Hampshire Bird Club upcoming events

Field Trip: Hawk Watches at the Summit House (Mon, September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join HBC members at the Summit House each morning Sept. 14–18 from 9 am to noon for identifying hawks and other migrants as they traverse the Holyoke Range. You can choose to walk up the auto road or on one of the trails, or drive directly up the auto road to the summit. There is an accessible ramp up to the porch where most of the hawk watching will occur, and restrooms are available. Please note that parking fees are in effect – $5 for MA residents and $20 for non-MA residents (status is determined by the vehicle license plate). Registration is not necessary for these "drop-in" watches. (E)

More information on DCR Skinner State Park.

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.

Field Trip: Mitch’s Way Evening Trip (Tue, September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Join Ted Gilliland on a late afternoon/early evening trip on the Mitch's Way trail parallel to the Connecticut River. We will search for migrants, including warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, etc. At this time of day, one sometimes sees fewer species, but it is an opportunity to study birds during a different part of their daily routine. With a bit of luck, sometimes birds are less active and afford longer, better views as they wind down their daily activities. Walking will be at a relaxing pace. We expect to cover a little over a mile on the trail, which is dirt/grass and is relatively flat with uneven sections, and can be muddy. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Insect repellent is recommended. There are no facilities or rest areas.

Because parking at the trail is extremely limited, we will first meet at 4:30 pm on Old Mountain Road near the gate to Skinner State Park and carpool to Mitch's Way. Questions? Email Ted at ted.gilliland@mtholyoke.edu. Limited to 10 participants. (M)

See HBC carpooling guidelines >

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.

Birding for Everyone: Identifying Hawks (Thu, September 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Hawks can be a tricky group of birds to identify due to their similar size and seemingly overlapping plumages. But if you're excited about hawks, September, the heart of hawk migration season in our area, is for you. During this online session we'll work to demystify this group of birds and give you concrete steps you can use in the field to identify hawks this fall and beyond! 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

Learn more about the Birding for Everyone program.

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

Field Trip: Birding at Fort River (Fri, September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMT

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. On this trip, we will maximize of our chances of seeing the most species by walking the boardwalk loop trail looking for migrating wood warblers. We’ll then head up to the marshes for a glimpse of a Yellowlegs, Green Heron or Swamp Sparrow, and search the grasslands for Kestrels, Harriers and Field Sparrows, with perhaps a Black Vulture on the horizon. 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: Pine Grove Conservation Area (Sat, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Join Aaron Hulsey and Brian Zylich on a trip through a short network of woodland trails in the 105-acre Pine Grove Conservation Area, part of Northampton’s broader greenway network. The mix of hardwood forest and fields provides ideal habitat for many species. We’ll be on the lookout for fall migrants including sparrows, warblers, and raptors. Plan on walking about 2 miles along gravel and natural surface trails with occasional uneven sections that can be muddy after rain. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Insect repellent is recommended. There are no facilities. We'll meet at 7:00 am in the parking area on Old Wilson Road, off of Florence Road in Northampton. Questions? Email Aaron at thomas.hulsey487@gmail.com. Limited to 10 participants. (E/M)

Birding for Everyone: Mount Holyoke Summit House, Hadley (Sat, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:45:00 GMT

September is the heart of hawk migration and there is no better place in the county to look for them than the summit house on Mount Holyoke. Hawk watches are notoriously tricky as so much depends on weather conditions, particularly the wind, but with any luck we'll see a decent show! We will meet at the parking lot at the summit. Please consider carpooling as parking is limited.

Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DuBLaTmeip6T2sb77

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.

Field Trip: Great Pond (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Join Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn on a slow outing along the dirt road at Great Pond. We will look for migrating waterfowl on the pond, as well as other late migrants and residents. Trip leaders will have at least one scope for viewing distant ducks on the water. Please feel free to bring a scope if you have one. Birds likely to be seen include Wood Duck, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Swamp and Savannah Sparrows, Indigo Bunting, Osprey, and possibly a shorebird or two. This is also a good location for other less common ducks/waterfowl. We expect to cover about a half mile on the mainly flat road, which can be uneven and muddy in spots. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Insect repellent is recommended. There are no facilities or rest areas. We will meet at 7:30 am on the east side of the little bridge on Cow Bridge Road. If you are coming in from King Street in Hatfield, go over the bridge and there will be some parking on the other side. There is very limited parking, though, so we encourage you to carpool. Questions? Email Lesley at lesleyfarlow115@gmail.com. Limited to 15 participants. (E)

HBC FALL KICKOFF PICNIC (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

No Tuesday Membership Meeting in September!!

