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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2 field-trips-events,
South Boston – Castle Island
South Boston – Castle Island
Join us on a free joint BBC-Boston Nature Center bird walk to observe resident birds and 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. We will search for wintering alcids, loons [...]
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. Limited mobility welcome but snow or ice may be present. Loaner binoculars available.
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2 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 other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations [...]
Charles River Waltham (rescheduled from 2/15 and 2/22)
Charles River Waltham (rescheduled from 2/15 and 2/22)
Join us for a 1 to 2 mile walk on paved paths. Generally waterbirds and various perching birds can be seen. Cosponsored with Waltham Land Trust and Menotomy Bird Club. Trip cancelled in case of rain or bad snow. Check with leader by email in advance if unsure. Conditions could be icy. Traction devices such [...]
1 field-trip-event,
Early Birders @ Millennium Park (Young Adult Birding Series)
Early Birders @ Millennium Park (Young Adult Birding Series)
Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Millennium Park for our inaugural walk in this series! Located in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Millennium Park is host to a wide variety of resident & migratory bird species that enjoy its unique habitat. As we explore what the park has to offer, expect [...]
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
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 (CANCELED due to the location being closed and weather)
Woodcocks at Meriam’s Corner (CANCELED due to the location being closed and weather)
So Sorry! The location is currently closed for construction. Even if we wanted to find a nearby spot to try, the weather will apparently be windy and a bit wet and it would not be a good evening to hear and see Woodcocks.
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
2 field-trips-events,
Squantum Point Park
Squantum Point Park
Join us to observe resident birds and fall/early winter migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. A BNC naturalist will help Join us to observe resident birds and fall/early winter migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird [...]
Plum Island
Plum Island
We will explore various hot-spots on the refuge. Please check with leader before trip. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
Woodcock Walk at Rock Meadow Conservation Area, Belmont
Woodcock Walk at Rock Meadow Conservation Area, Belmont
Join us at sunset to (hopefully) hear and see the mating sky dance of the American Woodcock. Activity typically begins around 7:15 p.m. and lasts for about an hour. Call the trip leader if there's rain or snow cover. We will walk ~1/2 mile along paths to the best woodcock view area. Be prepared for [...]
0 field-trips-events,
0 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
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 other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations [...]
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. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird club.
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. Beginners as well as more experienced birders are welcome. Limited mobility welcome but snow or ice may be [...]
0 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
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.
0 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
Woodcocks at Alewife
Woodcocks at Alewife
We will search the northwest corner of Cambridge in hopes of seeing, or at least hearing, the American Woodcock's mating display, a traditional New England rite of spring. Walk of less than a mile mostly or entirely on flat, paved walkways. No restrooms. Easily accessible from the Alewife MBTA station.
1 field-trip-event,
Timberdoodles in Sharon (RESCHEDULED to Saturday, March 22)
Timberdoodles in Sharon (RESCHEDULED to Saturday, March 22)
This trip has been rescheduled to Saturday March 22.
5 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 PM on March 20.
Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR
We will explore various hot-spots on the refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.
“Timberdoodles” kids’ Evening walk , Belmont (This program is FULL; please email to be added to the waitlist.)
“Timberdoodles” kids’ Evening walk , Belmont (This program is FULL; please email to be added to the waitlist.)
This program is FULL; please email to be added to the waitlist. This walk is for kids aged 5-12 with an accompanying parent or parents. Group size is limited; contact Kathy Dia to register and for meeting place details at kdia@brooklinebirdclub.org. The American Woodcock is an unusual upland shorebird whose unique courtship display is really something to see! Join [...]
Timberdoodles in Sharon (Rescheduled from March 21)
Timberdoodles in Sharon (Rescheduled from March 21)
Come watch American Woodcock display behavior. Water-resistant shoes helpful, but not needed.
2 field-trips-events,
Dunback Meadow, Lexington
Dunback Meadow, Lexington
We will look for wintering birds and early migrants. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird club.
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
Join us to observe resident birds and fall migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. A BNC naturalist will help us find and identify birds through field marks, sounds, and behaviors. Birders of all levels will enjoy these guided walks. The trails are [...]
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0 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
Members Only Webinar: A Month at Sea in the Humboldt Current – Ship Life, Pelagic Birds, and Deep Sea Creatures, with Scott Weiman
Members Only Webinar: A Month at Sea in the Humboldt Current – Ship Life, Pelagic Birds, and Deep Sea Creatures, with Scott Weiman
Embark on an evening of discovery as marine geochemist Scott Wieman recounts a recent month-long research expedition aboard the R/V Falkor(too) from Valparaíso to Puerto Montt, Chile. Scott’s talk blends his experiences birding the highly productive Humboldt current with the broader expedition’s exploration of numerous methane cold seeps and submarine canyons along the Chilean Margin. [...]
0 field-trips-events,
1 field-trip-event,
Woodcock Walk, North Easton
Woodcock Walk, North Easton
From the playground, we will walk a short distance to an open area where we can observe 2 fields for Woodcock. Sunset is around 6:30 pm so bring a camp chair and relax for the Woodcock flight.
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. Conditions may be wet; boots advised. 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.
3 field-trips-events,
Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge
Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge
Mount Auburn Cemetery is lovely in all seasons. In late March, we may see the very earliest migrants from the south (Red-winged Blackbird, others) as well as the remaining seasonal visitors from the north (e.g. White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco). And our usual year-round resident species will have just started to sing!
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 sometimes its mating display. We will hike 1 mile on a flat trail that may be wet.
0 field-trips-events,
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