Queer Birding on the Rail Trail - Massachusetts

​The warblers are coming! Join Sam and your fellow queer birders as we search for migrating songbirds along a rail trail in Amherst, MA. The trail goes through swamp, marsh, and woodland habitats in just a short distance, with many vantage points that promise great views of diverse species. In addition to early warblers, we can expect to see tree swallows, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and more.

​All experience levels are welcome on this beginner-friendly outing. Bring your curiosity, and we will learn from each other! Binoculars are recommended, but feel free to bring whatever equipment you find most comfortable when searching for tiny songbirds in the woods and wetlands. We will have 9 extra pairs of binoculars to share.

​Accessibility: This walk is on a wide (8-10 ft), wheelchair-accessible, asphalt rail trail that is popular among cyclists, birders, and runners. This section is completely flat. We will plan on walking approximately 1 mile round trip (out and back). We will move slowly as a group, stopping frequently to observe the birds around us. There are picnic tables at the trailhead, but otherwise few designated places to sit. The large parking lot has two van-accessible parking spaces at the trailhead as well as a wheelchair-accessible portapotty. The trailhead is 1.4 miles from the closest PVTA bus stop and is directly on the bike path. More detailed information on our meeting location will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.

​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.