NEWBURYPORT — Bird enthusiasts visiting the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday will be treated to a once-every-year sight when thousands of swallows and egrets flock over the federal land preserve.
“They’re just incredibly active, flying along the road as you drive or walk. Sometimes they come so close, you almost feel like you could reach up and touch them,” Friends of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge President Ted Olsson said.
The refuge is set to host what it is calling “An Evening with the Swallows and Egrets” beginning at 5:30 p.m. It will be led by local bird experts Bill Gette and Dave Williams, and is being organized by the Friends of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge.
“It’s an interesting event that’s become kind of an annual event for us,” Olsson said.
He spoke about why the refuge draws in the birds this time of year.
“It’s a barrier island with beaches and the great salt marsh. It’s along the Atlantic flyway, which is the migratory path for many birds as they come down the coast and head to Central and South America, and the Caribbean,” Olsson said. “They’re joining the birds that make their summer homes at the refuge.”
Speaking about the different species, he said tree swallows are especially incredible.
“Hundreds of thousands are coming through. It’s a wonderful natural phenomenon, right outside our door, but many people never get a chance to see it,” Olsson said.
He shared what folks can expect from the swallows specifically.
“About an hour before sunset, the swallows form dense clouds. As they feed, they find a roosting site either in the marsh or in small trees along the barrier island. They swirl in clouds, then drop down and settle for the night,” Olsson said.
He said folks will also be able to see large cluster of swallows feeding on tree berries.
“That’s why we ask people not to pick berries unless it’s in a controlled area. The bayberry plants are often covered with swallows trying to fatten up for their trip,” Olsson said.
Regarding the egrets, he said folks will see the snowy and great egrets. Snowy egrets are smaller than great egrets and also have black bills where great egrets have yellow ones.
“Usually, they’re feeding on the ground in the marsh, but this time of year they start migrating in flocks. You’ll see groups of these large white birds. They range as far north as Maine and Southern Canada and migrate down. Some even stick around here now due to warming temperatures,” Olsson said.
He said the event usually draws close to 80 people.
“It always depends, weather plays a part, and other factors too. This is in the evening, so people really need to bring insect repellent, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring sun protection, even though the sun is going down. It’s still summer, after all,” Olsson said.
The event is free and requires no registration. Binoculars will be provided but it is recommended to bring one if possible, as well as bug spray, camping chairs and water.