Brookline Bird Club

Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
2025-12-06 08:00 - 09:30, 2025-12-20 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-01-03 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-01-17 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-02-07 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-02-21 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-03-07 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-03-21 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | East Boston – Belle Isle Parking Lot, 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, 02128, United States
Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl, and other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended.[ADAlogo]ADA/Reasonable Accommodations ((617) 645-0358 Moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov).

Dunback Meadow, Lexington
2025-12-06 08:00 - 12:00 | MA
We will look for semi-hardy migrants and wintering birds including raptors. Fox Sparrow are often here at this time of year. Expect to walk about 3 miles on possibly muddy trails. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird Club.

Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible)
2025-12-06 08:30 - 10:30 | Boston – Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible), 1674 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA, 02126, United States
Enjoy an approximately 2-mile walk along the Neponset River Greenway on an accessible boardwalk and bike path. Let’s see what we can find together! Beginners encouraged as well as more experienced birders. Limited mobility welcome but snow or ice may be present.

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
2025-12-07 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-08 08:00 - 10:00 | East Boston – Belle Isle Parking Lot, 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, 02128, United States
Let’s explore the East Boston side of Belle Isle Marsh in winter! We’ll look for ducks, hawks, Bald Eagles, winter finches and many more birds! Belle Isle is a fantastic birding destination in any season. All of the trails are flat and easy, with a slight elevation on the small hill going through the meadow. Boots & Yak Traks or similar antiskid footwear recommended in case of an icy patch. Port-a-potties may be available. Birders of all levels are welcome and will enjoy this walk. Children 10 and up accompanied by adult are welcome too.
This free walk is conducted jointly with Mass. Audubon Boston Nature Center and preregistration is required as walk sizes are limited. Please register by emailing cgeorge@massaudubon.org and copying neil.calabro1@mac.com.

Early Birders @ Chestnut Hill Reservoir, Boston
2025-12-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Chestnut Hill Reservoir, 2420 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02135, United States
Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Chestnut Hill Reservoir for a low-key bird outing before the new year! Located on the outskirts of Boston next to Boston University, Chestnut Hill Reservoir is a former water supply distribution reservoir that is a hot spot for waterfowl activity & other residents. Expect to walk about 1.5 miles around the reservoir loop trail. In the event the reservoir is entirely frozen over, we will still host this walk, although it may not last as long!

Whether you’re a newcomer looking to start a new hobby or are a seasoned bird expert, birders of all experience levels in their 20s and 30s are encouraged to join! Let’s connect through our mutual appreciation for birds and the environment! Hope to see you there!

Dress for the weather conditions! Expect to walk on a flat dirt path. We will start our walk at the reservoir’s Gate A parking lot and make our way counterclockwise around the reservoir. Bring binoculars if you have them; loaners are available on request (please email the trip leader ahead of time). This trip is specifically dedicated to those in their 20s and 30s. Please do not bring children.

Plan to meet at the Gate A parking lot on Beacon St. Meeting location coordinates: 42.33600, -71.15359.

Parking: Free parking is available at the meeting location (the Beacon St parking lot near the recreation center) and along Beacon St.

Transit Directions: The Green Line is the best means of transportation to the park. Get off at the Chestnut Hill Avenue stop for the B train, the Cleveland Circle stop for the C train, or the Reservoir stop for the D train. There are numerous nearby bus stops as well.

Midweek Hunt for Alcids and Seabirds
2025-12-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Rockport – Halibut Point State Park, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Join us for a mid-week hunt for alcids and other wintering seabirds. Be prepared for cold and windy weather. If bad weather is predicted, contact the leader by 6:00 pm the previous evening.

Millennium Park
2025-12-14 08:00 - 10:00 | Boston – Millennium Park Canoe Launch, 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, 02132, United States
Join us to look for birds in a unique urban habitat that often draws numerous uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this trip. The trails are flat and easy to walk. We may offer optional 30-60 minute trip extensions to adjacent locations such as West Roxbury High School Marsh and/or Brook Farm. Boots & Yak Traks or similar antiskid footwear recommended in case of an icy patch. Birders of all levels are welcome and will enjoy this walk. Children 10 and up accompanied by adult are welcome too.
This free walk is conducted jointly with Mass. Audubon Boston Nature Center and preregistration is required as walk sizes are limited. Please register by emailing cgeorge@massaudubon.org and copying neil.calabro1@mac.com.

