The Allen Bird Club

Springfield, MA

2011-2012 Field Trips

For more information or trip details, call Seth Kellogg at 413-569-3335
or e-mail gcking@yahoo.com


 

 

Jan 2012 

 

 

Feb 2012 

Mar 2012 

Apr 2012 

May 2012

Jun 2012

 

 

Jul 2012

Aug 2012

 

 

 

 


Please call the trip leader at least 24 hours prior to any trip to check for changes and/or cancellations.

DISCLAIMER: Members and non-members attend trips at their own risk. Neither the Allen Bird Club, nor any trip leader, nor any driver shall be responsible for any injury suffered by any trip participant. By participating in any trip, the participant acknowledges that he or she alone shall be solely responsible for any and all injuries suffered by the participant on any Allen Bird Club trip.

           

JANUARY 2012                  

15  Sun.           Local Hotline - Half Day 

Call leader for details. Steve Svec 1-320-282-7832 or 335-8571      

28-29  Sat.-Sun.          Rhode Island Blitz - 2 Days

Fast paced search for wintering birds, 75-90 species likely.  Make reservations at the Howard Johnson Inn (1-401-849-2000) in Middletown.  Call leader 10 days in advance for details. Tom Swochak 568-0342   

FEBRUARY

6  Mon.            Regular Meeting - “Life” Volume 2, Birds - Narrated by David Attenborough.  This show took four years in the making, was filmed over 3000 days, across every continent and in every habitat, with breathtaking new high definition filming techniques.  It captures unprecedented, astonishingly beautiful sequences and demonstrates the spectacular and extraordinary tactics animals have developed to survive and thrive.

12  Sun.           Local Hotline - Half Day 

Call leader for details. Steve Svec 1-320-282-7832 or 335-8571      

25-26  Sat.-Sun.          Plum Island & Cape Ann - 2 Days                            

Raptors, waterfowl and alcids, 60-85 species likely.  Make reservations at Cape Ann's Marina Resort in Gloucester (800-626-7660).  Call leader at least 10 days in advance for details. Myles & Kathy Conway 1-413-269-7130                                         

MARCH                                           

5  Mon.            Regular Meeting - Brandi Van Roo - Vireo hormones.                     

11  Sun.           Walk & Wok, Birding Turners Falls and Chinese Lunch - Half Day

Wintering birds and migrating ducks.  Meet in the back parking lot of Holyoke Pediatrics just west of Exit 15 off I-91 at 8:00 a.m.  Steve Svec 1-320-282-7832 or 335-8571                                        

29  Thurs.           Woodcock in East Longmeadow - Evening                                   

Meet at the Meadowbrook School on Parker St. just south of Porter Rd. in East Longmeadow at 7:30 p.m.  George Kingston 525-6742                                        

31  Sat.            Local Ponds - Half Day                                 

Ducks and early arrivals.  Meet at Pynchon Point Park on River Road off Rte. 57 in Agawam at 7:30 a.m.  Seth Kellogg 569-3335                                          

APRIL                                              

2  Mon.            Regular Meeting - Shawn P. Carey - Birds and other Wildlife on the Gulf Coast of Florida (Tampa to Naples).  The Gulf Coast of Florida has many good locations for viewing and photographing wildlife; well known places like Fort DeSoto, Venice Rookery, and 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and lesser known areas, such as Venice Landfill, Myakka River State Park, Carlton Reserve, and Bunch Beach.  Shawn will talk about the best spots at each of these locations and what birds you can expect to find.  Finally, he has some very good recommendations for places to eat after you finish a long day of birding or photographing.  So pack your sun screen, tripod, and beach shoes for a trip down the Gulf Coast as we look at Skimmers, Limpkins, gators and Scrub Jays.           

