Friday, June 20. This is a monthly 12-part series. Join Bill Randolph for a year-long exploration of the birding “hot spots” located along the Connecticut River shoreline and farmlands in Hadley and Northampton. Participate in one or all of the birding trips and witness how the ecology and bird community changes throughout the year. With the peak of summer upon us, the fertile river valley stimulates a patchwork of crops where breeding songbirds such as blue grosbeaks, and savannah and vesper sparrows nest. New fledgling raptors including locally nesting peregrine falcons, bald eagles and kestrels hunt along the river’s edge. A few warbler species inhabit the floodplain trees. We will take a variety of short walks (up to a mile in length), and/or drive to nearby sites in search of the best birds. Plan on a 1–2 mile trek on mostly level, uneven ground with potentially windy conditions and muddy trails; sturdy boots recommended. Meet at the Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area dirt parking lot (next to the Connecticut River dike on North Lane between West St. and 47 in Hadley). Please note there are no facilities or rest areas at this location. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net. Limited to 12 participants. (E) 

Field Trip designations:
(E) – Easy conditions, fairly accessible for most, usually flat terrain on improved trails or roads. 
(M) – Moderately difficult, more challenging trail conditions, short steep sections, longer hikes. 
(S) – Strenuous conditions, muddy or rocky trails, steep sections, difficult footing in part.