Saturday, January 16
Cape Ann in Winter
What would motivate you to bird the coast on a cold winter day? How about the possibility of seeing alcids, white-winged gulls, and lots of ocean ducks, loons, and grebes? We will visit the birding hot spots along the Cape Ann coast to observe the many species that call this area their winter home. Please dress in warm layers and bring lunch, water and snacks. We will be driving from location to location (minimum walking). If you would like to carpool, please post your willingness to drive or need for a ride to the Arlington Birds list. Meet at the Fisherman's Statue in Gloucester at 9AM. The approximate ending time is 2-3PM (depending on weather conditions and numbers of birds). Directions: Follow Route 128 north to Exit 14 - Route 133 - Gloucester. Turn right and follow Route 133 for about 3 miles to the stop sign at Western Avenue. Turn left onto Western Avenue, cross the drawbridge and look for the Fisherman's Statue on your right. Ann Gurka and Lew Bushnell

Sunday, January 31
Plum Island in Winter
The winter months are a great time to find Bald Eagles, Snowy Owls, Short-eared Owls, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Shrikes, as well as loons, grebes, and many species of winter ducks. We will carpool around Plum Island and some areas along the Merrimack River. Meet at Parking Lot 1 of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Please note that there is a $5 per vehicle entrance charge unless you have a refuge pass or a Duck Stamp. We will spend time scanning the ocean, so you may want to dress in warm layers. Bring binoculars, a scope if you have one, lunch, water, and snacks.  Heavy snow or icy roads will cancel. 8:30AM-2:30PM Janet Kovner and Margie Forbes

Date to be Determined
Skiing with Binoculars – Great Brook Farm, Carlisle
Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle offers more than 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and some nice birding, so let’s combine the two. There is trail fee of $12. Equipment rental is available. The date for this trip will be dependent on ski conditions, but will be posted to the Arlington Birds listserv a few days in advance. Meet at the ski barn on Lowell Street. 9:00-11:00AM Alan Ankers.

Saturday, February 6th
Dunback - Owls and Winter Finches
Let’s go and search Dunback Meadow in Lexington for some exciting winter visitors: redpolls, siskins, purple finch are all possibilities, and with luck we may find an owl or two. Meet at the Allen Street entrance. 8:00-10:00 AM Bobbie Hodson.

Saturday, February 6
Wintering Birds on the Mystic River and Lakes
Take a two-hour trip along the Upper Mystic River and Mystic Lakes to discover what birds can be found in the middle of winter. Each year hundreds of birds winter on and around the Mystic River and Lakes, as long as open water is available. We'll be looking for raptors, such as a possible eagle, Merlin, or Red-tailed Hawk, and waterfowl, including Common and Hooded Mergansers, and more. Dress appropriately for the weather, including boots. There will be car pooling and limited walking. Meet in front of West Medford Congregational Church at 400 High Street (Route 60), Medford. Cosponsored by Friends of the Mystic River. Canceled in case of rain or icy conditions; will go in snow. 10:00-12:00AM. Paul Roberts.

Sunday, February 21
Revere and Winthrop Seabirds
We will be targeting sea birds that we typically do not get inland around Arlington: loons, grebes (especially red-necked), great cormorant, goldeneye, perhaps three species of scoter, long-tailed duck, gulls, and possibly more pelagic species if winds are off the water. We will car pool from the meeting place to various sites. Please contact leader by e-mail if you are coming, being sure to note if you need a ride. Meet at the traffic circle parking at the south end of Revere Beach Boulevard. 9:00 AM Karsten Hartel. 

Sunday, March 7
Dunback Meadow
We’ll be looking for leftover winter visitors and early migrants such as red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows and flickers, and perhaps even a woodcock or fox sparrow. Meet at Allen Street entrance. 8:00-10:00 AM Bobbie Hodson.

Saturday, March 20
Charles River, Watertown
Join us for a walk along the river to Welcome Spring in Watertown. We will see what ducks are in the area, and maybe find Red-winged Blackbirds, House Finches and more as we walk the path towards Newton. Meet at the DCR parking lot on Pleasant Street just west of Watertown Square. 8:00-10:30AM Carol Thrope.

Sunday, March 21
Revere and Winthrop Seabirds
We will be targeting sea birds that we typically do not get inland around Arlington: loons, grebes (especially red-necked), great cormorant, goldeneye, perhaps three species of scoter, long-tailed duck, gulls, and possibly more pelagic species if winds are off the water. We will car pool from the meeting place to various sites. Please contact leader by e-mail if you are coming, being sure to note if you need a ride.  Meet at the traffic circle parking at the south end of Revere Beach Boulevard. 9:00 AM Karsten Hartel.

See events from other organizations:
Friends of Arlington Great Meadows
Friends of the Middlesex Fells
Friends of Fresh Pond
Friends of Alewife Reservation
Brookline Bird Club