Trip Schedule
Subscribers to ArlingtonBirds should look for updates on trips via this listserve. Non-subscribers may consult the archives. 
Beginners are welcome on all trips. Please participate!
There are numerous organizations in our area who run nature trips. Check out their links for more information.

Date to be Determined
Skiing with Binoculars – Great Brook Farm, Carlisle
Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle offers more than 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and some nice birding, so let’s combine the two. There is a trail fee of $12. Equipment rental is available. The date for this trip will be dependent on ski conditions, but will be posted to the Arlington Birds listserv a few days in advance. Meet at the ski barn on Lowell Street. 9:00-11:00AM Alan Ankers

Saturday, February 4
Wintering Birds on the Mystic River and Lakes
Take a two-hour trip along the Upper Mystic River and Mystic Lakes to discover what birds can be found in the middle of winter. Each year hundreds of birds winter on and around the Mystic River and Lakes, as long as open water is available. We'll be looking for raptors, such as a possible eagle or Red-tailed Hawk; and waterfowl, including Common and Hooded Mergansers, and much more. Dress appropriately for the weather, including boots. There will be car pooling and limited walking. Meet in front of West Medford Congregational Church at 400 High Street (Route 60), Medford. Cosponsored by Friends of the Mystic River. Canceled in case of rain or icy conditions; will go in snow. 10:00-12:00AM. Paul Roberts.

Saturday, February 11
Dunback Meadow, Lexington
What can we find in February? Who knows. Let's find out. Meet at the Allen Street entrance at 8:30AM. Marj. Rines

Saturday, February 25
Plum Island in Winter
The winter months are a great time to find Bald Eagles, Snowy Owls, Short-eared Owls, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Shrikes, as well as loons, grebes, and many species of winter ducks. We will carpool around Plum Island and some areas along the Merrimack River. Meet at Parking Lot 1 of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Please note that there is a $5 per vehicle entrance charge unless you have a refuge pass or a Duck Stamp. We will spend time scanning the ocean, so you may want to dress in warm layers. Bring binoculars, a scope if you have one, lunch, water, and snacks. Heavy snow or icy roads will cancel. 9:00AM-2:30PM Janet Kovner and Margie Forbes

Saturday, March 17
Horn Pond, Woburn
It's not too early for Eastern Phoebe, Killdeer, or Turkey Vulture. Horn Pond is a great place to look for any of these, and maybe we'll even find a surprise. Meeting place: Sturgis Street entrance to Horn Pond. 8:00AM Marj. Rines
 
Sunday, March 11
Revere and Winthrop Seabirds
We will be targeting sea birds that we typically do not get inland around Arlington: loons, grebes (especially red-necked), great cormorant, goldeneye, perhaps three species of scoter, long-tailed duck, gulls, and possibly more pelagic species if winds are off the water. We will car pool from the meeting place to various sites. Please contact leader by e-mail if you are coming, being sure to note if you need a ride. Meet at the traffic circle parking at the south end of Revere Beach Boulevard. 9:00AM Karsten Hartel

Sunday, March 25
Carlisle – Greenough Land
Visit one of Carlisle’s lesser-known Conservation Lands to look for lingering winter visitors or the earliest migrants. We’ll also check out vernal pools for herps. Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation http://ccf.unchi.org. Meet at the parking lot opposite 811 Maple Street. 7:30-10:00AM Alan Ankers

Tuesday, April 3
Woodcocks at Dunback Meadow
We will show up at sunset to watch the mating flight of the American Woodcock. With luck we may see an owl hunting as well. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Meet at the Allen St entrance. 7:15-8:00PM Mark Rosenstein

Saturday, April 7
Arlington Reservoir - Ducks and Early Migrants
The Arlington Reservoir is a stopping point for a number of migrating ducks. Join us for a walk around the Reservoir where we should find a good variety of waterfowl and perhaps some early migrants. We’ll make a circuit around the reservoir and check out the edges of the Busa Farm fields to see what we can find. Meet at the playground off of South Rindge Avenue in Lexington (park on the playground side of the street). 8:00-10:00AM Karsten Hartel

Saturday, April 14
Leader’s Choice
It's time for the early spring migrants, and we'll pick the best place to find them. Meeting place and time will be posted to the Arlington Birds listserv at least 24-hours in advance. Marj. Rines

Saturday, April 21
Plum Island in Early Spring
Migrants start to return to Plum Island in early spring and April is a time to see them mingling with those hardy birds that winter on the refuge. Join us to greet the ducks, herons, egrets, songbirds...and wish them a good breeding season. Meet at Parking Lot 1 of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Please bring water and lunch. Please note there is a $5 admission fee for the refuge, unless you have a duck stamp or refuge pass. 9:00AM-2:00PM Ann Gurka and Lew Bushnell

Sunday, April 22
First Warblers at Sandy Beach
It's finally spring, and Sandy Beach is a great place to find those early migrants. Among other possibilities, Pine, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers are almost guaranteed. Meet at the Sandy Beach (now the Charles Shannon Memorial Beach) parking lot on Mystic Valley Parkway in Winchester. 7:30-9:30AM. Renee LaFontaine

Sunday, April 29
Carlisle – Foss Farm
We’ll look for early migrants such as sparrows, swallows, raptors and the first of the warblers in the community gardens and farm fields, including the old piggery that is now part of Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Foundation http://ccf.unchi.org. Meet at Foss Farm parking lot, just west of the bridge over the Concord River on route 225. 7:00-10:00AM Alan Alan Ankers

Sunday, May 6
Arlington Reservoir - Ducks and Early Migrants
The Arlington Reservoir is a stopping point for a number of migrating ducks. Join us for a walk around the Reservoir where we should find a good variety of waterfowl and perhaps some early migrants. We’ll make a circuit around the reservoir and check out the edges of the Busa Farm fields to see what we can find. Meet at the playground off of South Rindge Avenue in Lexington (park on the playground side of the street). 7:00-9:00AM Karsten Hartel

Saturday, May 12
Spring Migration at Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and Watertown is one of the best local spots to view spring migration. Park in the cemetery and meet at the kiosk by the main entrance gate. 7:00-10:00AM Brooke Stevens

Wednesday, May 16
Danehy Park, Cambridge
We’ve done it in the fall, now join us for some spring Urban Birding at Cambridge’s Danehy Park. A small marsh, grasses, and open fields often attract unexpected birds in this setting. Meet at the parking lot at 99 Sherman Street, Cambridge. Sherman Street meets Garden Street and Huron Avenue at the Fire Station intersection. Drive down through the lights at Walden Street and look for a parking lot on the left after the playing field. 7:00-9:00AM. Cancelled if raining. Karsten Hartel

Saturday, May 19
Horn Pond, Woburn
This is prime migration time, and we could find almost anything. Meeting place: Sturgis St. entrance to Horn Pond. 8:00-10:00AM Marj. Rines

Monday, May 28
Breeders and Migrants: Middlesex Fells
In late May the breeders have settled into the Middlesex Fells. We’ll look for Great Crested Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Brown Thrashers and a variety of others. This is also the time of year to catch some late migrant species such as flycatchers. Meet on Playstead Road where it meets Winthrop Street in Medford. Please park on the west side in front of the cemetery. 7:00 AM. Lorraine Kaplan and Renee LaFontaine

See events from other organizations:
Friends of Arlington Great Meadows
Friends of the Middlesex Fells
Friends of Fresh Pond
Friends of Alewife Reservation
Brookline Bird Club