Barrett's Meadow, Thornbury Township, PA
2025-10-18 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
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

Perched on the Edge: Birds of Newfoundland & Labrador
2025-10-20 19:30 - 21:30
Jared Clarke
Join us for an overview of birds & birding at the eastern edge of Canada & North America. From spectacular seabird colonies to lush boreal forests and puffins to warblers, Newfoundland & Labrador offers a unique blend of habitats and a wide diversity of birds – along with may other natural and cultural highlights to enjoy along the way.

Jared Clarke grew up on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age, mostly by his grandfathers. Always a nature enthusiast, he became interested in birds while working for a local conservation group. Jared soon became one of the most avid birders in the province. Despite his “official” training as a health researcher (Ph.D. Medicine), his love of nature and sharing it with others increasingly led him astray. He currently runs a small bird and nature tour business, called Bird•The•Rock, and routinely leads trips at home and abroad for various tour companies. You can follow his adventures at www.birdtherock.com.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

Every Thursday Morning Exton Park, Exton, PA
2025-10-23 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-30 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-06 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-13 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-20 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-04 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-11 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-18 08:30 - 10:30 and 38 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

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

Bird migration in the Anthropocene: Opportunities and Challenges Defining the State of the Art in Studying Bird Movements
2025-11-03 19:30 - 21:30
Andrew Farnsworth
BirdCast is a collaborative project that employs the expertises of computer scientists and ornithologists to harness the power of big data to study movements of birds and, more broadly, capture the spectacle of bird migration. I will be speaking about monitoring bird migration with data collected by citizen scientists and the US weather surveillance radar network to forecast where, when, and how many birds will migrate and to observe these movements in near real-time at a continental scale. I will discuss magnitudes and extents of migration, challenges of monitoring birds’ nocturnal movements at scales relevant to their biology, and ways we use radar to remotely sense interconnected patterns in time and space. Birds truly represent dynamic and global communities, and recent trends in methods and analyses showcase what may be the future of bird migration research and conservation to study birds’ complex roles in terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic systems. In the age of big data and observation, the potential of what remains for us to learn is inspiring.

Andrew Farnsworth is a Visiting Scientist in the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Andrew began birding at age 5 and quickly developed his long-standing fascinations with bird migration. His current research applies remote sensing technologies, including weather surveillance radar, audio and video recording and monitoring tools, citizen science datasets, and machine learning techniques, to study bird movements. Andrew received his BS in Natural Resources from Cornell, MS in Zoology from Clemson University, and PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University. He lives in New York, NY with his wife Patti and two daughters Aja and Elle. Andrew is also active in his family foundation, whose mission includes support for climate change education, promoting women’s health and rights, children’s education, and land conservation. He is also a musician when time and space allow.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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

Ecological Sustainability in West Chester Borough
2025-11-17 19:30 - 21:30
Will Williams – Sustainability Director – Borough of West Chester
Mr. Williams will present on past, present, and future projects, initiatives, and policy related to ecological sustainability and habitat restoration in the borough. Will is a Chester County native and avid birder, who lived in West Chester for 12 years and worked for the borough for six. Recent additions to his lifelist include a Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Delaware, a Cerulean Warbler in Chadds Ford, and a Great Tit in Morocco.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

Return to the Sky: the Reintroduction of Bald Eagles
2025-12-01 19:30 - 21:30
Tina Morris
As the bald eagle, our national symbol, was facing extinction in the continental U.S. in 1976, Tina Morris was beginning her graduate work at Cornell University. By luck and circumstance, she was selected to reintroduce the species into New York State in the hope that eagles could repopulate eastern North America. Young, female, with no experience, she faced the challenges of saving this iconic bird while striving for acceptance in the unfamiliar male-dominated world of raptor biology. Playing mother to seven eagles forced her to transcend the isolation of field research to rescue an endangered species while in turn rescuing herself.

Tina completed her graduate work in ornithology and wildlife biology at Cornell in 1978, writing her thesis on the adaptations of hacking techniques to reintroduce bald eagles. Following her studies at Cornell, she worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy for several years, focusing on endangered species and critical habitat conservation, before embarking on a 23-year career teaching English and biology. Since her retirement in 2020, she has devoted her time to her own writing, especially creative non-fiction with a science or nature focus. Thirty years ago, with four children in tow, Tina and her husband bought a farm in northern Massachusetts, which they manage as a wildlife sanctuary, promoting biodiversity and habitat protection for species in decline.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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

The Great Marsh
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.

