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Hampshire Bird Club

EVENTS

Events are the lifeblood of the our club and you are encouraged to participate in as many events as you like. We hope to see you at one of the upcoming events soon!

Upcoming events

    • March 19, 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    The California Condor is known as one of the rarest birds in North America. A conservation icon, the story of its remarkable recovery stands alongside the reality of a species that still teeters on the brink of extinction. Learn more about the bumpy journey of this Pleistocene relic from its Ice Age past to the present day, as well as the incredible stories of people working to keep this bird soaring free. 

    To join the workshop, click hereMeeting ID: 822 7788 5665       Passcode: Education

    • April 09, 2024
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Wesley United Methodist Church, Hadley MA


    • April 12, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton, MA
    • 12
    Register

    Join Bill Randolph and explore the diverse habitats surrounding the nature center including flood plain forest, marshes, the Connecticut River oxbow and grasslands in search of nesting waterfowl, herons, grassland sparrows, bald eagles, and other raptors. Plan on walking 2–3 miles on mostly flat, uneven terrain with a few muddy areas depending on rainfall this spring. There's an option to climb a 25 foot spiral staircase to a bird observatory over Hulbert's Pond. It's a good idea to bring repellant for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the Arcadia nature center parking lot at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip. 

    • April 19, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA
    • 12
    Register

    Join Bill Randolph and explore the mixed conifer and deciduous forest, flooded forest wetland, and marshes in anticipation of new arrival songbirds and warblers, nesting herons and waterfowl. This outing will highlight how bird life changes with the warming of spring. Plan on walking 2–3 miles on fairly flat, uneven terrain with some muddy areas depending upon on recent rainfall. There is an option to climb up to a bird observatory overlooking the marsh. It's a good idea to bring repellant for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot at the end of Cooke Ave (former Moose Lodge) in Northampton. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip. 

    • April 21, 2024
    • 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Quabbin Park – Hank’s Meadow, Ware, MA
    • 7
    Register

    Join Greg Brown for a 2.5 mile loop from the Hanks Meadow area, west along the shoreline and back up through the woods to the main road. Trail is moderate difficulty and may be muddy in spots – wear good boots! Our path will go through a variety of habitats, where we may see any number of earlier migrants along with year-round residents. Possible sightings include warblers (pine, palm, yellow-rumped, black-throated green), woodpeckers, eagles, ravens, and towhees. We will meet at 7:30 am at the Hanks Meadow parking lot and return to the same place by 10 am at the latest. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, appropriate footwear, and outerwear. Note: there is usually a porta-potty at the parking lot, but this is not guaranteed. Limited to 10 participants. Questions? Contact gwb@gregorywbrown.com. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.

    • April 25, 2024
    • 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
    • Silvio O. Conte NWR – Fort River Division, Hadley, MA
    • 15
    Register

    Join Marcia Merithew and Janice Jorgensen for an easy walk on the accessible trail and road in Hadley, MA. The trail is 1.2 miles long, and road walking could be another mile. The forest and meadow habitats are excellent in April for early migrants, year-round residents, and possibly some surprises (visit this Ebird link for a list of species seen in any April). We will bird by sight and by ear and record our findings in Ebird. We will meet at 7:30 am in the Silvio O. Conte parking lot at 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley – plenty of parking is available, plus a porta-potty. Ending time is flexible. Limited to 18 participants. Questions? Contact mmerithew@comcast.net. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.

    • May 05, 2024
    • 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Quabbin Park, Belchertown, MA
    • 8
    Register

    Join Craig Allen and Brian Zylich for an outing around the south end of the Quabbin reservoir searching for spring migrants and waterfowl. We'll look and listen for birds on land and on the water. Meet at the Quabbin Visitor Center (100 Winsor Dam Rd. in Belchertown) at 7:00 am for a walk along the dam and various other parts of Quabbin Park. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, appropriate footwear, and outerwear. Note: there is usually a porta-potty at the parking lot, but this is not guaranteed. Questions? Contact brian.zylich@gmail.com. Limited to 10 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip. 

    • May 10, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Sweet Alice Conservation Area (Kestrel Land Trust), Amherst, MA
    • 11
    Register

    Join Bill Randolph and explore this diverse habitat with chances to see herons, warblers, thrushes and waterfowl. Plan on walking 1–2 miles on mostly flat, uneven terrain through mixed conifer and deciduous forest, to Plum Brook which creates a one acre beaver pond. It's a good idea to bring repellant for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking area at 59 Bay Road in Amherst. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip. 

