NH Audubon

Conserving "Our Birds" South of the Border with Scott Hecker
2024-05-08 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Seacoast Science Center, Odiorne State Park, Route 1A, Rye, NH, United States
Join the NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter for their in person May program: Conserving “Our Birds” South of the Border with Scott Hecker.
“3 billion birds gone” headlined a report in 2019. What more do we know, what can we do? As a “Director of Bird Conservation” since the 1980s, it is my job to know and to do. As my colleague Fitz once said, it is not Rocket Science, it’s more complicated, but it’s not too late and every bird and every acre matters. You will hear about species you love and people on the front lines of bird conservaation in Latin America and beyond who also love “their birds”. New tracking tecnologies and community engagement are making great strides. I hope you will come to hear how simple it is to make a difference.
Bio: Back around 1990, I spoke for the Seacoast Chapter about conserving tropical habitat in Belize for “our birds”. I completed my MS degree in Belize in 1987, then established the Coastal Waterbird Program at Mass Audubon that same year to conserve threatened and endangered Piping Plovers and Roseate Terns. In 2003, I expanded those efforts as Director of Coastal Bird Conservation for the National Audubon Society. In 2008, I co-founded Conservian to focus more work on Piping Plovers in the Bahamas. Since 2016, I have worked for the International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC} and ICF US supporting bird conservationists on the front lines in 36 countries.
The Seacoast Chapter meets monthly on the second Wednesday except the months of July and August unless there is a special program. Refreshments are served at 7pm and the meetings begin at 7:30pm unless otherwise noted (entrance doors locked at 7:45pm). The public is welcome free of charge. In person meetings are held at the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne State Park, Route 1A, Rye, NH. Wheelchair accessible. For more information on chapter programs, please contact: Dan Hubbard, (603) 332-4093 or danielhubbard@peoplepc.com. Cancellations will be posted on The Seacoast Chapter website.

Human / Nature
2024-05-09 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-14 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-15 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-16 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-17 11:00 - 17:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Elderglass by Jackie Hanson.
In this ongoing series, artist Jackie Hanson uses pastels to paint immersive landscapes that feature both well-known and overlooked vantages, often (but not exclusively) from New Hampshire and Maine. While pleasant to the eye, these works help her to think about the tangled relationship between humans and nature. This relationship is both one of forces opposed to each other and inexplicably tied together. Humans can have a devastating impact on our environment, but in many everyday cases, you can observe the Earth reclaiming where humans have moved on. Meanwhile, the human race is beholden to time and ultimately to our planet as well. Jackie’s paintings explore the beauty of the balance between human activity and the Earth’s reciprocity, and the sublime power nature holds. (Recommended reading: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.)
Bio: Jackie Hanson spent her childhood in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, raised in a family where art and creativity were always encouraged. While growing up, she became familiar with the beauty of the outdoors in New England: lakes, mountains, small farms, and plenty of day trips to the ocean. After first using pastels in high school, she rediscovered her love for them while in college, and the way they made her feel the same excitement in the studio as when exploring the natural world. Jackie graduated from New England College’s Institute of Art and Design in 2022 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and plans to continue her art practice as a career.

Earth Day Exhibition 2024 - A Nature Inspired Show
2024-05-09 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-11 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-14 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-15 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-16 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-17 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-18 11:00 - 17:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Each year, NH Audubon holds a day-long, family-friendly Earth Day celebration at the Massabesic Center. As a part of the 2024 celebration, the Center is partnering with the League of NH Craftsmen to feature original work from League artists in a special two month exhibition which includes photography, prints, and fiber art.
An example from the exhibit – Birches by Ron Bowman.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature-themed artwork produced by some of New Hampshire’s finest craftsmen, displayed in the peaceful setting of this beautiful wildlife sanctuary. The exhibition will be open during regular Center hours from April 5-May 31. A reception hosted by the League, and open to the public, will be held on April 21 from 2-4pm.
About the League of NH Craftsmen: For over 90 years, the League has enriched New Hampshire communities through its mission to advance, cultivate and champion fine craft. The League offers a wide-range of educational programs for adults and children, and outstanding hand-made craft is available for purchase at seven affiliated Fine Craft Galleries throughout the state.

