Begin the new year with birding and join Scott Surner on an all-day trip to either Cape Ann or Plum Island, where we will look for alcids, waterfowl, and more. The exact location will be determined based on recent sightings in the eastern part of the state. Much of our birding will be done from the roadside, but depending on our destination, we may end up walking up to 1 mile on level ground or possibly the beach. Bring a scope if you have one. We’ll depart at 5 AM from the Hadley/Amherst area, carpool together to our destination, and return around 5 PM. Bring lunch and be sure to dress for cold, windy, and possibly wet weather. We’ll take several restroom breaks in addition to our lunch break. Questions? Email Scott at ssurner@aol.com. Limited to 12 participants. You will be contacted with further details as the trip date nears. (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.