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• HBC's October Meeting: Endemic Warblers of the Caribbean, with Larry Therrien!

  • When
    Tue, October 14, 2025
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst MA

  
  

  This month, we are going on a journey exploring the biodiverse Caribbean region in search of the endemic warblers of the area. Our guide for this voyage will be the Valley's own Larry Therrien. It promises to be an informative trip to the various islands that contain endemic warblers from the Cayman Islands to St. Vincent, to Barbuda, to the Bahamas and everywhere in between.  Each new species was an adventure and you can come along for the ride.  

  
  

  Larry Therrien is probably the most prolific birder in western Massachusetts, and can be found out 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 a bit 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, and retired last summer after 33 years in firefighting and EMS, 25 of them with Northampton Fire Rescue. 

  
  

  
  

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• Birding for Everyone: Bird Feeders

  • When
    Thu, October 16, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    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: 883 3380 8096
  Passcode: 078210

  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: Birding the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

  • When
    Fri, October 17, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  This is a monthly 12-part series. Join Bill Randolph for a yearlong birding exploration of Arcadia’s 734 acre sanctuary consisting of extensive preserved grasslands and farmlands, upland mixed conifer and deciduous forests, along with different types of wetlands including Connecticut River oxbow, a series of ponds, floodplain forest and the confluence of the Mill River. Participate in one or all of the birding trips and witness how the ecology and bird community changes throughout the year. We will search out the best birding spots via short drives and/or hikes in and around the sanctuary. Mid-October is an ideal time to find a wide range of migrating songbirds, raptors, herons and waterfowl. We will hike a short loop around the sanctuary visiting the ponds and wildlife observatory, then take a 1/4 mile drive to the oxbow and adjacent grasslands. Plan on walking a total of 2 miles on a mix of up and down, uneven trails that can be muddy and/or slippery depending on recent weather. We'll meet in the Arcadia Nature Center parking lot at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton. 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 meadows. 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
    Sat, October 18, 2025
  •  
    8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    63 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA 01035

  
  

  October. Migration is winding down, winter is on the horizon. But there is still plenty of bird activity happening this month! Ashley Reservoir has an event at this time, so we are going to move this walk to the Silvio Conte Fort River Wildlife Refuge in Hadley, which also offers easy walking trails and will provide wide views  of fields, the sky, the beautiful foliage and, with any luck, a wide variety of birds! We will meet in the main parking lot for quick introductions before heading onto the trails. 
  

  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: Birdability Week Slow Trip and Celebration

  • When
    Fri, October 24, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Turners Falls Power Canal and Discovery Center, Turners Falls, MA

  Register

  8:30–11 am Birding / 11 am–12 pm Great Falls Discovery Center Tour / 12–1 pm Picnic at Unity Park
  

  In celebration of birders of all abilities, join Bill Randolph, Carol Fournier, and Sam McGullam on an accessible slow trip along the Turners Falls Power Canal Trail (Migratory Way) from 8:30–11 am. We expect to view gull species and a variety of waterfowl, along with Bald Eagles, hawks, and if we’re lucky possibly an owl. We will meet at the parking area at the end of G Street at 8:30 am (Google Maps 42°36'00.8"N 72°34'04.5"W). Migratory Way is a wide, flat paved road with low railings that do not obstruct the sight lines of seated or standing viewers. Although primarily used by pedestrians and cyclists, there may be occasional cars or trucks passing. We will cover about 1 to 1.5 miles round trip. Please note there are no seating areas or facilities along the road. The nearby Cumberland Farms gas station (2 minutes away from the G Street lot) has wheelchair-accessible restrooms for an easy stop.

  Following the trip, interested birders can travel a short distance to the Great Falls Discovery Center (2 Avenue A, Turners Falls), where we’ll have the opportunity to tour the Center until 12 pm (free admission). In addition to permanent exhibits on the natural, culture, and industrial history of the Connecticut River watershed, seasonal exhibits at the Center include “Migrations,” featuring colorful paintings celebrating Guatemalan culture, and a Day of the Dead altar built by local families. There are two van-accessible parking spots available near the entrance, as well as fully accessible indoor restrooms. On-street parking is available nearby. You can find more information and directions for the Center at their website. 

  Our celebration continues from 12–1 pm or so with a BYO picnic in nearby Unity Park (56 1st St, in Turners Falls), about a 2-minute drive from the Center—bring your own lunch and comfy seat! The flat, paved Canalside Rail Trail runs through the park, which overlooks the Connecticut River and nearby Barton Cove. Amenities include a parking lot with four van-accessible spots, picnic tables, porta potties and also a small spray park, community garden, and murals. The area is shaded by some beautiful large trees. For those inspired to do more birding, this is a nice spot to explore afterwards on your own. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net or Carol at cfournier@hampshirebirdclub.org. No limit on participants, but please register in advance. (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: Halloween Pilgrimage to Satan's Kingdom and Hell's Kitchen

  • When
    Sun, October 26, 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Turners Falls and Northfield, MA
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  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. 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, 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. (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: App Workshop and Trip at Silvio O. Conte NWR–Fort River Division

  • When
    Sun, October 26, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  Join the Education Committee for a half hour workshop at the Pavilion at 8 am, introducing people to the eBird and Merlin apps and how to use selected field guides. We will learn the basics of making an eBird list, adding comments, using the codes, setting the location, downloading the appropriate packs, sharing and submitting a list, and editing a list. On the Merlin app, we will practice using the step-by-step ID and the Explore features. 

  This will be followed by a birding trip at 8:30 am along the Fort River Trail to put those new skills into practice. Birders of all levels are welcome and beginning birders are especially encouraged to attend. The trail is 1.2 miles long and is constructed with accessible boardwalks and flat surfaces. Benches and lookout areas are situated along the trail. Meet at the Silvio O. Conte parking lot at 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley. Plenty of parking is available, plus a porta-potty. Limited to 15 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.

