“Whiny Wednesdays” is a weekly series that focuses on giving caregivers fun ideas to do locally. The result being that Whiny Days are no more! We are always looking for guest posters for this series, please email us if you’re interested. talk@newburyport-today.com
Usually by the time the end of September rolls around I am itching for Autumn. You know, that time of year that involves biting into a juicy just picked apple or gathering piles of leaves for the kids to jump through. I particularly love when the mornings are chilly and the night air is chilly and perfect for sleeping with the windows thrown open. BUT, this year I’m reevaluating my mantra of “Fall is my favorite season”. I still think it is, but somehow this year I find myself yearning for just a bit more of summer. I feel like we never really got into the swing of things this past summer, the kids ended school later in June and went back earlier in August, and the weather was… let face it lousy.
So this year, I find myself longing for that last walk on the beach. The extended forecast, doesn’t look to terrible, so I think I’ll pack up the kiddos and head down to Plum Island! It’s not lay in the sunshine, go swimming weather, but there is plenty for little ones to do and see. A stroll on the beach can do wonders for tiring out those little legs. You can search for birds, or comb the beach for shells. According to the Refuge, Autumn is when you can see large numbers of migrating butterflies. The butterflies feed on the nectar of seaside goldenrod and other wildflowers that bloom in the Fall. Also, this is the time of year when shorebird diversity is at it’s height. Watch the sky for falcons, and scan the beach for waterfowl. My kids enjoy counting how many different kinds of birds they see. Sometimes we make a game out of counting by size or color, sometimes we name them (if we know what they are!). If it’s not too chilly stop to build a sand castle or two. If the weather does take a turn, bundle up, but still do go. You may have to spend less time on the sand, but there is still plenty to do.
We are fortunate enough to have Joppa Flats and the Refuge, right here in Newburyport. The Refuge has a great little room with exhibits on the wildlife that live within the Parker River Refuge. Kids can learn about the native eagles, all about “green heads”, and visit with the new Eel. Joppa Flats is featuring a great exhibit of wildlife photographs from photographer Richard Seeley. They have a two story observation window, little ones can scan the skies for seaguls and make a game of counting them as they land in the Flats below. Joppa also has a has a large variety of programs for children, you do need to pre-register for most, check out their monthly offerings HERE.
So I hope before Fall closes in on us completely, you head down to Plum Island, for that last big gasp of summer.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Mass Audubon – Joppa Flats
