Hawks and Walks at Birch Ridge Community Forest

Thanks to Larry Boise, Bonnie Dodge and Virginia Long for these photos of our Hawk Watch at Birch Ridge.More than 30 outdoor enthusiasts attended our Hawk Watch and Guided Walk  at the future 2,000+ acre proposed Birch Ridge Community Forest in New Durham.  Purchasing, conserving and stewarding this Community Forest is the goal of the newly–founded Partnership for Birch Ridge Community Forest, a collaboration of MMRG, Southeast Land Trust (SELT) and Merrymeeting Lake Association (MMLA). The Hawk Watch was the first in a series of events that will introduce the public to this project over the coming months.Participants admired the scenic views of surrounding hills at the hawk watch site, which was chosen for its elevation (almost 1,100 feet) and excellent visibility to the north and west, the best directions to look for migrating hawks. The weather was cool with intermittent sunshine and winds out of the northwest, giving hawks a tailwind as they headed south. During a couple hours of viewing, six species of raptors were observed. Twice, a small kettle (group) of about eight Broad-winged hawks gathered overhead, circling higher and higher on a rising thermal of warm air, then headed off fast, flying south. A Bald eagle paused in its migratory flight, apparently to hunt for fish in Merrymeeting Lake below. Repeated sightings of a Red-tailed hawk suggested that it’s still a resident of the area, not yet ready to migrate. A couple turkey vultures soared gracefully by and an osprey, a probable Coopers hawk and an unidentified falcon were also seen.An optional guided walk took advantage of snowmobile trails accessible from the site. MMRG Executive Director Patti Connaughton–Burns led a walk with the help of Matt Murphy, who serves on the Birch Ridge Partnership Steering Committee representing the Powder Mill Snowmobile Club and is well acquainted with these trails. Reported Patti, “The footing was tough but we were able to see the east, north and west sides of the Lake and its many little coves as we traversed a mile loop walk. Preserving the water quality of Merrymeeting Lake is just one reason this project is so important.  Other benefits include recreational and educational values of the land, top tier wildlife habitat protection, and watershed protection to Coldrain, Chalk and Marchs Ponds.” Those interested may find more information about Birch Ridge Community Forest and Partnership at www.seltnh.org/birchridge.After the outing, part-time Milton residents Larry and Linda Boise articulated the enthusiasm that many showed that day. Wrote Larry, “We had a wonderful time Saturday at the Hawk Watch. It was a great chance to hear what MMRG is doing in the way of conservation and to appreciate the birds in nature that we often take for granted.”The Partnership for Birch Ridge Community Forest envisions Birch Ridge as a community forest, managed to promote conservation, community, and economic development through community participation in the management of the land.  Click here for our website calendar with upcoming outings for more opportunities to get to know the land of the proposed Birch Ridge Community Forest.The Partnership is currently raising funds to complete the purchase of the property and steward it forever. Connaughton-Burns stated that as of the end of September, “The fundraising momentum is already encouraging!”  Donations to save and steward Birch Ridge Community Forest may be made to any of the three partner organizations: Moose Mountains Regional Greenways online at https://mmrgnh.org/donate/ or by mail to MMRG, PO Box 191, Union, NH 03887; Southeast Land Trust online at www.seltnh.org/birchridge or by mail to SELT, PO Box 675, Exeter, NH 03833; Merrymeeting Lake Association online at http://mmlake.org/ or by mail to MMLA, PO Box 468, New Durham, NH 03855.