From Spring Hawk Watch Leader, Mark Morris:
Greetings Hawk Watchers,
It is my pleasure to inform everyone that we have been granted permission to once again conduct the Spring Hawk Watch at Adams Farm. Opening day will be Monday, March 9th and continuing thru Saturday, May 9th, 2026 (always weather permitting). A leader counter will be there generally from 8am to 3pm each day.
I reached out to Chelsea White, one of the owners and managers of Adams Farm, and was pleased with her enthusiasm…the family and staff are looking forward to seeing everyone. I also reached out to Paul Roberts to tell him of the confirmation. He sent me a nice e-mail and shared that the Adams Farm Spring Hawk Watch has become the 2nd largest spring site in New England!!
This is a credit to the interest of the observers who dedicated many hours of their time to the cause. I am touched by this and it is something that, after 4 years of hard work, we can all share in this ACHIEVEMENT!!
Adams Farm is located on 854 Bearsden Rd., Athol, Ma 01331. They are one of a very few federally regulated meat processing locales in New England. This is both wholesale and retail distribution. Their retail store is excellent, delivering products like bacon, 3 pack burgers, and a wide variety of essentials as well as unique products, deli sandwiches, snacks and beverages (please consider supporting this business which has so graciously continue to support our efforts).
The observation site has been between 2 power poles sandwiched between the curb and the fence, looking west, on the delivery road. The electric fence is not active. Parking is a little more involved as we have a 2-3 spots adjacent to the observation area. At the request of the Adams Farm owners, observers should plan to park in the employee parking lot directly across the street from the store. This arrangement prioritizes parking for customers and patrons of the Farm. Absolutely OK to pull up to the observation site and drop off your gear, then park.
Looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces (FROZEN!) again this spring! Always the anticipation of what sightings I’m going to be writing about and hoping for good numbers of ALL of our awesome Raptors! On December 31st while scouting for the Westminister Christmas Count, Ted Purcell and I had a closeup look at an adult Goshawk in Hubbardston! We have not recorded a Goshawk at the Adams Farm Watch since inception. I’m hoping this particular bird pays us a visit!!
Any questions on this year’s watch, send me an e-mail and I will do my best to answer it.
Sending good karma to friend and Site Coordinator Bob Secatore in hopes that he and his Plum Island crew also receive very favorable weather and lots of birds this spring!!
Best Wishes
Mark Morris
Mdmremodeling@gmail.com