Birding

Drop in at Joppa Flats for an up-close winter wildlife experience! On select weekend and school vacation days, Joppa Flats volunteer Deb La Roy presents demonstrations on bird research and banding. After capturing wild birds in the Joppa backyard, Deb brings them inside to measure, weigh, examine, and then release them. The unique band that Deb places carefully on each bird’s leg connects other bird researchers with the data she’s collected. You’ll learn about your own backyard birds and why they’re here while watching scientific research in action.

We are all intrigued by the elusive owls. We'll learn about these creatures and have the opportunity to observe owls mounts and touch feathers, followed by a walk outside to look and listen for owls. Upon our return, we will let Mother Nature be our inspiration and create owl art from a variety of mediums at different work stations.

This is a whale watch with a birding twist! Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center has teamed up with Newburyport Whale Watch, to create this birding whale watch. This program focuses on seabirds, but we plan on seeing and learning about marine mammals as well.

Come to Joppa Flats Education Center for a night hike just before dusk followed by fun activities back at the education center including night vision activities, firefly tag and stargazing! This Walk on the Wild Side is part of a series where adults and children can spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife.