Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Birding Along the Ware River Rail Trail, Templeton (8:30 a.m. - mid-day) New Trip!
Starting at Stone Bridge Pond, this out-and-back ~2-mile walk will take us along a segment of the rail trail that runs along the Burnshirt River through mixed forest. This rail trail is unimproved and rough and sandy in spots, but it’s easy, flat walking. We should encounter mixed migratory flocks as well as species here for the upcoming fall and winter. Bring snacks and/or beverages if you like. Note: The walk will be postponed in the event of inclement weather.
Leader: Wendy Howes [warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com]
Pre-register at warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com for meet-up directions and status updates.
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Muddy Brook WMA, Patrill Rd. Parcel, Hardwick (8:30 a.m. - mid-day)
This WMA is being actively managed, as part of a large oak-pine restoration effort by Mass Wildlife, as a barrens habitat. As the management activities, including prescribed burns, alter the landscape, different bird species move in and out of the WMA. We never know what fall migration may bring! Besides passage migrants that are moving through, we could encounter various raptors and several sparrow species.
Bring snacks and/or beverages if you wish. The out-and-back walk of ~2 miles involves short uphill/downhill stretches and some uneven, although cleared, dirt roadway. Note: Foul weather date: Sunday, Sept. 28th
Leader: Wendy Howes
>> Email Wendy at warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com to sign-up and for meeting location details.
Sunday, September 28, 2025 – Sholan Farms, Leominster (morning, 7-11 a.m.)
Sholan Farms is a 169-acre farm owned by the City of Leominster that includes apple orchards, expansive fields, community gardens, and two reservoirs that are great habitats for fall migrating warblers, sparrows and waterfowl.
The walk will be split in two parts, allowing anyone to leave early before we tackle the lengthier and more strenuous part of the walk. We'll first slowly walk through the community gardens on a mostly grassy surface before continuing for about 3 miles on grassy and wooded paths with a short steep hill included. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant Street, Leominster. Please park in the lot across the street from the farmstand. Port-a-potties are available at the parking lot behind the farmstand.
Leader: Jon Skinner [jon@jonrisk.com] (978-894-3698)
Monday, September 29, 2025 – Wayne F. MacCallum WMA, Westborough (morning, 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.)
We will continue our quest for uncommon late-September migrants along the trails and in the fields of this very productive area. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the Lake Chauncy gate at the end of the ball fields, off Lyman St. in Westborough.
Leader: Nick Paulson [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (508-330-4401)
Saturday, October 4, 2025 – Rauscher Farm, Clinton (morning, 7:30-11:30 a.m.)
The diverse habitat of Rauscher Farm and adjacent DCR property includes Clamshell Pond, meadows, a small marsh, power-line cut, and mature oak and hemlock forests. It is an eBird hotspot, with 160 species recorded to date! Please wear footwear appropriate for hiking over rocks and a couple of wet areas. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the parking area, 29 Clamshell Road in Clinton. [GPS: 42.402529, -71.677860].
Leader: David Ammerman [ammsus@comcast.net] (508-930-0356)
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – Hodges Village Dam, Oxford (morning, 7:30 a.m.)
Hodges Village Dam, a 1,200-acre USACE property with forests, wetlands, and ponds, provides habitat for an abundance of permanent-resident species. In mid-September, it is an excellent location for sparrows and migrating warblers. We will walk 2 to 3 miles on the cart road and wooded trails with relatively flat terrain.
Directions: On I-395 South, take Exit 7B (Oxford). Merge onto Sutton Ave., and continue through the traffic light onto Charlton St. In 0.5 mile, turn right on Howarth Rd., and turn right to the entrance of the Dam. Meet at the main parking area, 30 Howarth Rd., Oxford.
Leader: Mary Bayer Caulway [onesadiedog@gmail.com] (508-612-5130)
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – High Ridge WMA, Overlook Rd. Entrance, Westminster (morning, 7:30 a.m.)
We will look for late migrants, new arrivals, and permanent residents. This richly diverse habitat includes old fields, mature woods, and wetland areas. Directions: From Westminster Center, turn right onto Bacon St. Drive 0.6 mile and bear left at the fork onto Overlook Rd. Continue to the parking area before the gate.
Leaders: Gail Cormier and Jay Cormier [energynurse@hotmail.com] (978-895-3318)
Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Quabbin Gate 43, Greenwich Road, Hardwick (9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.) New Trip!
The main part of this walk will be along Hell Huddle Road through mixed forest, ending at the scenic open area of Fishing Gate 3. Before heading down that road, we'll check a small wetland and a small segment of the Reservoir shore. Total walking will be about 3.5 miles. We should find resident "winter" species and may encounter some late shorebirds, ducks, and eagles.
