Important Bird Area: Peat Meadow
Site Summary
Nominated By
Joe Hogan
Size
N/A
Towns and Counties
Methuen; Essex
Ownership
municipal, private, nongovernmental organization
Major Habitats
60% emergent freshwater marsh,30% shrub-scrub wetland, migratory stopover site
Land Use
10% utility/right-of-way, undeveloped
Serious Threats
residential and commercial development
Minor Threats
disturbance to birds
Site Description
The property has wetlands with some scrub trees, cattails (65 percent) Common Reed (30 percent), and Purple Loosestrife. A power line right-of-way with two sets of gas pipeline abuts the power line and the town of Methuen water pipe runs north to south through the property.
Current Conservation Status
Unprotected
Ornithological Significance
The Common Grackle roost has been observed at sunset, mostly in the fall, since 1989. Spring observations have occurred since 1992. Groups from the Merrimack Valley Bird Club, Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Trailside Musuem, and individuals from the Brookline Bird Club have visited the site, both in the evening and at sunrise. In the fall, starting in mid-August, regular evening trips are made until mid-October, and then trips take place daily at sunrise and sunset until well into November-and in 2000 into mid-December. Three different observation sites are used: looking from east to west, viewing from north to south, and observing from west to east. Because each site is on private property, each fall the owner or manager is contacted.
Other Flora or Fauna of Significance
None noted.
Data Sources
Joseph Hogan, personal observation