Field Trips

For: Introduction to birding

Place: Malvern Library Parking Lot, 10:30 a.m.

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

Note: We will start this beginner bird walk by learning how to use binoculars. We will then take a walk to Randolph Woods looking for birds and talking about how to go about starting the hobby of birding. The walk will be about 2.5 miles long and take 2-3 hours.  Please bring binoculars if you have them.

This walk is in conjunction with the Malvern library.

Directions: Meet at the Malvern Library at 1 E. First Avenue, Malvern.

For: Winter Residents

Place: 28 Moores Road, Elverson, PA, 8:00 a.m.

Leader: Mike Coulter. If you plan to attend please email the Great Marsh Institute at lori@greatmarshinstitute.org to let them know to expect you. This will help them to organize and keep groups small. This event is free but donations are always welcome via Paypal, Venmo, or cash donations at the door.

Note: Join local birding expert Mike Coulter as he guides us through the Great Marsh, an ancient periglacial marsh and the largest marsh in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

This event is hosted by the Great Marsh Institute, a non-profit with the mission of supporting scientific studies and educational opportunities for all! This event is free, but donations of any amount are welcome to support the Institute! For full trip details see here. This will be about a 3 hour walk. Conditions could be muddy and very wet so wear appropriate footwear.

Please note that the property is private but you can always visit during our planned trips.

Directions: The marsh is off of Rt. 401 four miles northwest of Rt. 100 at Ludwig's Corner. Lat/Long = 40.127651, -75.767697 or use 28 Moores Road for GPS directions. Meet at the grassy parking area at the top of the hill near 28 Moores Road. Once you turn off of Rt. 401 on to Moore's Road proceed 1/4 mile along the gravel road. You will cross a bridge and at the 1/4 mile mark make a right up the hill on the paved part of the drive. This is the first right after the bridge. At the top of the hill you should see other cars parked in the meeting area.

For: Seasonal Birds

Place: Exton Park, Exton, PA 8:30 a.m.

Leader: Bryan & Tracey O'Leary (610-888-2225, boleary0072@yahoo.com)

Note: This is a 1.5 mile walk and will take between 1.5 and 2 hours. Public bathrooms are available.

Directions: From the intersection of Routes 30 and 202, drive west along Route 30 and turn right on Valley Creek Blvd.  At the end of the road, make a left on Swedesford Rd. and park in the gravel parking lot on your left where the perimeter trail starts.

Exton Park

For: Winter Residents

Place: Bryn Coed Preserve, 1869 Flint Rd, Chester Springs, PA 19425

Leaders: Patty and John Werth (home 484-985-8164, day of walk: 215-859-1148, Pattyww@comcast.net)

Note: Trails are earthen on rolling hills and depending on weather conditions may be muddy and slippery. Good footwear is a must.

Directions: From West Chester, take Hwy 100 N to 113N to left on Kimberton Rd for 1.1 miles to left on Flint Rd for 0.7 miles to parking lot on right.

For: Winter residents

Place: Your feeders and your yard, all day.

Coordinator: Carol Majors (484-883-8311, carolmajors@gmail.com)

Note: Count birds at your feeder, in your yard or any site of your choosing.  Although the bird count is Feb. 14 to 17, only lists for Feb. 15 will be counted in the report. Input data into eBird.org and send to coordinator. All results must be sent to Carol by February 27. For more information, see website at Great Backyard Bird Count.

For: Winter Residents

Place: 700 Park Rd, Downingtown, PA, 8:30 a.m.

Leader: Patty and John Werth (home: 484-985-8164, day of walk: 215-859-1148, Pattyww@comcast.net)

Note: Meet at the boat house parking lot. Walk will be about 1 mile. This is a joint walk with WCBC and VFAS.

Directions: Take Rt 100 to Park Rd. Boat House is at end of the road.

Marsh Creek State Park