The following is courtesy of Salem Sound Coastwatch.

Salem Sound Coastwatch is sponsoring two free events for the public about the waterfowl that migrate to the waters of Salem Sound for the winter.

Each year, a wide variety of beautiful and interesting water birds winter-over in Salem Sound. Common eiders, buffleheads, red-breasted mergansers, brants, common loons and other ducks and geese fly “south” from the far north to spend the winter in the excellent habitat provided by our coastal waters.

See and learn about these birds at two free events sponsored by Salem Sound Coastwatch. The first is a presentation by Robert Buchsbaum, Conservation Scientist with Mass Audubon and Salem Sound Coastwatch Board member, which is being held on Thursday evening, December 8, 7:30pm at the Beverly Farms Library, 24 Vine Street. Dr. Buchsbaum will show lots of pictures and share his extensive knowledge.

On Saturday, December 10, from 8:30 – 10 am SSCW is sponsoring a Winter Waterfowl Identification Training Session at Winter Island in Salem. Experienced Marblehead birder Jan Smith, will set up his scope, point out the birds and answer questions.

These sessions are part of Salem Sound Coastwatch’s Annual Winter Waterfowl Census, an inventory of the winter water birds. Three times during the late fall and winter staff and volunteers observe and count birds at sites in Manchester, Beverly, Danvers, Salem, Marblehead, Swampscott and Nahant.

“The bird census is important as an indicator of the health of our coastal waters,” said Barbara Warren, SSCW Executive Director. “Salem Sound’s eelgrass, seaweeds, fish and shellfish provide abundant food for our winter guests. If the food supply decreases, we would see a decline in the bird populations that migrate here for the winter,” she continued.

The public is invited to come to one or both of these free events. No birding experience is needed and novices are welcome. RSVP requested if possible. Email info@salemsound.org or call 978-741-7900.

Bring binoculars if you have them to the outdoor session at Winter Island. In the event of heavy rain, wind or snow, the Winter Island session will be held at the same time the next day, Sunday, December 11.

For more information contact Salem Sound Coastwatch, 978-741-7900, or info@salemsound.org.

What and Where:

•  Presentation on “Winter Water Birds of Salem Sound” with Dr. Robert Buchsbaum
  Thursday, December 8, 7:30 pm
  Beverly Farms Library, 24 Vine Street, Beverly Farms
  
  
• Winter Waterfowl Identification Training Session
  Saturday, December 10, 8:30 - 10 am
  Winter Island, Salem.
  
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