Common-sense Guidelines for Field Trip Attendees and Leaders

To BBC Members, Trip Leaders and the Birding Community:

As with many of you, we note with concern the rapidly increasing number of COVID infections in Massachusetts and throughout the country.  Unlike last winter and spring, we now know more about which public health measures allow us to engage safely in some measure of outdoor activities.  With this in mind, we ask all field trip attendees and leaders to follow these common-sense guidelines:

  • We support the right of anyone who wishes to do so to wear a mask.  While we do not require attendees to wear a mask at this time, we expect everyone who attends a trip to respect the choice of those who do.*
  • Carpooling and sharing optics are not advisable outside of family groups or friend pods.
  • Birding outdoors in the winter often comes with a lot of wind that may cut down on exposure to the virus.  Nonetheless, we ask that people continue to practice social distancing insofar as practical.
  • If you’re sick or experiencing any symptoms that indicate you might be sick, STAY HOME. 
  • If you are a leader uncomfortable with leading a trip presently, please try to find an alternative leader, or plan to cancel the trip.  Cancellations for this reason should come with at least 48 hours notice, if possible.  Our field trip coordinator can help with finding an alternate leader if asked.  Email Cliff Cook at fieldtrips@brooklinebirdclub.org for assistance to let him know about a cancellation.
  • Unless otherwise stated on the website or in the Blue Book, pre-registration is not required to attend a BBC trip.

* Note that we acknowledge and follow the policies of individual walk locations and co-sponsoring organizations, which may require masking outdoors or in indoor spaces such as restrooms. Keep in mind that these policies may change, so leaders and participants are expected to carry a mask on a BBC trip.

We hope to see you out birding soon.  Stay safe and warm!

The Brookline Bird Club

(Photo credit: Snowy Owl by Jared Keyes)

March 26 Open to All Webinar: 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 [...]

March 26 Open to All Webinar: 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 [...]

March 26 Open to All Webinar: 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 [...]

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Upcoming Field Trips

Woodcock Walk, North Easton

North Easton - Edwin A. Keach Park Chestnut Street, Easton, MA, United States

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.

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord

Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United States

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

Boston - Franklin Park & Scarboro Pond Roxbury, MA, United States

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.

Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge

Mount Auburn Cemetery 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, United States

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 - Chickatawbut off Randolph MA, United States

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.

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