Every Thursday Morning Exton Park, Exton, PA
2022-10-20 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-10-27 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-11-03 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-11-10 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-11-17 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-11-24 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-12-01 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-12-08 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) and 73 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
2022-11-13 08:00 - 11:00, 2023-10-22 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 or 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.

Every Thursday Morning Exton Park, Exton, PA - No walk on Thanksgiving
2022-11-24 08:30 - 10:30

Focus on Photography trip: Conowingo Dam, MD
2022-11-27 08:00 - 17:00
For: Photography, eagles, and waterfowl
Place: Parking area below dam, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: John McNamara (484-782-4820, jmckayak@gmail.com)
Note: We will be looking for eagles and other birds in the area with a focus on photography. There will be a short walk of about 1 mile on a flat trail along the river. This trip is weather dependent. Bring lunch; this is an all-day trip.
Directions: Take US Route 1 south over the Conowingo Dam. Turn left at the first road, Shuresville Road and go about 1/2 mile. Make a hard left on Shures Landing Road and go to the parking lot at the end of the road.

The Great Marsh
2022-12-11 08:00 - 11:00, 2023-01-15 08:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-12 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 or 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.

The Great Marsh
2023-03-19 07:00 - 10:30
For: Winter Residents & Early Spring Migrants
Place: 28 Moores Road, Elverson, PA, 7:00 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 or donations at the door. Note that the time has been shifted an hour earlier this month.

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.

eBird101: How and Why to use eBird
2023-04-02 10:00 - 12:00
For: eBird class and walk
Place: Welkinwier, 1368 Prizer Rd, Pottstown, PA, 10:00 a.m.
Leaders: John Mercer (mercer1135@aol.com) and Patty Werth (home: 484-985-8164, day of walk: 215-859-1148, Pattyww@comcast.net)
Note: eBird is a global birdwatching and citizen science project run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that not only contributes to the scientific database, but has become a powerful personal tool that birdwatchers can use to keep track of bird sightings, manage bird lists, photos, and audio recordings, see real-time maps of species distribution, and find places to go birding. This approximately 2-hour program will be divided into two parts. A classroom session will be held first where instructors will help you get started on eBird and go over best practices for using the website and the mobile app. Following that there will be a short birding field trip during which we will practice using eBird, so please bring binoculars if you have them. The classroom portion of this program will take place under an accessible pavilion and will be held rain or shine. If you are planning on using eBird on your phone, please have the mobile app (which is free) downloaded before you arrive. We are expecting to have wifi available during the program, so if you use a laptop you may want to bring that also. Accessible restrooms are available on site.
Meet in the visitor parking lot west of the main entrance.
Note: This is a joint program with Valley Forge Audubon Society, all are welcome.
Directions: Route 100 N towards Pottstown. Turn left on Prizer Rd, Welkinwier will be on the left in about 0.8 miles.
Welkinwier

Chester County Parks Birding Series: #2 – Springton Manor Farm
2023-04-08 08:00 - 11:00
For: Early Spring migrants
Place: 860 Springton Rd, Glenmoore, PA 19343, 8:00 a.m.
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 2023.

Our second location is Springton Manor Farm, part preserve and part farm and home to many types of bird-friendly habitats across its 300 acres. Of note here are centuries-old oak and maple trees, and a thriving Purple Martin colony during the summer.

This trip will cover about 2 miles on rolling natural surface trails and will last approximately 2-3 hours. Restrooms are available on site at the Great Barn, where we will meet.

Directions: Take Rt. 322 West through Guthriesville, take a soft right onto Springton Road at traffic light, Cross Highspire Road, continue .5 miles to park entrance on right.

