MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Eugene “Gino” Ellison likes birds.
But Ellison probably finds even more pleasure sharing stories about the large number of birds he has encountered during his lifetime.
Ellison recently completed the “Big Year,” a contest held by the American Birding Association. Birders compete to see as many birds as possible in the United States in one year.
Ellison, who managed to see more than 801 birds in 365 days, will speak on his experiences at Boo-Bird, 26 Central St., this Tuesday, May 7.
“He is a passionate birder, a skilled photographer and also a hunter, fisherman, conservationist and the former host of a television show,” said Ani Sarkisian, the communications and engagement coordinator for the Manchester Essex Conservation Trust.
“We’re so excited that he’s teamed up with the Manchester Essex Conservation Trust to make Manchester-by-the-Sea part of his presentation circuit as he travels around the country recounting his ‘Big Year’ and sharing his photographs and recordings from the field,” Sarkisian said .
The Lynnfield resident, a life resident of Massachusetts, considers himself a “Plum Island birder” but he said there are many great birding sites on Cape Ann.
“No matter where you go, you can always bring your binoculars and bird,” he said. “Birds are everywhere.”
Ellison not only photographs birds – he also records them. He added Cape Ann is a very popular place for birders.
“My grandkids love it and my wife tolerates it,” he said.
Ellison said Manchester-by-the-Sea and many spots on Cape Ann are spectacular birding sites at the moment because the area is part of a “migratory pathway” where several bird species are making their way back north.
“Thousands of birds are migrating,” he said. “There is an array of from 35 to 45 different species of warblers that are flying across from Crane Beach to Plum Island and go north from there.”
Ellison said the diversity of birds in the area is remarkable, adding often residents will observe birds they normally would not see in their own backyards.
In fact, Ellison said a recent rare sighting of a Garganey duck on a farm off Pine Swamp Road in Ipswich surprised many local birders.
He said the sighting, which took place about 10 days ago, was about the fourth or fifth time birders have noticed this bird in the region.
“Birds get blown off course because of bad weather,” said Ellison. “For those of us who bird, it doesn’t happen enough.”
“There are so many great places to bird right now that are accessible, some with boardwalks and places to sit,” he said. “But some of the best places are on Plum Island.”
Ellison retired from a career as an investment banker and has participated in the Professional Bass Fishing Tournament circuit. He was affiliated with Bass Pro Shops for more than 25 years.
“A hunter, fisherman, birder, conservationist and volunteer with both Mass Wildlife and the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Gino loves leading walks and events for local environmental organizations,” Sarkisian said.
Ellison said the pursuit of birding is an activity that can be done by people of all ages.
Those interested in hearing Ellison’s talk Tuesday may register at www.mect.org/savethedate. Doors open at the Boo-Bird at 5 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.