Massachusetts: Nantucket Winter Weekend January 14, 2011

Nantucket in the winter is a birding highlight. Our trip starts with birding the Upper Cape on Friday, and includes two pelagic trips as we cross Nantucket Sound. On the island we will experience massive flocks of Long-tailed Ducks flying at dawn and dusk, watch large numbers of gulls, Gannet, kittiwakes, loons, and alcids feeding in Pochic Rip off Codfish Park beach, check all the ponds for a variety of ducks (including Redhead and Canvasback), find wintering rails in the marshes, and look for Saw-whet, Barn, or Short-eared Owls. In between all that, we will be looking for wintering buntings, shorebirds, and vagrants that frequently end up on the island. On the past five trips, we have seen over 130 species of birds. The charming town with its cobblestone steets adds to the appeal of this scenic island. You will have an opportunity to see the whole island, including sections that few people have explored. In the end, the variety of birds and off-season beauty will keep drawing you back to this magnificent island. - - Open to anyone age 18 or older. - - Call 781-259-2206 or email jriley@massaudubon.org for complete inerary. Registration is required. Call 781-259-2200 for details. See http://www.massaudubon.org/catalog/listing.php?program_code=1693-DFP11WI1 for more information.