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!
Do-it-Yourself (DIY)"Field Trip" Workshops: Each month an area is chosen, and a leader describes the location and five target species for that area. Anyone who wishes to participate has a month to visit the area on their own, record the species they see, and report back at the Zoom event the following month. We usually meet the first Monday of every month, 7-8 pm.
To join us, click here. Meeting ID: 822 7788 5665 Passcode: Education
Earlier phenology and warmer temperatures are two hallmarks of climate change in the temperate zone. The impacts of climate change on birds are becoming apparent, but in some cases are still poorly understood. In this presentation, Ethan Clotfelter will talk about his research on tree swallows and black-capped chickadees, and the myriad ways in which temperature affects their daily lives. He will discuss three separate studies on incubation dynamics, food availability, and social behavior that he and his students have conducted at Amherst College over the past 20 years.
Ethan Clotfelter is the Rufus Tyler Lincoln Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Amherst College, where he has taught since 2003. Ethan got his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina in Chapel, his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Wisconsin, and was a postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University. In addition to tree swallows and chickadees, he has studied other common bird species such as brown-headed cowbirds, red-winged blackbirds, and dark-eyed juncos. He’s also been known to dabble in studies of fish and crayfish behavior.
Join Bill Randolph and explore the diverse habitats surrounding the nature center including flood plain forest, marshes, the Connecticut River oxbow and grasslands in search of nesting waterfowl, herons, grassland sparrows, bald eagles, and other raptors. Plan on walking 2–3 miles on mostly flat, uneven terrain with a few muddy areas depending on rainfall this spring. There's an option to climb a 25 foot spiral staircase to a bird observatory over Hulbert's Pond. It's a good idea to bring repellent for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the Arcadia nature center parking lot at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Be sure to listen to Dana and Bob’s Zoom talk on Loons April 16th. Ever since spending summers in New Hampshire in their youth, they have been captivated by loons.They are active in the Northeast Loon Working Group (NELWG) made up of State officials and non-profit group loon specialists which focuses on studying and protecting loons . Dana organizes a group each year in northeast New Hampshire for the New Hampshire Loon presentation Committee (LPC) to monitor nesting loons and has received their Spirit of the Loon award for her conservation efforts.
They will introduce us to what makes a loon a loon, their evolution, and the the world’s five loon species. They will focus on the Common Loon Garvia immer’s life cycle, its threats, status in New England and conservation efforts. You will thoroughly enjoy the pictures they have gathered.
To join the workshop, click here. Meeting ID: 822 7788 5665 Passcode: Education
Warbler migration is almost upon us. Hone your ID skills with this presentation. We'll cover the basics of warbler identification as well as some tips from years of experience. The presentation will be brief (30 minutes or less) and will allow for plenty of time for your questions on any birding related topic.
Meeting ID: 828 0241 2339 (if asked) Passcode: 830840
Learn more about the Birding for Everyone program.
All Birding for Everyone events are free and open to the public.
Join Bill Randolph and explore the mixed conifer and deciduous forest, flooded forest wetland, and marshes in anticipation of new arrival songbirds and warblers, nesting herons and waterfowl. This outing will highlight how bird life changes with the warming of spring. Plan on walking 2–3 miles on fairly flat, uneven terrain with some muddy areas depending upon recent rainfall. There is an option to climb up to a bird observatory overlooking the marsh. It's a good idea to bring repellent for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot at the end of Cooke Ave (former Moose Lodge) in Northampton. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
We will walk the handicap accessible trail at the Fort River Wildlife Refuge in search of early warblers and any other characters who have arrived. This habitat is wonderful for warblers but also Brown Thrashers, Bobolinks, Field Sparrows, and one of the best Barn Swallow locations in our area. Walking will be minimal and will will accommodate the accessibility needs of all attendees.
Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h7wihP6zhdFWkvm88
Register: https://bit.ly/2024bfe
Questions? Email dallard@hampshirebirdclub.org.
Join Greg Brown for a 2.5 mile loop from the Hanks Meadow 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 earlier 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 7:30 am at the Hanks Meadow parking lot and return to the same place by 10 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. Limited to 10 participants. Questions? Contact gwb@gregorywbrown.com. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Join Marcia Merithew and Janice Jorgensen for an easy walk on the accessible trail and road in Hadley, MA. The trail is 1.2 miles long, and road walking could be another mile. The forest and meadow habitats are excellent in April for early migrants, year-round residents, and possibly some surprises (visit this Ebird link for a list of species seen in any April). We will bird by sight and by ear and record our findings in Ebird. We will meet at 7:30 am in the Silvio O. Conte parking lot at 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley – plenty of parking is available, plus a porta-potty. Ending time is flexible. Limited to 18 participants. Questions? Contact mmerithew@comcast.net. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Join Craig Allen and Brian Zylich for an outing around the south end of the Quabbin reservoir searching for spring migrants and waterfowl. We'll look and listen for birds on land and on the water. Meet at the Quabbin Visitor Center (100 Winsor Dam Rd. in Belchertown) at 7:00 am for a walk along the dam and various other parts of Quabbin Park. 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 brian.zylich@gmail.com. Limited to 10 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Join Bill Randolph and explore this diverse habitat with chances to see herons, warblers, thrushes and waterfowl. Plan on walking 1–2 miles on mostly flat, uneven terrain through mixed conifer and deciduous forest, to Plum Brook which creates a one acre beaver pond. It's a good idea to bring repellent for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking area at 59 Bay Road in Amherst. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Arguably the trickiest family of birds to identify, warblers, with their vibrant colors and frenetic habits, are also among the most rewarding to see. We we build on the skills discussed in April to get more in depth with tips to increase your warbler experiences. The presentation will be brief (30 minutes or less) and will allow for plenty of time for your questions on any birding related topic.