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• Field Trip: Hadley Dikes and Connecticut River Shoreline

  • When
    Fri, October 31, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area, 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. This is an exciting transitional time for the local ecosystem. The once productive agricultural fields begin to go fallow, cold winds blow from the north and the songbird migration is slowing down. Fall flocks of mixed blackbirds congregate around the corn stubble, early waterfowl follow the river, raptors of every sort occupy the skies, while shore birds, mixed sparrows and a few warbler species can be spotted along our 2-mile dike walk. Be prepared to be challenged with different plumages from nonbreeding adults, immatures, and everything in between. Depending on recent sightings, we may walk the whole dike (2 miles) or drive to nearby areas in search of the best birds. Plan on walking a total of 2 miles on mostly level, uneven ground with potentially windy conditions. Wear sturdy boots if the trails are muddy. 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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• Field Trip: Donut Run to the Berkshire Lakes

  • When
    Sun, November 02, 2025
  •  
    6:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Cheshire, Richmond, Pittsfield Area, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  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) 

  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: Short Walk and Birding in Place at Silvio O. Conte NWR–Fort River Division

  • When
    Sat, November 08, 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Join Janice Jorgensen for an accessible outing and explore the different habitats at the Conte Refuge, including forests, streams, and grasslands. Relax, listen, and find birds/wildlife in the cattails, woods, and surrounding fields. We will be looking for common birds staying in this area for the winter, including woodpeckers, American Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Golden-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, sparrows, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal.

  We will begin with a short walk from the kiosk in the parking lot to the small gazebo sitting area, then continue with short trips on the boardwalk trail with multiple lookout area stops with benches. Total distance is about .5 miles round trip on the flat, fully accessible boardwalk trail.

  What to bring: Multiple layers (it might be chilly!), water, mobility aids, sun protection/hat, smartphone if you want to use Merlin or eBird, binoculars if you have them. 

  This is an all-abilities and all-ages outing. Come if you have no birding experience or a lot; either way, you have something to teach us. Amenities include benches along the wheelchair/walker accessible trail. Binoculars will be provided if needed. The large gravel parking lot includes a Handicap parking space with no lines, plus a Handicap accessible porta-potty. This location has cell service available. No public transportation. This is usually a quiet spot, with planes sometimes flying over. Trip will take place rain or shine.

  Meet in the Silvio O. Conte parking lot at 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley (access via Bay Road). Limited to 7 participants. Register online; also please contact Janice Jorgensen with your access needs – email jjpcpanama@gmail.com. (E, Accessible)

  Learn more about the location.
  

  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 November Meeting: Birds of Camp Edwards (Veterans' Day special) with Jake McCumber!

  • When
    Tue, November 11, 2025
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst MA

  
  

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• Birding for Everyone: Identifying Owls

  • When
    Thu, November 13, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  
  

  Owls are one of the most fascinating, most mysterious group of birds one can encounter. From their unique physical appearance (have you ever seen an owls eyes?) to their remarkable stealth and their evolved hearing and hunting, they are certainly worthy of discussion. 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 find and identify owls! The presentation will allow for plenty of time for your questions on this or any birding related topic.

  Zoom meeting link

  
  Meeting ID: 892 4397 3595 (if asked)
  Passcode: 412770

  Learn more about the Birding for Everyone program.

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

  
  

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• Birding for Everyone: Henhawk Trailhead, Williamsburg

  • When
    Sat, November 15, 2025
  •  
    5:45 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Nash Hill Rd, Williamsburg, MA 01096

  
  

  Owls can be tricky to find but, darn it, we're going to give it a shot. Join us for this special Birding for Everyone evening event where we will listen for (and hope to see!) these nocturnal raptors. We will meet at the Henhawk Trailhead, which will put us right in the middle of perfect habitat for multiple species of owls. At most, we will walk half a mile on flat dirt roads. Please bring headlamps or flashlights and dress warmly!

  Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XSKA8E1DNyuQfEidA

  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
• HBC's Annual Members' Meeting!

  • When
    Tue, December 09, 2025
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst MA

  
  

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• Field Trip: All-Day Trip to the MA Coast

  • When
    Thu, January 01, 2026
  •  
    5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    East Coast, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Begin the new year with birding and join Scott Surner on an all-day trip to either Cape Ann or Plum Island, where we will look for alcids, waterfowl, and more. The exact location will be determined based on recent sightings in the eastern part of the state. Much of our birding will be done from the roadside, but depending on our destination, we may end up walking up to 1 mile on level ground or possibly the beach. Bring a scope if you have one. We’ll depart at 5 AM from the Hadley/Amherst area, carpool together to our destination, and return around 5 PM. Bring lunch and be sure to dress for cold, windy, and possibly wet weather. We’ll take several restroom breaks in addition to our lunch break. Questions? Email Scott at ssurner@aol.com. Limited to 12 participants. You will be contacted with further details as the trip date nears. (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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• HBC's January Meeting, program TBA

  • When
    Tue, January 13, 2026
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  
  

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• HBC's February Meeting, with Rosemary Mosco of "Bird and Moon" comics!

  • When
    Tue, February 10, 2026
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  
  

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• HBC's March Meeting: birding in Sri Lanka with Marjorie Melnick!

  • When
    Tue, March 10, 2026
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst MA

  
  

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• HBC's April Meeting, program TBA

  • When
    Tue, April 14, 2026
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst MA

  
  

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• HBC's May Meeting, program TBA

  • When
    Tue, May 12, 2026
  •  
    7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst MA

  
  

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