Bird Migration Webinar
2024-05-09 18:00 - 19:00 | NH
Why do birds migrate? How do they know where they’re going? The phenomenon of bird migration has fascinated people for millennia, and in this program the answers are finally revealed! Pam Hunt will provide an overview of the nuts and bolts of bird migration, including how scientists study it. We’ll also discuss examples of migration routes of some familiar (and unfamiliar) species and touch on the conservation issues facing migratory birds.
This webinar will kick-off our World Migratory Bird Day Celebration! (A Zoom link will be sent to participants’ email one day prior to the webinar.)

Pondicherry Migratory Bird Day: Outing One
2024-05-11 06:00 - 08:00 | Airport Marsh Overlook, Airport Rd., Whitefield, NH, United States
The 22nd Annual Pondicherry Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 11, 2024. Two consecutive walks are free and open to the public. The first event, which starts at 6 am and ends at 8 am, meets at the overlook at Airport Marsh on Airport Road (adjacent to the Mt. Washington Regional Airport) in Whitefield, NH. Airport Marsh has a mix of water, wetland, shrub, and grassland habitat. Over the past several years, 183 species have been recorded at Airport Marsh, although we will be happy with 40 species.
The second event starts at the Pondicherry Trailhead at 289 Airport Road in Whitefield, NH, at 8 am. We will walk the rail trail to Cherry Pond, a distance of 1.5 miles. We will look and listen for various warblers and other species. From the Tudor Richard Observation Platform at Cherry Pond, guides will lead walks to Little Cherry Pond, searching for black-backed woodpeckers and migrating warblers. We will also visit Moorhen Marsh for wetland species, including marsh wrens and swamp sparrows. We have several expert volunteer guides to help us find and identify species.
We generally finish around 2 pm, although birders can stay longer or leave earlier. The total walking distance for the Cherry and Little Cherry Ponds walk is around 5 miles with an elevation change of only 20 feet. Bring binoculars, lunch, water, and dress for the weather. We may encounter a few black flies. This particular date is often the birdiest weekend of the migration season. The event is free and is sponsored by the Ammonoosuc Chapter of NH Audubon, Friends of Pondicherry, and the Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” Free educational posters featuring this theme will be available.
The Friends of Pondicherry website.
If you have any questions, contact the organizer David Govatski at David.Govatski@gmail.com

Birding Outing at Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary
2024-05-11 08:00 - 09:30 | Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary, Beede Flats Road/Rt. 113, North Sandwich, NH, 03259, United States
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by joining NH Audubon for a birding outing along the trails at Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary!
This is an informal birding outing that begins at the parking lot on Beede Flats Road/Route 113 in Sandwich and explores the trails with Devin Guilfoyle, Newfound Center Coordinator. All ages and skill levels of birders are welcome. If you are new to birding, come and learn the basics! If you are an avid birder, come to learn new techniques, network with other birders, or share your expertise with the group.
Binocular rental included with ticket. Please dress for the weather, with sturdy shoes. This walk will go over a boardwalk, with the option of going through the sanctuary’s wilderness loop if time allows. Expect to walk between 1-2 miles over mostly flat, but uneven trails through grassy terrain. Trails may be soggy or muddy in the rainy season.