7  Sat.  Breakfast & Upriver Birding - Half Day                               

Ducks, Peregrine, and Bald Eagle.  Meet at Sylvester's on Pleasant Street in Northampton for breakfast at 7:30 a.m.  Seth Kellogg 569-3335 and Howard Schwartz 1-413-323-6967                                          

14  Sat.            Stebbins Refuge Trail Clearing - Half Day

Meet at sign on Bark Haul and Pondside Roads in Longmeadow at 8:00 a.m.  Bring gloves and lopping shears, or small, handheld pruning clippers if possible.  In case of flooding, cleanup will be postponed until May 5th.  Ed Dzielenski 567-3132

21 Sat.             Longmeadow and Forest Park – 3 hours Meet at the sign at Pondside and Bark Haul Roads, Longmeadow at 7 am.  Janet Orcutt 732-2412         

28  Sat.            Agawam, Southwick & Longmeadow - 3 Hours

Meet at Stop & Shop in the center of Feeding Hills at 8:00 a.m.  Seth Kellogg 569-3335  

29  Sun.           Ashley Ponds, Holyoke - 3 Hours

Arriving songbirds.  Meet in the back parking lot of Holyoke Pediatrics just west of Exit 15 off I-91 at 7:30 a.m. Steve Svec 1-320-282-7832 or 335-8571                  

MAY 

2  Wed.    Stebbins Refuge Morning Walk - 2-3 Hours

Waterbirds and arriving songbirds.  Bring footwear appropriate for wet trails.  Meet at sign on Bark Haul and Pondside Roads in Longmeadow at 7:00 a.m.  Al & Lois Richardson 736-0846  ALNLOISR@AOL.COM

5  Sat.      Explore Cedar Swamp, Wilbraham - 2-3 Hours

Arriving  migrants  and  hawks.    Meet  at  Wilbraham  Middle School on Stony Hill Road in Wilbraham at 7:00 a.m.  Bring water and a snack.  Kate Leary 596-9643 & Bobby Olsen 596-6990

6 Sun.     Quabbin Reservoir - 3 Hours

Ducks, songbirds, and eagles.  Meet at the Visitor's Center at 7:00 a.m.  Janet Orcutt 732-2412

7  Mon.            Annual & Regular Meeting - Mark Blazis - Birding Kenya.  Mark has led dozens of trips to Africa, including Cameroon, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, and of course, Kenya.  From the heights of Mt. Kenya to the vast open plains of the Masai Mara, Kenya is a fascinating country, offering amazing birdlife as well as the abundance of large mammals that make the continent special.        

9  Wed.    Stebbins Refuge Morning Walk - 2-3 Hours

Waterbirds and migrant songbirds.  Bring footwear appropriate for wet trails.  Meet at sign on Bark Haul and Pondside Roads in Longmeadow at 7:00 a.m.  George Kingston 525-6742

10  Thurs.       Ludlow Reservoir Morning Walk - 2 Hours

Migrant songbirds.  Meet at parking lot for bike trail on Rte. 21 at 8:00 a.m.  Howard & Marcy Schwartz 323-6967

12  Sat.    Blandford - Half Day

Upland nesters.  Meet at Blandford Town Hall on Rte. 23 in the center of Blandford at 6:30 a.m.   Myles and Kathy Conway 269-7130

13  Sun.  Robinson State Park Walk, Agawam - Half Day

Warblers, tanagers, and  thrushes.    Meet on Colemore  St. opposite the North St. entrance at 7:30 a.m.  John Hutchison 562-3976

15  Tues.   Stebbins Refuge Evening Walk - 1-2 Hours

Beginners  encouraged.    Meet  at  sign  on  Bark  Haul  and Pondside Roads in Longmeadow at 6:00 p.m.  Steve Svec 320-282-7832 or 413-335-8571

16  Wed.    Stebbins Refuge Morning Walk - 2-3 Hours

Waterbirds and songbirds.  Bring footwear appropriate for wet trails.    Meet  at  sign  on  Bark  Haul  and  Pondside  Roads  in Longmeadow at 7:00 a.m.  John Hutchison 562-3976

