Join us for Saw-whet Owls! Berkshire Bird Observatory is monitoring owl migration this fall and we welcome visitors to join us in the field for a chance to view these secretive little creatures up-close—and even get a chance to hold them upon release!
We ask people who attend owl banding to consider donating to BBO to support our local non-profit. We depend on your generous support to carry out our conservation mission—thank you!
Our owl monitoring season runs from October 15 through the first week of November 2026.
We ask that people attend only one night of owl banding per season to allow as many people as possible to experience these extraordinary birds. We limit the number of people visiting our owl station to ~15 per night.
I will confirm with attendees through email the day before each owl banding session. Please plan on attending on the date you select—but look for the weather confirmation email.
Again, if the weather does not cooperate, you will have a chance to re-register. These sessions fill up quickly though. We try very hard to get as many people out for these extraordinary owls as possible.
When?: Nightly, mid-October through early November
Event Address: Jug End State Reservation, Egremont MA
Join BBO this 2026 fall season to witness the spectacle of songbird migration up close!From Warblers to Woodcock, BBO's team of banders catch migrating birds and collect data on their population dynamics and movement patterns throughout the fall. Hang out with our crew and see a wide variety of fantastic birds in-the-hand while experiencing the science of migration monitoring. We welcome your company!
Please select one morning session you want to join us for. Public sessions begin at 7:30 AM and end by 10 AM. Visitors can arrive and leave any time within this timeframe, though we encounter more birds earlier in the morning. Getting to our field station requires a 1/4 mile gentle hike with a couple of steeper hills.
Banding is weather-dependent. Ben will follow-up with a confirmation email the day before each banding session with information on what to bring and where to find us.
BBO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that depends on donor support to carry out our conservation work and connect people with the birds we love. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our website.
Dates: Select one date from the list below.
Time: Public sessions start at 7:30 AM and end by 10:00 AM.
Event Address: Jug End State Reservation, Egremont, MA
Contact us at: ben@berkshirebirds.org
Find us online: www.berkshirebirds.org
Follow us on instagram and facebook @berkshire_bird_observatory
Ben Nickley, of Berkshire Bird Observatory, leads a weekly bird walk right in the town of Great Barrington. Come explore GBLC's wonderful Riverfront Trail with us in pursuit of birds while enjoying the onset of spring in good company.
Our Spring Bird Walk series will run from April through May. Our group meets outside the Berkshire Food Co-op at 5:00 PM each Tuesday. Learn to find, identify and more fully appreciate our migratory and resident birds on these community bird walks. Meet other wonderful people while exploring outside together! Bring binoculars if you have them--if not, we can share. Everyone is welcome! Beginners are especially encouraged to join.
These bird walks are free and open to all. Please consider supporting BBO's nonprofit work by making a donation here.
Event date/time: Every Tuesday at 5:00 PM (April through May 2026)
Event Address: Berkshire Food Co-op, 34 Bridge St, Great Barrington, MA 01230Contact us at: ben@berkshirebirds.org
Check out our bird conservation projects online: www.berkshirebirds.org
Follow us on instagram and facebook @berkshire_bird_observatory
In collaboration with Great Barrington Land Conservancy (GBLC) and Berkshire Food Co-op
Please choose the date(s) you would like to participate in. Feel free to show up any date, even if you didn't register for that day.
Join us on Earth Day 2026 for a special night! We will join together in the remaining minutes of twilight to witness the exuberant flights of the American Woodcock. Whether you have seen this spectacular springtime display or not, all are welcome to take in the spectacle of the sky dance!
Consider contributing to BBO during this Earth Day event to help us further our conservation mission. Thank you!
When: April 22nd at 7:45 PM
Where: Thomas and Palmer Brook Reserve (Reserve 305 State Rd Great Barrington, MA 01230 US)
Attendance limited: register today!
