This is a monthly 12-part series. Join Bill Randolph for a yearlong birding exploration in Arcadia’s 734 acre sanctuary consisting of extensive grasslands and agricultural fields, mixed conifer and deciduous forests, along with different wetlands including Connecticut River oxbow, a series of ponds, floodplain forest and the confluence of the Mill River. This is a great time of year to look and listen for early nesting resident songbirds and woodpeckers in a variety of habitats as well as new migratory warblers, sparrows, and swallows, some of which will stay, while others are only passing through. Plan on a few short hikes and possibly a nearby drive to maximize our chance of seeing the most birds.

Plan on walking a total of 1–2 miles on a mix of up and down, uneven trails that can be muddy 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.