Spring in the Pioneer Valley brings the warbler migration! Join LC LeClair and Marcia Merithew to look for these colorful and boldly patterned songbirds in the trees and meadows of Easthampton. Some birds we hope to see are the Black-and-White Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and American Redstart.
This event is for everyone; prior knowledge of birds is not required.
What to Expect
We’ll meet at 413 East St, Easthampton, MA 01027 at 10:00 am. This event is a low-key gathering where we can enjoy observing nature together. We will cap our group size at 12, plus two leaders. We will have brief introductions, and then take a quiet stroll together and see what birds may come along. This will be a leisurely walk on flat terrain, likely with plenty of sitting and standing. This trail is marked accessible and has been successfully used with walkers, rollators, crutches, and wheelchairs.
Mutter’s Field Trail is partly paved with asphalt and partly packed black crushed stone. It is approximately 0.35 miles long (1,800 ft). There are 6 benches along this trail, as well as a covered pavilion near some bluebird boxes. The trail passes by meadow, waterway, and woodland environments, and is generally a quiet, uncrowded place.
Parking
Parking is available in a paved lot at the trailhead. There are approximately 8 parking spots, including 1 van accessible space. There is also street parking just adjacent to the lot. Carpooling is encouraged!
What to Bring
- Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Morning temps can still be in the 40s in May.
- A portable chair or mat to sit on.
- If you have binoculars, you are welcome to bring them. We will have binoculars/monoculars available to borrow if anyone would like to use them. We will also have bird ID guides to share.
- A water bottle/snack if you need it.
Bathrooms
There are no bathrooms on-site. The nearest restrooms (including accessible restrooms) are in the Eastworks and Keystone Buildings, a 5-minute drive away.
Weather
If it is raining very lightly, we will plan on wearing raincoats and will stick close to the covered pavilion. If the forecast is for rain beyond a drizzle, or if another significant weather event is predicted, this event will be postponed, and registered participants will be informed via email by 7:30 pm the evening before.
RAIN DATE: May 18, same time.
Questions? Please reach out to LC LeClair at lauracleclair@gmail.com with any questions or to share your access needs. Limited to 12 participants. (E, A)
Field Trip designations:
(A) – Designed to be accessible to people with mobility limitations, disabilities, or access challenges.
(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.