Leader: Wendy Howes
>> Email Wendy at warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com to sign-up and for meeting location details.
Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Delaney WMA (morning, 8 a.m.-12 noon)
Delaney WMA in Bolton/Stow boasts a variety of habitats. A shallow lake, a slow-running stream, and a marsh are bordered by mixed conifer/deciduous forest. Note: There are a couple of areas for which some will want to bring a walking stick. We will walk 2.5 to 3 miles. There are no restrooms on-site.
Meet at the Delaney Project Boat Launch off Harvard Rd. in Stow at 8 a.m.
Leader: David Ammerman [ammsus@comcast.net] (508-930-0356)
Sunday, October 26, 2025 – Wachusett Reservoir Dike Path - Gate 37, Clinton (9 a.m. to noon)
In late October, migrating land birds such as Dickcissel, Lapland Longspur, and other uncommon species have been regularly found in the large fields between the wooded edge and the waters of the Reservoir. We will walk slowly and look carefully for these birds and more.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the dirt parking lot on Route 110/West Boylston St., near the Sterling/Clinton town line.
Leader: Jon Skinner [jon@jonrisk.com] (978-894-3698)
Monday, October 27, 2025 – Wayne F. MacCallum (Westborough) WMA (morning, 7:30-9:30 a.m.)
Uncommon sparrows and other late migrants are often discovered in the fields around Big Chauncy during late October. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Lake Chauncy gate at the end of the ball fields, off Lyman St. in Westborough.
Leader: Nick Paulson [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (508-330-4401)
Friday, October 31, 2025 – Worcester’s Cemeteries on Halloween (8:00 a.m.)
The mature hardwood trees and evergreens in these historic cemeteries are attractive to year-round birds and winter visitors. We will visit Hope Cemetery, Notre Dame near the Curtis Ponds, and All Faiths at Leesville Pond. Meet inside the entrance to Hope Cemetery at 8:00 a.m.
Leader: John Shea [john@beachwells.com] (508-667-1982)
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Quabbin Reservoir, Gate 35, North New Salem/Petersham (7:30 a.m.) New Trip!
We will walk along the wooded shore on the east side of the Reservoir looking for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and late-fall migrants. The round-trip is 4 to 5 miles over shaded, flat terrain. Please bring water and snacks.
Meet at the end of Old North Dana Road at 7:30 a.m. Directions: At 5 miles west of the intersection of Routes 32 and 122 in Petersham, turn sharp left on Old North Dana Rd., proceed ~1 mile to the parking area.
Leader: Tom Pirro [tpirro2012@gmail.com] (978-790-0861)
Sunday, November 2, 2025 – Northborough/Westborough (morning, 7:30 a.m. EST)
We will explore ponds around Northborough and Westborough and the Wildlife Management Area. Meet at the Casta Diva Restaurant parking lot, 35 Solomon Pond Rd. (Exit 30A off I-290 east) in Northborough at
7:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Leader: Nick Paulson [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (508-330-4401)
Monday, November 10, 2025 – Wayne F. MacCallum WMA, Westborough (morning, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.)
Join us for the last of this season’s walks at Lake Chauncy to look for waterfowl, late-migrating land birds, and early winter arrivals. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Chauncy gate at the end of the ball fields, off Lyman St. in Westborough.
Leader: Nick Paulson [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (508-330-4401)
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Birding Worcester’s Ponds (morning, 8:00 a.m.)
Discover some of the beautiful natural ponds within the city where migrating ducks and other waterfowl congregate. Meet inside the entrance to All Faith’s Cemetery at 8:00 a.m. We will drive to other nearby locations.
Leader: John Shea [john@beachwells.com] (508-667-1982)
Sunday, November 23, 2025 – Quabbin Park, Ware (morning, 8:00 a.m.)
Quabbin is a great place for spotting late-fall species, including waterfowl and eagles.
Meet at the parking lot at the Old Ware-Enfield Road Gate off Route 9 in Ware at 8:00 a.m.
Directions: From Route 9 in Ware, drive west approx. 5 miles and turn right onto Old Ware-Enfield Road, just before the entrance to Quabbin Park Cemetery on the left. Meet at the parking lot on the right, before the gate.
Leader: Nick Paulson [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (508-330-4401)
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Birds in Worcester (afternoon)
Start the New Year with Forbush Bird Club! Meet at the entrance to All Faiths Cemetery, 7 Island Road, Worcester, at 12 noon. We will drive to additional locations within the city.
Leader: John Shea [john@beachwells.com] (508-667-1982)
To subscribe to Forbush Bird Club’s email list for trip notifications,
contact Donna Schilling at dschilling15@verizon.net.