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Ornithological Significance
The wetlands at Stebbins provide breeding habitat for marsh birds and stop-over habitat for migratory waterfowl. During summer and fall the shoreline offers shallows and sandbars for resting and feeding gulls, raptors, shorebirds, and herons. The woodlands and brushy areas provide important habitat for many species of breeding, migratory, and wintering land birds. This site has one of the highest concentrations of breeding Wood Ducks in western Massachusetts, and supports a high diversity of land birds, including 227 regularly occurring species and 49 species that have been recorded at least once. Christmas Bird Counts and spring bird census data have been continuously recorded since 1951.
Key Birding Locations at Stebbins
Stebbins Division Trails
Color-coded trails provide access to riparian wooded areas along the Connecticut River. Habitats include fields, small ponds, brooks, marshes, and floodplain forest. Watch for warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, orioles, flycatchers, and other songbirds, as well as herons, egrets, swallows, and six species of woodpeckers.
Longmeadow Sandbar
During fall migration and low water levels in the Connecticut River, shorebird species may be observed. Geese, ducks, and wading birds are also present at times. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons regularly patrol the river. The sandbar can be viewed from the shore of the river at the end of the trail located at 100 West Rd or from the Longmeadow Riverfront Conservation area further North on Anthony Rd.
West Road Fields
Depending on the season a wide variety of species may be present. In the fall, especially after the fields are flooded, shorebirds, ducks, and geese congregate here. In addition, sparrows are easily observed from West Road feeding on seeds. Winter brings larks, buntings, longspurs, and hawks. Swallows and swifts can be abundant in the springtime.
As Seen at Stebbins
