Walks

Most of our bird walks happen in the spring from late March through early June, which includes the spring migration season. Nature walks and Programs can happen any time. Walks are guided by experienced individuals, but everyone is welcome from novice to expert.

For sightings or hearings to become official club results they must have occurred on a scheduled walk and have been witnessed by two or more participants. 

Check this page frequently for any changes or cancellations, especially 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:

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). 

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

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

  
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RECOMMENDED ANYTIME
Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey S. Ames Accessible Nature Trail 

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Spring 2025 Bird Walks 

Check back for complete details, directions, and last minute changes.

Saturday, March 29, Waterfowl Prowl (also listed as a Program), Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, 9:00-Noon.
Directions and Other Details

4/26 - CANCELED (Weather)
Saturday, April 26, 9:00a.m. -12 – Eagle Reserve, 55 Winchendon Road, Royalston
Directions and Other Details

Every Wednesday, April 30 - June 4, Mill Brook, Northfield, MA, 8:00 a.m

Directions and Other Details
2025 Mill Brook Results (updated each week)

Saturday, May 3, Former Prison Camp and Richards Reservoir,  Warwick, MA, 8:30 a.m.

Directions and Other Details
Results

Saturday, May 10, Hinsdale Setbacks, Hinsdale, NH, 8:30 a.m.

Directions and Other Details
Results

Saturday, May 17, Blake Town Forest, Gill, MA, 8:30 a.m.

Directions and Other Details
Results

Saturday, May 24, Northfield Mountain Environmental Recreation Center, 8 - 11:00 a.m.

Directions and Other Details
Results

5/31 - CANCELED
Rain and Lightning
Predicted
Saturday, May 31, Old Wendell Road, Northfield, 9-Noon to observe Bobolinks in a meadow near the Northfield-Erving town line and walk part of the  New England National Scenic Trail.  More on Bobolinks
Directions and Other Details 

6/7 - CANCELED
due to WEATHER
forecast

Saturday, June 7, Paddling on Long Pond, Royalston, MA, 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. 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. Meeting time 9:00 a.m.

Directions and Other Details 

Saturday, June 14, to observe Swallows.
Details and directions
Results

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

Members Birding Notes
Reports by individual members are not official club walk results. For sightings or hearings to become official club results they must have occurred on a scheduled walk and have been witnessed by two or more participants. 

 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)