On Sunday October 13, 2013, the Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire
Audubon is holding a bird walk at Pondicherry to coincide with the Big
Sit to be conducted that day at the Tudor Richards viewing platform on
Cherry Pond. In his 2013 book "Birdwatching in New Hampshire", Eric
Masterson called the Pondicherry Refuge "one of New Hampshire's great
scenic jewels." We're to be looking for a variety of both land and
water birds. Last year's Pondicherry Big Sit yielded 35 species under
cool, rainy conditions, and an additional 5 species were found in the
vicinity. Official observers for the Big Sit are present at the
viewing platform from 6 AM to 6 PM.
This bird walk is free and open to the public. Participants should
bring binoculars, scopes if available, drinking water, and lunch, and
be prepared to walk at least 3 miles over level terrain. Despite
various government closures in effect at the present time, this
location in Pondicherry remains open to the public.
Pondicherry is located roughly 65 airline miles northeast of Hanover,
NH. The walk is to begin at 8:30 AM in the parking area on Airport/
Hazen Road; from there, walk about 1.5 miles along a wheelchair
accessible route (mainly an old rail bed) to the viewing platform.
Additional information about Pondicherry can be found at
http://www.nhaudubon.org/locations/sanctuaries/pondicherry
and
http://www.nhdfl.org/events-tours-and-programs/visit-nh-biodiversity/pondicherry-images.aspx
Participants who wish to drive directly to the parking area on Airport
Road will find a site guide, local road instructions, and map at
http://www.nhdfl.org/library/pdf/Natural%20Heritage/Pondicherry4.pdf
Carpoolers and others from the Hanover/Norwich area are to meet at
6:30 AM in the Ledyard Bridge commuter parking lot, the entrance to
which is off River Road in Norwich. To reach the Ledyard Bridge lot
from Exit 13 off I-91 in Norwich, turn toward Hanover. On approaching
the Ledyard Bridge pull into the left lane, turn left at the traffic
light onto River Road, and then take an immediate left into the
unpaved commuter parking lot. Plans are to return to that lot no later
than 5:30 PM.
George Clark
Norwich, VT
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