Springton Manor Farm

Birding by Ear for Beginners, Hibernia Park, Coatesville, PA
2023-04-15 08:00 - 10:30
For: Learning the basics of birding by ear
Place: Parking lot by Pavilion #5 at Hibernia Park, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note: This trip is geared to beginner birders who would like to start to learn how to improve their birding skills by birding by ear. There will be a discussion of the basics followed by a short 0.6 mile walk over even terrain followed by a refresher of the birds heard on the walk. Trip will be between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Directions: From Downingtown, take Route 30 bypass to Reeceville Road exit (Brandywine Hospital). Turn left at end of exit ramp, turn right onto Reeceville Road. Follow Reeceville Road until it crosses Route 82 and becomes Cedar Knoll Road. Follow Cedar Knoll Road to the second park entrance on the left. Turn left. Pavilion 5 is the first pavilion on the left.
Hibernia Park

The Great Marsh
2023-04-23 07:00 - 10:30, 2023-05-21 07:00 - 10:00, 2024-04-14 07:00 - 10:00
For: Spring Migrants
Place: 28 Moores Road, Elverson, PA, 7:00 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 or donations at the door. Note that the time has been shifted an hour earlier this month.
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.

Birding by Ear, Hibernia Park, Coatesville, PA
2023-05-07 08:30 - 12:00
For: More advanced practice at birding by ear
Place: Hibernia Park parking lot by pond on Lion Head Rd., 8:30 a.m.
Leaders: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note: We will walk along the creek to picnic tables where we will review the birds heard, then return. The total walking is about 0.4 miles, but the session can take up to two hours.
Directions: From Downingtown, take Route 30 bypass to Route 82 north (left turn). At the next left, turn onto Route 340 west. Go about 1.5 miles and turn right onto Wagontown Road. Follow Wagontown Road around to Park Road. (Be careful, at one point it seems Wagontown ends in a tee, but it continues to the right. Turn right onto Lyons Head Drive (between the pillars with lion faces on them.) Follow Lyons Head Drive until you see the pond on the right, the parking area is after the pond.
Hibernia Park

Chambers Lake, Chester County, PA
2023-05-09 08:00 - 11:00
For: Summer residents, butterflies, etc.
Place: Chambers Lake parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders:
Note: Trip is an approximately two- to three-hour walk covering about 2 miles with some moderate hills.
Directions: Take the Rt. 30 by-pass to the exit for Rt. 82. At end of the ramp go left and proceed to the first light. A Turkey Hill market should be on the left. Make a left at this light which should be Rt. 340. Follow Rt. 340, West Kings Highway about 2.1 miles. Turn right on Wagontown Rd. Stay on Wagontown Rd. until you get to Chambers Lake.
Chambers Lake

Chester County Parks Birding Series: #3 – Nottingham
2023-05-13 08:00 - 11:00
For: Spring migrants
Place: 150 Park Rd, Nottingham, PA 19362, 8:00 a.m.
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 2023.

The site for the 3rd park in our series, Nottingham County Park boasts some of the most unique natural features in the park system. Located in southern Chester County near the Maryland border, this 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 outing will cover 1-2 miles on gently sloping natural surface trails and will last approximately 2-3 hours. Restrooms are available on site at the park office, where we will meet.

Nottingham Park

Chester County Parks Birding Series: #4 – Hibernia
2023-06-04 08:00 - 10:30
For: Summer residents
Place: Pavilion #4, 1 Park Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Kris Debolt and Peter Wade (215-219-5637, wadedeb@verizon.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 2023.

Our 4th location is Hibernia County Park, home to woods, fields, and the 94-acre Chambers Lake. We will meander through the park’s various habitats searching land, water, and sky for passerines, waterfowl, raptors, and more.

This outing will cover about 2 miles on earthen trails and will last approximately 2-3 hours. Restrooms are available on site at pavilion #4, where we will meet.

Directions: From Downingtown, take Route 30 bypass west to exit for Route 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

Every Thursday Morning Exton Park, Exton, PA-Canceled Due to Poor Air Quality
2023-06-08 08:30 - 10:30

The Great Marsh
2023-06-25 07:00 - 10:00
For: Summer Residents
Place: 28 Moores Road, Elverson, PA, 7:00 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 or donations at the door. Note that the time has been shifted an hour earlier this month.

