~ HOFFMANN BIRD CLUB ~

 

 

 

 

 

   

2007–2008 Hoffmann Bird Club Schedule

 

 

The Hoffmann Bird Club is Berkshire County’s premier ornithological organization. It was established in 1940 with a mission of promoting the study of birds in the county. The club was founded under the auspices of the Berkshire Museum and was named in honor of Ralph Hoffmann, a naturalist born in Berkshire County.  Membership in the Hoffmann Bird Club is open to anyone interested in birds and bird study.

 

Meetings: are held at Berkshire Life Insurance, 700 South St., Pittsfield (499-4321), or at Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, 427 West Mountain Rd., Lenox (637-0320). Consult the schedule for specific dates and locations. Most meetings begin at 7:00PM and are open at no charge to everyone interested in birds. Come enjoy the scheduled program and light refreshments.  Meetings are held from September through May and are open at no charge to anyone interested in birds.

 

Field Trips: Times listed are departure times; please arrive a few minutes early to meet the leader(s) and carpool when possible. Local trips generally last until lunch, unless otherwise noted. For out-of-town trips, you must confirm with the trip leader in advance. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call the trip leader if you have questions. Trips described as “TBA” will be announced on the club hotline.  Field trips are led by experienced birders, and everyone, including beginners, is welcome. Field trips offer an excellent opportunity to explore firsthand the bountiful nature and natural history of our region.  Always call ahead, and let the leader know you are coming.

 

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all telephone numbers are in area code 413.

 

September 2007

 

 

Sun 9/2              Hawley Bog              7:00AM

Join leaders Bob Wood and Holly Higinbotham (684-3724, rrwood50@hotmail.com) for this pleasant walk on the short trail through the bog, in search of migrating Olive-Sided Flycatchers. Meet at the Old Creamery Grocery on Rte. 9 in Cummington for this half-day trip.

 

Fri 9/7            Potluck and Monthly Meeting          5:30PM

Pleasant Valley Sanctuary

427 W. Mountain Rd., Lenox, MA 01240

“Current Trends in Northeast Avian Pathology, and Effects of Global Warming”

Presentation by Dr. Ward B. Stone, head of the Wildlife Pathology Unit of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and host of WAMC’s radio talk show “In Our Backyard.”  Please bring a hot or cold dish to share.  Beverages provided.

 

[“For over 37 years I have been in charge of the Wildlife Pathology Unit of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  In this position I am responsible for:  (1) Diagnosing and monitoring the causes of sickness and death in the state's amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; (2) Doing research on wildlife mortality factors; (3) Providing forensic wildlife pathology and expert testimony on wildlife cases for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Law Enforcement, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Attorney General, and others; (4) Developing new techniques for determining the age and condition of wildlife; (5) Carrying out numerous field investigations on the impact of pesticides on wildlife.  (6) Carrying out site investigations related to municipal landfills, construction debris dumps, hazardous waste sites, industrial discharges to water, refuse and medical incinerators, and oil spills for their impact on wildlife.   (7) Since 1999, I have been in charge of examining birds and wild mammals for West Nile Virus infections.  This is part of a team effort with the New York State Department of Health, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Agriculture and Markets.”]

 

Sat 9/8              Explore Lanesborough            7:30AM

We’ll watch for migrating songbirds and raptors as we walk around the pond and on the former cross-country ski trails. We’ll also check out the caves and springs at this site. Easy walking. Meet at the old Brodie Ski Touring Center, 770 Rte. 7, Lanesborough. Leader: Matt Kelly (458-3290, peace@vgernet.net).

 

Sat 9/22              Blueberry Hill Hawk Watch/Picnic

Combined event with the Allen Bird Club. Meet Tom Collins (499-2799, tcbirder@nycap.rr.com) at Price Chopper in Lenox at 7:30AM for trip to West Granville. Watch for raptors overhead as well as migrating passerines in the hill’s woods. Bring a dish to share.

 

Wed 9/26              Post Farm            7:00AM

A morning walk in search of fall migrants and sparrows. Meet at the Price Chopper parking lot on the Pittsfield-Lenox Rd., Lenox. Leader: Gael Hurley (281-1017, Gael19@nycap.rr.com).

 

 

Trip leaders can’t guarantee you’ll see particular birds, but they’ll show you the good spots so you can return on your own.

 

 

October 2007

 

 

Tues 10/2            Monthly Meeting                    7:00PM

Berkshire Life Insurance, 700 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201

“Important Bird Areas”  Presentation by Mass Audubon’s Wayne Petersen, director of the Mass Audubon IBA program.

