We’re joining forces with Body Liberation Hiking Club (Berkshires chapter) for a mindful bird walk at Lime Kiln Wildlife Sanctuary in Sheffield, MA! This outing will be on Saturday, October 12 from 11 AM - 12:30 PM.
Trip leaders: Caroline (any pronouns) and Deborah (she/her) from FBC MA and Dan Russell (he/him), local raptor expert!
What to expect: This will be a stationary event for all birding experience levels, focused on observing and counting migrating hawks and other raptor species. Hawk migration is a magical phenomenon, with hundreds of birds streaming overhead on some clear days in September and October. During our event, we expect to see late-season migrants like bald eagles, kestrels, sharp-shinned hawks, northern harriers, and red-tailed hawks. We will also be on the look out for fall warblers!
Parking: We will park and meet at the Summit House at Skinner State Park in Hadley, MA. This is accessible via Old Mountain Road off Rt 47 in Hadley, near Barstow's Dairy Farm. From the gate, continue up the road all the way to the top. There is a parking lot with designated van-accessible spots. You may have to pay to park. It's $5 for MA residents and $20 for non-MA residents to park. You can pay with cash, credit card or with the Yodel app. If parking fees are a concern, please message us to discuss carpooling to the top.
What to bring: A mask or two, binoculars if you have them, water, snacks, sun protection, portable stool or chair if needed. A scope is highly recommended.
Precautionary measures: All participants must wear a mask while with the group.
Accessibility: This will be a stationary event on the porch outside the Summit House, which is wheelchair-accessible. Seating is available, as are full-use accessible bathrooms.
Land acknowledgement: We recognize and appreciate that this mountain lies on land that has been stewarded by generations of the Norwottuck, Pocumtuc, and Nipmuc people.If you have any other accessibility needs or questions, please message us here or email FBC.WMA@gmail.com. You can meet us for all or some of the time, as always.
Image ID: Dark blue text over a painted image of clouds in a light blue sky with grey mountains in the background and a large green mountain in the foreground bordered by leafy trees and grey rocks. Two black hawks soar on either side of text that reads: "Hawk Watch with FBC Western MA and Dan Rusell. Sunday October 13, 10am-12pm Skinner State Park Summit House, Hadley, MA. Join us for an accessible stationary outing! All experience levels welcome. Masks required."