17  Thurs.       Hillcrest Cemetery Morning Walk - 2 Hours

Migrant songbirds.  Meet at the parking lot of St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1023 Parker St., Springfield at 7:00 a.m.  Carol Shumway 596-9468

17  Thurs.       Rail Trail Evening Walk - 2 Hours

Roost  time  calls  of  wetland  residents.    Meet  at  the  Station Road parking lot of the Norwottuck Rail Trail off South East Street in South Amherst at 6:00 p.m.  Harvey Allen 253-7963

18-19  Fri.-Sat.        Allen Bird Club May Count

Bird an assigned area in central Hampden County from 6:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 p.m. Saturday.  Pot luck supper for participants at 7:00 p.m.  Call Seth Kellogg for details at 569-3335.

20  Sun.  Mt. Holyoke - Skinner State Park - 3 Hours

Worm-eating and Cerulean Warbler.  Moderate 1 mile walk. Meet at the Park's main entrance off Rte. 47 in Hadley at the parking area just before the toll gate at 8:00 a.m.   Janet Orcutt 732-2412

22  Tues. Stebbins Refuge Evening Walk - 1-2 Hours

Beginners  encouraged.    Meet  at  sign  on  Bark  Haul  and Pondside Roads in Longmeadow at 6:00 p.m.  Steve Svec 320-282-7832 or 413-335-8571

23  Wed.  Stebbins Refuge Morning Walk - 2-3 Hours

Waterbirds and migrant songbirds.  Bring footwear appropriate for wet trails.  Meet at sign on Bark Haul and Pondside Roads in Longmeadow at 7:00 a.m.   John Hutchison 562-3976

26-28  Sat.-Mon.     Brigantine and Cape May - 3 Days

Spring  migrants.    Make  reservations  at  the  Cape  Harbor (609-884-0018) as early as possible.  Call leader at least 10 days in advance for details.  Seth Kellogg 569-3335

 26  Sat.    Hollow Road, Wilbraham - 2-3 Hours

Migrant and resident songbirds (Bobolink).  Meet in the parking lot of Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary at the junction of Main St. and Glendale Rd. in Hampden at 7:00 a.m.   Donna Morrison 596-3537

27  Sun.  East Longmeadow - 2-3 hours

Sharing   favorite   local   birding   spots.      Meet   at   the Meadowbrook School on Parker St. just south of Porter Rd. in East Longmeadow at 7:30 a.m.  Wear appropriate footwear for wet conditions.  George Kingston 525-6742           

JUNE

1-2  Fri.-Sat.    Breeding Bird Count

Help  monitor  the  breeding  birds  in  the  Little  River  IBA (Important Bird Area) in parts of Granville, Blandford, Russell, and  Southwick.    6:00  p.m.  Friday  to  6:00  p.m.  Saturday. Compilation  and  pizza  for  participants  at  6:30  p.m.  on Saturday.    Call  coordinator  Seth  Kellogg  at  569-3335  for details and territory assignments.

3  Sun.    Westover Grasslands - Chicopee - 1/2 day

Upland Sandpiper, Kestrel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, and  Meadowlark.    Registration  is  required  with  a  driver's license  or  social  security  number  two  weeks  in  advance. Meet in the 99 Restaurant parking on Memorial Drive across from  Mass. Turnpike  Exit  #5,  Chicopee  at  7:00  a.m.    Bring water and snack.  Limited to 25 people - your spot must be reserved by May 20th in order to meet WAFB requirements.   Call to register.  Howard Schwartz 323-6967

9  Sat.      Tyringham Valley & Lenox - 3/4 Day

Wetland  Species  (bitterns,  rails,  Moorhen,  Marsh  Wren).  Hike up to Cobble.  Bring lunch.  Meet at McDonald's in Lee just north of Turnpike Exit 2 at 6:30 a.m.   Kathy and Myles Conway 269-7130