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.

WCBC Annual Summer Picnic
2023-07-08 18:00 - 21:00
For: Good times!
Place: 100 Hadfield Road, Downingtown, PA, 6:00 p.m.
Host: Sandy Moser (610-269-8124, semoser@yahoo.com )
Note: Covered dish picnic. Bring food to share, tableware and lawn chair.
Call or email Sandy if you plan to attend.
Directions: From Route 30, go North on Route 340 until Rt. 340 turns left and Bondsville Rd. goes left (340 is Bailey Rd.) Take Bondsville Road past Bondsville Mills Park. At the next intersection, Bondsville Rd. goes right and Hadfield Rd is straight across. Sandy’s place is on the corner on the left side of Hadfield Rd. On the right side is a grassy area inside of a low stone wall. Go to the end of the wall, turn into the grassy area to park. From Route 322, turn south on Bondsville Rd. Turn right onto Hadfield RD. where Bondsville takes a left turn, park behind the wall.

Chester County Parks Birding Series: #5 – Exton Park
2023-07-11 07:30 - 09:30
For: Summer Residents
Place: 132 Church Farm Ln, Exton, PA 19341, 7:30 a.m.
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 2023.

For the 5th location in our 2023 birding tour of Chester County’s Parks, we will visit Exton Park, one of the most heavily birded locations in the county. Come before work or camp or chores and join us to watch the early birds catch their worms.

This outing will cover 1-2 miles on natural surface trails and will last approximately 2 hours.

Restrooms are available on site at the Chester Valley Trail trailhead parking area, where we will meet.

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 then take the first left onto Church Farm Lane. The road dead ends at the parking lot for the Chester Valley Trail trailhead, where we will meet.

Chester Valley Trail
Exton Park

Bicknell’s Thrush, Vermont Boreal Specialties & Maine Coast
2023-07-18 13:00 - 2023-07-23 12:00
For: Bicknell’s Thrush, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, coastal alcids, and (hopefully) pelagics.
Place: TBD
Leaders: Michael Blust (802-345-8612, mhblust@gmail.com)
Note1: The primary target for this trip is the Bicknell’s Thrush. We will join banders from The Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) atop Mt. Mansfield on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning to hopefully see this thrush in the wild and in the hand. Following this we head to the northeast area of Vermont, known as the Northeast Kingdom, to try for any boreal specialties that may still be evident despite it being mid-breeding season when they tend to be quieter. Moose Bog will be our place of focus. Finally we head to the coast of Maine for breeding birds such as Common Eider and Black Guillemot . If the schedule works out we will do a whale-watch/pelagic trip with the possibility of seeing Atlantic Puffins, shearwaters, and other near-coastal pelagics.
Note2: This trip will be limited to 10 participants. Early registration with the leader is important. If you are interested in doing this trip, even if you are not sure, please let the leader 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 any if you decide to go last minute.
Directions: TBD
Bicknell’s Thrush
Moose Bog
Maine Birding Trail: Pelagics and Whales

Chester County Parks Birding Series: #6 – Black Rock Sanctuary
2023-08-25 18:00 - 20:00
For: Summer Residents
Place: 953 Black Rock Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460, 6:00 p.m.
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 2023.
Visiting the 6th park in the series, Black Rock Sanctuary, in the evening gives us the opportunity not only to observe birds that are settling in for the night, but also to watch for those that are just getting started. For example, this is the time of the year that common nighthawks can often be seen swooping through the skies at dusk, and young eastern screech owls are learning to sing. Our partnership with Chester County Parks and Preservation allows us to be in the park beyond closing time for this field trip, much of which will take place on the paved loop trail which is fully accessible to those with mobility challenges.
This outing will cover about a mile on paved and natural surface trails and will last approximately 2 hours. A portable restroom is available on site.
Black Rock Sanctuary

