Take a 90-minute “birding walk” along the Mystic Lakes and the upper Mystic River to discover what birds might be found in the middle of winter. Each year hundreds of birds winter on and around the Mystic River and Lakes as long as open water is available. We’ll look for raptors, such as Bald Eagle, Merlin, Cooper’s Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk, and waterfowl, including Common and Hooded Mergansers; and possibly a wintering Great Blue Heron, Red- bellied Woodpecker and more.      

Dress appropriately for the weather. In very cold weather this means in layers with hat or cap, good gloves or mittens; and warm, water-resistant boots with good tread. If intensely cold, walk will be cut short. Meet on Saturday, February 15 at 10 a.m. at the Mystic Lakes Dam. Park at the Medford Boat Club parking lot in Medford directly off the Mystic Valley Parkway. (The parking lot is your first left about a half mile north of the Rte 60 bridge crossing the Mystic.)

Canceled in persistent rain, icy conditions, moderate+ snow falling, or if the parking lot is unplowed from a previous substantial snowfall. Will go in light snow flurries as long as parking is open at the Mystic Lakes. Bring binoculars and a birding field guide if possible. Typically, we’ll spend roughly an hour looking for raptors and waterfowl at the dam and will then drive to the Fore Bay or along the river as conditions permit. There will be car pooling and walking only short distances from the cars. Led by Paul M. Roberts.

Co-sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association, Friends of the Mystic River and the Menotomy Bird Club.

For more info call Paul Roberts at 781-483-4263 or email phawk254@comcast.net or mystic02155@hotmail.com