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• Field Trip: UMass Campus Bird Collection and Campus Bird Watching

  • When
    May 30, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Amherst, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Note date change. Friday, May 30. Join Bill Randolph in exploring the UMass campus, a great place to find bird diversity. We will look and listen for the nesting peregrine falcons on DeBois Library, and then search for warblers, sparrows and vireos amongst the over 8,000 managed trees and campus pond. Eventually, we will head to the Morrill Science Building and test our skills at identifying different taxidermied bird study skins from the collection including different warblers, accipiters, falcons and a pileated woodpecker. Plan on traveling up to a mile on pavement conditions. Meet in front of the UMass DuBois Library, a few minutes' walk from the parking garage on Campus Center Way off of Commonwealth Ave. Option to have lunch at the Campus Center afterwards. 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.
  

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• Field Trip: Hilltown Rambles

  • When
    May 31, 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Berkshire Hilltowns, MA
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Saturday, May 31. Join Dave Gross and Donna Lee Ubertalli as they ramble around the various Berkshire Hilltowns from Northampton to Windsor to look for those migrants that prefer higher elevations than the valley provides. We’ll be on the lookout for American Bittern, Sandhill Cranes, Blackburnian Warblers, and Spotted Sandpipers along with anything else we can turn up. 

  This trip involves mostly walking on flat, uneven terrain, along with hiking at the hilly Moran Wildlife Area, and birding from cars. Meet at the Northampton Stop & Shop (Kingsgate Mall) parking lot at 7 AM to organize our carpool/caravan. Pack a lunch or pick one up at our rest stop at the Cummington Creamery. Plan for the weather and insect pests. There are two bathroom stops in the morning and at the Creamery. Depending on our preferences, there should be another in the afternoon. We aim to return to Northampton by 4 PM. Questions? Contact Dave at djgross@gmail.com or 413-687-8161. Limited to 10 participants. (E/M/S)

  Please see the HBC guidelines on carpooling >

  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.

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• HBC Bird Walk, Spring Fling Picnic, Service Awards & First Annual Bird Song Challenge

  • When
    June 03, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton
  • Registered
    48 registrants

  Register

  This event marks our final club meeting of the spring, before the HBC goes on its summer hiatus. There is a BYO picnic dinner/meeting (for HBC members) where you can share how your spring birding went and what you have planned for the summer. There is a bird walk before the picnic (for HBC members). There is a talk by Tom Ricardi who will bring along his rehabilitated raptors. The three combined events will all be at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton.

  The first event, a bird walk, will begin at 5 PM with leaders Marcia Merithew and Sam McGullam. Arcadia is buzzing with birds and nests–you won’t want to miss it! The trails are on mostly level, uneven ground. There are a few benches along the trails if rest stops are needed. It's a good idea to bring insect repellent. (E)

  At 6 PM local legend and raptor rehabilitator Tom Ricardi will share with us the joy of releasing one of his rehabilitated owls. He will offer a presentation with his ambassador birds.

  Special Member Awards will follow Tom’s talk at 7 PM. Come prepared to participate in our Bird Song ID Contest afterwards. Bring your best call and join in the fun!

  You must register in advance on the HBC website (under the Events tab) so that we can plan for parking. Carpooling and/or biking is encouraged.

  The raptor presentation is open to the public. The walk and picnic are for HBC members only. Please note that Arcadia admission is free for members of Mass Audubon, and residents of Easthampton and Northampton. HBC members get free admission for today's events. Others pay an admission fee of $4, or $3 for seniors and children ages 2-12. There will be some chairs available; bringing your own is suggested.

  We look forward to seeing you there!

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• Field Trip: Mt. Greylock State Reservation

  • When
    June 06, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Friday, June 6. Join Bill Randolph and Amanda Kallenbach in a day-long exploration of the different ecological zones of Mt. Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts (3,491 feet). Beginning at the Visitor’s Center (1,600 feet), we'll drive slowly to the summit, with 3–4 stops and short hikes (about 1/4 mile walks on mostly level, uneven ground), encountering the mountain's distinct plant communities, all of which attract different species of resident and migratory birds. We’ll look and listen for nesting birds in pollinator meadows, abandoned fruit orchards, mixed deciduous forest, and stunted alpine spruce. The summit offers expansive views of the region. We'll have lunch there and spend time watching hawks and other raptors. Meet at the Greylock Visitor's Center lot (30 Rockwell Rd. in Lanesborough) at 9 am. Carpooling from the Visitor's Center to the summit is encouraged, given limited pullouts. Bring water, a packed lunch, bug spray and layered clothing for variable weather. Restrooms are available in the Visitor's Center (opens at 9 am). Extreme weather will cancel—watch your email for any updates. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net or Amanda at amanda.kallenbach@gmail.com. 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.
  

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• Field Trip: Slow Trip and Bobolink/Field Bird Sit at Sit Silvio O. Conte NWR–Fort River Division

  • When
    June 13, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA

  Register

  Friday, June 13. Join Bill Randolph, Harvey Alan and Carol Fournier for an exploration of the fields at the Conte Refuge including an easy walk on the farm road looking for nesting Bobolinks, Meadowlarks and Savannah Sparrows. This portion involves approximately 2 miles on a mostly flat dirt/rocky road with some slight hills. Bring your own seating as there are no benches along the road. We will explore the grasslands with views of the Holyoke Range and three marshes for waterfowl and raptors. 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. No limit on number of 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.

