______________ Fee $________

Program Title II_____________________________________________________ Date______________ Fee $_______

FALL 2016 PROGRAM CALENDARAUGUSTThurs. 25 9:30-11 AM Dux. Beach: Piping PloversFri. 26 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 27 9:30-11 AM Dux. Beach: Kites & Science of Flight*

SEPTEMBERFri. 2 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkFri. 9 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkMon. 12 9-11:30 AM Birding by VanTues. 13 9:30-10:30 AM Little Naturalists – Opossums*Fri. 16 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 17 10 AM-2 PM South Shore Explorations*Fri. 23 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkFri. 23-Sun. 25 Block Island Birding Weekend Sat. 24 9 AM-noon Fall Fungus Foray at North Hill MarshWed. 28-30 3-Day Natural History Field SchoolFri. 30 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird Walk

OCTOBERSat. 1-Mon. 31 Repetition in Nature: Exhibit & SaleSat. 1 8:30 AM-12:30 PM Cranberry Bog and Harvest TourMon. 3 9-11:30 AM Birding by VanFri. 7 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkFri. 7 2-6 PM Visit us at Marshfi eld Farmers’ MarketTues. 11 9:30-10:30 AM Little Naturalists – Bats*Fri. 14 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 15 10 AM-4 PM Farm Day*Fri. 21 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkFri. 28 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 29 3-5 PM Desserts & Destinations: AlaskaSat. 29 10 AM-2 PM South Shore Explorations*

NOVEMBERWed. 2 7-8:30 PM Bird Feeding Like a ProFri. 4 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkTues. 8 9:30-10:30 AM Little Naturalists – Mice*

NOVEMBER (continued)Fri. 11 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 12 9-10:30 AM Birding With Your Own Tutor*Sat. 12 10 AM-2 PM South Shore Explorations*Sat. 12 3-5 PM Desserts & Destinations: Columbia Mon. 14 9-11:30 AM Birding by VanFri. 18 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkFri. 18-Tues. 12/27 Snowy Owls: Exhibit & SaleFri. 25 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkWed. 30 7-9 PM Baja California Sur: Stick or Sting

DECEMBERFri. 2 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 3 10 AM-3 PM Open House & Woodturning Exhibit*Sat. 3-Wed. 21 Woodturning Exhibit & Sale*Fri. 9 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 7 7-9 PM Solstice Silkscreening: Part 1 of 2Sat. 10 8:30 AM-noon Solstice Silkscreening: Part 2 of 2Sat. 10 3-5 PM Desserts & Destinations: NamibiaTues. 13 9:30-10:30 AM Little Naturalists – Feeder Birds*Fri. 16 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkSat. 17 7-9 PM Owl Prowl: Slinking for Strigiformes Wed. 21 6:30-8:30 PM Winter Solstice Hayride*Fri. 23 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkWed. 28 9 AM-3 PM North River Winter Adventure 1*Wed. 28 7-9 PM Owl Prowl: Slinking for Strigiformes Thurs. 29 9 AM-3 PM North River Winter Adventure 2* Fri. 30 8:15-11:45 AM Friday Morning Bird WalkFri. 30 9 AM-3 PM North River Winter Adventure 3*

JANUARY 2017 & BEYOND...Tues. 1/10 9:30-10:30 AM Little Naturalists – Bears*Sat. 3/18-Sat. 3/25 Belize: Birds and MoreThurs. 5/4-Thurs. 5/11 California: Birding Monterey Bay

*Appropriate for children

Program Preregistration & Cancellation ProceduresPreregistration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted.

Programs often fi ll up, or may be cancelled if enrollment is low, so please preregister at least 3 days in advance.

Refunds or credits can only be given with 48 hours notice (overnight trips and camp require additional notice) or if a session is cancelled.

Preregistration can be completed online: massaudubon.org/southshore; by phone: 781-837-9400; or by mail: Include a check or credit card information with this form, and send to Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries, 2000 Main Street, Marshfi eld, MA 02050.

For identity and safety assurances, fax and email registrations are not accepted. Registration for overnight trips and summer camp works differently – please see those sections for specifi c instructions.

massaudubon.org/southshore facebook.com/MassAudubonSouthShore 781-837-9400 southshore@massaudubon.org

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Inside: P.g 2: South Shore Sanctuaries: staff, directions, info Tidmarsh Farms – A New Sanctuary?! Chimney Swift Nesting Sites

Pg. 3: Farm Day, October 15: info & volunteer form

Pg. 4: Fall Art Exhibits & Events

Pg. 5: Twig’s Two Cents: Year-Round Nature Education

Pgs. 6-8: Program Catalog

Pg. 9: Overnight Trips for Adults

Pg. 10 The Birding Beat Coastal Waterbird Wrapup

Pg. 11: Seasonal Calendar Registration instructions and form

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #33

MARSHFIELD, MASouth Shore SanctuariesNorth River • Daniel Webster • North Hill Marsh2000 Main StreetMarshfi eld, MA 02050

Farm Day October 15!

Printed on paper with recycled content.

Join the fun at Farm Day on October 15 (details on page 2). Farm Day photos courtesy of Josh Kuchinsky Photography.

massaudubon.org/southshore facebook.com/MassAudubonSouthShore 781-837-9400 southshore@massaudubon.org

Produced in cooperation with Plymouth County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and the Plymouth County Commissioners.