Walks

Bird walks happen each spring and fall. Our busiest time of year is from late March through early June which includes the spring migration season. Nature walks can happen any time. Some walks are guided by experienced individuals. Some walks are self-guided. 

The schedule of guided walks is subject to change. If it's raining, guided walks are canceled. Check this page frequently and before heading out to a site. 

If you're going out by yourself during the spring or fall migration seasons, check the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's BirdCast site for up to date forecasts of best days. Keep in mind the following:

1. In order to conserve energy in flight, many birds migrate at night when the atmosphere is more stable, free of thermals, and cooler. Also, at night there is less danger from predators (hawks especially don't see as well at night as in the daytime). 

2. Some species use the stars to navigate, although light pollution from urban areas has made this more difficult or impossible. 

3. Birds migrating at night rest during the day. Best viewing will be in the morning and at dusk. 

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COVID RULES
Please bring a mask. Be prepared to wear it if conditions warrant.  
Rules will be updated as conditions change.
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RECOMMENDED ANYTIME - Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey S. Ames Accessible Nature Trail 

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Spring 2024 Bird Walks
Northfield Bird Club
Check back for complete details, directions, and last minute changes.

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Results of informal walks at Mill Brook during April by the club Core Planning Group.
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Wednesday, May 1, 9-11 am: Mill Brook bird walk. Meet in the parking lot behind the Northfield Dickinson library, 115 Main St., Northfield. Results

Saturday, May 4, 9-11 am: Bird walk at First Light (Northfield Mountain Recreation Area). Meet in the parking lot at the picnic area on the Connecticut River. From downtown Northfield, drive 6.4 miles south on Millers Falls Road/ Rt. 63, then turn right at the "Riverview Picnic Area" sign across the road from the entrance to Northfield Mountain.  Results

Wednesday, May 8, 9-11 am: Mill Brook bird walk. CANCELLED (Rain forecast)

Saturday, May 11, 8-11 am: Bird walk at Hinsdale Setbacks. In Hinsdale, NH. Corner of Rt 119 & Prospect Street Parking Lot.  Just north of the High School on your left if approaching from the south, down the hill, left hand turn.

Wednesday, May 15, 9-11 am: Mill Brook bird walk.

Thursday, May 16, 6pm: Meadow Birds indoor program at the Northfield library. Details. This program will be followed by a meadow birds walk on May 25 -- see below. 

Saturday, May 18, 8-11am: Bird walk at Camp Warwick (the old prison camp no longer in use). Directions from Northfield. Go to Warwick center via the Warwick Road from the center of Northfield. From Warwick center drive southeast on Athol road for about one and a half miles. Turn left onto Richmond Rd. The remnants of the camp are about a mile and a half from that intersection and on the right. There is a white brick post marking the parking area.

Wednesday, May 22, 9-11am: Mill Brook bird walk.

Saturday, May 25, 9-Noon, Meadow Birds Walk - Off Old Wendell Road, Northfield (near the Erving town line - more precise directions to follow).

Wednesday, May 29, 9-11am: Mill Brook bird walk.

Saturday, June 1, 9:30am-1pm: Birding by canoe at Long Pond, Royalston. Bring your canoe or kayak and meet at the canoe launch on Doane Hill Road in Royalston at 9:00 a.m. The Tully River/Long Pond area is rich in wildlife. Many wetland and bankside birds can be seen from your canoe or kayak, with the added advantage that you don't have to watch your feet all the time. Plan on a full morning of easy paddling as we cruise the shoreline watching for birds, aquatic mammals and their evidence. Bring plenty of water and a snack. Life vests are required.

Directions from Northfield to the Tully River canoe launch: From the center of Northfield drive east up Warwick Road  and at the junction with Wendell Road bear left into the village. At the stop sign continue straight onto Athol road and follow for about 8 miles through Tully, past Packard Pond. A little beyond the Orange fire station turn left onto Fryville Road. At the junction with Rte 32 turn left, pass Tully Lake, and then turn right onto Doane Hill Road. Go down the road, past the Tully Lake campground, to the canoe launch at the bottom of the hill just over the river (Fryville Road and Doane Hill road are both signed). Plan to arrive by 9 a.m.

Wednesday, June 4, 9-11am: Mill Brook bird walk.

Saturday, June 8, 9-11am: Accessible birding at Alderbrook. This walk is wheelchair accessible. The trail is located at 839 Millers Falls Rd (Route 63), Northfield. The entrance is 1/8th of a mile north of South Mountain Road and just south of Homer Road on the east side of Route 63. Park in the area before the gate.

Watch for updated details. 

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Click here to find out more about our usual venues and to review birding results of some past walks.    

 Download - a printable two page PDF copy of a local bird checklist provided by the Athol Bird and Nature Club.

Warbler Identification Guide (from Cornell)