[ Wayne R. Petersen is Director of the Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program at the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Wayne was the senior Field Ornithologist at Mass Audubon for 15 years before assuming the position of IBA Director in 2005. As co-author of Birds of Massachusetts (1993) and co-editor of the Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas (2003), his knowledge of the habitats, distribution, and status of the Commonwealth's bird life is both extensive and wide-ranging. A New England Regional Editor for North American Birds magazine and editor of the New England Christmas Bird Count, Wayne's knowledge of the seasonal distribution of New England bird life gives him a wide perspective when thinking about Important Bird Areas in Massachusetts and beyond. He currently chairs the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee (MARC) and is an associate member of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee.  In 2005 Wayne was the recipient of the American Birding Association’s Ludlow Griscom Award for outstanding contributions in regional ornithology.]

 

Sun 10/7             The Meadows, Northampton            7:00AM

Search for sparrows in the Meadows along the Connecticut River. A 3/4-day trip; bring lunch. Meet at the Allendale Shopping Center, Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield. Leader: Chris Blagdon (684-1808).

 

Wed 10/10              Becket Quarry            7:00AM

An autumn walk at the Becket Quarry to look for fall migrants. The trip will end before noon. Meet at McDonald’s in Lee. Leader: Dave St. James

(443-9456, dpstj@bcn.net).

 

Fri 10/12–Mon 10/15              Absecon and Cape May

Join us for this 4-day, 3-night trip to Brigantine NWR and Cape May Point. Make your own reservations. Absecon lodging to be determined. For Cape May, call the Cape Harbor Motor Inn: (609) 884-0018. Leader Chris Blagdon (684-1808).

 

Sun 10/21              Springside Park            7:30AM

Meet at the playground parking lot off North St. (Rte. 7), Pittsfield. We will look for migrating songbirds and sparrows on our walk through a variety of habitats. Leader: Noreen Mole (442-6327, Smole@berkshire.rr.com).

 

Sat 10/27  Berkshire Lakes            8:00/8:30AM

Search for migrating waterfowl on Cheshire, Pontoosuc, and Onota Lakes and Richmond Pond. A 3/4-day trip, bring lunch. Meet at McDonald’s in Lee at 8:00AM or at the Allendale Shopping Center, Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield, at 8:30AM. Leader: Chris Blagdon (684-1808).

 

 

November 2007

 

 

Sun 11/4              61st Bartlett Hendricks Memorial Waterfowl Census            7:30AM

Join the annual census of central Berkshire lakes and wetlands! Meet at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Bring lunch and a scope. Trip ends around 3:00PM. Coordinator: Tom Tyning (442-2165, ttyning@berkshirecc.edu).

 

 

Mon 11/5  Monthly Meeting          7:00PM

Berkshire Life Insurance, 700 South St., Pittsfield

“All About Bluebirds—and More!”

Presentation by John Rogers,

New York State Bluebird Association.

John has fledged more than 11,000 bluebirds.

 

[This quality PowerPoint presentation encompasses the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, nest box management, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, and more. The theme throughout is nature appreciation. The focus is on bluebirds, but John also shares his passion for the natural world in hopes the audience will absorb some broader and deeper messages. He also briefly includes wildflowers, other birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. With visually beautiful photographs, creative graphics, and a sincere, enthusiastic presentation style, this program is of interest to anyone who appreciates nature.

John Rogers has maintained a trail of hundreds of bluebird nest boxes in central NY for decades, and has fledged over 11,000 Eastern Bluebirds. He is a recognized authority on bluebird conservation, and has done slide programs, field trips, and workshops for hundreds of organizations. John was a cofounder of the New York State Bluebird Society in 1982. He is a recipient of the Bluebird Conservation Award from the North American Bluebird Society, and a past board member of that organization. John holds a BA in Biology from SUNY Oswego. An experienced birder, he is active in the Onondaga Audubon Society near Syracuse.]

 

 

Sat 11/10              NW CT Waterfowl Census                        9:00AM

Meet at Bartholomew’s Cobble. Bring lunch and a scope. Trip ends around 2:00PM. Leader: Kate Ryan (528-4355, DivinDucky@aol.com).

 

 

December 2007

 

 

Tues. 12/4 Monthly Meeting          7:00PM

Berkshire Life Insurance, 700 South St., Pittsfield

Members Night and Christmas Count Details.  Bring 10 slides or digital images, and holiday sweets to share. And now’s the time to sign up for the Christmas Bird Count!

