Join FBC Western Mass (ACAB) and All Bodies on Bikes Western Mass for a birding by bike outing at the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Amherst, MA on May 28, 2023 at 10am.
Parking: We’ll park and meet @ Lawrence Station in Amherst - located at the intersection of the Norwottuck Rail Trail and Station Rd. There is a van-accessible parking lot with ample space for cars. The nearest bus stops are on Pomeroy Ln/West St and Old Belchertown Rd, both ~10 minutes away by bike.
Trip leaders: Rebecca Doris, Adele PaquinWhat to expect: A sampling of marsh, woods and meadow habitat with open views that are perfect for beginner birders to get acquainted with our larger and flashier resident birds, but also leave plenty for the more advanced birder. Anticipate frequent stops to admire birds.
What to bring: Binoculars if you have them, water, sunscreen, and bug spray. We have extra binoculars if you need one to borrow.Precautions: (i) This event is open to vaccinated participants only. (ii) The bike path is an active recreation and transportation route. So, when we stop to admire a bird or listen to a song, we will park our bikes OFF the side of the trail, so we are not blocking the flow of traffic.
Accessibility: We will bird by bike along the section of the rail trail north of Station Rd with frequent stops, maintaining the slowest pace to include everyone with the group (‘no drop’). We’ll go as far as we can get into the trail in 2 hours, in the direction of Amherst College— no more than 2.1 miles. Persons using mobility scooters, wheelchairs, inline skates, skateboards, anything with wheels (besides automobiles/ATVs) are invited to join. This route is fully wheelchair accessible on a flat asphalt path. There is usually a portable toilet near the parking lot.
You can drop by for all or some of the time, as always. If you have any other accessibility concerns or questions PLEASE reach out to FBC.WMA@gmail.comThis event is part of the Murmurations for Mutual Aid Female Bird Day Birdathon.
All are invited to participate in the Birdathon as an individual, join trip leader Rebecca Doris’s team “Sylvie is the greatest dog who’s ever lived”, or create/join another team.