Every Thursday Morning Exton Park, Exton, PA
2025-01-23 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-01-30 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-02-06 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-02-13 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-02-20 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-02-27 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-03-06 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-03-13 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) and 55 more dates
For: Seasonal birds
Place: Exton Park, 8:30 a.m.
Leader: Various leaders in conjunction with Friends of Exton Park
Note: Formerly known as Church Farm Pond and now a part of Exton Park, this pond and surrounding wetland had been a popular birding spot for years.
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 Road and park in the gravel parking lot on your left where the perimeter trail starts. This is a 1.5 mile walk and will take between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Exton Park

The Great Marsh
2025-02-16 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-14 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-11 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-22 08:00 - 11:00
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.

Waterfowl of John Heinz NWR, Philadelphia, PA
2025-03-01 08:30 - 11:30
For: Winter residents
Place: John Heinz NWR, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153 (NOT the Rt 420 access), 8:30 a.m.
Leaders: Dorothy Bedford (609-658-1894, db@bt9.org), and Patty and John Werth (home: 484-985-8164, day of walk: 215 859-1148, Pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: This is a walking outing. The impoundment at JHNWR is a celebrated winter waterfowl destination providing forage adjacent to the Delaware River. Unlike most other WCBC waterfowl trips, it is ALL WALKING. The Wetland Loop is 3.5 miles and is expected to take 3 hours if we do the entire loop (although last year there was so much to see we only covered 1.7 miles, to the observation tower and back). More refuge information at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john-heinz-tinicum/visit-us. This is a joint walk with Valley Forge Audubon Society.

Evening Woodcock Walk, Marsh Creek State Park, PA
2025-03-02 17:30 - 18:30
For: Waterfowl & American Woodcock
Place: Main parking lot on west (Lyndell) side of Marsh Creek State Park at 5:30 p.m.
Leader: Barry Blust (610-996-7913, barryblust@comcast.net)
Note: Please park down towards the water so as to not disturb the woodcocks in their display area.

The Great Marsh
2025-03-09 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-15 08:00 - 11:00
For: Winter Residents & Early Spring Migrants
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.

Chester County Parks Birding Series - Hibernia Park
2025-04-12 08:00 - 11:00
For: Spring migrants and resident birds
Place: 1 Park Rd, Coatesville, PA, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com), Patty & John Werth (pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: This outing will cover about 2 miles and will last approximately 2-3 hours. There is a modern restroom at the park office where we will meet. This field trip is a collaboration between WCBC and Valley Forge Audubon Society.
Directions: We will meet at the park office near the mansion off of Park Rd.
Hibernia Park

The Great Marsh
2025-04-13 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-19 08:00 - 11:00
For: Spring Migrants
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.

Stroud Preserve, Chester County, PA
2025-04-22 08:00 - 12:00
For: Spring migrants, butterflies, etc.
Place: Stroud Preserve parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Lois Bryman (610-399-4613, lbryman25@gmail.com)
Note: Trip is an approximately two- to three-hour walk covering about 2 miles with some moderate hills.
Directions: From West Chester, take Route 162 west for about 2 miles and turn left onto North Creek Road. The parking lot is on the right.
Stroud Preserve

National Go Birding Day Walk, East Whiteland Township, PA
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Valley Creek Park, 361 N. Morehall Road, Malvern, 10:00 a.m.
Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Flyer:

.

Chester County Parks Birding Series - Nottingham County Park
2025-05-18 08:00 - 11:00
For: For breeding birds such as Yellow-breasted Chat and Prairie Warbler
Place: 150 Park Rd., Nottingham, PA 8:00 a.m.
Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com), Patty & John Werth (pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: Nottingham County Park protects a globally rare ecosystem comprised of serpentine rock, oak-pine barrens, savannahs, prairies and many unique plants, which in turn harbor a wide variety of birds, some of which reliably breed here but very few other places in the county. This walk will cover 1-2 miles on gently sloping natural surface trails and will last approximately 2-3 hours. Modern restrooms are available on site at the park office. This field trip is a collaboration between WCBC and Valley Forge Audubon Society.
Directions: Turn left as you enter the park. We will meet in the first large parking area just beyond the park office.
Nottingham Park

