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. With winter’s chill upon us, we will search the woodland trails for different songbirds, explore Hulbert's Pond and oxbow for waterfowl, and walk along the grasslands for horned lark, snow bunting and raptors. Bill will also model how to count birds for Project Feederwatch which runs from November to April using the visitor center's bird feeders.

Plan on walking a total of 1–2 miles on a mix of up and down, uneven trails that can be muddy and/or slippery depending on recent weather. It’s always a good idea to have shoe spikes in case the trails are icy. 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.