Fall Picnic, Bird Walks, Family Scavenger Hunt & Special Activities

Join us for our first club gathering after summer vacation — a lively day of birding, sharing, creativity, and community!

11:00 a.m. Morning Activities

Choose your adventure:

Birding for Everyone Walk Led by Derek Allard (Registration Required)
Big Sit Relax near the parking area and fields and enjoy excellent bird-viewing opportunities.
Family Scavenger Hunt by Alex Fuselier. Scavenger hunt lists will be available to take on the Birding for Everyone Walk or to use around the big sit area! Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. (Registration Required)

12:00–1:00 p.m. BYO Picnic

Bring your own lunch and enjoy a relaxed picnic with HBC members in the Pavilion.

Sharing table available if you’d like to bring something
Compostable plates and napkins provided
Please bring your own serving utensils

1:00 p.m. Afternoon Program

Stay for a short and fun-filled program featuring:

Highlights of upcoming club events and opportunities
Bird Song Challenge
Bird Tales and Jokes
Sharing of songs, art, poetry, and journaling

Bring your favorite bird story, joke, artwork, poem, or journal entry and join the fun!

Don’t Miss

HBC Boutique. Stock up on club favorites:

T-shirts
Sweatshirts
Hats

Registration Required. Please register in advance on the HBC website under the Events tab so we can plan for parking and materials. Carpooling and biking are encouraged.

Important Notes

The walks, scavenger hunt, and picnic are for HBC members and their families only. A limited number of chairs will be available. Bringing your own chair is recommended

Arcadia Admission

Free for:

Mass Audubon members
HBC members
Easthampton and Northampton residents

Admission for others:

$4 adults
$3 seniors
$3 children ages 2–12

Come celebrate the start of a new season with birding, laughter, stories, and friends!

Birding for Everyone at the HBC Fall Picnic (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Birding for Everyone Walk Led by Derek Allard

Family Scavenger Hunt at the HBC Fall Picnic (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This year we will again have a scavenger hunt for members to participate in throughout the picnic, on the Birding for Everyone Walk and around the meeting area. The scavenger hunt is created for all ages and includes birds, plants and other sights and sounds from the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary!

The scavenger hunt will be available as a physical booklet as well as a digital checklist that can be completed on a mobile device.

Field Trip: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join Amanda Kallenbach exploring Arcadia's diverse habitats, including flood plain forest and marsh. We'll walk some of the nature center trails, check out the blind at Hulbert's Pond (this involves a narrow spiral staircase), then head to the Connecticut River Oxbow area. If time allows, we'll continue to the grasslands of the west meadows in search of sparrows and other migrants. Plan on traveling 2–3 miles on mostly flat, uneven terrain, including wooded trails, paved and gravel roads, and taller, wet grass (may be muddy areas). Meet in the nature center parking lot at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton at 8:00 am. Restrooms are available in the nature center, which opens at 9:00 am. There are a few benches along the nature center trails, but none in the meadows. Heavy rain cancels. Questions? Email Amanda at amanda.kallenbach@gmail.com. Limited to 10 participants. (M)

Field Trip: Just Roots Community Farm (Sun, September 27, 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join Sam McGullam, Josh Rose, and Alex Fuselier as we search for fall migrants among the fields and hedgerows surrounding this working CSA farm in Franklin County. We’ll be on the lookout for sparrows, fall warblers, and raptors; the farm has also been known to host some impressive flocks of ravens. Plan on walking up to 2 miles along mostly flat dirt roads and grass paths between farm fields that may be rutted with uneven footing. Depending on the weather, there may be mud or wet grass. If rest stops are needed, there are two picnic tables near the community garden and one small bench by the pollinator garden. Meet at Just Roots Community Farm at 28 Glenbrook Drive in Greenfield. Follow the signs for CSA parking, pass the red barn on your right, and park in the large dirt lot by the greenhouse down the hill. There is a porta-potty in the parking lot and by the community garden near our meeting place. Questions? Contact Sam at sam.mcgullam@gmail.com. Limited to 14 participants. (E/M)

Field Trip: Podick/Katherine Cole/Szala Conservation Areas & Food Bank Farm (Sat, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Join Dave King on a morning prowl along wooded trails and fields through a network of conserved forest, active farmland, a forested stream and beaver wetlands to look for woodland and farmland bird species. Late migrant songbirds featuring sparrows are a possibility, as are hawks overhead. We’ll traverse 2-3 miles on wooded trails and farm roads. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Insect repellent is recommended. There are no facilities. We'll meet at 7:00 in the parking area at the junction of Route 116 and Sunderland Road. Questions? Contact Dave at daveking@umass.edu. Limited to 12 participants. (E/M)

Field Trip: Bird Track & Sign at the Quabbin Reservoir (Sat, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Note: The exact gate location will be updated closer to the event. Join Bryan DiFabio for an exploration of the Quabbin Reservoir and all the ecosystems it supports; mixed forests, wetlands, power line right-of ways, and sandy/muddy beaches.