Hibernia County Park, Coatesville, PA
2025-05-31 08:00 - 12:00
For: Local Birds
Place: Pavilion 4 Lot 790 Cedar Knoll Rd.
Leaders: Kris Debolt and Peter Wade (215-219-5637, wadedeb@verizon.net )
Note: 3 hr. trip, about 2 miles in mostly flat field or hard dirt paths
Directions: From Downingtown, take the Rt. 30 Bypass west, to exit for Rt. 82 north. Exit ramp, go left on Rt. 82 to the top of the hill then take a left onto Cedar Knoll Rd. Proceed about 1.9 miles to second park entrance on left, #790. DO NOT go to #720 which is the first entrance to the park.
Hibernia Park

Sullivan County, PA
2025-06-13 13:00 - 2025-06-15 12:00
For: Warblers, Sandhill Cranes, Whip-poor-will and other upstate specialties
Place: Hotel Dushore, Friday, 1:00 p.m to Sunday 12:00 p.m.
Leaders: Armas Hill (302-529-1876, Armas@focusonnature.com) and John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note: This is a two-night trip, with accommodations at Hotel Dushore. The rooms will be roughly $160 per night. We will meet Friday at the hotel at 1:00pm, bird part of the day Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday until noon. We have rooms for 8 people tentatively reserved. Some rooms have two twin beds so people can share to save costs, but most have only one queen, so we will be limited in the number of participants. Early registration with the leaders is important. If you are interested in doing this trip, even if you are not sure, please let the leaders know as soon as possible so we save the correct number and mix of rooms before they sell out. There is time to cancel the reservations if you change your mind but may not be a chance to add a room if you decide to go last minute. Once at the Hotel, we will try to carpool if feasible.
Directions: From Interstate Route 80, take 42 north to Route 220 to Dushore Hotel.
Hotel Dushore

Chester County Parks Birding Series: Springton Manor Farm
2025-06-22 08:00 - 12:00
For: Purple martins and breeding birds
Place: Springton Manor Farm
Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com), Patty & John Werth (pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: The Chester County Parks system’s 300-acre Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore is part preserve and part farm and home to many types of bird-friendly habitats. Of special note here are centuries-old oak and maple trees as well as thriving Purple Martin and Barn Swallow colonies during the summer.
Directions: 860 Springton Rd, Glenmoore, PA 19343. Meet at the parking lot at the end of the park road, by the big barn.
Springton-Manor-Farm

Chester County Parks Birding Series: Hibernia County Park
2025-07-13 18:30 - 21:00
For: Evening birding
Place: Hibernia County Park at Chambers Lake
Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com), Patty & John Werth (pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: Enjoy an end-of-the-day bird walk with Park Ranger Rita Mounayar on the less-travelled trails of Hibernia Park starting from Chambers Lake.
Directions: Meet at the Chambers Lake parking lot: 214 Wagontown Rd, Coatesville, 19320
Hibernia Park

The Great Marsh
2025-07-27 08:00 - 11:00
For: Summer 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.

Chester County Parks Birding Series: TBD
2025-08-07 17:59
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

Chester County Parks Birding Series: Warwick County Park
2025-08-17 08:00 - 12:00
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.

The Great Marsh
2025-08-24 08:00 - 11:00
For: Summer Residents & Early Migrants
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.

Ramsey Road, Wilmington, DE
2025-09-11 17:16
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Parking lot off of Ramsey Rd., 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Carol Majors (484-883-8311, carolmajors@gmail.com)
Note: A walk along the Brandywine Creek in Delaware. The walk is about 2 miles over fairly even terrain with one stream crossing.
Directions: Route 202 South to Rt. 92 just over the state line. Turn right onto Route 92 then follow it as it turns to the left. Then take the first right on to Ramsey Rd. Look for the parking area on the right. In GPS, navigate to Ramsey’s Farm, Ramsey Road, Wilmington, DE The parking lot is across the street from the entrance.

Turkey Point, Elk Neck State Park, North East, MD
2025-09-16 07:30 - 12:00
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

The Great Marsh
2025-09-21 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-12 08:00 - 11:00
For: Late Summer Residents & Fall Migrants
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.

Rose Tree Hawk Watch
2025-09-21 09:00 - 16:00
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.