Sconticut Neck and West Island, Fairhaven
2025-12-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Fairhaven – Sconticut Neck and West Island, 209 Huttleston Ave,, Fairhaven, MA, United States
We will make several stops on the neck and then onto West Island to search for winter ducks, loons, grebes and shorebirds.

Race Point Beach
2026-01-01 07:00 - 11:00 | Provincetown – Race Point Beach
Let’s start the year with some awesome birds! We will bird from the beach close to the parking lot. We may walk the beach depending on participants interest. Several species of alcids are possible as well as gannets, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls and three loon species. Dress for cold windy weather. We may try other nearby locations depending on recent reports.

New Year's Day Birding -- Newburyport and Vicinity
2026-01-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport – Cashman Park, 68 Sally Snyder Way, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Join us on our annual New Year’s Day birding trip! We may also venture on to Cape Ann. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.

Cape Ann
2026-01-03 08:30 - 13:00, 2026-01-24 08:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-31 09:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-14 08:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-16 08:00 - 14:00 | Gloucester – Fisherman’s Monument, Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial, 60 Western Ave, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
We will search for alcids and other wintering seabirds. Be prepared for cold and windy weather. If inclement weather is predicted, contact the leader by 6:00 pm the previous evening.

Arnold Arboretum, Boston
2026-01-03 09:00 - 10:30 | Arnold Arboretum – Main Gate, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA, 02130, United States
Start your 2025 year list off on this easy 90-minute walk from the main gate to the ponds and back. In addition to looking for winter birds we will admire the Arboretum’s impressive woody plant collection. We’ll walk along paved and mulched paths.

Dunback Meadow, Lexington
2026-01-04 08:00 - 10:00 | MA
Dunback’s grassy meadows, marsh, and woods provide excellent habitat for many less common winter species. Possible species include Hermit Thrush, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Purple Finch, Gray Catbird, Swamp Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Barred Owl, Northern Shrike and Winter Wren.

Midweek Hunt for Alcids and Seabirds
2026-01-07 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-04 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Rockport – Halibut Point State Park, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Join us for a midweek hunt for alcids and other wintering seabirds. Be prepared for cold and windy weather. If bad weather is predicted, contact the leader by 6:00 pm the previous evening.

Milton Landing & Neponset River Greenway
2026-01-10 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-15 08:30 - 10:30 | MA
Enjoy an approximately 2-mile walk along the Neponset River Greenway bike path from Milton to Dorchester. We will start at Milton’s Landing to see some waterfowl and gulls. Then we will walk along the Neponset River Greenway. Beginners as well as more experienced birders are welcome. Limited mobility welcome but snow or ice may be present. Dress for cold, windy weather.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
2026-01-11 07:30 - 10:00 | Salisbury Beach State Reservation
We will bird the Salisbury Beach State Park. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip. There will be some walking. Restrooms available.

Castle Island & Pleasure Bay
2026-01-11 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-01-25 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-22 08:00 - 10:00 | South Boston – Castle Island Parking Lot, 2080 Day Blvd., 2080 Day Blvd., Boston, MA, United States
We will search for wintering alcids, loons & sea ducks, shorebirds, and Snowy Owls. The walk is suitable for all levels from advanced to beginner. Dress warmly and be prepared for snow/ice, cold, and wind. Expect to walk approximately 2 miles on paved/level paths. Boots & Yak Traks or similar antiskid footwear recommended in case of an icy patch. Port-a-potties may be available. Birders of all levels are welcome and will enjoy this walk. Children 10 and up accompanied by adult are welcome too.
This free walk is conducted jointly with Mass. Audubon Boston Nature Center and preregistration is required as walk sizes are limited. Please register by emailing cgeorge@massaudubon.org and copying neil.calabro1@mac.com.

