Bird Watching: Fall Bird Migration

Fall migration is an exciting time for birds. Billions of birds leave their summer breeding sites for their winter homes in search of food. August through October are peak fall migration months, with some starting as early as late June and others in December. Soaring birds that rely on thermals migrate during the day. Long-distance migratory birds migrate at night and get refueled during the day. Scott Wilson, an avid birder and guide, will lead walks to observe these migrating birds as they return to their winter homes. You will learn about birds' calls and habitats and use Merlin and eBird to identify and record your observations.

Participants should wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for the walk. All trails are relatively flat with the exception of the Bates Land. Please bring binoculars.


Saturday, September 12, 8:00-10:30 AM
Location: 85 Walker Rd, Shirley, MA 01464

Sunday, September 20, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Hawk Migration)
Location: Groton Conservation Trust Bates Land, Old Ayer Road, Groton, MA
* The trail is hilly to the top.

Saturday, October 10, 8:00-10:30 AM
Location: Fitch's Bridge, 480 Pepperell Rd, Groton, MA

Saturday, November 14, 8:00-10:30 AM
Location: Ayer Conservation, 73 Groton-Harvard Rd, Ayer, MA 
* The group may drive to several nearby spots.

Saturday, December 12, 9:00-11:30 AM
Location: Halibut Point State Park, Gott Ave, Rockport, MA
*A state park entrance fee may be required for the December 12 session.


Here is what they are saying about Scott's Bird Watching Programs:

"Scott was very personable and knowledgeable. He made every effort to locate a variety of birds for us! The location had a range of eco systems."

"Scott is informative, personable, and overall a fantastic instructor."

"Great birding class. Scott was wonderful & made the class interesting. We saw lots of rare birds to add to my life list."

Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson

Instructor

Scott Wilson grew up in Connecticut and later moved to Massachusetts to be closer to work as an ABA Therapist. Since then, he has met his lovely wife Jamie and both have gratefully welcomed their daughter Mazie into the world. They are frequently out hiking and enjoying all forms of nature as much as possible. Scott hopes that he can introduce the beauty of birds to those who have limited opportunities.

5 Options
FBM01
Starts Sat, Sep 12th 2026 8:00 - 10:30 AM (EDT)
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Walker Road, Shirley
Price: $20.00 - Walker Road, Shirley Min Age 18 yr.
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Instructors:
  • Scott Wilson
DateTimeLocation
Sat, Sep 12th 2026 8:00 - 10:30 AM (EST) Walker Road, Shirley
Map / Location
Map showing this section's location
FBM02
Starts Sun, Sep 20th 2026 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Price: $20.00 - Groton Conservation Trust Bates Land Min Age 18 yr.
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Instructors:
  • Scott Wilson
DateTimeLocation
Sun, Sep 20th 2026 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Groton Conservation Trust Bates Land
Map / Location
Map showing this section's location
FBM03
Starts Sat, Oct 10th 2026 8:00 - 10:30 AM
Price: $20.00 - Fitch's Bridge Min Age 18 yr.
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Instructors:
  • Scott Wilson
DateTimeLocation
Sat, Oct 10th 2026 8:00 - 10:30 AM Fitch's Bridge Ice Line Trail - Fitch's Pedestrian Bridge
Map / Location
Map showing this section's location
FBM04
Starts Sat, Nov 14th 2026 8:00 - 10:30 AM
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Sa
Ayer Conservation
Price: $20.00 - Ayer Conservation Min Age 18 yr.
Enroll Now
Instructors:
  • Scott Wilson
DateTimeLocation
Sat, Nov 14th 2026 8:00 - 10:30 AM Ayer Conservation
Map / Location
Map showing this section's location
FBM05
Starts Sat, Dec 12th 2026 9:00 - 11:30 AM
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Tu
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Sa
Halibut Point State Park
Price: $30.00 - Halibut Point State Park Min Age 18 yr.
Enroll Now
Instructors:
  • Scott Wilson
DateTimeLocation
Sat, Dec 12th 2026 9:00 - 11:30 AM Halibut Point State Park
Map / Location
Map showing this section's location