Birdwatching

Fields, forests, wetlands and the shores of Lake Massabesic provide great opportunities for beginning birders to see a variety of birds and learn the tricks for becoming a better birder. Meet at the Massabesic Audubon Center.

Leaders: Community Engagement Manager, Ruth Smith and Educator Denise Turcotte.  Registration required. Fee: $5/person

The coastline is a magnet for migrating birds. Explore the shrubby edges, woods and rocky coast of Odiorne State Park in search of migrating songbirds as well as shorebirds and waterfowl.

Leader: Senior Biologist Becky Suomala. Registration required. Fee: $5/person

Located in the center of Rockingham County, Fremont doesn’t get a lot of birding attention. Yet it hosts a diverse mix of habitats from extensive hayfields to the large and mysterious “Spruce Swamp”. The trip will have two start times. For individuals interested in listening for whip-poor-wills and other nocturnal birds, as well as experiencing the dawn chorus, meet at 4:30 a.m. The second wave will start at 6:00. Meet at the Fremont Public Library (7 Jackie Bernier Drive, off Route 107).

Enjoy casual birding for all levels (ages 12+). We’ll listen and look for birds in the field, forest, and nearby Turkey Pond. Meet outside the McLane Center entrance.  Binoculars will be available for loan.

Leader:  NH Audubon educator Hilary Chapman. Registration required. Fee: $5/person

Join a paddling trip at McDaniel’s Marsh in search of waterfowl, herons, and secretive marsh birds like Virginia Rail and American Bittern.  The 300-acre marsh, part of a State Wildlife Management Area, lies along the Bog Brook drainage in Springfield, and is home to many species of ducks, geese, herons, and songbirds, as well as moose, deer, bear, mink, turtles, frogs, dragonflies, damselflies, and numerous other wildlife. Bring your own kayak or canoe.

Leaders: Conservation Biologist Laura Deming and Cynthia Nichols  Registration required. Fee: $5/person

The lakes and surrounding habitats provide wonderful habitats for migrating and resident birds. There will be two start times – 6:00 in New Hampton and 8:00 a.m. in Meredith. Don’t miss an opportunity to go birding with award-winning birder Bob Quinn.

Leaders: International wildlife tour guide Bob Quinn and Anne LaVin

Registration required. Fee: $5/person

Explore the fields, forest, riparian edges, Hebron Marsh and shoreline of Newfound Lake. Hebron and the Newfound Audubon properties provide a wide variety of habitats and therefore a good diversity of birds. Meet at the Ash Cottage/Hebron Marsh Sanctuary at 7:00 a.m.

Leaders: Suzanne Smith and Dick Beyer.
Registration required. Fee: $5/person

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with some bird watching at Hanover’s scenic Balch Hill Natural Area. We’ll be seeking out spring migrants, especially warblers. Participants should meet in the parking area at the corner of Trescott and Grasse Roads.

The event is free and open to the public. All experience levels are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope as you prefer. Access to the summit is via a trail network system involving easy to moderate climbing on unpaved surfaces.

If you haven’t been to the Thompson Sanctuary and enjoyed the new boardwalk through the marsh, this is a great opportunity. Explore the marsh, forested wetlands, river edges, and meadows in search of a wide variety of birds.

Leaders: Ornithologist and Sanctuary Steward Bob Ridgely

Registration required. Fee: $5/person

Enjoy this mixed habitat sanctuary and look for spring migrants including along a section of the Saco River. This sanctuary is a lovely oasis and includes a riparian flood plain, sandbars and wetlands which attract a variety of birds. The trails are flat but hiking shoes or rubber boots might be helpful depending upon trail conditions. Meet at the entrance on Rte. 302.

Leader: Charlie Nims

Registration required. Fee: $5/person