Birding Western Massachusetts: A Habitat Guide to 26 Great Birding Sites from the Berkshires to the Quabbin

Birding Western Massachusetts features over 26 great birding locations in Western Massachusetts. Every site has been chosen either for diversity and volume of bird life, or for its unique and rare birds. All sites are easily accessible and open to the public year-round. Whether you are an avid birder looking for specific birds, or a casual nature enthusiast with an interest in seeing different kinds of birds, this guide will provide you with everything you need to make every birding experience a success.

Author Robert tougias presents a "habitat" approach to birding, showing how to use the awareness of habitat to find birds. With mountains, meadows, rivers, and reservoirs, a wide variety of habitats exists in western Massachusetts--from sub-alpine conditions to pitch pine scrubland. Within each habitat, a unique set of birds can be found. And what a variety! There are over 100 different birds nesting in western Massachusetts, and as many as 300 different birds are recorded annually through the seasons. Few people realize the ideal situation of such a large variety of birds, together with a large number of easily accessible places in which to view them. It is a winning combination for every birder at every level to enjoy. This guide allows you to seize this opportunity in an easy, userfriendly way.

Birding Western Massachusetts is written in a readable style that motivates the reader and helps ensure a productive birding day afield. It describes precise locations and seasons where rare and abundant species may be found. By carefully selecting the sites, you have the opportunity to see everything from eagles to songbirds to rare owls, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Also revealed are the best sites and times for viewing the numerous southern and northern species that migrate regularly through this region. The challenge of finding and identifying birds is made easier with trail maps, site directions, illustrations (by the author), information on bird identification and birding techniques, as well as the unique Quick Locator Reference, enabling you to quickly find the best sites for any bird. This guide will soon make better birders out of each reader.