Cumberland Farms Fields River St. Entrance Halifax
2026-01-17 07:00 - 10:00 | Halifax – Cumberland Farms – River St, 10 River St, Halifax, MA, 02338, United States
We will walk about 1.5 miles on gravel, possibly icy, paths in search of Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owl as well as other winter residents including Eastern Meadowlarks! Arrive early and listen for owls.

Charles River, Watertown
2026-01-17 07:30 - 09:30 | Watertown Square – Greenway Entrance
An easy ~2-mile walk along the Charles River Greenway in Watertown, with a chance to see over-wintering waterfowl on the river as well as winter-time resident birds. We are likely to see Common and Hooded mergansers as well as Buffleheads, plus the usual local woodpeckers and other hardy species.

Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
2026-01-18 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-03-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Rockport – Halibut Point State Park, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
A two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with leader the night before trip.

Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge
2026-01-18 08:10 - 10:00 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
A peaceful winter walk in Mount Auburn is always a pleasure and you never know what you might see. Sapsuckers and Red-breasted Nuthatches are regulars and Orange-crowned Warbler has become a yearly visitor.

Deer Island & Boston Harbor, Winthrop
2026-01-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-07 08:00 - 11:00 | Winthrop – Deer Island Parking Lot, 180 Tafts Ave., Winthrop, MA, 02152, United States
We will search for wintering seabirds, alcids, and Iceland Gulls. Be prepared for cold and wind and dress very warmly. Depending on conditions, we will walk up to 2.6 miles on paved paths. Port-a-potties available midway. Beginners welcome and encouraged. Bad weather or poor walking conditions may cancel – email trip leaders if you are unsure.

Member Webinar with Sophie Osborn – Feather Trails: A Journey of Discovery Among Endangered Birds
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
Join us on Tuesday, January 27 for a webinar with Sophie Osborn – Feather Trails: A Journey of Discovery Among Endangered Birds. She will share her personal experiences reintroducing endangered Peregrine Falcons, Hawaiian Crows, and California Condors to the wild.
To register you must be a BBC member. Please log in to your member account and heard over to the Member Resources page under MEMBERS menu.
Not a member but want to listen in? Please join! You will get access to a range of member benefits and know you are supporting the local birding community.

Birding Sketch Crawl--Winter Series
2026-01-31 08:00 - 12:00 | Leader’s Choice
Come and bird/sketch in locations around Essex County. All artistic levels welcome. Bring your own sketching materials and other creature comforts. Contact leader for details no later than 7 PM January 30.

Scituate to Plymouth
2026-02-01 07:30 - 16:00 | MA
A total of 70 species is routine on this trip. We should be able to find a combination of land birds, freshwater ducks, and ocean birds with relatively little driving. Co-sponsored with the South Shore Bird Club.

Castle Island & Pleasure Bay, South Boston
2026-02-01 08:00 - 11:00 | South Boston – Castle Island Parking Lot, 2080 Day Blvd., 2080 Day Blvd., Boston, MA, United States
We will search for wintering ducks, shorebirds, and Snowy Owls. Dress warmly and be prepared for cold and wind. Expect to walk up to 2 miles on paved paths. Beginners welcome and encouraged. Loaner binoculars available upon request – please contact the leader at least 48 hours in advance. Port-a-potties should be available.

BBC Winter Meeting February 7 – Social Hour, Used Book Sale & Norman Smith!
2026-02-07 14:00 - 17:00 | Bedford – John Glenn Middle School, 99 McMahon Road, Bedford, MA, 01730, United States
Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 7 at 2PM for the BBC’s annual in-person Winter Meeting featuring a social hour with refreshments, our popular used bird book sale table, and our speaker Norman Smith, Director of the Snowy Owl Project. The Winter Meeting is free and open to all. There is plenty of free parking. Please note that this event will be in person only, with no Zoom link.
We will meet up once again at the John Glenn Middle School in Bedford, MA at 99 McMahon Rd. This year we are trying something new. Our winter meeting will take place during the afternoon to make the event more family friendly and make driving there and back easier on our members.
For more information:
https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/bbc-news/bbc-winter-meeting-february-7-social-hour-book-sale-norman-smith/
Optional Registration
As we all know February weather in New England can be an… adventure. Make sure you get up to the date info on weather related changes by registering in advance. Registering is completely voluntary and will help both us and you plan for the event. Thanks!

CC Canal and Sandwich hotspots
2026-02-08 00:00 - 23:59 | Sagamore – Scusset Beach Pier Parking Lot, MA, United States
Offered by the Cape Cod Bird Club! and co-sponsored by Brookline Bird Club. We’ll begin at the canal (Scusset Beach State Reservation is on the canal) and follow up with visits to the ponds, marshes, bays and backwaters of the Upper Cape. These will include Scusset Beach, Town Neck Road Beach, Shawme Lake and Greenbriar Nature Center. Nearby Sandy Neck Beach is also an option depending on time and energy level. You can carpool with friends/family members or drive individually.

Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
2026-02-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Rockport – Halibut Point State Park, Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
A two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with the leader night before trip.

Newburyport and Vicinity
2026-02-21 08:00 - 13:00 | Newburyport – Cashman Park, 68 Sally Snyder Way, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
The middle of winter is often a good time for hawks, owls and waterfowl. We may visit Salisbury Beach, Parker River, areas along the Merrimac River, or other locations depending on recent sightings. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR. Restrooms available at a couple of locations.

Cohasset to Marshfield - Seabirding and Waterfowl
2026-02-21 08:30 - 12:00 | Cohasset – Ballfield Parking near Wheelwright Park, MA, United States
We will be seabirding and looking for waterfowl as we work our way down the coast, driving from spot to spot with little walking. Your scope will be handy.

Charles River Waltham
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Waltham – Charles River Shaws Supermarket, 130 River Street, Waltham, MA, 02453, United States
Join us for a 1.5 mile walk on paved paths. We hope to see diving ducks such as Bufflehead, Common and Hooded Mergansers, Ring Neck Ducks. We will look and listen for perching birds too. Bald Eagle, Golden Crowned Kinglet are a couple of possibilities. Cosponored with Waltham Land Trust and Menotomy Bird Club. Trip cancelled in case of rain or snow.

Great Meadows NWR, Concord
2026-02-22 07:30 - 10:30 | Concord – Great Meadows, Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Walking about 3 miles on flat easy trails we will search for a variety of birds. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. If conditions have been cold, be prepared for ice on the trails. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird club.

Woodcocks at Meriam's Corner
2026-03-05 17:15 - 18:30 | Concord – Meriam’s Corner, 751 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
American Woodcocks are regular visitors to the fields of Minute Man NHP each spring. Listen and watch for this unusual bird’s courtship display. We will walk about 1/2 mile on boardwalk and wide trail but woodcocks can often be heard and seen from the parking lot and participants may elect to stay in that area.

Plum Island
2026-03-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Parker River NWR – Lot #1, Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, 01951, United States
We will explore various hot-spots on the refuge. Please check with leader before trip. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.

Parker River NWR
2026-03-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Parker River NWR – Lot #1, Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, 01951, United States
Join a fun, easy and relaxed afternoon search for winter search for ocean birds, winter shore birds, raptors and early migrants. We will visit viewing areas along the ocean as well as the Hellcat boardwalks. Leader will have scope and hot chocolate! for sharing. Restrooms available. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.

Woodcock Walk at Rock Meadow Conservation Area, Belmont
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Belmont – Rock Meadow, 300 Mill St, Belmont, MA, 02478, United States
Join us at sunset to (hopefully) hear and see the mating sky dance of the American Woodcock. Activity typically begins around 7:15 p.m. and lasts for about an hour. Call the trip leader if there’s rain or snow cover. We will walk ~1/2 mile along paths to the best woodcock view area. Be prepared for muddy ground and cool temps, and bring a flashlight or headlamp for the return walk to the parking lot.

