Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Field Trip: Hawk Watches at the Summit House

  • Start
    Mon, September 15, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Fri, September 19, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Skinner State Park, Hadley, MA

  HBC Members will be on hand at the Summit House each morning Sept. 15–19 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 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.
  

  Show details
• Birding for Everyone: Identifying Hawks

  • When
    Thu, September 18, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  
  

  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
  
  

  Meeting ID: 871 7628 4986
  Passcode: 276262

  Learn more about the Birding for Everyone program.

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

  
  

  Show details
• (Canceled) Field Trip: Silvio O. Conte NWR–Fort River

  • When
    Sat, September 20, 2025
  •  
    7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA
  • Spaces left
    11

  Please note: this trip has been canceled. Join Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn 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 fall songbirds and migrant warblers. 

  Show details
• Birding for Everyone: Mount Holyoke Summit House, Hadley

  • When
    Sat, September 20, 2025
  •  
    8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    195 Skinner State Park Rd, Hadley, MA 01035

  
  

  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

  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
• Field Trip: Hickory Ridge

  • When
    Sun, September 21, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    191 West Pomeroy Lane. Amherst MA.

  Registration is full. Join the HBC Education Committee at Hickory Ridge, the former golf course in Amherst, MA. This 150-acre parcel has grown into a natural beauty, also providing ecological resources, and with nearly 2 miles of the Fort River passing through, it has become an important open woodland habitat. Some of the existing cart paths provide access throughout most of the land. Who knows what birds we will see as we explore the area? We will also be learning about birding using and discussing birding tools, guides and equipment when birding in the field. The pathways are flat with easy access to parking and walking. (E)
  Registration is full.
  

  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.
  

  Show details
• Field Trip: Hadley Dikes and Connecticut River Shoreline

  • When
    Fri, September 26, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area, Hadley, MA
  • Spaces left
    2

  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 bird migration is starting to peak. Fall flocks of mixed black birds 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. Be prepared to be challenged with different plumages from nonbreeding adults, immatures birds, 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. We advise bringing a hat, water and sunscreen, and 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.
  

  Show details
• Field Trip: Quabbin Park – Hank’s Meadow

  • When
    Sun, September 28, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Quabbin Park – Hank’s Meadow, Ware, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  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 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. Questions? Contact gwb@gregorywbrown.com. 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.
  

  Show details
• Field Trip: Just Roots Community Farm

  • When
    Sun, October 05, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    34 Glenbrook Dr, Greenfield, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Join Josh Rose and Sam McGullam 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 34 Glenbrook Dr in Greenfield. Follow the signs for CSA parking, pass the large 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. Questions? Contact Sam at sam.mcgullam@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.
  

  Show details
• Field Trip: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

  • When
    Wed, October 08, 2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    5

  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 8:15 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.
  

  Show details
• HBC's October Meeting, program TBA

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

  
  

  Show details
• 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.
  

  
  

  Show details
• Birding for Everyone: Ashley Reservoir, Holyoke

  • When
    Sat, October 18, 2025
  •  
    8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    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/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
• Field Trip: Birdability Week Slow Trip and Celebration

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

  Register

  In celebration of birders of all abilities, join Bill Randolph and Carol Fournier 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 as well as 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, birders have the option to continue our Birdability Week Celebration by traveling a short distance to Great Falls Discovery Center at 2 Avenue A in Turner Falls. There are two handicapped accessible spots available near the Center and fully accessible indoor restrooms. On-street parking is available nearby. From 11:30 am – 12:15 pm we have an opportunity to tour the Great Falls Discovery Center (admission is free). You can find more information and directions for the Center at their website. 

  Our Birdability Celebration continues from 12:30 – 1:30 pm or so with a BYO picnic and comfy seat in nearby Unity Park at 56 1st St. in Turners Falls, about a 2 minute drive away from the Center. The fully accessible flat CanalSide Rail Trail runs through the park that overlooks the Connecticut River and nearby Barton Cove. There is a handicapped parking lot, 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, it's also a nice spot to continue on afterwards on your own. Questions? Email Bill at warandolph@comcast.net or Carol at cfournier@hampshirebirdclub.org. No limit on 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.
  

  Show details
• 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
    4

  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.
  

  Show details
• 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.
  

  Show details
• HBC's November Meeting, program TBA

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

  
  

  Show details
• 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.
  

  
  

  Show details
• 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

  
  

  Show details
• HBC's January Meeting, program TBA

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

  
  

  Show details
• HBC's February Meeting, program TBA

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

  
  

  Show details
• HBC's March Meeting, program TBA

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

  
  

  Show details
• 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

  
  

  Show details
• 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

  
  

  Show details