Massachusetts: Summer in the Berkshires - Exciting Birds Close to Home July 9, 2011

You don't have to travel far to find great birding, even after the thrill of migration has passed. This trip will take in many scenic and birding productive spots in western Massachusetts. As we travel west we will stop at the Moran Wildlife Management Area, Savoy Mountain State Park, and Clarksburg State Park for a wide range of warblers and flycatchers, Bobolinks and raptors. Next we will explore and hike the magnificent Mount Greylock State Reservation where we expect to see and hear many species of warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers and thrushes. After birding Notch and Rockwell Roads and hiking some of the trails, we will head south to visit and bird Pleasant Valley and Canoe Meadows, Mass Audubon sanctuaries in Lenox. In the evening we will check out the extensive marshes along the Housatonic River for bitterns, Virginia and King Rails, Wilson's Snipe, Willow and Alder Flycatchers and more. The next morning, we will ascend October Mountain before dawn for owls and the morning chorus. We will spend time exploring October Mountain's varied habitats for a wide range of species including Mourning Warbler and Olive-sided Flycatchers. If time allows, we may travel to Bartholomew's Cobble for Black Vultures before returning to Drumlin Farm and the end of our exciting, local adventure. - - Open to anyone age 18 or older. - - Fees TBD. Registration is required. Call 781-259-2200 for details. See http://www.massaudubon.org/catalog/listing.php?program_code=1780-DFP11SU1 for more information.