Bucktoe Common Nighthawk Watch, Kennett Square, PA
2023-08-27 17:00 - 20:00
For: Migrating Nighthawks
Place: Bucktoe Preserve parking lot, Kennett Square, PA, 5:00 p.m.
Leader: Larry Lewis – Early Bird Tours (484-340-7672, earlybirdtours@comcast.net)
Note: The Bucktoe Common Nighthawk watch goes from Aug 23 to September 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring picnic dinner and drinks and enjoy the show.
Directions: From Kennett Square, take Union Street south of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a left. The entrance is on the left at 432 Sharp Road. Look for the “BCP” sign. Upon entering driveway, make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see. Follow gravel road to the pavilion and parking area.
Bucktoe Preserve

Chester County Parks Birding Series: #7 – Warwick
2023-09-10 08:00 - 11:00
For: Fall migrants
Place: 191 County Park Rd, Pottstown 19465, 8:00 a.m.
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 2023.

Our 2023 Chester County Parks birding series ends at Warwick County Park in northern Chester County. With meadows, wetlands, forest, and a section of the beautiful French Creek, birds abound! Fall migration will be underway and it’s a wonderful time to get out and observe what birds are moving through our area as well as well as those that stay year-round. Join us.

This field trip will cover 1-2 miles on mainly flat (and possibly muddy) earthen trails and will last approximately 2-3 hours. Meet at the parking lot below the park office. Modern restrooms are available on site.

Directions: From the intersection of Routes 100 and 23, proceed west on Rout 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.

Warwick Park

The Great Marsh
2023-09-10 08:00 - 11:00
For: Summer Residents and Early 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 info@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 or donations at the door. Note that the time has been shifted an hour later this month.

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.

Turkey Point, Elk Neck State Park, North East, MD
2023-09-19 08:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Parking lot at end of Route 272, MD, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Armas Hill (302-529-1876, Armas@focusonnature.com)
Note: A walk to Turkey Point in Elk Neck State Park, 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 back to the parking lot around noon. Afternoon birding may be available if people wish to continue. There is a bathroom by the lighthouse.
Directions: Route 95 south to Maryland Route 272 south which takes you right to the parking lot.
Elk Neck State Park
Turkey Point Lighthouse

Cape May, Cape May, NJ
2023-09-30 07:30 - 2023-10-01 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 (610-458-5616, 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

River of Raptors - Veracruz, Mexico with Pronatura
2023-10-10 - 2023-10-20
For: Raptors especially the migration of Swainson’s Hawks plus local and migrating birds of Central Mexico.
Leaders: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note1: The primary target of this trip is to view the amazing raptor migration in Veracruz, Mexico. This is the count site for the “River of Raptors”, the largest raptor migration in the world. Swainson’s Hawks make up the majority of the migrants but many other hawk species will be moving with them. Besides going to the hawk watches, local guides from Pronatura (the nonprofit that runs the raptor counts in Veracruz) will take us to several other locations to find birds. Some of these are Juan Angel beach, Villa Rica Lagoon, the Quiahuixtlan ruins, Highlands of Perote, and Las Barrancas, a grassland and wetlands. A visit to the Museum of Anthropology of Xalapa and boat trip on la Antigua river are included. Some of the birds that may be found include Aplomado Falcon, Blue Mockingbird, Bearded Wood-partridge, Blue-capped Motmot, Green Jay, Elegant Euphonia, Red Warbler, Golden-browed Warbler, Crescent-chested Warbler, Lucifer Hummingbird, Mexican Violetear, Mountain Trogon, Olivaceus Woodcreeper, Black-headed Nightingale Thrush, Yellow Headed Parrot, Lineated Woodpecker and Canivet’s Emerald.
Note2: This trip will be limited to 12 participants and has a minimum of 6 participants. Costs will be dependent on the number of participants. Early registration with the leader is important. If you are interested in doing this trip, even if you are not sure, please let the leader 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 any if you decide to go last minute.
Note3: Price range estimate. The price includes hotels, food and drinks except alcohol and transportation. It does not include tips for the guides, driver or maids if you are so inclined. Needless to say, I would like to get this to 10 people, it is a fantastic trip, that you can learn more about on May 1 when I give my presentation Veracruz, The River of Raptors with Hawk Mountain to the WCBC. If you have any interest in raptors, this is a trip you should do at least once in your lifetime.
10-12 people Single: $2900, Double $2700
8-9 people: Single 3500 Double $3300
6-7 people: Single $4700 Double $4400
The Veracruz River of Raptors Success Story
Veracruz River of Raptors

