One of the very rewarding bird watching experiences is being introduced to a new birding site.
This past Saturday, Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee member and Orford resident Jeff MacQueen led a group of 20 birders to the recently acquired Richmond Conservation Land on NH Route 10 just north of the Orford Green.
It is clearly a destination with much to offer. There is the wetlands complex where Jacob's Brook flows into the Connecticut River, there are open grassland and ag fields. The woods bordering the fields are diverse with pines, fruit trees and mixed deciduous species. Also present are brushy patches containing shrubs, fruit bearing canes and vines.
As Jeff noted in his Saturday dispatch, the foggy, damp and very cool conditions, reduced bird activity limiting the number of species recorded. Following is a the list for the Richmond site as well as one for Orford's public boat ramp area just below NH Rt. 25A.
Richmond Conservation Land
Orford Boat Launch
Blake Allison, Steering Committee Chair
Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon