Calendar of Field Trips / Events
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5 field-trips-events,
Millis and Medfield Breeding Birds
Millis and Medfield Breeding Birds
Trying for 50 species again this year, we’ll be walking about a mile and a half, mostly staying on pavement. Boots are not required. Ticks should not be a problem. We’ll be looking and listening for swamp breeders, including Green Heron, Brown Creeper, Northern Waterthrush, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. We may then stop at the Medfield […]
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord
Rails and Least Bittern are our main targets. Note that entrance fee or pass is required. Duck stamps and entrance passes are accepted.
0 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
Charles River Esplanade
Charles River Esplanade
We will walk along the Charles River Esplanade from the Longfellow Bridge upriver looking for birds on both land and water. We hope to see a range of spring migrants as well as year round residents and birds setting up their breeding territories. Co-sponsored with the Charles River Esplanade Association. Loaner binoculars available. Preregister at […]
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
5 field-trips-events,
Mount Holyoke to the Quabbin
Mount Holyoke to the Quabbin
Join us for a series of short hikes as we search for Cerulean Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, and Alder Flycatcher. Time will also be taken to enjoy the flora and fauna along the way.
Magazine Beach Park Walk Celebrating Black Birders Week
Magazine Beach Park Walk Celebrating Black Birders Week
Celebrate Black Birders Week with us! Early June brings an opportunity to see both late migrant bird species and the start of nesting season. You never know what surprises will turn up in this urban park! Walk with Nature Man Mike, popular local birder and photographer, to learn about the birds found in the city. [...]
Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for Saltmarsh Sparrow, shorebirds, terns, and breeding marsh birds at this birding hotspot and state park. Expect to move to different locations by car or bicycle. Program is often not MBTA accessible. Prepare for mosquitoes and ticks. Reasonable [...]
3 field-trips-events,
Shaw Farm
Shaw Farm
We will explore a new trip location for the state-list Grasshopper Sparrow. We will walk for a mile or so for the sparrow, and then participants can decide if they wish to join for some general birding in the adjacent forest. Target endangered breeding species: Grasshopper Sparrow.
Allens Pond Mass Audubon Sanctuary, Dartmouth
Allens Pond Mass Audubon Sanctuary, Dartmouth
This trip is for the marsh sparrows and White-eyed Vireo. This is the best spot in Massachusetts to observe both nesting marsh sparrows (Saltmarsh and Seaside) up close and personal. Note: The time is approximate since the leader is completing his breeding bird survey route prior to this trip.
Salem Woods
Salem Woods
Listen carefully. An afternoon walk in the woods, with the trees full of leaves and thickets as dense as ever, we will focus on birding by ear. The distance and difficulty of this walk will be adjusted for the attendees and will range from one to two miles with easy to moderate incline on marked [...]
1 field-trip-event,
Horn Pond, Woburn
Horn Pond, Woburn
We’ll look out and listen for breeders that have settled into the Horn Pond area like Great Crested Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, Ovenbirds, Towhee, and others. Horn Pond a has a great mix of deciduous, pine, marsh, and lake habits that attract a variety of birds including song birds, water birds, birds of prey, [...]
2 field-trips-events,
Crane Beach, Ipswich
Crane Beach, Ipswich
This two-mile walk in the sand is aimed at nesting Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Bank Swallows, as well as evening singers such as Whip-poor-wills. Be prepared for mosquitoes at sunset. Co-sponsored by the Essex County Ornithological Club.
Myles Standish State Forest, Carver – Evening
Myles Standish State Forest, Carver – Evening
A serene way to end the day with Prairie Warblers and Hermit Thrushes reluctantly giving way to Eastern Whip-poor-wills and, perhaps, Northern Saw-whet Owls. Target endangered breeding species: Whip-poor-will.
0 field-trips-events,
2 field-trips-events,
Lake Umbagog & Region, NH
We visit Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, journey to Dixville Notch for boreal species, and, if possible, take a pontoon boat ride on the lake. Possible sightings include Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, 20+ species of breeding warblers, and nesting ducks. We will also search for dragonflies, butterflies, and special plants of the region.
Slow Birding at Revere Beach
Slow Birding at Revere Beach
Led by DCR Park Staff. Come observe the beautiful details of birds and their behaviors and share observations with others in the group. Pose questions and memories that observations elicit. Birds we may see include Piping Plover, Manx Shearwater, resident gulls, with Common Tern arriving by May. Suitable for adults and children 8 years+. Children […]
2 field-trips-events,
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
Walk 3 to 4 miles on slightly hilly trails to check out resident species in the Sanctuary’s woodlands, wetlands and fields. We’ll be especially looking for resident warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, up to five species of woodpeckers, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Wood Ducks, Glossy Ibis, and perhaps an owl. If you haven’t tried birding by ear, […]
Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center
Join us to observe resident birds and spring migrants in a unique urban habitat that hosts many bird species. A BNC naturalist will help us find and identify birds through field marks, sounds, and behaviors. The walk is suitable for all levels of birders. The trails are flat and easy to walk. BNC offers bathrooms […]
5 field-trips-events,
Lake Umbagog & Region, NH
We visit Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, journey to Dixville Notch for boreal species, and, if possible, take a pontoon boat ride on the lake. Possible sightings include Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, 20+ species of breeding warblers, and nesting ducks. We will also search for dragonflies, butterflies, and special plants of the region.
Millis and Medfield Breeding Birds
Millis and Medfield Breeding Birds
Trying for 50 species again this year, we’ll be walking about a mile and a half, mostly staying on pavement. We’ll be looking and listening for swamp breeders, including Green Heron, Brown Creeper, Northern Waterthrush, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. We may then stop at the Medfield State Hospital fields for grassland and successional breeding birds. We […]
Weston Station Pond and nearby Mass Central Rail Trail
Weston Station Pond and nearby Mass Central Rail Trail
A “hidden gem”, a good variety of birds, a Great Blue Heron colony, good chance of Indigo Bunting, and other choice bird species (no guarantees). We’ll walk along Weston Station Pond and then on the bike trail westward as far as the old station, then return by the same route. Expect to walk about 3 […]
Urban Birding, Lowell
Urban Birding, Lowell
You don't always need to be in the woods, mountains, or at the shore to find birds. Many of these adaptable creatures find urban settings quite hospitable. We will walk along the rivers, canals, and islands of green in the mill city looking for breeding birds as they go about their business of raising the […]
0 field-trips-events,
2 field-trips-events,
Plum Island
Plum Island
We will explore various locations on the Refuge in search of breeding birds. Note that entrance fee or pass is required. Restrooms available.
Hatches Harbor, Provincetown
Hatches Harbor, Provincetown
We will walk the fire road to the dike separating Hatches Harbor from the airport which leads out to both the harbor and Race Point. Gulls, terns, waterfowl, raptors, and passerines are among expected species. The occasional rarity is always possible in this unique habitat. Low tide is 9:55 AM. There could be wet conditions […]
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
5 field-trips-events,
Mt. Greylock
Mt. Greylock
This will be an exciting trip with the occasional surprise. Mourning Warbler has always been a specialty of this trip. Enjoy the warblers and other neotropical migrants we observed during spring migration. Co-sponsored by the South Shore Bird Club. This trip will end around 3 p.m. then reconvene for dinner and an evening trip to […]
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard
Co-sponsored with Boxborough Birders. We will look for local avian residents and early arrivals. Expect to walk about two miles on trails through meadows and woods, with some steep sections. Prepare for ticks. We will bird at the meeting location for about 30 minutes so any latecomers can catch up.
Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for Saltmarsh Sparrow, shorebirds, terns, and breeding marsh birds at this Birding Hotspot and state park. Expect to move to different locations by car or bicycle. Program is often not MBTA accessible. Prepare for mosquitoes and ticks. Reasonable […]
2 field-trips-events,
October Mountain
October Mountain
Multiple habitats make this trip more diversified than the prior day’s Mount Greylock trip, as we begin along the Housatonic River WMA and make our way over October Mountain. Co-sponsored by the South Shore Bird Club. Target endangered breeding species: American Bittern, Mourning Warbler.
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
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 night before trip. Cosponsored by DCR. For more Information see: https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
3 field-trips-events,
Pine Hill Road Grassland
Pine Hill Road Grassland
In June, this wonderfully preserved grassland is alive with the songs of breeding Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrow, which are state listed as endangered species. Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and American Kestrels nest regularly here as well. A mile walk on level grade; can be dry so bring water.
Ashby & Townsend
Ashby & Townsend
We will explore for nesting warblers, juncos, sapsuckers, and probably butterflies and dragonflies, possibly continuing into the afternoon. We will start in Willard Brook State Forest and probably continue to Townsend State Forest, Mt. Watatic, or the Squannacook River WMA. Some trails are steep and moderately uneven.
Summer Solstice Walk
Summer Solstice Walk
Celebrate the beginning of summer by birding favorite patches, locally and beyond.
2 field-trips-events,
27th Annual Trip to the Rangeley Lakes Region, Maine
Join us for a 7 day exploration of the mountains and lakes of western Maine! As always, this trip will concentrate on Maine's boreal specialties including Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Philadelphia Vireo, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Bicknell's Thrush and 20+ species of warbler. Time will also be taken to observe and […]
Bobolinks at Farm Meadow, Lincoln
Bobolinks at Farm Meadow, Lincoln
An opportunity to see Bobolinks, a declining and unique species, displaying and singing in their breeding habitat, possibly with fledglings! In addition to Bobolinks, possible species include Indigo Bunting, Wood Thrush, Pileated Woodpecker, and maybe an Alder Flycatcher if we're lucky! This is about a 1.5 mile walk circling the hayfield where the Bobolinks breed, and up […]
1 field-trip-event,
1 field-trip-event,
1 field-trip-event,
1 field-trip-event,
2 field-trips-events,
Downeast Maine Puffin and Warblers trip
Join us on our annual trip to Machias area in Downeast Maine to see Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Common Murres, and Arctic Terns. We also tour beautiful coastlands and boreal forests in search of nesting warblers and other species. We explore the blueberry barrens , and coastal wetlands for other species such as Sandhill Crane, Black […]
3 field-trips-events,
Millennium Park
Millennium Park
Join us to observe resident birds and spring migrants in a unique urban habitat that hosts many bird species and is an excellent location for finding rarities. A BNC naturalist will help us find and identify birds through field marks, sounds, and behaviors. The walk is suitable for all levels of birders (novice to advanced). […]
2 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
3 field-trips-events,
Early Morning at Lynnfield Marsh
Early Morning at Lynnfield Marsh
Approximately 1.5 mile walk along an old railbed and through forest to the marsh edge in search of American and Least Bittern, and other wetland species such as Virginia Rail, Sora, Marsh Wren, raptors, herons, egrets, and blackbirds. If time permits we may also walk the Partridge Island trail nearby. All skill levels welcome. Terrain […]
Quabbin Reservoir
Quabbin Reservoir
Join Glenn on a 5-to-6-mile walk through a very birdy area with species ranging from Broad-winged Hawk to Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed Vireo, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, and lots of stuff in between. (Maybe a moose or a bobcat!) Co-sponsored with the South Shore Bird Club.
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation & Vicinity
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation & Vicinity
Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for osprey, large groups of egrets, migrating shorebirds, meadow and grassland breeders. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for mosquitoes and ticks. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities available upon request. Ages: Adults and […]
BBC field trips are open to all participants. Unless otherwise stated, all trips are free to attend and do not need preregistration. You do not need to be a club member to attend, though we hope you will join. See the Field Trip FAQ for answers to general questions. Contact leaders for more details about specific trips.
We follow all policies of field trip location property owners and co-sponsoring organizations. These may include ongoing public health measures. Some participants may choose to wear a face mask for health purposes. We support their right to do so.
We hope to see you out birding soon!
field trip / event categories
Birding 101 | Birding Boston | Conservation Series | Family Friendly | Limited Mobility | Pelagic | Meeting