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Hampshire Bird Club

EVENTS

Events are the lifeblood of the our club and you are encouraged to participate in as many events as you like. We hope to see you at one of the upcoming events soon!

Upcoming events

    • October 13, 2024
    • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    Register

    Sunday, Oct. 13, 7:30-9:00 a.m.

    Join members of the Education Committee for a new member bird walk in the East Meadows to scout out fall sparrows. We will meet in the parking lot at Sheldon Field, on Ferry St. off of Route 9 near the Fairgrounds. All are welcome, of course, new and "old" members!


    • October 16, 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Zoom

    Birding the Southern Maine Coast

    Ever been interested in birding one of the closest parts of Maine? 

    Jim Lafley will introduce participants to ten different locations near the southern Maine coast.  Some of these spots are right along the water, while others are a bit inland, but all offer some excellent birding in a wide variety of habitats.

    The book, Maine Birding Trail, is an excellent resource for the entire state and it covers most of the areas which will be discussed in the talk.  

    • October 17, 2024
    • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton, MA
    • 7
    Register

    Join Ted Gilliland and explore the diverse habitats surrounding the nature center including flood plain forest and marsh. We will walk from the nature center down past the Connecticut River oxbow into 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 dirt/gravel road, and taller, wet grass (may be muddy areas). We'll meet in the Arcadia Nature Center parking lot at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton at 8:30 am. 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 west meadows. Questions? Email Ted at tgillila@mtholyoke.edu. 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.

    • October 17, 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Online


    'Tis the time of year to hang up the bird feeders. Whether you are new to feeding birds or have been doing it for years but could use a bit of a refresher, you'll find this talk informative and helpful to not only attract a wide variety of birds, but also how to do so with the safety of our feathered friends in mind. Please bring all your questions as there will be plenty of time for them.

    Zoom meeting link

    Meeting ID: 898 1706 5647
    Passcode: 806177

    Learn more about the Birding for Everyone program.

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


    • October 19, 2024
    • 8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
    • 250 Whitney Ave, Holyoke, MA 01040


    October. Migration is winding down, winter is on the horizon. But there is still plenty of bird activity happening this month! We will return again this October to Ashley Reservoir, which offers easy walking trails and will provide wide views  of the water, the sky, the beautiful foliage and, with any luck, a wide variety of birds! We will meet in the Holyoke Elks Lodge parking lot for quick introductions before heading down to the water. 

    Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ap6ownFwPf3VNb3B8

    Register: https://bit.ly/2024bfe

    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.

    • October 21, 2024
    • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Silvio O. Conte NWR – Fort River Division, Hadley, MA
    Register

    Start out Birdability Week by joining Marcia Merithew, Dave Maxcy, Marianna Massed, and Carol Fournier for a Big Sit at the large pavilion to view migrating warblers, sparrows, raptors, resident birds, and possibly waterfowl. The pavilion is accessible with several long wooden benches. We do recommend bringing your own folding chair if needed just in case there is a large group. There may be an opportunity to join a half-mile meandering journey on a mostly flat dirt/rocky road towards adjacent grasslands with views of the Holyoke Range. Meet at the pavilion near the parking lot at 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley. Plenty of parking and porta-potty available. No limit on number of participants. Questions? Contact mmerithew@comcast.net. (E, Accessible)

    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.

    • October 25, 2024
    • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Silvio O. Conte NWR – Fort River Division, Hadley, MA
    • 3
    Register

    Join Bill Randolph for an exploration of the different habitats at the Conte Refuge, beginning with a leisurely 1.2 miles on a flat, fully accessible boardwalk trail looking for songbirds and migrant warblers. Benches and lookout areas are situated along the trail. For those who wish to continue in the second half of the trip, we will explore the adjacent grasslands with views of the Holyoke Range and three marshes for waterfowl and raptors. This portion of the trip involves 2–3 miles on a mostly flat dirt/rocky road with some slight hills. Meet at the Silvio O. Conte 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, Accessible)

    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.

    • October 26, 2024
    • 5:00 AM
    • Dead Creek WMA, Lake Champlain, Vermont
    Register

    Travel to Vermont for this day-long trip. Mike Locher tries once again to find a Ross’s Goose among the hundreds of Snow Geese at their premier staging area in New England. After the geese, we’ll look for other seasonal specialties along the shores of Lake Champlain, stopping at various locations, walking less than 50 meters on even terrain. Bring a scope if you have one. It's a 3 hour drive each way. Questions? Contact mlocher@yahoo.com. We'll meet at the Stop & Shop in Northampton (228 King Street) at 5:00 am for carpooling. (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.

    • October 26, 2024
    • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Cooke Ave, Northampton, MA
    • 12
    Register

    Join Brian Zylich and Hobie Iselin exploring the mixed conifer and deciduous forest, flooded forest wetland and marshes, and the dam at the lake as our destination. Plan on traveling about 2 miles on fairly flat, uneven terrain with some gentle rises and possible muddy areas depending upon recent rainfall. There is an option to climb up several steps to an elevated bird observatory overlooking the marsh and Cooke Pasture. The terrain on this short trail is more difficult. Birds we might see include all local species of raptors, ducks, geese, shorebirds, later migrants, and local songbirds. We will meet in the parking lot at the end of Cooke Ave (former Moose Lodge) in Northampton. Please note there are no facilities or rest areas at this location. Questions? Contact brian.zylich@gmail.com. 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.