Shaw's Bridge Park, West Chester, PA
2025-09-23 07:30 - 09:30
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

Crow's Nest Preserve, Elverson, PA
2025-09-27 08:30 - 11:00
For: Seasonal Birds
Place: Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, PA, 19520, 8:30 a.m.
Leader: Rhoda McNitt (610-213-0713, rhodamcnitt@verizon.com)
Note: We will explore the Creek and Chief’s Grove Trail. This will be a 2.5-mile trip with moderate walking. We will be looking for seasonal birds.
Directions: Park at the Visitor’s Center.
Crow’s Nest Preserve

Cape May, Cape May, NJ
2025-10-04 07:30 - 2025-10-05 17:00
For: Fall migrants, warblers, shorebirds and waterfowl
Place for Saturday: Cape May Point State Park Lighthouse parking lot, 7:30 a.m.
Place for Sunday: Higbee Beach parking lot, 7:00 a.m.
Leaders: Barry Blust (610-996-7913, barryblust@comcast.net)
Note: Contact Barry for details. Please make your own reservations if you plan on staying overnight.
Note: This trip involves considerable walking, 2 to 4 miles each day, over relatively flat terrain, but some walking in sand will be involved. Please join us both days or either day.
Cape May Bird Observatory
Cape May Point State Park

Chester County Parks Birding Series - Wolf's Hollow
2025-10-11 08:00 - 11:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: 1399 Schoff Rd, Atglen, PA 19310, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com), Patty and John Werth (pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: Paths are both earthen and paved and gently rolling. We will travel 1-2 miles over 2-3 hours. There is a portable restroom on site. This field trip is a collaboration between WCBC and VFAS.
Directions: Go west on Strasburg Road to Parkesburg, then south on 10 to Highland Drive. Turn right and go 3.4 miles to the intersection with Schoff Rd, then turn right on Schoff and go 1 mile to the park entrance on the right.
Wolf’s Hollow Park

Waterloo Mills Preserve, Devon, PA
2025-10-15 08:00 - 10:00
For: Migrants, local fall birds and sparrows
Place: Waterloo Mills Preserve, Devon, PA, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Kevin Fryberger (Natural Resource Manager for Brandywine Conservancy, kfryberger@brandywine.org)
Note: Kevin will give a brief introduction about the property and lead us around this beautiful private preserve of 170 acres in the heart of the Main Line. It contains wildflower meadows, marshes, mature woods and over a mile of the meandering Darby Creek. The preserve is owned by the Brandywine Conservancy. It will be an easy 2 mile walk and we’ll be especially looking for late fall migrants and sparrows, with a possible chance for Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Directions: GPS coordinates of the entrance on South Waterloo Road: (40.0248571, -75.4186609). Drive carefully down the narrow gravel road for about 1000 feet and you will reach the parking lot.

Barrett's Meadow, Thornbury Township, PA
2025-10-18 08:30 - 10:30
For: Migrating and local birds
Place: Barrett’s Meadow, 8:30 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

E.B. Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR, NJ
2025-10-25 08:30 - 17:00
For: Shorebirds, herons
Place: Forsythe NWR Headquarters, 8:30 a.m.
Leaders: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note: Meet at Forsythe at 8:30 a.m. Minimal walking involved. Bring a lunch, this is an all-day trip. Carpooling will be from Painter’s Crossing. We will leave at 7:00a.m.
Directions: Call leader for trip details, carpooling and directions.
E.B. Forsythe NWR, NJ

Valley Forge Park - Pawlings Farm Area
2025-11-08 08:30 - 11:00
For: Migrants and local fall birds
Place: Parking area below dam, 8:30 a.m.
Leader: Rick Wolf (610-933-6414, randewolf@icloud.com)
Note: We will explore some of the fields looking for fall residents and migrants. This will be a 2.5-hour trip with moderate walking.
Directions: From Route 202, take 252 north about 2.5 miles to Route 23. Turn left on Route 23. Go about 1.5 miles, turn right on Ferry Lane, then right on Pawlings Road. Go about 1 mile, turn right at Pawlings Farm sign. Park on lot after farm house.

The Great Marsh
2025-11-09 08:00 - 11:00
For: Fall Migrants & Early 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.