Beginner Bird Walk: Kwaks Wildlife Sanctuary
2024-05-11 08:00 - 10:00 | NH
Join New Hampshire Audubon President Doug Bechtel in exploring NH Audubon’s Kwaks Wildlife Sanctuary in Newmarket. We will look for early spring migratory song birds and learn a bit about the plants and habitats that make the Kwaks Sanctuary, an important part of the Follett’s Brook Watershed. Meet at 8:00 AM at the parking lot. Contact Holly Bauer with questions.
The trip is limited to 20 participants. As the event nears, visit the Seacoast Chapter website to sign-up. Although these walks are geared with the beginner birder in mind, birders of all levels of expertise are encouraged to participate and share their experiences. Children are gladly welcome with an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Pondicherry Migratory Bird Day: Outing Two
2024-05-11 08:00 - 14:00 | Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary, Presidential Rail Trail, 289 Airport Road, Whitefield, NH, 03598, United States
The 22nd Annual Pondicherry Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 11, 2024. Two consecutive walks are free and open to the public. The first event, which starts at 6 am and ends at 8 am, meets at the overlook at Airport Marsh on Airport Road in Whitefield, NH. Airport Marsh has a mix of water, wetland, shrub, and grassland habitat. Over the past several years, 183 species have been recorded at Airport Marsh, although we will be happy with 40 species.
The second event starts at the Pondicherry Trailhead at 289 Airport Road in Whitefield, NH, at 8 am. We will walk the rail trail to Cherry Pond, a distance of 1.5 miles. We will look and listen for various warblers and other species. From the Tudor Richard Observation Platform at Cherry Pond, guides will lead walks to Little Cherry Pond, searching for black-backed woodpeckers and migrating warblers. We will also visit Moorhen Marsh for wetland species, including marsh wrens and swamp sparrows. We have several expert volunteer guides to help us find and identify species.
We generally finish around 2 pm, although birders can stay longer or leave earlier. The total walking distance for the Cherry and Little Cherry Ponds walk is around 5 miles with an elevation change of only 20 feet. Bring binoculars, lunch, water, and dress for the weather. We may encounter a few black flies. This particular date is often the birdiest weekend of the migration season. The event is free and is sponsored by the Ammonoosuc Chapter of NH Audubon, Friends of Pondicherry, and the Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” Free educational posters featuring this theme will be available.
The Friends of Pondicherry website.
If you have any questions, contact the organizer David Govatski at David.Govatski@gmail.com

World Migratory Bird Day: Bird Outing at Massabesic Center
2024-05-11 08:30 - 10:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with NH Audubon this year! We will be hosting a few different outings across the state on May 11th to celebrate and enjoy our feathered friends.
This is an informal birding outing that begins at the Massabesic Center in Auburn and explores the trails with local birder and Massabesic Center Advisory Committee member, Joe Mahoney. All ages and skill levels of birders are welcome. If you are new to birding, come and learn the basics! If you are an avid birder, come to learn new techniques, network with other birders, or share your expertise with the group.
Cost is $8/members or $10/non-members, please contact Slater Roosa if this may be a barrier for your participation. Binocular rental included with ticket. Please dress for the weather, with sturdy shoes. Expect to walk between 1-2 miles over mostly flat, but uneven trails through grassy and wooded terrain. Trails may be soggy or muddy in the rainy season. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.

Jack Gleason Memorial Nature Walk
2024-05-11 08:30 - 10:00 | Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary, Rhodora Drive, Amherst, NH, United States
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, a guided nature walk at Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kids & Cucumbers: Family Gardening Ideas & Activities
2024-05-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Gardening appeals to all ages and stages and can be used as a tool to spark curiosity, improve focus, boost self-esteem, and establish lifelong relationships with food, nutrition, wildlife, and the environment. In this hands-on, outdoor program, we will focus on engaging children in the home garden with activities geared towards growing not only food and flowers but cultivating confidence as well. This program is best suited for families with children ages 5-14.
Presenter:
Willa Coroka, Project Implementation Specialist with NH Audubon.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Registration required by May 9.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Beginner Bird Walk: Pickering Ponds
2024-05-12 07:00 - 12:00 | NH
One of the top 10 birding spots in New Hampshire, this walk will traverse Rochester city park trails along the Cocheco River and around the former wastewater treatment settling ponds. Meet at the Pickering Ponds parking area at 7:00 AM. The entrance is about a mile south of the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pickering Road (opposite mailbox #452). Contact: Dan Hubbard or 603-978-0218.
The trip is limited to 20 participants. As the event nears, visit the Seacoast Chapter website to sign-up. Although these walks are geared with the beginner birder in mind, birders of all levels of expertise are encouraged to participate and share their experiences. Children are gladly welcome with an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Beginner Bird Walk: Pickering Ponds
2024-05-15 07:00 - 12:00 | NH
An encore of the very popular Pickering Ponds walk on May 12. One of the top 10 birding spots in New Hampshire, this walk will traverse Rochester city park trails along the Cocheco River and around the former wastewater treatment settling ponds. Meet at the Pickering Ponds parking area at 7:00 AM. The entrance is about a mile south of the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pickering Road (opposite mailbox #452). Contact: Dan Hubbard or 603-978-0218.
The trip is limited to 20 participants. As the event nears, visit the Seacoast Chapter website to sign-up. Although these walks are geared with the beginner birder in mind, birders of all levels of expertise are encouraged to participate and share their experiences. Children are gladly welcome with an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Brockway Wee Explorers - Insect Investigators
2024-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Brockway Nature Preserve, Farrington Corner Road, Hopkinton, NH, United States
Join New Hampshire Audubon at Brockway Nature Preserve in Hopkinton for nature exploration with your 3-5 year old. Programs will be held on the first and third Wednesday of every month through May. Each program has an exciting theme regarding wildlife, nature, or the seasons. Programs will begin at 10 am and last about 45 minutes each.
This is an outdoor location with no bathroom facilities. Please dress children for the weather and be ready to walk on the trail, sit on logs and the ground, and dig in the dirt! Programs will be cancelled if poor weather is predicted during the program time; participants will be notified by email of cancellations. To find the meeting circle, park at the Brockway Nature Preserve parking area along Farrington Corners Road in Hopkinton, then follow the entrance trail across the bridge to the circle. For detailed directions, see here. Contact Devin Guilfoyle with any questions about the program. Maximum 10 children.
Cost: Non-resident NH Audubon members: $5/family; Non-resident non-members: $10/family; Free to Hopkinton Residents* (RSVP required below)
*Thanks to an endowment from Dorothy Brockway Osborne, this program is free for Hopkinton Residents.