Pine Hill Road Grasslands
2026-03-14 07:30 - 10:30 | Lancaster – Pine Hill Road Grasslands, Pine Hill Road, Lancaster, MA, United States
We will hike a sandy/gravelly field area for late winter and early spring sparrows and other birds living in this grassland habitat.

Woodcocks at Alewife
2026-03-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Cambridge – Alewife, Alewife MBTA Red Line Station, Cambridge, MA, 02140, United States
We will search the northwest corner of Cambridge in hopes of seeing, or at least hearing, the American Woodcock’s mating display, a traditional New England rite of spring. Walk of less than a mile mostly or entirely on flat, paved walkways. No restrooms. Easily accessible from the Alewife MBTA station.

Timberdoodles in Sharon
2026-03-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Sharon – Moose Hill Farm (trustees), 396 Moose Hill Street, Sharon, MA, 02067, United States
Come watch American Woodcock display behavior. Water-resistant shoes helpful, but not needed.

Vernal Equinox Walk. Leader’s Choice
2026-03-21 | Leader’s Choice
The trip leader will monitor recent sightings prior to meeting and select the birdiest spots. Contact leader for details. Call or e-mail no later than 7 PM on March 20.

Parker River NWR
2026-03-21 08:00 - 12:00 | Parker River NWR – Lot #1, Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, 01951, United States
We will explore various hot-spots on the refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.

Woodcock Watch, Oxbow NWR, Harvard
2026-03-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Harvard – Still River Depot Road
We will stay until it gets dark to watch for American Woodcock. Come early to enjoy other birds. Rain date Sunday, March 22, same time.

Arlington Reservoir
2026-03-22 08:00 - 10:00 | Lexington – Arlington Reservoir, 210 Lowell Street, Arlington, MA, 02474, United States
Visit Arlington Reservoir and the adjacent Lexington Community Farm to search for late winter lingerers and early migrants. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird club.

Mt Auburn Cemetery
2026-03-22 08:10 - 10:00 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Mount Auburn Cemetery is lovely in all seasons. In late March, we may see the very earliest migrants from the south (Red-winged Blackbird, others) as well as the remaining seasonal visitors from the north (e.g. White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco). And our usual year-round resident species will have just started to sing!

Woodcock Walk, North Easton
2026-03-27 17:45 - 20:00 | North Easton – Edwin A. Keach Park, Chestnut Street, Easton, MA, 02356, United States
From the playground, we will walk a short distance to an open area where we can observe 2 fields for Woodcock. Sunset is around 6:30 pm so bring a camp chair and relax for the Woodcock flight.

Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge
2026-03-28 08:10 - 10:00 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States

Franklin Park - Scarboro Pond
2026-03-28 08:30 - 10:30 | MA
We will look for early spring migrants in Franklin Park. Beginners welcome and encouraged. Expect to walk up to 2 miles on paved paths. Loaner binoculars available. Co-sponsored with the Franklin Park Coalition and Franklin Park Tennis Association.

Weston Station Pond
2026-03-29 07:30 - 10:30 | Weston – Weston Station Pond, 133 Boston Post Rd, Weston, MA, 02493, United States
Discover a Weston hot-spot featuring a Great Blue Heron rookery accessible by public transportation. We will look for lingering winter birds, early spring arrivals, and year round residents establishing breeding territories. We will walk up to 3-4 miles around the pond and through the adjacent Sears Land, bike path and solar farms.

Blue Hills
2026-03-29 08:30 - 12:30 | Blue Hills – Chickatawbut off Randolph, MA, United States
This trip consists of several short (1-mile) hikes (the first is rather steep) to look for Turkey Vultures, Pileated Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, and early-arriving Eastern Phoebes and Pine Warblers.

Blue Hills Woodcock Walk in Fowl Meadow
2026-03-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Blue Hills – Burma Road, 1361 Brush Hill Rd, Hyde Park, MA, 02136
We are usually successful in seeing the Woodcock’s mating flight, and sometimes its mating display. We will hike 1 mile on a flat trail that may be wet.
