Birds & Birding News

Eric Masterson Honored with Goodhue-Elkins Award

NH Audubon recently honored the Harris Center’s Eric Masterson with the Goodhue-Elkins Award for outstanding contributions to the study of New Hampshire birds.

A Dramatic Loon Rescue on Nubanusit Brook

In July, Harris Center staff and volunteers worked with Loon Preservation Committee biologists to rescue an adult loon that had been swept down Nubanusit Brook in high water.

“Nightsongs” Wins an Emmy

“Nightsongs” — a wondrous short film about nocturnal bird migration featuring our very own Eric Masterson — has won an Emmy!

Field Report from the 2020 Hawk Watch

2020 was a different kind of year for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Here are the highlights.

Highlights of the 2020 Christmas Bird Count

The 2020 Christmas Bird Count saw record-high counts for many species, including Bald Eagles and White-winged Crossbills.

An Irruption Year for Finches

This is a banner year to see irruptive winter finches! A bonanza of Red Crossbills found its way to the Harris Center in late summer, and there are more finches to come in the colder months.

New Motus Station Will Contribute to Migration Research

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is revolutionizing the study of winged migration, and it’s coming to the Monadnock Region!

An Update on our Broad-winged Hawk Tracking Project

The Harris Center is working Hawk Mountain to tag Broad-winged Hawks with satellite transmitters, as part of ongoing efforts to better understand the ecology and migratory behavior of this iconic species.

Four New Projects Supported by 50th Anniversary Fund

The Harris Center is launching a new 50th Anniversary Fund, which will seed innovative education and conservation research projects for years to come, as well as provide for stewardship of the land and trails in our care. Four initial projects have already received funding.

A Statement of Support for Naturalists of Color

Everyone should feel safe to explore the natural world, free of harassment or prejudice, and we will work to ensure that our trails, lands, and programs are welcoming spaces for all.

Volunteers Install Nest Raft for Spoonwood Pond Loons

For the last few summers, loon nests on Harris Center land along Spoonwood Pond have failed due to predation. This year, the Spoonwood loons may fare better, thanks to the installation of a new nest raft.

A New Chimney for Swifts

The Harris Center is home to a new “chimney” — designed to serve as nesting habitat for Chimney Swifts, a species in decline.

Nightsongs: Tracking the Spring Bird Migration

Listen to spring unfold through the sounds of night-migrating birds.

Nature’s Calling You: Things to Do

The Harris Center is here to help you stay connected to the outdoors. Here are some ways you can find solace, comfort, and inspiration in the natural world.

Field Report from the 2019 Hawk Watch

2019 was a memorable year for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Here’s what we learned.

The Harris Center’s Big Year of Birding

Join us for a “Big Year of Birding” — a year-long effort to celebrate 50 years of land protection and environmental education by cataloguing the birds that make the SuperSanctuary their home.

Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory Kicks Off 15th Season

The Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory is now entering its 15th consecutive year of hawk migration data collection and education.

Field Report from the 2018 Hawk Watch

2018 was a monumental year for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Here’s what we learned.

Reflections on the 2018 Christmas Bird Count

Eric Masterson reflects on the 2018 Christmas Bird Count. This year’s stories: scarcity….and grosbeaks.

Teaming Up for Hawks

We’re delighted to announce that the Harris Center and New Hampshire Audubon have entered into a new partnership to provide research and education staffing for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory.

It’s Time for the Christmas Bird Count!

Join us for the 118th year of this celebrated tradition.

Announcing “Pop-Up” Events

Find out about outstanding, albeit last-minute, opportunities to experience the great outdoors.

A Kettle of One

Eric Masterson is about to embark on an epic journey, following the migration route of the Broad-winged Hawk from New Hampshire to South America — by bicycle.

Project Nighthawk Confirms Successful Nesting of Endangered Bird

Harris Center citizen scientists recently aided in the discovery of a Common Nighthawk nest in downtown Keene − complete with a healthy fledgling.

Keene Teachers Celebrated at 2012 Annual Meeting

Andrea Dube and Gail Woolridge were honored for their collaboration on a Birds Across the Seasons curriculum for 3rd graders.

Successful Nighthawk Nest Confirmed at KSC

This is the first confirmation of a nighthawk nest in Keene since at least 2007.

A Big Year for Small Owls

Owl bander Chris Volonte is back on the saw-whet beat again, and she reports that 2010 may be shaping up to be a big year.

Results from Fall Songbird Banding

This fall, Antioch University New England partnered with AVEO staff and volunteers for a third year of fall migration songbird banding in Keene.

Monitoring the Fall Bird Migration

We’ll once again be monitoring migratory birds as they make their way through the Ashuelot Valley this fall.

Nighthawk Breeding Success in Keene

This is the only documented successful breeding by nighthawks in the entire state this year.

A Tribe of Tiny Owls is On the Move

We’re thrilled to partner on the first-ever Northern Saw-whet Owl banding project in southwest New Hampshire.