This is a monthly 12-part series. Join Bill Randolph for a yearlong birding exploration of Arcadia’s 734 acre sanctuary consisting of extensive preserved grasslands and farmlands, upland mixed conifer and deciduous forests, along with different types of wetlands including Connecticut River oxbow, a series of ponds, floodplain forest and the confluence of the Mill River. Participate in one or all of the birding trips and witness how the ecology and bird community changes throughout the year. We will search out the best birding spots via short drives and/or hikes in and around the sanctuary. Mid-October is an ideal time to find a wide range of migrating songbirds, raptors, herons and waterfowl. We will hike a short loop around the sanctuary visiting the ponds and wildlife observatory, then take a 1/4 mile drive to the oxbow and adjacent grasslands. Plan on walking a total of 2 miles on a mix of up and down, uneven trails that can be muddy and/or slippery depending on recent weather. We'll meet in the Arcadia Nature Center parking lot at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton. Restrooms are available in the Nature Center (opens at 9:00 am). There are a few benches along the trails near the nature center if rest stops are needed, but not in the meadows. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net. Limited to 12 participants. (E/M) 

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.