We are so excited to partner with the Joppa Flats Education Center team for a bird banding demonstration on October 8, 2022 at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (PRNWR), in Newburyport, MA. The banding station that operates on Plum Island is a cooperation between the Joppa Flats Education Center and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The island represents one of the most important stopover points along the East Coast for passerines during both spring and fall migrations. To date they have banded and released over 36,000 birds.

We will arrive at the banding station at 8:30AM where we will enjoy a demonstration of how the birds are captured using mist nets, then inspected to determine species, age, sex, and physical condition (e.g., fat status, mass, molt status, breeding readiness, and other important factors). If there is time, we will explore some of the beaches and trails along the Hellcat boardwalk before departing PRNWR at 11:30AM.

LOGISTICS:  Dress in layers and wear walking shoes. Bring the following: mask/face covering for carpooling, a bagged lunch/snack, bug spray, sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera (optional), and notebook (optional).  If you do not have binoculars, MYBC can provide you with a pair.

This trip will require carpooling, and space is limited to 8 young birders on a first come, first serve basis. We may have additional room if a parent wishes to drive to PRNWR in a separate car. When you register, please select your preferred carpooling option, we will do our best to accommodate and will confirm details via email.

MEET UP DETAILS: Those carpooling with Marion, will meet at the Westbrook Park and Ride (off Exit 47, on Larrabee Rd, Westbrook) at 6:45AM. Those carpooling with Laurie, will meet the York Park and Ride (off Exit 7, near Chases Pond Rd) at 7:15AM. We will depart as a caravan from the York Park and Ride at 7:30AM.

PICK UP DETAILS:  We will return to these same locations for pickup. Those riding with Laurie will return to the York Park and Ride  by 12:30PM. Those riding with Marion will return to the Westbrook Park and Ride by 1:15PM.

This trip is subject to weather. It is it too rainy or cold the banding team reserves the right to close the banding station. We will let everyone know via email the evening before the trip if there are any changes to the itinerary.

2022 Outing Schedule

• Oct 8th -Bird Banding at PRWR

• Nov 5th -TBD

• Dec 31st - Annual Christmas Bird Count in OOB