NEW ENGLAND IN THE FALL

bird migration and whalewatching in some of America's most picturesque landscapes

American Robin

Beautiful New England, with its forested hillsides ablaze with fall foliage, delightful old fishing villages, distinctive white clapboard churches and quaint rural charm, has proved attractive to tourists for many decades. Crisp autumn air, clear skies and a warming sun are the norm, contributing to a sense of well-being for the visitor. These pleasant conditions usually last well into November - the origin of the expression 'Indian Summer'.

More significantly, early October in New England is a time of abundant birdlife. Songbirds such as vireos, warblers and flycatchers move through in large numbers. The diversity of waders is bewildering. Resident woodland birds are at their most numerous, before the inevitable harsh winter takes its toll on the least fit.

The boreal forests of New Hampshire provide the opportunity to see several northern species. At famous hawk-watching sites it is possible to witness the spectacle of Broad-winged Hawks on migration.

Finally, a whale-watching trip a few miles offshore provides the opportunity of seeing several species of whale, including the Humpback, as well as a variety of seabirds. From our single base, Seabrook, near Newburyport, on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border, we can experience all of this and more.

Most of our watching will be done at coastal sites on our doorstep, but we will also make forays inland.

ITINERARY

THE MASSACHUSETTS COAST

The coastal birding hot spots of Plum Island, Salisbury, Cape Ann and Newburyport are all located just a short drive from our hotel. In this small area almost every eastern habitat short of mountains can be found. Plum Island is a classic barrier beach, with open ocean and a sandy beach on the seaward side and extensive saltmarsh on the inland side. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, the island is perhaps the most popular birdwatching destination in Massachusetts.

Pools hold waders such as Stilt Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, White-rumped Sandpiper and Semi-palmated Plover. These can be watched alongside Great Blue Herons, Great White Egrets, Snowy Egrets and Glossy Ibis. Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows are present but are typically elusive. Peregrines, Merlins and Hen Harriers create mayhem amongst the common species.

Newburyport Harbour is a tidal estuary located at the mouth of the Merrimack River. At high tide a fine array of waders can be watched at close range. Waterfowl present should include Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Black Duck and American Wigeon. Ospreys are common. Salisbury Beach lies on the northern side of Newburyport Harbour.

Woodlands here play host to good numbers of migrant songbirds. Northern Parulas, American Redstarts, Black-and-White, Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian, Magnolia and Prairie Warblers all exhibit stunningly colourful plumage which you would be forgiven for thinking pertained only to the spring. The subtle colours of other warblers such as Ovenbird (left, Phil Palmer), Blackpoll and Northern Waterthrush add to the variety. Finally, a short drive up the scenic New Hampshire coast will bring us to Rye Harbour. On the sea we will look for Great Northern Divers as well as the first returning Velvet and Surf Scoters, and Eiders. On exposed coastal fields we will also look for the delightful Shorelark.

INLAND MASSACHUSETTS & NEW HAMPSHIRE

Wachusett Mountain is one of the most popular birdwatching sites in inland Massachusetts. It is the best known hawk-watching site in the state, and given favourable conditions it is possible to witness some spectacular movements. Broad-winged Hawk is the predominant species. Lesser numbers of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Osprey, American Kestrel and Red-tailed Hawk also feature. Occasional Bald Eagles have also been recorded.

In addition to the raptor watchpoint, there are trails through the woods which may produce migrants including Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, American Robin, Wood Thrush and Bobolink. Flocks of delightful Cedar Waxwing are a regular sight.

On one day we will drive north to the White Mountains in central New Hampshire. These impressive mountains constitute a northern extension of the mighty Appalachian Range and our visit to the area is as much for the outstanding natural beauty as for the birds. However, we will look for a number of northern species including Boreal Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco.

A short cable car ride to the summit of 4180-foot Cannon Mountain will give us an opportunity to find these exciting birds. On our return journey from the White Mountains we will visit an active American Beaver dam in the hope of seeing these interesting mammals.

WHALES AND SEABIRDS

The inshore fishing grounds in the Gulf of Maine have long been renowned as amongst the most productive waters in the world. This also explains the region's abundance of seabirds and marine mammals, and early October offers some of the greatest potential.

Great and Sooty Shearwaters and Wilson's Storm-petrels breed in the South Atlantic and spend the austral winter here, while Grey Phalaropes and Pomarine Skuas breed in the Arctic and pass south.

On a four hour whale-watching trip from Gloucester (a short drive from our base) we will look for these and other seabirds. Multiple whale sightings are practically guaranteed, the three regularly seen species being the impressive Humpback, the Minke and the Fin (second only in size to the Blue Whale). White-sided Dolphins often appear by the bows, giving stunning views.

For anyone who does not feel that their sea legs are up to this trip there are plenty of opportunities for land-based birdwatching nearby. However, the sea is often quite calm, and the trip offers an ideal way to round off this particularly rich and enjoyable birdwatching holiday.

PACE Breakfast will be taken at about 7.30am most mornings, perhaps slightly later following a pre-breakfast walk or if the previous day has been tiring. Basic fitness is all that is required. Full days will be spent in the field and medium length walks on the flat will be undertaken regularly. There will be a little uphill walking but this will be at a relaxed pace.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Full-board accommodation is provided, with seven nights in the Best Western Hotel, Seabrook, near Newburyport. Rooms are spacious and have en suite bathrooms. Packed lunches will be taken every day.

PRICE INCLUDES ….. All birdwatching excursions with expert leader, full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini-bus, reserve entrance fees, Cannon Mountain cable car ride, whale watching trip, return flights to Boston, and flight and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Cost of travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return scheduled flight with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Boston. Outbound flight departs early afternoon, return flight arrives back early morning. Connecting shuttle flights are available on this tour for £60 return (due at time of booking), from Manchester and other regional airports.

HOME