Queer Birding in the New Year - Western MA
January 4, 2025 — 2:00 - 4:00 pm ET
Rain date: January 5, 2025
Last day to register: January 2, 2025
What birds will you see in 2025? Start your birding year off with TVOP Volunteer Sam on this low-key afternoon bird walk along the Connecticut River. We’ll scan the river for waterfowl like common goldeneye and hooded mergansers, watch for snow buntings and northern harriers cruising through the fallow farm fields, and maybe even hear a great horned owl hooting away as the sun sets. It’ll be cold (and birders move slowly), so bundle up and bring a thermos of your favorite warming drink. All experience levels are welcome. Binoculars, or other devices to help you see (such as spotting scopes or cameras with a zoom lens), are recommended for this event, but we will have extra pairs to share.
We will be walking 1.8 miles round trip along a flat dirt path overlooking the river. Depending on the weather, the trail may be icy or muddy, so plan on wearing winter boots with good traction.
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’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Hadley area, MA (Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and Nonotuck land)
Parking: Dirt lot with space for around 12 cars. No parking allowed on the shoulder of the road, so carpooling encouraged.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask furry friends to remain home on this adventure.
Meet: January 4, 2025
Hike: 1.8 miles, 43 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: Warm clothing, a wind or rain layer, traction devices like microspikes, warm drinks, water, binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
