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• HBC's April meeting - Visitors and Residents: the migratory strategies of Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) in western Massachusetts, with Dr Daniel Shustack

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

  
  

  
  

  In Professor Shustack's own words: "I get it. Juncos seem boring. They are one of our most common birds in western Massachusetts. Their plumage is monochromatic. No one is going to lean in closer to hear your story about getting the junco on your yard list. But, these drab, little trillers have been an important study species for ornithologists for over 100 years! In this presentation, I’m going to try to convince you that juncos are extremely fascinating! Since 2017, along with my students, I’ve banded over 1000 juncos in western Massachusetts.  A few dozen of these have also been radio-tagged. In this talk, I will share results from our project that is helping reveal the migratory behaviors of juncos in western Massachusetts."

   

  Dr. Dan Shustack is a professor of environmental studies at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, located in North Adams. In addition to his work on juncos, he also has ongoing projects studying Northern Saw-whet Owl migration, Northern Cardinal coloration, and winter populations of Evening Grosbeaks. Some of his research makes use of Motus towers (a topic of much interest within our club lately). He incorporates field work in many of the courses he teaches as well, mostly around the northern Berkshires, but also one about the Everglades and South Florida that includes a spring break class expedition from which he just returned. 

  

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• Field Trip: Slow Trip at Norwottuck Rail Trail

  • When
    April 11, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Rail Trail Parking Area off Station Road, Amherst, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Join Bill Randolph and Carol Fournier for an exploration of this portion of the trail. We’ll be doing a slow trip through diverse habitat where we’ll have an opportunity to view early migrants to the area as well as belted kingfishers, green herons, waterfowl, hawks and other raptors. We’ll meet at the Rail Trail parking area off Station Road in Amherst where there is ample parking and a porta-potty. There is limited seating on the trail which is paved and fairly level. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net. Limited to 15 participants. (E) 

  View map link to parking area >

  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: Identifying Warblers

  • When
    April 17, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  
  

  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.

  Zoom meeting link

  Meeting ID: 817 2396 2233 (if asked)
  Passcode: 734189

  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
    April 18, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area Parking Lot, North Lane, Hadley, MA
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  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. Longer days and warmer temperatures stimulate migration as well as breeding behavior. We will look for pipits, horned lark and killdeer in the fields and locally nesting bald eagles and peregrine falcons hunting along the shoreline while wood ducks and mergansers occupy the river’s edge. We will take a variety of short walks and/or drives to nearby sites in search of the best birds. Plan on a 1–2 mile trek on mostly level, uneven ground with potentially cold, windy conditions along with sturdy boots for the mud season. 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/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: Fort River Wildlife Refuge, Hadley

  • When
    April 19, 2025
  •  
    8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Fort River Wildlife Refuge, Hadley, MA

  
  

  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/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.

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• Field Trip: Hammonasset Beach State Park

  • When
    April 25, 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison, CT (Meet first at Sheldon Field in Northampton)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Join Amanda Kallenbach for an all-day trip to the CT coast. With miles of beaches and wooded trails surrounded by salt marsh, this 936-acre park boasts a recorded 326 bird species, making it Connecticut's top eBird hotspot. Late April birds in the park include ducks, rails, shorebirds, waders, osprey, swallows, wrens, sparrows and a few early warblers. One day isn't enough to fully cover it, but we'll explore as much as possible, alternately walking and driving.  Expect to walk at least three miles on terrain that is uneven (and, of course, sandy!) in parts. Bring a packed lunch. Bathroom facilities are available.
  

  This trip will involve carpooling and a cost per person. A second driver, willing to bring three other passengers, is required to make this trip happen. Please email Amanda at amanda.kallenbach@gmail.com if you're willing to be that second driver, or if you have any other questions about the trip. To defray mileage and park fees, there is a trip cost of $15/pp, payable to your driver. Meet at Sheldon Field (26 Old Ferry Road) in Northampton at 7 AM. Limited to 6 participants. (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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• Big Sit: Silvio O. Conte NWR–Fort River Division

  • When
    April 26, 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
  • Location
    69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA

  Register

  Join us for some seated birding at the Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge during warbler migration. Our Big Sit will take place at the large pavilion to view migrating warblers, sparrows, raptors and resident birds. 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. Meet at the pavilion at the start of the parking lot at 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley. Plenty of parking and porta-potty available. No limit on number of participants. You are invited to bring pastries, if you wish! Register online. (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.
  