 

Sat 12/8              Cape Ann     TBA

All-day trip to Gloucester and Rockport to look for sea ducks and alcids. Bring lunch. Contact Noreen Mole (442-6327, Smole@berkshire.rr.com) or Chris Blagdon (684-1808) for more information.

 

Sat 12/15              Central Berkshire Christmas Count

Join a team and keep the tradition going. Sign up at Members Night, or contact count coordinator Tom Collins (499-2799, tcbirder@nycap.com) for more information. Blizzard date: 12/16.

 

Sat 12/15              North Berkshire Christmas Count

Count species in Williamstown, New Ashford, North Adams, and Adams with members of North Berkshire Audubon. Contact Gary Soucie

(458-0309, wf5f@roadrunner.com) or Pam Weatherbee (458-3538) for more information. Blizzard date: 12/16.

 

 

January 2008

 

 

Because of unpredictable weather and travel conditions, no club meetings are scheduled for January or February. Field trips continue.

 

Tue 1/1              South Berkshire Christmas Count

Join a team and welcome the new year with some winter birding. Contact René Laubach (637-0320, rlaubach@massaudubon.org), count coordinator, to sign up or for more information.

 

Sat 1/12              SE Mass and Buzzards Bay             5:30AM

Join leaders Kathy Mills and Tom Collins in search of wintering waterfowl, loons, grebes, and passerines. Bring lunch and a scope. If you’ll be coming on this trip, please let Tom know (499-2799, tcbirder@nycap.rr.com).

 

Sat 1/19              Breakfast and Winter Birds               7:30AM

Meet at Ozzie’s Restaurant, Maple St., Hinsdale (across from the post office) at 7:30AM for breakfast. We will then look for wintering birds around Ashmere Lake and nearby areas. Mostly roadside birding. Leader Tom Begley (655-0112).

 

 

February 2008

 

 

TBA  Leader’s Choice

Watch the e-mail hotline for details, or contact Tom Collins

(499-2799, tcbirder@nycap.rr.com ) for information.

 

Sat 2/16–Sun 2/17     Winter Coastal Trip               TBA

The club’s annual full-day or overnight trip to Cape Ann, Salisbury Beach, Joppa Flats, and Parker River NWR. Call Chris Blagdon (684-1808) for details.

 

 

March 2008

 

Mon 3/3 Monthly Meeting                7:00PM

Berkshire Life Insurance, 700 South St., Pittsfield

“Alaskan Adventure”

Presentation by longtime club members

Lucy and Dave St. James

 

Sun 3/2              Turners Falls                         7:30AM

Search for wintering gulls and waterfowl. Meet at the Allendale Shopping Center, Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield (near McDonald’s). Bring lunch. Leader: Gael Hurley (281-1017, Gael19@nycap.rr.com).

 

Sat 3/15              Leader’s Choice                     7:00AM

Meet Dave St. James (443-9456, dpstj@bcn.net) at the Berkshire Museum on South St., Pittsfield, to look for signs of spring in Berkshire County.

 

Sun 3/30              Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge Longmeadow, MA            6:30/7:30AM

Half-day trip to search for migrating ducks at this unique refuge. Meet leaders Al and Lois Richardson at the Stebbins Refuge sign at the corner of Bark Haul and Pondside (access off Emerson Rd. from Rte. 5 in Longmeadow) at 7:30AM, or contact Noreen Mole (442-6327, Smole@berkshire.rr.com) to carpool from Pittsfield at 6:30AM.

 

 

April 2008

 

 

Tues 4/1            Monthly Meeting                    7:00PM

Berkshire Life Insurance, 700 South St., Pittsfield

“Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas 2”

Presentation by Mass Audubon’s Joan Walsh, Atlas Coordinator

 

Sun 4/13             Local Lakes and Ponds            8:00AM

Meet at the Allendale Shopping Center, Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield (near McDonald’s), for this half-day trip to some of Berkshire County’s lakes and ponds. We will look for migrating waterfowl. Leader: Gael Hurley (281-1017, Gael19@nycap.rr.com).

 

 

Sat 4/19              Monterey                               7:30AM

Half-day trip to Monterey, including Bob’s Way and Diane’s Trail, to search for early spring migrants. Meet at the Price Chopper parking lot in Great Barrington. Leader: Kate Ryan (528-4355, DivinDucky@aol.com).

 

Sat 4/26              Woodcocks in Flight              6:30PM

Meet at the Price Chopper parking lot on the Pittsfield-Lenox Rd. in Lenox for this early-evening search for displaying woodcocks in Richmond. Leader: Kinney Frelinghuysen (698-2632, Kinney@tkinney.com).

