It’s time for our annual woodcock watch and sunset birding social!!
Join the Anti-racist Collective of Avid Birders on Friday, March 21, from 6:15 - 7:45 PM for a stationary, wheelchair accessible outing.
We’ll meet at dusk in UMass Amherst’s Lot 26 and wait for American Woodcocks to begin calling (‘peeeent!’) and whizzing through their courtship displays over the parking lot.
This trip is designed for nature-enthusiasts of any birding level or mobility. Families welcome You can stop by for as long as you like, but our best chances of getting eyes on woodcocks are in the 7:15 - 7:45 window.
Look for us near the back of the parking lot, which is surrounded by brush on three sides. (GPS coordinates: 42.3959375, -72.5333125) Participants are welcome to remain in their vehicles or bring their own seating.
What to bring: A well-fitting (K)N95 mask. Layers for an early Spring evening. A chair, folding stool, or picnic blanket. Optional: binoculars, beverages.
Accessibility: This event requires (k)n95 type masks. We will have some to share! We request that attendees observe social distancing, especially when unmasking to snack or hydrate. This will be a stationary, wheelchair-accessible birding meetup in a well-lit, flat, paved parking lot. This lot is large and should be pretty empty and quiet while students are on spring break. There are no bathrooms or built-in seating.
UMass Police will be notified of the event beforehand to avoid any conflicts. Contact FBC.WMA@gmail.com with questions and accessibility concerns.
Rain date: Sat 3/22 6:15-7:45 PM.
[Disclaimer: Climate change is disrupting many seasonal phenomena this year, so we cannot guarantee woodcocks.]
[Image description: Flyer that reads “Woodcocks or bust? with ACAB. Join us for an accessible, stationary outing watching the courtship displays of the American Woodcock, at UMass lot 26 in Amherst MA on Friday March 21 from 6:15 - 7:45 pm.” The background has a bright red and violet twilight sky above a dark shoreline. Three circles with animated gifs of woodcocks in them are on the right.]