    • May 11, 2024
    • 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Mineral Hills Conservation Area, Northampton, MA
    • 8
    Register
    Join Marcia Merithew and Betsy Higgins and travel around and into the quarry surrounded by woods and along the dirt road if time allows. This outing can feature Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees, Ravens, and Red-shouldered Hawks, as well as a variety of warblers and vireos. This will be a moderate walk on uneven ground with some slight inclines/declines. Meet at 7:00 am in the parking area at the end of Turkey Hill Road in Northampton. Please note there are no facilities available. Questions? Contact mmerithew@comcast.net. Limited to 10 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
    • May 14, 2024
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Wesley United Methodist Church, Hadley MA


    • May 17, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA
    • 12
    Register

    Join Bill Randolph and explore the mixed conifer and deciduous forest, flooded forest wetland, and marshes in anticipation of songbirds and warblers, nesting herons and waterfowl. This outing will highlight how bird life changes with the warming of spring. Plan on walking 2–3 miles on fairly flat, uneven terrain with some muddy areas depending upon on recent rainfall. There is an option to climb up to a bird observatory overlooking the marsh. It's a good idea to bring repellant for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot at the end of Cooke Ave (former Moose Lodge) in Northampton. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.

    • May 18, 2024
    • 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Mass Central Rail Trail, Upper Church Street, Ware, MA
    • 12
    Register

    Join Cory Elowe for an easy stroll along the flat, hard-packed, crushed stone rail trail in Ware that is suitable for all abilities. This trail at the eastern edge of Hampshire County is newly renovated by the East Quabbin Land Trust (EQLT) is under-birded, but it traverses diverse habitats that are excellent for migratory warblers and breeding Eastern Towhees, Field Sparrows, and Louisiana Waterthrush. Depending on conditions and abilities, we will complete an out-and-back of likely no more than 2 miles total. However, as this is also a lovely place to ride a bike, feel free to bring yours to explore more of the ~ 3 miles of trail than we can cover! Recent rain can leave puddles and mud, so please wear appropriate footwear. We will meet at 7:30 am at the Mass Central Rail Trail parking area along Upper Church Street just prior to crossing the Ware River and intersecting with Route 32. Northampton-area participants can meet at Sheldon Field, 26 Old Ferry Road at 6:45 am if they wish to arrange their own carpooling, as it is about a 40 minute drive to reach the rail trail. Questions? Contact coryelowe@gmail.com. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.

    • May 19, 2024
    • 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA
    • 15
    Register

    Join Peggy MacLeod at this hot spot known as one of spring's best land bird migrant traps in eastern Massachusetts, where the numbers and diversity of songbirds and surprise semi-rare migrants can be staggering.  Both a wildlife sanctuary and stunning arboretum of native pines, oaks, and beeches, the cemetery is laid out in a network of ponds, wetlands, and dozens of winding avenues and paths. Accessible to individuals of all abilities, one can drive or walk to most areas as needed.

    While visiting the cemetery’s diverse habitats over 1+ miles, the group will focus on helping all participants get eyes and ears on identified species, as well as checking in with other visitors about where to find the day's best encounters. Bring binoculars, water, and snacks and/or lunch. Notes: Mount Auburn is still an active cemetery – please review their online guidelines for birding etiquette. Restrooms are available at the entry gate. A lunch stop is possible on the return.

    We will meet at 6:30 am to carpool from Sheldon Field Park and Ride, 26 Old Ferry Road in Northampton, and we will coordinate a meeting place at Mount Auburn. Ending time is flexible. Questions? Contact sunraven99@gmail.com. Limited to 15 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.


    • May 19, 2024
    • 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Fort Hill Division of the Conte Refuge

    Members of the HBC Education Committee will lead a walk around the accessible trail in search of migrating birds, including warblers, vireos, sparrows, thrushes, and others.

    • June 01, 2024
    • 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Station 43, 953 Main St., South Windsor, CT
    • 12
    Register

    Join Peggy MacLeod at one of the most productive inland bird watching sites in Connecticut to enjoy seasonal birding for rails, herons, songbirds, ducks, sora, bitterns, and flycatchers. Station 43, a wetland bordered by farmland and wooded areas, is owned by Hartford Audubon and is comprised of a shallow pond and extensive marsh and with reported sightings of 229 bird species. Although the trail is flat, the unavoidable muddy areas make the site not accessible.

