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