[SEMCO] Hawk Watch Volunteers Needed on Outer Cape

[Melissa Lowe]

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR 8th ANNUAL HAWK WATCH ON OUTER CAPE

South Wellfleet, MA. – Spring is one of the best seasons to witness the
annual migration of hawks over Cape Cod. In efforts to better understand the
movements of birds of prey over the Outer Cape, Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay
Wildlife Sanctuary, in partnership with the Eastern Massachusetts Hawk
Watch, is conducting hawk watches in April and May, and volunteers are
needed. In addition to useful local information being gathered through these
counts, all information will be recorded and included on an international
database. Such information will help researchers and biologists monitor hawk
populations.

The Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary is seeking volunteers to count hawks at spring
migration sites on the Outer Cape. Previous hawk watching experience or good
hawk identification skills is preferred; however, not necessary. Volunteers
donate one morning or afternoon per week April to May. Call Melissa Lowe or
Maryann Zbel at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-349-2615 for more
information.

Those interested in volunteering, or people looking to just learn more about
birds of prey, are encouraged to attend the workshop “Biology of Raptors” on
Saturday, April 9 at 2 p.m. at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Norman
Smith, Director of the Blue Hills Trailside Museum and raptor researcher,
will present the program. Live birds of prey from the Museum used in
educational programs will add a twist to this indoor workshop. With their
help Norman will introduce participants to raptor migration, behavior, and
biology, and touch upon field identification. This program is co-sponsored
by Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Eastern Massachusetts Hawk Watch.
Information on how to get involved with the hawk watch will also be covered.

Cost for the program is $10 for members of Mass Audubon or Eastern Mass Hawk
Watch, $12 for non-members. Registration is required. To register or for
more information please call the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at
508-349-2615.

Interested in hawk watching but don’t want to become a volunteer?  Join
staff and volunteers from the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at Pilgrim
Heights in Truro from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, April 16
through May 29.  No registration is required and it is free!

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The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the west side of Route 6,
immediately north of the Eastham/Wellfleet town line.  Trails are open daily
8 am to dusk.  Sanctuary admission is free for members; $5 adults, $3
children for non-members. Call (508) 349-2615 for information or to make
reservations.

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Melissa Lowe
Education Coordinator
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
PO Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663
508-349-2615 or mlowe at massaudubon.org
www.massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay