Bird Observer

Red-breasted Merganser by John Sill

Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a name that has become more and more common among birders, herpers, hikers, hunters, fishermen, and dog walkers. This location has something for everyone. From a birder’s perspective, the recent appearances of chase-worthy rarities— annually-breeding Sandhill Cranes and at least one breeding pair of King Rails in 2016—has made this approximately 1,700-acre Wildlife Management Area a worthwhile place to visit; once here, you will realize how beautiful and birdy it is.

I drag myself outside every day of the year with the hope of finding a bird. I have to be resourceful and creative in order to make my own winter birding adventures safe, as well as organize intentionally inclusive and accessible outings for the Feminist Bird Club and the Anti-racist Collective of Avid Birders. I want to share some of my personal experiences as well as what I have observed and learned from other disabled birders, including what they have confided in me about their wants and needs. Anyone can become disabled overnight, so exploring how to include disabled birders is a way all of us can invest in our future.

Photo Essay: Accessible Birding Sites in Massachusetts

Bird Sightings: September-October 2022

To wind up Volume 50 of Bird Observer, readers were again faced with a rather ghoulish image for the final mystery species of the year. Superficially resembling a washed-out Black-capped Chickadee with its dark throat, extensive white malar stripe between the eye and gray cheek, and whitish underparts, this bird somehow does not look quite right for the beloved little state bird of Massachusetts.

Zaps are notes of awareness and pleas for action that appear in the corresponding print edition of Bird Observer. Here they are from the current issue.