Queer Birding - Western Massachusetts
August 26, 2023 — 9:00 - 12:00 pm ET
Rain date: August 27, 2023
Calling all queer and trans birders! Join TVOP Volunteer Sam (they/them) for a beginner-friendly bird walk along a rail trail in Amherst, MA. In late August, fall migration is just beginning, so we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears peeled for the many herons, swallows, flycatchers, vireos, and warblers that are getting ready to embark on their long journey south. The trail goes through swamp, marsh, forest, and meadow habitats in just a short distance, with many vantage points that promise great views of diverse species. This event is perfect for both the bird-obsessed as well as the bird-curious, and all levels and abilities are welcome—we will learn from each other!
This walk is on a paved, flat, wheelchair-accessible rail trail that is popular among cyclists, birders, and runners. We will move slowly as a group, stopping frequently to observe the birds and other wildlife in the woods and wetlands around us. The large parking lot has two van-accessible parking spaces at the trailhead as well as a portable toilet.
Binoculars are recommended, but feel free to bring whatever equipment you find most comfortable when birding, be they binoculars, a camera, or even just your sharp eyes and ears. Please reach out if you would like to borrow binoculars, as we may have some extra pairs to share.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Amherst area, MA
(Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and Nonotuck lands)
Pets: While we love dogs, we ask you please leave furry friends at home for this event. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: August 26, 2023
Hike: 2 miles, <10 ft elevation gain
Cost: $0-$20 sliding scale
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. Binoculars not required, but recommended!
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in a hike.
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Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
