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• Field Trip: Woodcocks at the Easthampton Community Garden

  • When
    March 12, 2025
  •  
    6:45 PM - 7:45 PM
  • Location
    Easthampton Community Garden, 51 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Join Jim Lafley as we observe the unique courtship rituals of the American Woodcock. We will listen for their unique "peents" and may see them in their "sky dance" flight in the low evening light. Robins, Canada Geese, Vultures and Blackbirds may also be seen and heard. The distance we'll travel is very short; the terrain is through an uneven field without a defined trail. Park at the Easthampton Community Garden parking lot on Park Hill Rd. Tick protection is advised. Please note there are no facilities 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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• Birding for Everyone: Identifying Ducks

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

  
  

  Weird duck season is almost upon us. Hone your ID skills with this presentation. We'll cover the basics of waterfowl 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: 824 1823 7338 (if asked)
  Passcode: 489467

  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: Lake Wallace, Belchertown

  • When
    March 15, 2025
  •  
    8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA

  
  

  We will return again to Lake Wallace in search of unusual ducks and other waterfowl that migrate through our area at this time of year. This location has an accessible boardwalk complete with observation deck. Walking will be minimal and we'll have plenty of time to observe any and all birds present in this unique habitat.

  Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rh5g76h6co4X9qGM6

  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: Wilson’s Snipe at the Easthampton Community Garden

  • When
    March 19, 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location
    Easthampton Community Garden, 51 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Join Jim Lafley as we search for a unique shorebird, the Wilson's Snipe. Vultures, Killdeer, Bluebirds, Canada Geese, and ducks may also be seen. We will be walking about a 1/2 mile round trip through an orchard which is fairly flat, but uneven ground. It can be wet this time of year, so rubber or waterproof boots are recommended. Park at the Easthampton Community Garden parking lot on Park Hill Rd. Tick protection is advised. Please note there are no facilities at this location. Questions? Email Jim at jimlafley@gmail.com. Limited to 6 participants as we will be attempting to view the birds through a scope. (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: Hadley Dikes and Connecticut River Shoreline

  • When
    March 21, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area Parking Lot, North Lane, Hadley, MA
  • Spaces left
    5

  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. Fallow farm fields and floodplains attract winter migrants from the far north including buntings, sparrows and raptors. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons nest and feed along the shoreline while ducks occupy the river. We will take short walks and/or drives to nearby sites in search of the best birds. Dress appropriately with warm, sturdy boots; this location can be windy and very cold. Plan on a 1–2 mile trek on mostly level, uneven ground that may have mud, snow and/or ice – shoe spikes can come in handy. 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. (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: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

  • When
    March 28, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Join Bill Randolph on a search for early spring birds and waterfowl. We will maximize our time birding the wetland trails that meander along Wood Duck Pond, Silver Maple Swamp and Hulbert Pond including an optional climb up to the wildlife observatory in search of migrating waterfowl, cormorants, herons and kingfishers. Views from the oxbow and adjacent grasslands often include nesting pairs of bald eagles and kestrels. Plan on walking 1–2 miles on mostly level, uneven ground. Trail conditions constantly change; keep an eye on the weather. Sturdy warm boots are recommended – spikes for ice can come in handy. 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 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. (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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• Wind, Mud, and Farmland: Migratory Diversity among Alaska-breeding shorebirds with Rozy Bathrick

  • When
    April 01, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    online

  What shapes the migratory strategy of long-distance migratory shorebirds, and how does it differ between population, species, and flyway? What are the different risks that migrants are exposed to as a result? While many species share resources and habitat on the breeding grounds in Alaska, they display incredible diversity during migration, using distinct migratory flyways and relying on stopover sites oceans apart. Tracking data, collected on six Alaska-breeding shorebird species over the past four years, gives us a glimpse into these strategic differences and where the greatest vulnerabilities lie. 

  Rozy is a PhD candidate in the Senner Lab at UMass Amherst, in the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program. Before spending her summers tromping through Alaskan tundra, she worked at a seabird colony in California and as a teaching assistant on field courses at UC Santa Cruz. She is motivated by the spectacularity of the natural world and all the organisms that rely upon it. 

  TO find the Zoom link to join us, click here  HBC Education Workshops

  If you need them: Meeting ID is 822 7788 5665 and the Passcode is Education

   

  
  

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• HBC's April meeting - Juncos, with Dr Daniel Shustack

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

  
  

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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
    6

  Register

  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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• Birding for Everyone: Fort River Wildlife Refuge, Hadley

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

  Show details
• 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
    1

  Register

  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
    8

  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
    9

  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.
  

  Show details
• 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: Wildwood Cemetery

  • When
    May 18, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Amherst, MA
  • Spaces left
    10

  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
    10

  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 10, 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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