Regardless of gate choice, the walk will take place on wide walking paths and full beach access at a rather slow pace. There may be areas we explore that have mud. Wearing proper waterproof boots or even muck boots is recommended. There may be detours taken for a closer look at sign as it is discovered. In some cases, uncovered sign may be passed around the group, but in others it must be left undisturbed.

Track and sign may present itself in some unexpected scenarios. Though it may be more likely that bird tracks will be found on the beach, they are not completely excluded from footpaths. The focus of the entire walk will be to look for bird tracks, nests and eggs, feathers, and feeding sign. A discussion will take place as these bird clues are discovered to determine who, why, what, and how.

The chosen location will have ample dirt lot parking, but no restroom. Questions? Email Bryan at Bryan@DFABio.com. Limited to 12 participants. (M)

If you’re able, prior to the field trip, consider participating in the online training Introduction to Bird Track & Sign happening on October 1. Learn more and register here.

Field Trip: Overnight Trip to Cape May, NJ (Fri, October 09, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For HBC members only. The Hampshire Bird Club is pleased to announce a multi-day birding trip to Cape May, New Jersey from October 9–15, 2026. Cape May is widely recognized as one of the premier birding hot spots in North America, renowned for its spectacular fall migration. Some of the areas we’ll visit during our stay include Higbee Beach, Cape May State Park & Hawkwatch Platform, South Cape May Meadows, Avalon Sea Watch, Nummy Island, a trip to Delaware in search of the Brown-headed Nuthatch, and an afternoon Marsh Tour.

Most walking during the trip will be on generally level paths and roadways. Some hikes may take place on sandy beaches, and participants should expect to cover a mile or two each day on foot.

This trip is limited to 8 observers. The trip fee is $310.00 per person, which covers the leader's costs and the Marsh Tour. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own motel accommodations, food, and travel expenses. Based on double occupancy, a rough estimate for the total trip cost—including the leader fee, motel, gas, tolls, food, and ferry to Delaware—is approximately $1,600.00 per participant.

Participants must register online through the HBC website. Once you register, trip leader Scott Surner will provide the name and contact information for the group’s motel so participants can make their reservations directly. Questions? Email Scott at ssurner@aol.com. More information upon request. (M)

Note: overnight trips are limited to current HBC members only.

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.

Field Trip: Quabbin Park – Hank’s Meadow (Sun, October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join Greg Brown for a 2.5 mile loop from the Hanks Meadow parking area, west along the shoreline and back up through the woods to the main road. Trail is moderate difficulty and may be muddy in spots – wear good boots! Our path will go through a variety of habitats, where we may see any number of fall migrants along with year-round residents. Possible sightings include warblers (pine, palm, yellow-rumped, black-throated green), woodpeckers, eagles, ravens, and towhees. We will meet at 8:00 am at the Hanks Meadow parking lot and return to the same place by 10:00 am at the latest. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, appropriate footwear, and outerwear. Note: there is usually a porta-potty at the parking lot, but this is not guaranteed. Questions? Contact gwb@gregorywbrown.com. Limited to 10 participants. (M)

HBC's October Meeting: "Warblers of Mexico: Endemics, near endemics and migrants" with Larry Therrien (Tue, October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:15:00 GMT

Larry Therrien is bringing us his latest warbler program, this time focusing on the warblers of Mexico. Mexico hosts a number of endemic and near endemic species as well as many migratory warblers and has the highest count of new world warblers of any country in the world. The journey will cover areas throughout Mexico from Baja California to the Gulf of Mexico.

Larry Therrien is probably the most prolific birder in western Massachusetts and can be found birding most days in Hampshire County and around the Quabbin. He is the eBird reviewer for the three counties of the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts, a former member of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee, annually conducts a number of breeding bird surveys of various types, and guides in the area. The number of checklists he has submitted to eBird is the most in the state by a very wide margin (more than twice the second-place observer) and ranks 10th in the entire US. He has traveled extensively in Central and South America as well as throughout the Caribbean with the focus of most of these trips being new world warblers. We can follow his adventures through his blog "Quabbin Birding and Beyond", or his more targeted and international passion through "The Pursuit of Warblers". He lives in Belchertown with his wife Sherri and their dog Wilson.