Meeting ID: 875 5294 6454 Passcode: 770304
Join Bill Randolph and explore the mixed conifer and deciduous forest, flooded forest wetland, and marshes in anticipation of songbirds and warblers, nesting herons and waterfowl. This outing will highlight how bird life changes with the warming of spring. Plan on walking 2–3 miles on fairly flat, uneven terrain with some muddy areas depending upon recent rainfall. There is an option to climb up to a bird observatory overlooking the marsh. It's a good idea to bring repellent for ticks and mosquitos. We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot at the end of Cooke Ave (former Moose Lodge) in Northampton. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Join Cory Elowe for an easy stroll along the flat, hard-packed, crushed stone rail trail in Ware that is suitable for all abilities. This trail at the eastern edge of Hampshire County is newly renovated by the East Quabbin Land Trust (EQLT) is under-birded, but it traverses diverse habitats that are excellent for migratory warblers and breeding Eastern Towhees, Field Sparrows, and Louisiana Waterthrush. Depending on conditions and abilities, we will complete an out-and-back of likely no more than 2 miles total. However, as this is also a lovely place to ride a bike, feel free to bring yours to explore more of the ~ 3 miles of trail than we can cover! Recent rain can leave puddles and mud, so please wear appropriate footwear. We will meet at 7:30 am at the Mass Central Rail Trail parking area along Upper Church Street just prior to crossing the Ware River and intersecting with Route 32. Northampton-area participants can meet at Sheldon Field, 26 Old Ferry Road at 6:45 am if they wish to arrange their own carpooling, as it is about a 40 minute drive to reach the rail trail. Questions? Contact coryelowe@gmail.com. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Warbler migration will be at its peak in the third week in May so what better place to go to one of the best warbler locations in the county. We will walk a short route around the wonderful habitats the sanctuary offers right near the parking area. Walking will be minimal and will will accommodate the accessibility needs of all attendees.
Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sMZbMshppuNZGK5CA
Join Peggy MacLeod at this hot spot known as one of spring's best land bird migrant traps in eastern Massachusetts, where the numbers and diversity of songbirds and surprise semi-rare migrants can be staggering. Both a wildlife sanctuary and stunning arboretum of native pines, oaks, and beeches, the cemetery is laid out in a network of ponds, wetlands, and dozens of winding avenues and paths. Accessible to individuals of all abilities, one can drive or walk to most areas as needed.
While visiting the cemetery’s diverse habitats over 1+ miles, the group will focus on helping all participants get eyes and ears on identified species, as well as checking in with other visitors about where to find the day's best encounters. Bring binoculars, water, and snacks and/or lunch. Notes: Mount Auburn is still an active cemetery – please review their online guidelines for birding etiquette. Restrooms are available at the entry gate. A lunch stop is possible on the return.
We will meet at 6:30 am to carpool from Sheldon Field Park and Ride, 26 Old Ferry Road in Northampton, and we will coordinate a meeting place at Mount Auburn. Ending time is flexible. Questions? Contact sunraven99@gmail.com. Limited to 15 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Members of the HBC Education Committee will lead a walk around the accessible trail in search of migrating birds, including warblers, vireos, sparrows, thrushes, and others.
May is one of the most exciting birding months of the year, with all of the returning residents and northbound migrants in their spring finery. But did you know that May is also the best month of the year to see most of our local reptiles and amphibians? Join veterinarians Bill Benner and Joe Wicinski (and Hampshire Bird Club members) as they show us how to look down as well as up, for a closer look at some of these other interesting animals we see when we're out birding.
Join Peggy MacLeod at one of the most productive inland bird watching sites in Connecticut to enjoy seasonal birding for rails, herons, songbirds, ducks, sora, bitterns, and flycatchers. Station 43, a wetland bordered by farmland and wooded areas, is owned by Hartford Audubon and is comprised of a shallow pond and extensive marsh and with reported sightings of 229 bird species. Although the trail is flat, the unavoidable muddy areas make the site not accessible.
Preparation: Because water often covers parts of the path, fully waterproof high boots are required to bird at this location. Bring binoculars, a scope if possible, bug repellent, water, and snacks. We will meet at 7:00 am to carpool from Sheldon Field Park and Ride, 26 Old Ferry Road in Northampton. Station 43 is located at 953 Main St. (Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St), South Windsor, CT. We will park on the east side of Main Street not blocking any driveways or mailboxes and walk west from the intersection on what starts as a rutted driveway to the right side of a private yard. Please note there are no restrooms at this location. Ending time is flexible. Questions? Contact sunraven99@gmail.com. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online at least two days in advance of the trip.
Hampshire Bird Club, Inc. Post Office Box 3637Amherst, MA 01004-3637
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