Shaw's Bridge Park, West Chester, PA
2025-11-11 07:30 - 09:30
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 port-a-potty there.
Shaw’s Bridge Park

Chester County Parks Birding Series - Black Rock Sanctuary
2025-11-15 08:00 - 10:00
For: Fall Residents
Place: 953 Black Rock Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note: This outing will cover about 1-2 miles through woods and fields and will last approximately 2 hours. A portable restroom is available on site. This field trip is a collaboration between WCBC and Valley Forge Audubon Society.
Directions: From Route 202N take route 29 towards Phoenixville. Turn left on to Main Street. After crossing the bridge, turn Right on High then left on Dayton Street which becomes Route 113. Follow Rt. 113 to Park on right side.
Black Rock Sanctuary

George Lorimer Nature Preserve, Malvern, PA
2025-12-06 08:00 - 11:00
For: Vireos, warblers and other passerines
Place: Lorimer Preserve parking lot, 1379-1529 N. Valley Road, Malvern, 8:30 a.m.
Leaders: Sue Vanasse (484-459-4189, hsvanasse@verizon.net)
Note: The preserve has almost 88 acres of open space with trails through meadows and woodlands. This will be approximately a 1.5 mile walk and should take about 2.5 hours. There is parking but no bathrooms on site.
Directions: From West Chester, take 202 North to the 252 Paoli exit. Turn left onto Swedesford Road and continue for 1.2 miles. Turn right onto North Valley Road. The entrance is in a quarter of a mile on the right.
George Lorimer Preserve

Waterfowl of Western Chester County, Marsh Creek State Park
2025-12-07 08:00 - 17:00
For: Migrants & residents
Place: Marsh Creek State Park, Park Road parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Dorothy Bedford (609-658-1894, db@bt9.org)
Note: We will start out at Marsh Creek State Park and continue to Struble Lake, Chambers Lake, Coatesville Reservoir and other birding areas, ending up back at Marsh Creek. Bring lunch, this is an all-day trip. Minimal walking involved.
Directions: The park is located 2 miles west of Eagle Village off of PA 100. The address is 675 Park Road, Downingtown, PA. Meet at the main parking lot by the (closed) snack bar.
Marsh Creek State Park

Elverson Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-19
For: Winter residents
Place: Assigned territories, Friday, any time from midnight to midnight.
Coordinators: Jim Cook (610-587-7545, jim@elversonsupply.net)
Note: Contact coordinator early for questions or to let him know of your interest so that sector assignments and leaders can be identified.

West Chester Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-20
For: Winter Residents
Place: Assigned territories, any time Saturday, from midnight to midnight.
Coordinator: Merle Tanis (973-271-0464, Merlet146@gmail.com)
Note: Contact coordinator early for questions or to let her know of your interest so that sector assignments and leaders can be identified.

Valley Forge Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-27
For: Winter residents
Place: Assigned territories, Saturday, any time from midnight to midnight.
Coordinator: Vincent Smith (484-410-1157, nyctea34@aol.com)
Note: This annual event includes teams of birders surveying eleven sections within a prescribed 15-mile diameter circle, the center of which is the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. Beginning and experienced birders are welcome. Section leaders will notify past participants. New volunteers please register by Dec. 17 to be assigned to a team.

Western Chester County Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-28
For: Winter residents
Place: Assigned territories, Sunday, any time from midnight to midnight.
Coordinator: Larry Lewis (484-340-7672, earlybirdtours@comcast.net)
Note: Contact coordinator early for questions or to let him know of your interest so that sector assignments and leaders can be identified.

French Creek State Park
2026-01-03 08:30 - 12:00
For: Winter Residents
Place: French Creek State Park, 843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA, 8:30 a.m.
Leaders: Patty and John Werth (home: 484-985-8164, day of walk: 215-859-1148, Pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: We will travel a route that keeps us primarily on paved trails and roads. Heated restrooms are located nearby. This is a joint walk with WCBC and VFAS.
Directions: From West Chester, take Hwy 100 north to Ludwigs Corner. Turn left on Conestoga Rd. Turn right on Route 345, follow the many twists and turns of Rt 345 to a left onto S. Entrance Road. Turn right onto Park Rd and park at the Playground parking lot behind the office.