Field Trip: Birdability Celebration Outing, Lake Wallace (Fri, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Lake Wallace provides a biodiverse environment and many birding opportunities. Join naturalist and birder Bill Randolph and birder Carol Fournier during the autumn migration season to observe the diverse species at this special location. We’ll be watching for herons, various species of duck and woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Cedar Waxwing, a variety of sparrows, and more. The Lake Wallace trails provide wide sloping surfaces, and an observation platform for viewing a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.

The .5 mile Sensory Trail portion includes signage that incorporates Braille lettering in some areas, and a cable guide to assist. The Lampson Brook Loop Trail is about 1.25 miles total. Participants can opt to choose the Sensory Trail portion for a self-guided experience.

There is a large accessible parking lot with four handicapped spots and an accessible outdoor porta-potty on the site as well as accessible restrooms at the nearby Belchertown Recreation Center that is open between 8:30 am and noon on Fridays. There is a picnic area with a pavilion for those who might like to gather following the trip. For more information contact Bill at warandolph@comcast.net. Limited to 20 participants. (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.

Field Trip: Accessible Little Sit at Arcadia (Sun, October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting an end-of-Birdability Week Little Sit, co-led by Hampshire Bird Club and Arcadia birders and naturalists. Enjoy a free, drop-in (no registration required) morning of casual birding in place. Bring a chair, a snack, and/or a buddy, as well as your binoculars. John Green, Arcadia's Teacher/Naturalist, will help identify birds by sight and sound.

Accessibility notes: The site is in a mowed field close to the treeline, and is about 200 feet from the entry to the Visitor Center over a combination of terrain including pavement, hard-packed gravel, and mowed flat field. Chairs will be available to borrow if needed, but bringing your own is encouraged. The parking area has two accessible spots, and the bathrooms have an ADA accessible stall. Bathrooms and water will be available in the nearby Visitor Center for the duration of the Little Sit. Please email Arcadia@MassAudubon.org with any access questions or needs. No registration required. (A)

Field Trip: Halloween Pilgrimage to Satan's Kingdom and Hell's Kitchen (Sat, October 31, 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Join Josh Rose and Sam McGullam for a day-long tour of a few seasonally appropriate birding spots throughout Franklin County. We will start with a walk along the power canal in Turners Falls, then carpool/caravan to Northfield to bird our way through Satan's Kingdom and Hell's Kitchen. We'll make a stop to purchase lunch, though you are free to bring your own. After lunch, participants who want to continue will have the option of birding some additional areas, potentially including the Northfield vicinity (Bennett Meadow, Pauchaug Brook) or back down around Gill and Turners Falls (Barton Cove, Canalside Rail Trail, Turners Falls Airport). This trip involves mostly walking on paved roads (up to 2 miles total at our various stops), and a bit of birding from cars. Please note that the Hell’s Kitchen stop involves a short slope from the road down to the water’s edge; with no real parking, the view from the pavement is limited by vegetation.

We will meet at the Migratory Way parking lot at the Turners Falls power canal (take the 11th Street bridge over the canal, turn left on G Street, and drive until you see the gate ahead and parking lot on the left). We will make a restroom stop between the power canal and Satan’s Kingdom, and then stop for lunch at a spot with facilities a few hours later. Questions? Contact programs@hampshirebirdclub.org. Limited to 14 participants. (E/M)

Field Trip: Berkshire Lakes (Sun, November 01, 2026)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Join Scott Surner for a day-long trip to the Berkshire Lakes in search of migratory ducks and other waterfowl, as well as nonmigratory apple cider donuts. Possible stops include Cheshire Reservoir, Pontoosuc Lake, Onota Lake, and Richmond Pond, and we’ll also stop at Moran Wildlife Management Area in Windsor to look for Northern Shrikes. Most of our birding will be done from the roadside or a short distance from our vehicles. Not much walking will be required on this trip. Bring a scope if you have one. We will meet at 6:00 am in the Stop & Shop parking lot at 228 King St in Northampton, then split into vehicles to carpool. We will return by 3:30 pm. Dress warmly and pack lunch. There will be at least two restroom breaks. Questions? Email Scott at ssurner@aol.com. Limited to 15 participants. (E)