 

 

May 2008

 

 

Fri 5/2  Annual Meeting and Banquet

Join club members at Zucchini’s Restaurant, Pittsfield

5:00PM cocktails; 6:00PM dinner

A brief meeting to elect officers will be followed by

“Peregrines,” a presentation by Thomas French, PhD, and Assistant Director of Massachusetts’ Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Watch your mailbox for the invitation and reservation details.

Reserve early!

 

 

Don’t forget to sign up for the Century Run/Mass Audubon Birdathon!

 

 

Sat 5/3              Clarksburg State Park            7:45/8:00AM

Explore the forests, marshes, and water’s edge of this often-overlooked natural area. Meet Paula Wells (597-2342) and Juliet Flynt (664-9301) at the park entrance on Rte. 8, north of North Adams, or call to caravan from Mass MoCA at 7:45AM.

 

Sun 5/4  Century Run Tune-Up            5:30/6:30AM

Bird Bartholomew’s Cobble and Three Mile Pond to sharpen your skills for the upcoming Century Run/Birdathon. Meet at the Price Chopper parking lot on the Pittsfield-Lenox Rd. at 5:30AM or at the Cobble at 6:30AM. Trip leader: Chris Blagdon

(684-1808).

 

Sun 5/4              Beginners Series (Part 1)            7:00AM

Explore a variety of habitats as spring unfolds. Join leader Ed Neumuth (884-4961, 623-0186, eneumuth@berkshire.net) for this morning trip to several locations in central Berkshire County to monitor changing populations. Emphasis on birding fundamentals for the beginning birder. Meet at the playground parking lot at Springside Park, North St., Pittsfield. Follow-up trips on 5/18 and 6/1.

 

 

Fri 5/9              Mount Auburn Cemetery            5:00AM

All-day trip to this migrant hot spot. Bring lunch. Contact leader Chris Blagdon

(684-1808) for more information.

 

Sat 5/10              Warner Farm/Deer Hill            7:30AM

Search for American Bittern, Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes, Virginia Rail, Cuckoos, and lots more! Meet at the Old Creamery Grocery on Rte. 9 in Cummington. Leader: Charles Quinlan (634-0334). E-mail contact: Matt Kelly peace@vgernet.net.

 

Sun 5/11              Post Farm and Woods Pond            7:00AM

Morning walk in search of spring migrants and rails. Meet at the Price Chopper parking lot on the Pittsfield-Lenox Rd., Lenox. Leader: Gael Hurley (281-1017, Gael19@nycap.rr.com).

 

Fri 5/16–Sat 5/17  Century Run/Mass Audubon Birdathon            TBA

Sign up for one of the Century Run/Birdathon teams to join in the fun and friendly competition. Details and sign-up sheets at the banquet on 5/2, or contact coordinator: Carrie Jones-Birch (458-8166, carriejb_2003@hotmail.com).

 

Sun 5/18              Beginners Series (Part 2)            7:00AM

See 5/4 for details.

 

Fri 5/23              Kent Falls, CT            5:30AM

Join us in search of Cerulean, Worm-Eating, and Hooded Warblers. Bring lunch for this ¾-day trip to River Rd. in Kent Falls, CT. Contact leader Noreen Mole (442-6327, Smole@berkshire.rr.com) for more information.

 

Sun 5/25              A Walk in the Woods            7:00AM

A pleasant morning walk at the Berkshire Natural Resources Council properties in Lanesborough (Fletcher Farm and Constitution Hill). Beginners encouraged. Meet at the Lanesborough post office on Rte. 7. Leader: Noreen Mole (442-6327, Smole@berkshire.rr.com).

 

 

Wed 5/28              Green Mtn. National Forest, VT            6:30AM

Join us for a ¾-day trip to explore Kelly Stand Rd., Somerset Reservoir, and Grout Pond areas. Roadside birding and some light hiking. Bring lunch. Meet at the Allendale Shopping Center, Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield, to carpool. Contact Tom Begley (655-0112) or Noreen Mole (442-6327, Smole@berkshire.rr.com) for more information.

 

Fri 5/30  Hand Hollow Conservation Area and Ooms Pond,

East Chatham, NY             6:45/7:00AM

Two recently opened wonderful birding spots. Bring lunch. Target species: Mourning, Bay-Breasted, Canada, and Blackburnian Warblers; Winter Wren; and American Bittern. Meet Tom Collins at the Pittsfield Plaza, W. Housatonic St., Rte. 20, to carpool at 6:45AM. Contact trip leader Clellie Lynch for more information (518-794-9063, ClellieL@aol.com).