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• Field Trip: Knightville Dam

  • When
    June 14, 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Huntington, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Saturday, June 14. Join Betsy Higgins and Marcia Merithew in an exploration of the area around the dam. We'll start at the top of the dam, then drive down to the road along the East Branch of the Westfield River. The past several years we did not have access to drive the dirt road along the East Branch so we'll park by the gate and walk as far as the group wants. Highlights include flycatchers, Bank Swallows, Spotted Sandpipers, several species of warblers, and cuckoos. There will be a combination of walking (and maybe driving if the gate is open) on dirt roads over moderately uneven terrain. Bring snacks and water and sun protection as there is no shade along the road. Meet in the JFK Middle School parking lot on Bridge Road, Northampton at 7 AM. It's about a 20-minute drive to the Knightville area. Let us know if you prefer to meet at the top of the dam at 7:30 rather than meeting at JFK School. Outhouses available at the bottom of the dam where we'll stop briefly before heading to the lower portion. No sitting areas available. Questions? Contact Marcia at mmerithew@comcast.net. Limited to 10 participants. (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.
  

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• Field Trip: Bright Water Bog

  • When
    June 15, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Shutesbury, MA
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Sunday, June 15. Join Josh Rose and Sam McGullam as we explore Bright Water Bog, Kestrel Land Trust's newest retreat. We'll follow a 1.5-mile loop trail through diverse habitat including meadow, mountain laurel thicket, forest, pond, and peat bog. Species of note may include Canada Warbler, Alder Flycatcher, Veery, and Black-throated Blue Warbler. We'll also be on the lookout for carnivorous plants, butterflies, dragonflies, and the sculptures and poetry that dot the trail. The trail is mostly level and includes extensive boardwalks, but there are short sections of steep grade. Trails are narrow in places, with exposed rocks, roots, and mud. There are benches at the beginning of the trail and at the halfway point. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, insect repellant, waterproof footwear with good tread, and weather-appropriate clothing. Tick protection is advised. Please note that there is no cell phone reception at this location. We'll plan on meeting at 8 AM at the Leverett Village Co-op (180 Rattlesnake Gutter Rd, Leverett, MA) and carpooling to the trailhead, which is 8 minutes away. There are no facilities at the trailhead, but restrooms are available at the co-op. Questions? Contact Sam McGullam at sam.mcgullam@gmail.com. Limited to 8 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.
  

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• Birding for Everyone: Herons

  • When
    June 19, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  

  Herons are a unique family of birds that can be both very easy to see and very difficult to get a glimpse of. We will review the herons that appear in our area in depth during this talk and grow your appreciation for this family of birds. The presentation will be brief (30 minutes or less) and will allow for plenty of time for your questions on any birding related topic.

  Zoom meeting link
  
  

  Meeting ID: 892 1481 4684
  Passcode: 408586

  Learn more about the Birding for Everyone program.

  All Birding for Everyone events are free and open to the public.
  

  
  

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• Field Trip: Hadley Dikes and Connecticut River Shoreline

  • When
    June 20, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area, Hadley, MA
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  Friday, June 20. This is a monthly 12-part series. Join Bill Randolph for a year-long exploration of the birding “hot spots” located along the Connecticut River shoreline and farmlands in Hadley and Northampton. Participate in one or all of the birding trips and witness how the ecology and bird community changes throughout the year. With the peak of summer upon us, the fertile river valley stimulates a patchwork of crops where breeding songbirds such as blue grosbeaks, and savannah and vesper sparrows nest. New fledgling raptors including locally nesting peregrine falcons, bald eagles and kestrels hunt along the river’s edge. A few warbler species inhabit the floodplain trees. We will take a variety of short walks (up to a mile in length), and/or drive to nearby sites in search of the best birds. Plan on a 1–2 mile trek on mostly level, uneven ground with potentially windy conditions and muddy trails; sturdy boots recommended. Meet at the Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area dirt parking lot (next to the Connecticut River dike on North Lane between West St. and 47 in Hadley). Please note there are no facilities or rest areas at this location. 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.
  

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• Birding for Everyone: Quabbin Park, Goodnough Dike

  • When
    June 21, 2025
  •  
    8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Quabbin Park, Goodnough Dike, Ware, MA

  
  

  Goodnough Dike offers diverse habitats within a short walk and we'll explore the different birds we find in these different habitats along the way. Quabbin being what it is, there will likely be a number of warblers still in the area as well as birds that are uniquely abundant here: Bald Eagles and Common Loons come to mind. This walk is on paved roads with an incline depending on how far we get. Even if there are zero birds (which won't happen), Goodnough Dike is a truly beautiful location worth seeing.
  

  Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8YRR5cevntug1iCh7

  Register: https://bit.ly/2025bfe

  Questions? Email dallard@hampshirebirdclub.org.
  

  Learn more about the Birding for Everyone program.

  All Birding for Everyone events are free and open to the public.

  Show details