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. (Note that some webinars are limited to members.)
Calendar of Field Trips / Events
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1 field-trip-event,
Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible)
Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible)
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.
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3 field-trips-events,
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 snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl and red-winged blackbirds. Expect to move to different locations by car or bicycle. Prepare for ticks. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities available upon request. Ages: Adults and [...]
Newburyport and Vicinity
Newburyport and Vicinity
We will visit Plum Island, areas along the Merrimack River, and Salisbury. 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. NOTE: Meeting Place Changed. We will meet at the train station parking lot.
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1 field-trip-event,
Midweek Hunt for Alcids and Seabirds
Midweek Hunt for Alcids and Seabirds
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 p.m. the previous evening.
1 field-trip-event,
Woodcocks at Meriam’s Corner
Woodcocks at Meriam’s Corner
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.
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1 field-trip-event,
Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center
Join us on a free joint BBC-Boston Nature Center bird walk to observe resident birds and fall/winter migrants in a unique urban setting that is a favorite habitat for 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 [...]
1 field-trip-event,
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1 field-trip-event,
Using eBird in the Field
Using eBird in the Field
Since its launch in 2015, the eBird mobile app has become an immensely popular way to record bird observations. To help us use the app in the field, we will tackle topics like sorting and searching species, modifying the GPS track to determine distance and time, addressing the “high count” and “rare” filters, etc. When [...]
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3 field-trips-events,
Vernal Equinox Walk. 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 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13.
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 snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl and red-winged blackbirds. Expect to move to different locations by car or bicycle. Prepare for ticks. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities available upon request. Ages: Adults and [...]
“Timberdoodles” Kids Walk in Belmont
“Timberdoodles” Kids Walk in Belmont
The American Woodcock is an unusual upland shorebird whose unique courtship display is really something to see! Join us as we listen and look for woodcocks and other nocturnal creatures. Bring a kid and bring your enthusiasm! Be sure to dress for the weather because we will stand in place for a bit to listen for [...]
4 field-trips-events,
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.
Arlington Reservoir
Arlington Reservoir
Visit Arlington Reservoir and the adjacent Lexington Community Farm to search for late winter lingerers and early migrants.
Milton Landing & Neponset River Greenway
Milton Landing & Neponset River Greenway
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--let's see what birds we can find together. Beginners as well as more experienced birders are welcome.
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2 field-trips-events,
Webinar: Avian Flu, from the global to local scene
Webinar: Avian Flu, from the global to local scene
Learn about Avian Flu and why it is devastating birds. What can birders do to help?Wild birds, especially waterfowl, seabirds, and shorebirds, have long been considered the natural reservoir for diverse forms of Influenza A virus (IAV), the majority of which cause little to no disease. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has recently entered [...]
Woodcock Walk at Ipswich River Park, North Reading
Woodcock Walk at Ipswich River Park, North Reading
Join us at sunset to hopefully hear and see the mating sky dance of the Woodcock.
1 field-trip-event,
Plum Island
Plum Island
Kick off spring birding adventures on the spring equinox! We will search for ocean birds (ducks, loons, grebes, alcids), winter shore birds (purlin, purple sandpipers, sanderling), raptors (Rough Legged Hawk, Snowy Owl) and early migrants. We will visit viewing areas along the ocean as well as the Hellcat boardwalks. Leader will have scope for sharing. [...]
1 field-trip-event,
CANCELLED – Woodcocks at Alewife
CANCELLED – Woodcocks at Alewife
This trip has been cancelled due to unfavorable expected wind conditions.
1 field-trip-event,
Timberdoodles in Stoughton
Timberdoodles in Stoughton
Come watch American Woodcock display behavior. Water-resistant shoes helpful, but not needed.
2 field-trips-events,
CANCELLED – Early Spring Birding at Squantum Point Park
CANCELLED – Early Spring Birding at Squantum Point Park
DUE TO EXPECTED POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED. We will explore the amazing Squantum Point Park in Quincy for winter and early spring birds! Especially of interest will be remaining winter ducks such as Scoters, Long-Tailed Ducks, etc. Early spring migrants such as Eastern Phoebe will be of interest as well. This [...]
Woodcock Watch, Oxbow NWR, Harvard
Woodcock Watch, Oxbow NWR, Harvard
We will stay until it gets dark to watch for American Woodcock. Come early to enjoy other birds. Rain date Sunday, March 26, same time.
2 field-trips-events,
Blue Hills
Blue Hills
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
Blue Hills Woodcock Walk in Fowl Meadow
We are usually successful in seeing the Woodcock's mating flight, and on one occasion saw its mating display. We will hike 1 mile on a flat trail that may be wet.
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2 field-trips-events,
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord
We will look for early migrants, waterfowl, and waders. Due to recent flooding, tall, waterproof boots are needed for this walk. Water is 6-8" in some places. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required.
Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond
Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond
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.
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Using eBird in the Field
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 | Public Transportation