 

Sat 5/31             New Ashford/Mount Greylock            7:00AM

We will walk about 4 miles at a birding pace along a marsh and a wooded stream, all on back roads and trails, and along some limestone cliffs at the base of Mount Greylock. This is territory rarely visited. The terrain is a bit strenuous. Meet at JW Kelly’s Real Estate, Rte. 7, New Ashford. Leader: Matt Kelly (458-3290, peace@vgernet.net).

 

 

June 2008

 

 

Fri 6/6 Picnic and Birding at Pleasant Valley

Pleasant Valley Sanctuary

427 W. Mountain Rd., Lenox

5:00PM birding, 6:00PM picnic

Please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share. Fried chicken and beverages provided.

 

 Sun 6/1              Beginners Series (Part 3)            7:00AM

See 5/4 for details.

 

Sun 6/1              Dorothy Frances Rice Sanctuary            6:30AM

Mourning Warblers are usually seen singing on a hillside here, and the woodland trails and fields offer a good variety of other warblers and songbirds. Meet at the Allendale Shopping Center, Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield. Leaders: Bob Wood and Holly Higinbotham (684-3724, rrwood50@hotmail.com).

 

Wed 6/4             Breeding Birds in Hinsdale            7:00AM

We will look for waterfowl, passerines, and hawks in a variety of habitats, including marsh, woodlands, and fields, bordering the Housatonic River, the Hinsdale swampy “area of critical environmental concern,” and Lake Ashmere. Meet at the Hinsdale town hall parking lot, on the east side of the road, just south of the traffic light on Rte. 8 in the center of Hinsdale. Leader: Lynne Roberson (655-8815, DLRoberson22@cs.com).

 

Sat 6/7              New Marlboro            6:30AM

We will search the back roads and local hot spots for breeding birds. Meet at McDonald’s on Rte. 7 in Great Barrington. For more information, please contact trip leader Brian Faggioni (274-0149, faggioni@verizon.net).

 

Sat 6/7              Greylock Glen Beginners Trip            7:30AM

Search for warblers and other nesting birds. Beginners encouraged. Bring binoculars. Meet at Gould Rd. in Adams. For more information, contact trip leader Katharine Wiencke (458-1846, kwiencke@wildblue.net).

 

Sat 6/14              Tyringham Cobble                6:30AM

Half-day trip to the Cobble. Meet Kate Ryan

(528-4355, DivinDucky@aol.com) at the Cobble parking lot on Jerusalem Rd. in Tyringham.

 

Sun 6/15              Leader’s Choice                     7:00AM

A morning trip to a local area of the leader’s choice. Meet at the Lanesborough mini mall (post office) on Rte. 7. Leader: Noreen Mole (442-6327, Smole@berkshire.rr.com).

 

Wed 6/18              October Mountain                 6:00AM

Meet Dave St. James (443-9456, dpstj@bcn.net) at McDonald’s on Rte. 20 in Lee for this annual trip to October Mountain State Forest.

July 2008

 

The club’s monthly meetings, suspended for the summer, resume in September. Field trips and outings continue through the summer months.

 

August 2008

 

 

8/22–9/4              Evening Nighthawk Watch             5:45PM

Bring a chair, relax, and watch the migration until 7:45PM each evening at the public gardens at 350 Williams St., Pittsfield. Coordinators: Scott and Joan Robinson (637-3408, ssr01240@yahoo.com).

 

 

 

The Hoffmann Bird Club is Berkshire County’s premier ornithological organization. It was established in 1940 with a mission of promoting the study of birds in the county. The club was founded under the auspices of the Berkshire Museum and was named in honor of Ralph Hoffmann, a naturalist born in Berkshire County.

 

Meetings are held from September through May and are open at no charge to anyone interested in birds.

 

Field trips are led by experienced birders, and everyone, including beginners, is welcome. All field trips begin in front of the Berkshire Museum unless otherwise noted. Field trips offer an excellent opportunity to explore firsthand the bountiful nature and natural history of our region.

 

The Marilyn Flor Day Camp Scholarship Fund is sponsored by the Hoffmann Bird Club. An aspiring young local naturalist is the annual recipient.

 

Check www.hoffmannbirdclub.org for updates and more information on field trips and presentations listed in this schedule, along with links to birding-related sites on the Web.

 

Membership in the Hoffmann Bird Club is open to anyone interested in birds and bird study.