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• Field Trip: Park Hill Orchard

  • When
    April 30, 2025
  •  
    6:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Location
    82 Park Hill Rd., Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Join Jim Lafley as we look for early migrating warblers and vireos, but may also see thrushes, hawks, and sparrows. We will be walking about a mile round trip on a dirt road through the orchard and then onto a forest road. It is fairly flat, uneven terrain, but the grass can be wet in the morning, so rubber or waterproof boots are recommended. Park at the Park Hill Orchard store, 82 Park Hill Rd., Easthampton. Tick protection is advised. Please note there are no facilities or rest stops at this location. Questions? Email Jim at jimlafley@gmail.com. Limited to 10 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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• Field Trip: Park Hill Orchard

  • When
    May 07, 2025
  •  
    6:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Location
    82 Park Hill Rd., Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Join Jim Lafley as we look for early migrating warblers and vireos, but may also see thrushes, hawks, and sparrows. We will be walking about a mile round trip on a dirt road through the orchard and then onto a forest road. It is fairly flat, uneven terrain, but the grass can be wet in the morning, so rubber or waterproof boots are recommended. Park at the Park Hill Orchard store, 82 Park Hill Rd., Easthampton. Tick protection is advised. Please note there are no facilities or rest stops at this location. Questions? Email Jim at jimlafley@gmail.com. Limited to 10 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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• Field Trip: Mineral Hills Conservation Area

  • When
    May 10, 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Turkey Hill Road, Florence, MA
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Join Betsy Higgins and Marcia Merithew in a trip around and in this old quarry site. Highlights can include Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees, Ravens, Red-shouldered Hawks, as well as a variety of warblers and vireos. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Turkey Hill Road in Florence. This will be a moderate walk on uneven ground with some short inclines/declines. Please note there are no facilities or rest stops at this location. Tick protection advised. 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: Spring Migrants on Mt. Tom

  • When
    May 11, 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Mt. Tom West Gate, Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Join Peggy MacLeod and Derek Allard on the west end of the paved road below the Mt. Tom ridge, an area that has become a favorite spot of Prairie warblers, winter wrens, and Eastern towhees. Other likely suspects we may counter include Worm-eating, Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Magnolia, and Tennessee warblers, several thrush and vireo species, Rose-breasted grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, and Peregrine Falcon. Meet at the west gate on Route 141 (opposite Tavern on the Hill restaurant). If the lot is full, park on the lower end of the Tavern parking lot and watch traffic crossing! We will walk about 1.5 to 2 miles on a slight upward incline and back, so please plan accordingly. Please note there are no facilities or rest stops at this location. Questions? Email Peggy at sunraven99@gmail.com. Limited to 15 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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• HBC's May meeting - birds in mythology and legends, with Randi Minetor

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

  
  

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

  • When
    May 16, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Amherst, MA
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  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: Wildwood Cemetery

  • When
    May 18, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Amherst, MA
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  Join avid bird watcher and wildlife biologist Dave King for a trip through the Wildwood Cemetery grounds. We will likely see a variety of migrant birds returning from their winter homes in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The terrain is a mix of dirt roads and woodland paths, including some gentle hills. Meet at the cemetery office in the brick Dickinson Farmhouse. Parking is available at the Wildwood Farmhouse (cemetery business entrance is across from the Wildwood Elementary School) and the Main Entrance (top of Strong Street). Please do not park on the grass, and be respectful of the grounds and the people who come to mourn. Restroom facilities are available at the start/end point. Questions? Contact Rebecca Fricke, General Manager, at amherst.cemetery@verizon.net. Limited to 15 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: Monhegan Island Overnight

  • Start
    May 23, 2025
  •  
    6:00 AM
  • End
    May 26, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Monhegan Island, Maine
  • Spaces left
    0

  The Hampshire Bird Club has a long history with this enchanting Island located ten miles off the coast of Maine. Our first of many trips was in the fall of 1984, and over the years we have experienced some amazing fallouts of birds. Of course, birding is very dependent on the weather. For those of you who have never had the chance to visit Monhegan, it’s an all-walking weekend, easy to moderate, depending on where you wander off to. The only vehicles on the Island belong to the residents and inns. We stay at the Trailing Yew – the cost of the trip and lodging is TBD. Questions? Email Scott at ssurner@aol.com. Limited to 12 participants. Please register online – you will be contacted with further details as the trip is finalized.

  Note: overnight trips are limited to current HBC members only. Registration has ended – this trip is full, with a waitlist. 
  

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• Field Trip: Hilltown Rambles

  • When
    May 31, 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Berkshire Hilltowns, MA
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  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's Spring Picnic!

  • When
    June 03, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    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!
  

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• Field Trip: Slow Trip and Bobolink/Field Bird Big 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

  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
    6

  Register

  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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