Set for May 5-13, Valley Bird Days is sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and is designed to have something for all ages and all levels of birding experience. Events include a free Bird Festival May 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton, with ongoing bird banding, bird viewing, bird art plus live birds of prey presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. A Bluebirds and Bluebird House Building program is set for May 13, 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Hitchcock Center in Amherst. The program is for individuals and families with children ages 10 and up and requires a $20-$35 materials fee. Call 256-6006 to register. Meanwhile, Guided Bird Walks are set for May 7, 7 to 9:30 a.m. at Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, 69 Moody Bridge Road in Hadley (free); May 8 -12, 6:30 -8:30 a.m. at Arcadia ($5 – ages 16 and up, 584-3009 to register); and May 12, 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Montague Plains in Montague (8-$10 – ages 16 and up. 584-3009 to register). Also: Welcome to the Warblers, a walk-and-talk set for May 13, 8 to 10 a.m. at Fort River National Wildlife Refuge in Hadley. (free -pre-registration required – kestreltrust.org).
Ready for a search through the Barton Cove woods on the banks of the Connecticut River in Gill? On May 6, 1 to 4 p.m., families and adults will be hand-carving stamps and using them to leave their marks at a quest box, letterbox and geocache. There are thousands of boxes hidden in sweet spots around the world and the basics of how to get started hunting each type will be shared. (This might be the start of a new way to motivate your family into exploring the Valley’s beautiful natural surroundings.) Walking over a mile on rocky, uneven terrain should be part of the fun. Wear long pants and sleeves and closed-toed shoes to keep yourself safe from bugs and branches. Bring water and snacks. The Barton Cove Treasure Hunt is a free program is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Call to pre-register at 800-859-2960.
The monthly Song & Story Swap hosted by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society promises to be a bit different on May 6. It’s planned as an All-Beatles Acoustic Open Mic, with performers invited to sign up to sing one song by the Beatles (or a former Beatle). Instruments should be of the acoustic variety — guitars, ukes, accordions, sitars, etc. — although electronic keyboards are OK and vocal microphones will be available. Performers are asked to register in advance and may express a preference for a 7 to 8, 8 to 9 or 9 to 10 p.m. time slot (first-come, first-served). facebook.com/events/632499280279218
Using the base materials of clowning, storytelling and movement, Jack Golden transforms his life’s experiences into a fine-tuned comedy-with-tears epic. Called “You Don’t Know Jack,” Golden’s revue draws on his 40 years traveling the country as a performing artist.
It will be performed June 2and3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Shea Theater in Turners Fall. A portion of the $15 admission will benefit the Franklin County Community meals Program. Golden will also present a children’s show — “Garbage Is My Bag” June 4 at 2 p.m., also at the Shea. Adults $10, kids free. eggtoth.org.
— Dan DeNicola