This is a monthly 12-part series. Join Bill Randolph for a yearlong exploration of the Fort River Conte Refuge, a birding hot spot with over 200 bird species listed on eBird. The 260-acre refuge contains a sampling of the key habitats within the Connecticut River watershed including flood plain forest, marshes, grasslands and Fort River. We are on the latter side of the migration, and we will maximize our chances for identifying Neotropical migrants heading south for the winter.  We will search among the marshes for a glimpse of a yellow legs, green heron, and swamp sparrow, the grasslands for kestrels, harriers and field sparrows, and the deciduous forest for a variety of wood warblers. Plan on walking a total of 1–2 miles on boardwalks and mostly flat dirt/rocky road with some slight hills. Meet at the parking lot at 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley—plenty of parking is available, plus a porta-potty. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net. Limited to 12 participants. (E) 

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.

Reminder: If you register and are unable to attend, please cancel your registration as space is limited and most trips have a waiting list. Please visit the link in your confirmation email or contact fieldtrip@hampshirebirdclub.org.