Barnegat Light S.P. and E.B. Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR, NJ
2026-01-11 08:15 - 17:00
For: Harlequins, eiders, loons and other waterfowl
Place: Barnegat Light State Park. Meet at Barngegat Light Borough Hall, 8:15 a.m.
Leader: Dorothy Bedford (609-658-1894, db@bt9.org)
Note: There will be a walk of about 1.5 miles between the dunes to observe the end of the jetty. Brigantine is a fee area (per car); bring your National Park Service “Eagle Pass”. Bring lunch, this is an all-day trip.
Directions: Meet at Barnegat Light Borough Hall, 10 E 7th St, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006. Follow NJ Route 72 onto Long Beach Island. Turn left onto Long Beach Island Blvd. Go about 7 miles to 7th Street on right. Please make a rest-stop at Wawa, 370 NJ Rt 72, Manahawkin (approach from East Bay Ave. Plan 30 minutes to Barnegat Light from Wawa). Forsythe NWR Visitor Center address: you MUST use 800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway NJ or Google will steer you 30 miles wrong.
Carpooling: If so, meet at Gateway Shopping Center, 125 Swedesford Road, Wayne (junction of 202 and 252). Departure time is 5:45 a.m. (Estimated return no later than 5 p.m.)
Barnegat Light
EBForsythe

Marsh Creek State Park
2026-01-21 08:30 - 11:00
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

Exton Park, Exton PA
2026-01-24 08:30 - 10:30
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

Bombay Hook NWR and North
2026-01-31 07:00 - 17:00
For: Waterfowl and other late winter visitors
Place: Painters Crossing, 7:00 a.m.
Leaders: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note: Minimal walking involved. Bring lunch, this is an all-day trip.
Directions: Meet at NWR, 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977 at 8:30 a.m. Do not leave the HQ; depending on birding on Whitehall Neck Rd, we may arrive to the HQ after 8:30. Please contact leader if you will meet the group at Bombay Hook. We will bird Bombay Hook and head north to various spots in Delaware.
Carpooling: Meet at Painters Crossing, PA, on the northwest corner of Routes 1 and 202. Departure time: 7:00 a.m.
Bombay Hook NWR

Bryn Coed Preserve
2026-02-08 08:30 - 12:00
For: Winter Residents
Place: Bryn Coed Preserve, 1869 Flint Rd, Chester Springs, PA 19425
Leaders: Kristen Cooney and Patty 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. This walk is NOT in conjunction with Valley Forge Audubon Society and is advertised only on the WCBC field trips list.
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.

The Great Backyard Bird Count
2026-02-14
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. 13 to 16, only lists for Feb. 14 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.

Walnut Lane Park/The Mill at Anselma
2026-03-07 08:30 - 12:00
For: Winter Residents
Place: Walnut Lane Park, 8:30am.
Leaders: Patty and John Werth (home: 484-985-8164, day of walk: 215-859-1148, Pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: Meet at the parking lot for Walnut Lane Park. After walking that park, we will move next door to The Mill at Anselma
Directions: Walnut Lane is just off Route 401 in Chester Springs, about ¼ mile south of The Mill at Anselma

The Great Marsh - Woodcock (and Rail) Sit
2026-03-08 18:30 - 20:00
For: Woodcock and possibly Virginia Rail
Place: 28 Moores Road, Elverson, PA, 6:30 p.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 a donation of $5 is suggested. Donate through Paypal, Venmo, or make a cash donation at the door.

Note: Enjoy an evening to observe one of the highlights of early spring migration. American Woodcock will be showing off their dazzling mating displays at dusk. Oh, and a good possibility of singing Virginia Rails as well! American Woodcock are known for their elaborate courtship displays. Males will venture out into open areas after sunset and set up a display area. Birds will initially call out with their “peent” calls to announce their presence to other Woodcock. Males will then take flight circling up to 100 meters high with a combination of specialized wings creating a twittering sound as well as vocal chirping. Birds then descend in a rapid circling motion to land in the exact spot they started from. Displays can last as long as 30 minutes.

Please arrive promptly and bring a chair so you can relax and see the show! RSVP to lori@greatmarshinstitute.org to attend. This will enable us to communicate about any weather-related changes and plan for the full number of attendees.

This event is hosted by the Great Marsh Institute, a non-profit with the mission of supporting scientific studies and educational opportunities for all! For full trip details see here. Conditions could be muddy and 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.

