News

2012 Pablo Canevari Award: Call for Nominations

Every two years, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences presents an award of USD $2,000 to an individual or organization from Latin America that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to shorebird conservation – much the way Pablo Canevari did until passing away suddenly in 2000. Pablo, a former director of WHSRN, is remembered for his extraordinary dedication to and passion for the conservation of shorebirds throughout his career and life.  Read more

Climate Change Impact: Science and Policy

Manomet Lecture Series, January 25, Boston, MA

The Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences' quarterly lecture series features multiple experts discussing natural resource challenges from different points of view. Our January event will look at climate change from scientific and policy vantage points. Maine State Climatologist George Jacobson will discuss the history and future impact of climate change in New England. EPA New England Administrator Curt Spalding will discuss policy initiatives designed to address the problem.
 

  • Guest Speakers:
    Dr. George Jacobson, Maine State Climatologist
    Curt Spalding, Administrator for EPA's New England Region

     
  • Where:
    The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
    600 Atlantic Avenue  Boston, MA
    Connolly Center. Click here for directions
     
  • When:
    January 25, 2012
    Reception 5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. Program 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

     
  • RSVP:
    Martha Sheldon at msheldon@manomet.org or
    508-224-6521 ext. 236 
Record Temperatures, 12,348 Birds Seen at 38th Chirstmas Bird Count

Plymouth, MA: 21st December 2011

The count this year started with successful pre-dawn owling at a balmy 36ºF temperature and calm winds. During the day, temperatures peaked at an all-time (since 1974) record 55ºF with SW winds 5-10 mph and partly cloudy skies becoming overcast. There was a light rain in the afternoon. Only the coldest inland fresh water was initially frozen and all water thawed during the morning. Nut, berry and seed crops seemed plentiful, so feeder birds and irruptive species were notably sparse. On the other hand, lingering Marsh Wren, bluebird, Hermit Thrush, catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat and towhee were, well, lingering successfully!  Small marine prey is abundant this year, so seabirds were well-represented in all coastal areas.

The tallied 106 species were above average and we have now exceeded the 38-year average number of species for 14 of the last 17 years. On the other hand, the total number of individual birds has been trending steadily downwards; our 12,348 (or 225 birds per party hour) continuing the low number of individuals seen for the last 6 years.

I did not highlight any species except Yellow-breasted Chat (2) as “unusual” this year. Every species recorded this year has occurred in at least three previous years since 1974.  Last year’s Iceland Gull was back on the Plymouth boat launch as a 2nd winter bird and the Jenny Pond Lesser Black-backed Gull is back in its habitual winter home for an amazing 10th winter. The 10 highest all-year counts included waterbirds (22 Green-winged Teal, 46 Harlequin Duck, 489 Hooded Merganser, 284 American Coot); 121 of the ever-increasing Wild Turkey and 2 Yellow-breasted Chat.  The four long-term low counts were of Mourning Dove, Blue Jay and Black-capped Chickadee (few feeder birds and very few fall migrants this year), plus the ever-decreasing Herring Gull.

Decreasing trends of large gulls (declining inshore fishing, closing dumps), starlings (dumps) and game birds except Wild Turkey, continue apace. Hooded Mergansers are increasing steadily, as are permanent residents which are expanding their ranges from the south. They include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren and Northern Cardinal. Northern Mockingbird (30) and House Finch (113) increased from the 1970’s through the 1990’s, but are now dropping back in numbers to perhaps (?) a more stable carrying capacity in SE New England. Wild Turkeys are doing just fine as they increase in farmland, woodlots and the suburbs.

Many thanks to all the participants (31) in the warm, wet outdoors and the feeder watchers who contributed to this year’s count of 12,348 birds of 106 species. May your favorite coffee and hot chocolate shops always be open and may the evening-tally stewpots never run dry. I hope we see you next Christmas.

Trevor Lloyd-Evans (compiler)

Study Shows Biomass Continues To Accumulate in Northern Hardwood-Conifer Forests

A recent study shows that aboveground biomass can accumulate very late into succession in northern hardwood-conifer forests. This article on old-growth carbon was co-authored by Manomet’s Andy Whitman and was published last month in Forest Science. Other authors were William S. Keeton, Gregory C. McGee, and Christine L. Goodale.  Read more.