The Great Marsh
2023-11-12 08:00 - 11:00, 2023-12-17 08:00 - 11:00, 2024-01-21 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 our 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.

The Great Marsh
2024-02-18 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 our 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.

The Great Marsh - Woodcock (and Rail) Sit-NOTE DATE HAS CHANGED
2024-03-10 18:30 - 19:30
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 donations are always welcome via our Paypal, Venmo, or cash donations at the door.
Note: Come join us to enjoy an evening to observe one of the highlights of early spring migration. American Woodcock will be showing off their dazzling mating displays. 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!
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 a donation of $5 is suggested. 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.

Waterfowl of Western Chester County, Marsh Creek State Park
2024-03-16 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. Covid protocols apply, please confirm attendance and bring your mask.
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

Beginner Bird Walk at Okehocking Preserve, Chester County, PA
2024-04-07 08:00 - 12:00
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
2024-04-10 08:30 - 12:00
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

Chester County Parks Birding Series: #1 - Warwick County Park
2024-04-13 08:00 - 10:00
For: Early spring migrants such as Louisiana Waterthrush
Place: 191 County Park Rd., 8:00 a.m.
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.
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.

Struble Lake and Marsh Creek State Park, PA
2024-04-15 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

Binky Lee Preserve, Chester County, PA
2024-04-20 08:00 - 12:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Natural Lands’ Binky Lee Preserve at 1445 Pikeland Road in Chester Springs, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Luc Jacobs (484-706-1999, jacobsluc52@yahoo.com)
Note: This will be a 3 to 4 hour walk covering about 2.5 miles with a decent grade at one point. We will be looking for resident and migrating birds including Bobolinks, Yellow-breasted Chats and sparrows in grass fields and shaded woodland paths.
Directions: Call or email the leader for directions or use the link below. The Google Maps coordinates are: 40.095808, -75.603413.
Binky Lee Preserve

Stroud Preserve, Chester County, PA
2024-04-23 08:00 - 11:00
For: Spring migrants, butterflies, etc.
Place: Stroud Preserve parking lot, 8:00 a.m.

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

Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve, Vincentown, NJ
2024-04-27 09:00 - 13:00
For: Prairie, Prothonotary, Pine and Hooded Warblers
Place: At Preserve at 9:00 a.m or Carpool from Painter’s Crossing departing at 7:15 a.m.
Leaders: Lois Bryman (610-399-4613, lbryman25@gmail.com)

Note1: This trip is a 4.2 mile walk over flat terrain. There are no bathrooms in the park, but plan to stop at Wawa (route 70 and Eyrestown road, 15 min from destination) on the way. Expect ticks and dress accordingly. Bring binoculars, snack, lunch, and plenty of water. We will head over to Brendan T. Byrne State Forest for picnic lunch. Restrooms available.
Directions: 449 Sooy Place Road, Tabernacle, NJ 08088) – approx. 39.864386, -74.612776 – just west of Johnson Place Rd. Park in the pull-off on the side of the road. We will meet at kiosk marking park entrance. Find information and map on website below,

Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve

ChesLen Preserve (formerly Embreeville County Park), PA
2024-04-28 08:00 - 11:00
For: Early migrants
Place: Newlin Township Maintenance Building, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Judy Ford (610-486-6061, 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. This is a half-day trip.
Cheslen Preserve
Newlin Township Building map
