A Special Treat for the Birding Enthusiast –

A Private, Guided Birding Adventure for Four and More!

Enjoy this unique opportunity to explore one of the most productive birding areas in the entire United States!  Jonathan Brooks, a state biologist and Massachusetts Audubon trip leader, will take you and three friends on a private excursion to birding hot spots in the Newburyport and Plum Island, Massachusetts area.  Jonathan, who has decades of birding experience and an intimate understanding of the region, will share his knowledge and expertise of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the Merrimack River estuary, and other productive areas in Essex County.  Depending on the time of year, bald eagles and snowy owls are possible, and we may look for seals if the tide is right.

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Most commonly associated with Plum Island – a barrier beach island – the refuge is comprised of more than 4700 acres of diverse habitats including sandy beach and dune, cranberry bog, maritime forest and shrub land, and freshwater marsh. The most abundant habitat on the refuge is its 3,000+ acres of salt marsh, one of the most productive ecosystems in nature. Parker River provides pristine coastal habitat for over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as a large variety of mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The refuge also provides critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.

In addition to the private tour, the winning bidder will also receive a set of Pentax DCF NV binoculars, 8x36.  Perfect for birding, the nitrogen-filled waterproof construction (JIS Class 6) allows these binoculars to be used in the most extreme weather conditions and be submerged to 1 meter.  High-resolution phase-coated and super-reflective coated roof prisms provide high resolution and high contrast images and fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and color quality.  Fiber reinforced polycarbonate design make these binoculars extremely lightweight and durable, while the rubber-covered exterior provides a sure grip and protects the internal mechanisms.

A $50 gift card to be used at any Massachusetts Audubon Shop and a casual lunch at a local, popular restaurant during your day, completes this unique and personalized auction package.

www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river

Please Note:  This 6-hour excursion must take place within one year of winning bid notification. A mutually agreed upon date and time for the tour will be coordinated between the winning bidder and Jonathan Brooks.