News
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11/9/2022
Acute Water Shortage in Oregon: Nation's Oldest Waterfowl Refuge in Crisis
Portland Audubon is sounding the alarm on the situation in the nation’s oldest waterfowl refuge. “The Klamath National Wildlife Refuges are some of the most important refuges for migratory birds in the Western United States. Today they should be full of water and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. Instead, Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Refuges are dry, dusty, barren expanses--no exaggeration. There is no water to be found and birds are few and far between. At the peak of migration, the refuges are virtually silent. “
Birds migrating along the Pacific flyway depend on this habitat.
The only solution to this immediate emergency is a federal one. Portland Audubon seeks the public’s help in reaching out to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
You can help by following the link below to send a letter. It will take five minutes. This is urgent.
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9/27/2022
At its meeting on this date, the club decided to broaden its focus to include attention to all flora and fauna, not birds alone. The name of the club will remain as is. See the statements on our Home page and our About page to learn more about this change.
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12/18/2021
On December 18th, the Athol Bird and Nature Club (ABNC) held the 54th annual Athol Circle Christmas Bird Count (CBC).
Click here for complete results
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11/12/2021
From Audubon:
Landmark Legislation Sets a Framework for a Cleaner Future for People and Birds
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11/9/2021
From the Cornell Lab:
A Miracle of Abundance as 20,000 Whimbrel Take Refuge on a Tiny Island
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Bobolink Survey in Northfield
Details
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5/20/2021
Message from John Nelson, Chair of the Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs re. Endangered Species
Click here
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5/13/2021
Golden-winged Warbler seen
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Bird Club Member Patter Field Suggests Local Newspaper Consult with Birders on Identifications
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Some Male Birds Fly Under False Colors
"Male tanagers are meant to be noticed. Many species of the small, tropical bird sport deep black feathers and splashes of eye-catching color — electric yellows, traffic cone oranges and nearly neon scarlets.
To achieve this flashiness, the birds must spend time and energy foraging for, and metabolizing, plants that contain special color pigments, which make their way into the feathers. A vibrantly colored male is thus sending an “honest signal,” many scientists have long theorized: He is alerting nearby females that he has a good diet, is in good health and would make a worthy mate.
But some birds may be guilty of false advertising, a new study suggests. Male tanagers have microstructures in their feathers that enhance their colors, researchers reported Wednesday in the journal Scientific Reports. These microstructures, like evolution’s own Instagram filters, may make the males seem as if they are more attractive than they truly are."
Emily Anthes, "Some Male Birds Fly Under False Colors to Attract Mates, Study Suggests," New York Times, April 21, 2021
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Free Online Birding Course
Spark Birding is offering a free program to encourage more people to explore birdwatching as a hobby and to learn the basics. The program is tailored to the New England region and includes a free online course, Birding Essentials for New England, that covers bird behavior, essential gear, the most common birds here, and how to identify birds. For more information or to signup, visit sparkbirding.com/getstarted.
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Scientists Identify Toxin That Has Been Killing Birds
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The Northfield Bird Club is heeding the call of the Association of Massachusetts Bird Clubs (AMBC) and signing on to a conservation initiative entitled "Bring Birds Back."
Click here for more information
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New Buildings in Duluth Using Bird-Friendly Glass
Events
Nature walks occur each spring and fall
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Important Club Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 5:15 p.m.
Northfield Dickinson Library
115 Main Street, Northfield
Details
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Puffins and Other Seabirds
with Carol Pike
Details
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Tick Repellant Clinic
Northfield (Dickinson) Library
115 Main Street, Northfield
Saturday, July 16, 11-1
(more above)
Check our Programs page for more
Also check the Athol Bird and Nature Club for programs and walks