This class will consist of five Saturday mornings (7am- 12pm) during the peak of spring migration. We will visit five local hot spots and try to highlight not only the birds but the habitats that they prefer. We will walk at a leisurely pace and look and listen for the many species that use our valley as a migration highway.

with Dan Ziomek
Saturdays, April 18 – May 16, 7am-12pm
Members $100/Non-members $120
Register here

[bg_faq_start]

Week 1

April 18: Gate 5 at the Quabbin Reservoir. We will make the short (1 mile) walk into the reservoir looking for early spring migrants and late moving water fowl. If time permits a side trip to Lake Wallace in Belchertown might also be included. Birds of interest: Eagles, Mergansers, Phoebe and Kinglets.

Week 2

April 25: Station Road Rail Trail. Varied habitat with marsh, fields and wet woodlands. Birds of interest: Wood Duck, Herons, early warblers, etc.

Week 3

May 2: Conte Refuge: this varied habitat is perfect for both field birds and neotropical migrants. Here we will look for Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Kestrel and many warblers.

Week 4 

May 9: Mitch’s Way Hadley, this bird habitat stretches along the CT river and catches many migrants on their trip north. Birds of interest: Warblers, Green Heron, Flycatchers, etc.

Week 5 

May 16: Skinner Mountain, this will be our toughest walk so we’ll go slow. Both migrants and breeding birds are possible. Birds of interest: Cerulean Warbler, Worm Eating Warbler, Indigo Bunting and Yellow-Throated Vireo.

Class notes

• All classes start from the hitchcock center.
• Carpooling will be necessary.
• Bring binoculars and identification guides if possible.
• Open to all ages with an interest in bird watching.
• Bring bug spray, water, snacks, etc.
• Tick checks should be done after every class.

[bg_faq_end]