    • November 02, 2024
    • 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Cooke Ave, Northampton, MA
    • 12
    Register

    Join Hobie Iselin and Peggy MacLeod exploring the mixed conifer and deciduous forest, flooded forest wetland and marshes in search of Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, Pine Siskin, and Belted Kingfisher, with a sprinkling of hawks, ducks, and woodpeckers. Plan on traveling 1.5–2 miles on fairly flat, uneven terrain with some muddy areas depending upon recent rainfall. There is an option to climb up several steps to an elevated bird observatory overlooking the marsh. The terrain on this short trail is more difficult. We will meet in the parking lot at the end of Cooke Ave (former Moose Lodge) in Northampton. Please note there are no facilities or rest areas at this location. Questions? Contact sunraven99@gmail.com. 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.

    • November 03, 2024
    • 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Turners Falls Power Canal, Migratory Way Lot, MA
    • 13
    Register

    Back for its 10th incarnation! Join Josh Rose 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. Participants will have the option of birding some additional areas after lunch – we will make a stop to purchase lunch, or feel free to bring your own. After lunch, birding options might be around Northfield (Bennett Meadow, Pauchaug Brook) or back down around Gill and Turners Falls (Barton Cove, Canalside Rail Trail, TF Airport).

    This trip involves mostly walking on paved roads, 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 15 participants. Register online. (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 involved.
    (S) – Strenuous conditions, muddy or rocky trails, steep sections, difficult footing in part.

    • November 12, 2024
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Wesley United Methodist Church

    The Falkland Islands or Islas Malvinas are a very remote South Atlantic archipelago with two main islands, East and West Falkland, plus an additional 776 smaller islands, most of which are not inhabited. However, several that are host some of the islands’ amazing wildlife, including five species of penguins, which on certain islands have thousands of birds during the nesting season.

    For this program we will explore two locations on Saunders Islands, The Neck, which has three nesting penguin species plus nesting Black-browed Albatross. Then onto The Rookery with its impressive colony of Southern Rockhopper Penguins and a staggering number of Black-browed Albatross. After that we will explore Sealion Island and our first look at Elephant Seals, Sealions and the Killer Whales that prowl the waters looking to feast on them. Next up is Bleaker Island with its beautiful mile long beach where you can watch Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins as they ride the waves onto the sandy shores. Finally, we will end our photographic adventure at Volunteer Point which has the largest nesting King Penguin population in the Falklands.

    All of this plus a look at the lodges one can stay at, the food and some of the people you will meet along the way. I will share my advice on traveling to this fantastic location plus many tips to help you plan your own Penguin adventure to the Falkland Islands.

    Shawn Carey (Migration Productions) produces bird and wildlife-related multimedia presentations, videos and photo workshops that have been presented all over the United States. Shawn moved from his home in Pennsylvania to Massachusetts in 1986 and started watching birds in 1988. Already with an interest in photography and now birds, Shawn began to combine the two in 1991. By 1994 he and good friend Jim Grady started Migration Productions as a way to present their multi-image slide presentations to a live audience.

    Migration Productions has been presenting programs to groups like Mass Audubon, Eastern Mass Hawk Watch, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and countless others since 1994. Migration Productions offers the finest quality bird/wildlife programs with stunning photographs, videos, soundtracks, and interviews with many people involved with bird watching and natural history topics.

    Shawn’s photos have been published in the Boston Globe, New York Times, Science, Mass Audubon's Sanctuary, and many others over the last 20+ years. In 1997 he started teaching bird photography workshops (Fundamentals of Bird Photography) for Massachusetts Audubon and is an instructor for Summer Fields Schools on Cape Cod for Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

    • December 10, 2024
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Wesley United Methodist Church


    Every December, HBC's program is.... you! Have you ever wanted to talk to the club about something, but not felt like you could keep it up for an entire meeting? Did you take a birding trip recently and want to share a few photos? Do you want to tell people about your favorite birding spot, or favorite bird species, or favorite fellow birder? This is the meeting for you! Several club members get to share the night, each of you talking for 10-15 minutes and showing a few slides (or not). And this year, we will be holding the members' meeting in person, for the first time since 2019! Email Program Chair Josh Rose if you'd like to participate.

    • December 15, 2024
    • 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
    • Mostly Hampshire County
    Register

    The largest birding event in Western Massachusetts is the Northampton Christmas Bird Count.  It covers 24 hours (rain, sleet, snow, or shine) midnight-to-midnight December 15. 2024.The goal for the 24 hours is to find, identify, and count all birds within a 15-mile diameter “count circle” centered in the Hadley Cemetery on Cemetery Road.

    Some folks start searching at midnight for owls. Others begin at sunrise. Some spend the entire day, others a couple of hours. No one is too young or too senior to participate. Beginners are welcome – we’ll make sure you join a group with at least one experienced birdwatcher.  We hope you’ll join us for this great day. You will probably make new friends, learn a bit, laugh a lot, and get a great workout.  We’ll be hosting a Zoom meeting for participants before the event. 

    MANO (Northampton) CBC Circle


    • January 14, 2025
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM


    • February 11, 2025
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM


    • March 11, 2025
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Wesley United Methodist Church


    • April 08, 2025
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Wesley United Methodist Church


    • May 13, 2025
    • 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Wesley United Methodist Church


    • June 10, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton

    Our final fling of the spring, before HBC goes on its summer hiatus. BYO picnic dinner and drinks, and we can all share how our spring birding went, and what we have planned for the summer. We aim to start eating around 6, but come early to see what birds are breeding in or still migrating through Arcadia, or to help us set up chairs and tables for the picnic. See you there!