Birding Walk/Hike with Mike 11/21/2026

Join us for a guided bird hike in the Blue Hills led by Mike, an experienced birder and longtime wildlife professional. A self-described juvenile-onset birder, Mike brings a lifelong passion for birds and the natural world, along with extensive experience in conservation and field biology.

Mike currently volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary and co-leads bird walks with both the Boston Nature Center and the Brookline Bird Club. He has also worked as a fish and wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and as an endangered shorebird biologist with Mass Natural Heritage and the National Park Service on Outer Cape Cod. His work and volunteer efforts span a wide range of ecological interests, including birds, native plants, pollinators, reptiles, amphibians, and vernal pool organisms.

The small parking area provides access to a vernal pool and the Skyline Trail via a moderately difficult side trail with a relatively gentle gradient leading toward the Norm Smith Environmental Education Center.

This hike will focus on observing and identifying birds while exploring the diverse habitats of the Blue Hills. Participants can expect a relaxed pace with frequent stops for birding, making this a great opportunity for both beginners and more experienced birders.

Come ready to learn, explore, and connect with the natural world through birding in one of the region’s most beautiful landscapes.

By signing up for the hike you agree to the waiver below.

Release and Assumption of Risk: I would like to participate in the hike (the “Hike”) organized by the Friends of the Blue Hills (“Friends”). I am aware that participation in a Friends’ Hike involves risk, including, but not limited to, the hazards of walking on rocky terrain, possible interaction with wildlife and physical exertion. I hereby state that I am physically capable of participating in the Hike. I also agree to comply with all DCR rules and regulations. Therefore, notwithstanding the risks of participating in the Hike set forth and as described above, and in consideration of the Friends: 1) I AGREE TO ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HIKE; AND 2) I HEREBY RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE AND COVENANT AND AGREE NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS, THE FRIENDS AND ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “RELEASEES”), AND EACH OF THE RELEASEES, FROM AND AGAINST AND IN REGARD TO ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, SUITS, LOSSES, COSTS, DAMAGES, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ATTORNEYS’ FEES), AND ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF EVERY KIND AND DESCRIPTION, WHICH I SHALL OR MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES OR ANY ONE OR MORE OF THEM ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, MY PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT. I agree that this release and Assumption of Risk shall be (a) binding upon me and my heirs, executors, legal representatives, successors, and assigns, and (b) deemed a contract made under seal under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of said Commonwealth without regard to its principles of conflict of laws. Photo release: I hereby grant permission to Friends of the Blue Hills to use photographs and/or video taken of me and any minor participant(s) who will accompany me at this event in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications related to the mission of Friends of the Blue Hills.