Cedar Hollow Preserve
2026-03-28 08:00 - 10:00
For: Early Spring migrants and residents
Place: Cedar Hollow Preserve Park Road parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Tracey & Bryan O’Leary (610-888-2225, boleary0072@yahoo.com))
Note: This walk will take between 1.5 and 2 hours through meadows, forests, wetlands, and streams. There are NO bathrooms.
Directions: From Rt 202, take a right on Matthews Drive, a right on S Morehall Rd and then a right on E. Swedesford Road, turn left on Church Road to parking lot on right.
Cedar Hollow Preserve

Waterfowl of Western Chester County, Marsh Creek State Park - NEW DATE
2026-03-29 08:00 - 17:00

Beginner Bird Walk at Okehocking Preserve
2026-04-05 08:00 - 11:00
For: Local birds and early migrants
Place: Okehocking Preserve parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Bob Murray (610-644-5440, rmurraymmi@gmail.com)
Note: Trip is an approximately two- to three-hour walk covering about 2 miles with some moderate hills.
Directions: From West Chester, take Route 3 East. After passing Route 926, at the next light (DelChester Road) make a u-turn and come back to the Okehocking Parking lot.
Okehocking Preserve

Westtown Lake, PA
2026-04-08 08:30 - 11:30
For: Wildflowers and migrating and resident birds
Place: Westtown School cabin parking lot, 8:30am.
Leaders: Tim and Janny Sterrett (484-678-8528, timsterrett@gmail.com)
Note: This is a half-day trip. This is a walk that will cover about 2 miles over some hilly areas and take around 3 hours.
Directions: From West Chester, follow Route 3 east to Westtown Way road, turn right. Take the next left, follow Walnut Hill Road until you see Westtown School entrance. Turn right then park in first parking lot on the right.
Westtown School

Struble Lake and Marsh Creek State Park, PA
2026-04-15 08:00 - 12:00
For: Waterfowl, snipe
Place: Struble Lake Parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Jim Russell (610-399-1580, jrussell73@verizon.net)
Note: This is a half day trip. There is minimal walking involved.
Directions: From Downingtown, take Route 322 west about 7 miles then take a slight right onto Chestnut Tree Road (after Sunoco gas tanks.) In about 3 miles bear left at stop sign onto Morgantown Road. The parking area for Struble Lake is 0.5 miles on the left.
Struble Lake
Marsh Creek State Park

History and Birds - Rapp’s Dam Trailhead, Chester County, PA
2026-04-18 08:00 - 12:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Parking lot on 1123 Rapp’s Dam Rd.
Leader: Rick Wolf (610-933-6414, randewolf@icloud.com)
Note: We will walk approximately 2 level miles along French Creek looking for migrating & resident birds in addition to learning about the rich history of the immediate area.
Directions: Take route 113 to Rapps Dam Road for 1/4 mile to the trail head or email or call leader for directions or use the link below.
East Pikeland Township Building

Stroud Preserve, Chester County, PA
2026-04-21 08:00 - 11:00
For: Spring migrants, butterflies, etc.
Place: Stroud Preserve parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Barry Blust (610-996-7913, barryblust@comcast.net)
Note: Trip is an approximately two- to three-hour walk covering about 2 miles with some moderate hills.
Directions: From West Chester, take Route 162 west for about 2 miles and turn left onto North Creek Road. The parking lot is on the right.
Stroud Preserve

Binky Lee Preserve, Chester County, PA
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Park at Binky Lee Preserve, 1445 Pikeland Road in Chester Springs, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Luc Jacobs (484-706-1999, jacobsluc52@yahoo.com)
Note: This will be a 2 to 3 hour walk covering about 2.5 miles with a decent grade at one point. We will be looking for resident and migrating birds in grass fields, shaded woodland paths and swampy areas.
Directions: Call or email the leader for directions or use the link below.
Binky Lee Preserve

ChesLen Preserve (formerly Embreeville County Park), PA
2026-04-26 08:00 - 11:00
For: Early migrants
Place: Newlin Township Maintenance Building, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Judy Ford (484-682-7748, RareJBird@verizon.net) and Mike Gardner (484-880-7083, birdnerd@zoominternet.net)
Note: Approximately 3 hours, walking over mostly flat, marshy terrain, about 1-2 miles. Waterproof boots or shoes a must.
Directions: The Newlin Twp Bldg parking lot (1751 Embreeville Rd Coatesville PA 19320) is west of West Chester, on PA Rte 162, directly across from the marsh.
Cheslen Preserve
Newlin Township Building map
