Field Trips

For: Local birds

Place: 191 County Park Rd. Pottstown, PA

Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com), Patty & John Werth (pattyww@comcast.net)

Note: The Chester County Parks system has seven wonderful parks which provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.  Join us as we explore all seven of the parks, one per month, in 2024 & 2025.
 
The 535-acre Warwick County Park in northern Chester County includes dense hardwood forest, wetlands, meadows, and riparian areas along a section of French Creek, an "exceptional value" stream. This diversity provides excellent habitat for birds. This 1.5 to 2 hour walk on mainly flat (and possibly muddy) terrain on unpaved trails will cover approximately 2 miles. A modern restroom is on site. This walk is a collaboration of WCBC and Valley Forge Audubon Society.
 
Directions: From the intersection of Routes 100 and 23, proceed west on Route 23 for 3.4 miles. Turn left onto County Park Road (entrance is somewhat hidden) and continue 0.3 miles to the entrance to Warwick County Park, on the left. Follow the drive to the last parking lot on the left.

For: Migrating and local birds

Place: Barrett's Meadow, 8:00 a.m.

Leader:  John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)

Note: Plenty of parking, no restrooms though. This will be a walk for Thornbury township open to all, especially beginners. This spot can be good for fall sparrows. It is only about 1 mile of easy although sometimes wet walking.

Directions: At the corner of Creek Road and Tanguy Road in Cheyney, PA

For: Migrants and resident birds

Place: TBD

Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com), Patty & John Werth (pattyww@comcast.net)

Note: The Chester County Parks system has seven wonderful parks which provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.  Join us as we explore all seven of the parks, one per month, in 2024 & 2025.

Directions: TBD

For: Migrants and resident birds

Place: Royal Farms at the junction of US Route 40 & MD Route 781. On the eastern side of Elkton, on the north side of Route 40, 7:30 a.m.

Leader: Armas Hill (302-529-1876, Armas@focusonnature.com)

Note: A walk to the marsh and other habitats at Elk Landing, the Elk River Park, and then to the Elk Neck State Forest including the arboretum. Lastly to the Elk Neck State Park, at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, one of the best places in the Mid-Atlantic for bird migration in the late summer and fall. Mostly songbirds and raptors. The walk should be completed around noon, and afternoon birding may be available if people wish to continue. If so, bring a lunch. There is a bathroom in the state park.

Directions: Route 95 south to Delaware 896 south. Turn right on Rt. 40 to the parking lot at the intersection of Rts. 40 and 781.

Elk Neck State Park
Turkey Point Lighthouse

For: Migrating hawks, hopefully Broadwings will be coming through

Place: Rose Tree Park, Media, PA, 9:00 a.m.

Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)

Note: I will be there from 9 to 4, stop by any time to see the hawk watch and what we do.  If you get lucky, you can be there when the Broadwings pass through; this is the time when they are coming through. Bring along a chair, sunscreen, and a lunch if you plan on spending some time there.

Directions: Rose Tree Park is on Route 252, just north of the intersection with Route 1. The watch is at the Gazebo near the south entrance of the park.

For: Seasonal Birds

Place: Shaw's Bridge Park at 274 S. Creek Road, West Chester, PA.

Leaders: Mary Bryant (mbryantvmd@gmail.com)

Note: We will explore the trail looking for seasonal birds. This walk is about 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours.

Directions: Park at lot; there is a porta-potty there.

Shaw's Bridge Park