Nashoba
Conservation
Trust
Nashoba
Conservation
Trust
Happy Birding
Paula Terrasi
Pepperell’s conservation areas attract visitors from near and far. Visitors are often seen walking our vast trail system or kayaking, canoeing, or fishing in our rivers and streams, but our conservation areas also attract a group of people who come to Pepperell to enjoy the variety of habitats that attract many species of birds.
Hopkinton-based birder Mari Badger visited our lovely town and penned a wonderfully descriptive article about Heald Orchard and other birding hotspots in Pepperell, which appeared in the October issue of Bird Observer. On Heald Orchard, for example, Mari not only shares the many different bird species that can be found there, but she also discusses the site’s conservation history and the town’s efforts to manage it for birds and pollinators. Mari also shares her insights on other birding hotspots, such as Nissitissit Meadows, the Marion Stoddart Conservation Area, the Keyes-Parker Conservation Area, et al. Even if you are not a birder, Mari’s article is a nice introduction to some of Pepperell’s conservation lands. You can read the article here.
Whether you are a birding novice or expert, or simply wondering what all the fuss is about, Nashoba Conservation Trust and the Pepperell Conservation Commission sponsor two annual events, which are open to people of all ages.
The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count is held in mid to late December, typically the Saturday before Christmas. Pepperell is within the Groton-Oxbow count “circle” that also includes all or portions of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Shirley, and Townsend. Birders can participate as “Feeder Watchers” by observing and documenting bird species from their homes or backyards. Birders can also participate as “Field Watchers” where they visit various conservation or public spaces to observe and document their findings. A dedicated group of field watchers often begin their day at midnight hoping to document a variety of owl species. Others start the day by meeting up with groups of friends for breakfast before spending the day in the field. The opportunities are endless.
The annual Breakfast with the Birds is held each spring at the Heald Street Orchard. The event begins with coffee and an assortment of breakfast pastries. The Orchard comes alive during May and June, especially for those focused on the migration of warblers and other species who pass through. The variety of birds present in early May attracts birders from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and sometimes beyond. Whether you have an interest in watching birds from your vehicle from a parking lot or you want to explore the Orchard and fields, you will not be disappointed.
If you would like to be added to the list for birding opportunities, please send an email to Paula at lakelover207@yahoo.com.
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