10  Sun.  ABC Potluck Picnic at Noble View in Russell

Come one, come all, and join the fun at this scenic and comfortable facility.  Bring your favorite main dish, side dish, or dessert to share. Come early and walk the trails for upland breeding birds.  Call for details.  Seth Kellogg 569-3335

16  Sat.    Mt. Greylock - 3/4 Day

Upland  spruce  nesters  (Mourning  and  Blackpoll  Warbler). Moderate 3 mile walk on Saddleball.  Meet at McDonald's in Lee just north of Turnpike Exit 2 at 6:30 a.m.  Kathy and Myles Conway 269-7130

17  Sun.  Montgomery - 1/2 day

Visit  varied  habitats  for  nesting  species.    Short  walks  and roadside birding.  Meet at Westfield City Hall, 59 Court St. at  6:00 a.m.  Tom Swochak 568-0342

23-25  Sat.-Mon.     Vermont Blitz - 3 Days

Bird the hills and valleys of Vermont with a focus on boreal species.    Contact  leader  at  least  15  days  in  advance  for details including overnight accommodations.  Tom Swochak 568-0342

27  Wed.  Stebbins Refuge Trail Clearing - Half Day

Meet  at  sign  on  Bark  Haul  and  Pondside  Roads  in Longmeadow at 8:00 a.m.  Bring gloves and lopping shears, or small, handheld pruning clippers if possible.   Ed Dzielenski 567-3132

JULY

8  Sun.    Plainfield Walk - Half Day

Upland nesters.  Easy to moderate 3 mile walk.  Bring waterproof boots for more comfortable walking in wet areas.  Meet at Judy's home on 525 West Main St. (Rte. 116) in Plainfield at 7:30 a.m.  Judy Williams 634-8099

14  Sat.    Canoe or Kayak the Conn. River - 3/4 Day

Montague to Sunderland.  Bring your own boat and meet at 8:30 a.m.  Call leader for details.  Harvey Allen 253-7963

28  Sat.    Cape Cod - South Beach - Full Day

Shorebirds  and  terns.    Meet  in  the  commuter  lot  behind McDonald's  near  Turnpike  entrance  in  Ludlow  at  6:00  a.m. Bring old sneakers for a long walk on mudflats. (NOTE:  $20-30 per person boat fee)  Seth Kellogg 569-3335

AUGUST      

25  Sat.    Longmeadow & Agawam - 3 Hours

Shorebirds and herons.  Meet at Pynchon Point Park on River Road in Agawam at 7:30 a.m.  Seth Kellogg 569-3335

28  Tues. Stebbins Refuge Nighthawk Watch - Evening

Meet  at  sign  on  Bark  Haul  and  Pondside  Roads  in Longmeadow at 6:30 p.m.  Al & Lois Richardson 736-0846  ALNLOISR@AOL.COM

PLAN IN ADVANCE - SEPTEMBER 2012

8-9  Sat.-Sun.  Cape Cod - Weekend or Day

Shorebirds, terns, and seabirds.      Meet   at   Chatham Lighthouse at 9:00 a.m.  Bring old sneakers for a long walk on South Beach mudflats (NOTE:  $20-30 per person boat fee).  Overnighters make reservations at Seashore Park Inn

(800-772-6453) in Orleans.    Whalewatch boat trip or  seawatch on Sunday.  Seth Kellogg 569-3335

17-20  Mon.-Thurs.      Monhegan Island, ME - 4 Days

Rarities and  migrants.    Make  reservations  at  Shining  Sails Bed & Breakfast (207-596-0041) or The Island Inn (207-596-0371) in Monhegan as early as possible.  Call leader early for details.  John Hutchison 562-3976

22-24  Sat.-Mon.     Brigantine & Cape May - 3 Days

A full spectrum of migrant species.  Make reservations at the Cape Harbor (609-884-0018) as early as possible.  Call leader at least 10 days in advance for details.  Myles & Kathy Conway 269-7130

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