8:30–11 am Birding / 11 am–12 pm Great Falls Discovery Center Tour / 12–1 pm Picnic at Unity Park
In celebration of birders of all abilities, join Bill Randolph, Carol Fournier, and Sam McGullam on an accessible slow trip along the Turners Falls Power Canal Trail (Migratory Way) from 8:30–11 am. We expect to view gull species and a variety of waterfowl, along with Bald Eagles, hawks, and if we’re lucky possibly an owl. We will meet at the parking area at the end of G Street at 8:30 am (Google Maps 42°36'00.8"N 72°34'04.5"W). Migratory Way is a wide, flat paved road with low railings that do not obstruct the sight lines of seated or standing viewers. Although primarily used by pedestrians and cyclists, there may be occasional cars or trucks passing. We will cover about 1 to 1.5 miles round trip. Please note there are no seating areas or facilities along the road. The nearby Cumberland Farms gas station (2 minutes away from the G Street lot) has wheelchair-accessible restrooms for an easy stop.
Following the trip, interested birders can travel a short distance to the Great Falls Discovery Center (2 Avenue A, Turners Falls), where we’ll have the opportunity to tour the Center until 12 pm (free admission). In addition to permanent exhibits on the natural, culture, and industrial history of the Connecticut River watershed, seasonal exhibits at the Center include “Migrations,” featuring colorful paintings celebrating Guatemalan culture, and a Day of the Dead altar built by local families. There are two van-accessible parking spots available near the entrance, as well as fully accessible indoor restrooms. On-street parking is available nearby. You can find more information and directions for the Center at their website.
Our celebration continues from 12–1 pm or so with a BYO picnic in nearby Unity Park (56 1st St, in Turners Falls), about a 2-minute drive from the Center—bring your own lunch and comfy seat! The flat, paved Canalside Rail Trail runs through the park, which overlooks the Connecticut River and nearby Barton Cove. Amenities include a parking lot with four van-accessible spots, picnic tables, porta potties and also a small spray park, community garden, and murals. The area is shaded by some beautiful large trees. For those inspired to do more birding, this is a nice spot to explore afterwards on your own. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net or Carol at cfournier@hampshirebirdclub.org. No limit on participants, but please register in advance. (E, Accessible)
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.