Weeks State Park Migratory Bird Day Walk
2024-05-16 07:00 - 11:00 | Weeks State Park, Summit Road, Route 3, Lancaster, NH, 03584, United States
The Weeks State Park Migratory Bird Day Walk is Thursday, May 16, 2024. The walk starts at 7 am at the Parking Lot at the start of the Weeks State Park Summit Road, just off of US Route 3 in Lancaster. We will then take a leisurely 3-mile round trip walk along the Auto Road to the summit of Mt Prospect, gaining 800 feet of elevation. Along the way, we should see various warblers, vireos, and flycatchers, as well as a variety of spring wildflowers.
We typically finish at 11 am and then offer an optional side trip to Martin Meadow Pond, where we will look for loons, osprey, and bald eagles. The birding walk is sponsored by the Weeks State Park Association and is free and open to the public.
The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” Free educational posters featuring this theme will be available.
The Weeks State Park Association website.
If you have any questions, contact the organizer David Govatski at David.Govatski@gmail.com.

Growing Backyard Berries
2024-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Small-scale production of berries can be a rewarding investment, but not without its own management challenges! In this workshop, we’ll focus on blueberries, brambles (blackberries and raspberries,) and strawberry production for the backyard gardener, covering topics that include varieties, establishment, maintenance, pruning, and major pest and disease management. Weather permitting, we’ll walk out to the UNH Extension Demonstration Gardens where we’ll see some techniques in practice. Appropriate footwear is helpful.
Presenter: Steph Sosinski, UNH Extension Home Horticulture Program Manager
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Registration required by May 14.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Beginner Bird Walk: Deer Hill Wildlife Management Area
2024-05-18 07:00 - 09:00 | NH
Bird the varied habitats of the Deer Hill Wildlife Management Area with trip leader Scott Heron. With 190 species seen on the property, in the spring Deer Hill can be full of migrating passerines and breeding water birds. Meet at the entrance gate on Pine Road in Brentwood. Contact: Scott Heron.
The trip is limited to 20 participants. As the event nears, visit the Seacoast Chapter website to sign-up. Although these walks are geared with the beginner birder in mind, birders of all levels of expertise are encouraged to participate and share their experiences. Children are gladly welcome with an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Beginner Bird Walk: Marsh Birds of World End Pond
2024-05-19 06:30 - 09:30 | NH
World End Pond is one of the top birding hotspots in southeast New Hampshire and it is home to many specialties not easily found elsewhere in the state. At almost 100 acres, one of the best ways to discover its birdlife is by kayak. Bring your own kayak or canoe and join Kyle Wilmarth as he leads a trip paddling through the pond and marsh. Meet at the boat launch at the end of Theresa Avenue in Salem. Contact: Kyle Wilmarth.
The trip is limited to 7 participants. As the event nears, visit the Seacoast Chapter website to sign-up. Although these walks are geared with the beginner birder in mind, birders of all levels of expertise are encouraged to participate and share their experiences. Children are gladly welcome with an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