    Preparation: Because water often covers parts of the path, fully waterproof high boots are required to bird at this location. Bring binoculars, a scope if possible, bug repellent, water, and snacks. We will meet at 7:00 am to carpool from Sheldon Field Park and Ride, 26 Old Ferry Road in Northampton. Station 43 is located at 953 Main St. (Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St), South Windsor, CT.  We will park on the east side of Main Street not blocking any driveways or mailboxes and walk west from the intersection on what starts as a rutted driveway to the right side of a private yard. Please note there are no restrooms at this location. Ending time is flexible. Questions? Contact sunraven99@gmail.com. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.


Past events

March 16, 2024 Birding for Everyone: Lake Wallace, Belchertown
March 14, 2024 Birding for Everyone: Identifying Ducks
March 13, 2024 RESCHEDULED: AMERICAN WOODCOCKS BIRD WALK
March 12, 2024 HBC's March meeting: Birding the Mountain Kingdom of Bhutan, with Lois & Al Richardson!
March 10, 2024 Field Trip: Great Pond
March 09, 2024 New Member Bird Walk: Easthampton Community Gardens
March 06, 2024 American Woodcocks-Learn their habitat and how to find them
March 04, 2024 Do It Yourself Field Trip
February 20, 2024 Merlin Sound ID with Grant Van Horn
February 17, 2024 Birding for Everyone: Turners Falls Power Canal, Turners Falls
February 15, 2024 Birding for Everyone: Learning Bird Songs
February 13, 2024 HBC's February meeting: Italy, with Marco Valtriani! (on Zoom)
February 11, 2024 Springfield Crows Field Trip
February 09, 2024 Springfield Crows Online Presentation
February 05, 2024 Do It Yourself Field Trip
January 20, 2024 Birding for Everyone: Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge, Longmeadow
January 18, 2024 Birding for Everyone: What Gear Do I Need?
January 16, 2024 Rehabilitating Birds with Judy Pasko
January 09, 2024 HBC's January meeting - Motus: Migration Tracking’s New Frontier, with Scott Weidensaul!
January 08, 2024 Do-It-Yourself Field Trip
December 18, 2023 Christmas Bird Count Tally Party: 89th MANO CBC Results
December 17, 2023 Christmas Bird Count
December 13, 2023 Christmas Bird Count Team Leaders Workshop: Overview
December 12, 2023 HBC's annual members' meeting!
December 11, 2023 Christmas Bird Count Feeder Watchers Workshop: Overview
December 09, 2023 Hadley Owls
December 06, 2023 Christmas Bird Count Participants Workshop: Overview
November 25, 2023 Birding for Everyone: Honey Pot, Hadley
November 25, 2023 Cape Ann or Plum Island
November 21, 2023 RESCHEDULED Birding for Everyone: Owls
November 18, 2023 Birding for Everyone: Owls
November 15, 2023 Woodpeckers, Woodpeckers, and more about Woodpeckers with Dana and Bob Fox
November 14, 2023 HBC's November meeting: "Funny Bird Sex: Stories Birds Tell About Birds and People" with John Nelson!
November 12, 2023 New Member Bird Walk: Arcadia Marsh and Oxbow
November 12, 2023 Dead Creek WMA and the Lake Champlain Valley
November 08, 2023 Unity Park - Turners Falls
November 05, 2023 Berkshire Lakes
October 28, 2023 Birding for Everyone: Ashley Reservoir, Holyoke
October 22, 2023 Quabbin Park – Hank’s Meadow and Gate 52
October 21, 2023 Birding for Everyone: Bird Feeders
October 18, 2023 Fort River Division of the Silvio Conte NWR
October 17, 2023 Birding Cape Cod with Chris Walz
October 10, 2023 Member Meeting Program: National Audubon's Migratory Bird Initiative and Bird Migration Explorer, with Chad Witko
October 08, 2023 East Meadows
October 01, 2023 Winsor Dam
September 23, 2023 Birding for Everyone: Mount Tom



Hampshire Bird Club, Inc.

Post Office Box 3637
Amherst, MA 01004-3637


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