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.

For the Love of Bluebirds
2026-01-05 19:30 - 21:30
Nancy Fraim
Nancy’s presentation covers all aspects of a bluebird’s life during the year and how we can help them survive and thrive. It includes everything from identifying a bluebird, to nesting behaviors, as well as how to attract and protect them. The power point is filled with many photos and video clips which she had taken throughout her years as monitor. Lots of tips and tricks will be presented for not only bluebirds but other cavity nesters too.

Nancy Fraim taught elementary students for 39 years. After retiring, Nancy became Chester County Coordinator for the Bluebird Society of PA, a Board member and Membership Chair. She shares her bluebird knowledge on BSP’s Facebook page and gives many talks to schools and organizations.
Nancy and her husband live in Downingtown.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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

Pennsylvania Bird Conservation
2026-02-02 19:30 - 21:30
Sean Murphy
The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Recovery Division is charged with the conservation and management of all protected birds and mammals. From managing Threatened and Endangered species to coordinating statewide surveys, the agency has a wide range of avian projects with an equally wide range of partners. The presentation will highlight recent accomplishments, the agency’s role in bird conservation in Pennsylvania, and upcoming opportunities to support and help.

Sean joined the Wildlife Recovery Division of the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 2019 and leads the Protected Birds Section. A Pittsburgh native, he received a Bachelor of Science from Penn State and Ph.D. from the City University of New York. Before joining, he worked as a Wildlife Biologist for a few NGOs (in Massachusetts) and the U.S. Geological Survey (in Oregon). He currently lives in the Harrisburg area and spends most of his free time with his family and coaching youth soccer.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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.

Food Supplementation Increases Reproductive Performance of Ospreys in the Lower Chesapeake Bay
2026-03-02 19:30 - 21:30
Michael Academia
Michael Academia, a recent M.Sc. graduate from the William & Mary Biology Department. He believes the “Chesapeake Bay is an ecological treasure and should be treated as such for the next generations. We have the world’s largest breeding population of ospreys and our Chesapeake Bay population should be conserved as our stronghold.” Michael won the prestigious William Andersen Award at the 2022 International Raptor Research Conference for his research involving ospreys and the localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Lower Chesapeake Bay. This recognition is very special to Michael and reflects his hard work and dedication to ospreys, the fish they depend on, and the environments in which they thrive.

Michael conducted his studies as part of the Center for Conservation Biology. The Center has been focused on osprey research since 1970 and over the past 50 years generations of graduate students have worked with ospreys. The collective and substantial work of these students provides insight into the response of ospreys to changing menhaden availability. Currently, Michael’s manuscript is in the peer review process and will be featured in the Journal of Raptor Research. He is also active in harvest policy procedures to enact change based on the scientific evidence gathered.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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.

The Great Marsh
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.

The Red-tailed Hawk Project: What We Do and Don't Know About a Common but Incredible Hawk
2026-03-16 19:30 - 21:30
Bryce Robinson
In this presentation, Bryce will outline the work of the Red-tailed Hawk Project, including many stories of surprising things the working group has learned in their investigation into the unknowns of this common species.

Bryce W. Robinson is postdoctoral researcher at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where his research focuses on the evolution of diversity in the Red-tailed Hawk. As part of this work, Bryce co-created and leads the Red-tailed Hawk Project, a working group that aims to fill knowledge gaps in our understanding of the life history and evolution of the species. Additionally, Bryce is an ornithological illustrator whose work has been featured in scientific papers, on journal covers, and in logos for organizations and events. To learn more about the Red-tailed Hawk Project, visit www.redtailedhawkproject.org.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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

Northern Peru, Upland and the Amazon Basin
2026-04-06 19:30 - 21:30
John McNamara
WCBC member John McNamara will tell us about his travels in northern Peru.

John is a long-time member of the WCBC who is a serious bird photographer. He can often be seen on club trips providing advice to participants on the use of their optics.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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

The Great Marsh
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.

Birding the Lower Rio Grande of Texas - From South Padre Island to Falcon Dam
2026-04-20 19:30 - 21:30
John McFarland
John & Karen were volunteers at Santa Ana NWR along the Rio Grande in Texas, October – December 2024. In that time period and through various bird guides, they got to know many of the hot spots of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. This presentation will showcase many of the specialties of this area and give you insight on how you too can easily bird this unique region.

John & Karen have been avid birders for over 25 years. They retired about five years ago and travel the US via RV.

Zoom Link to Meeting

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

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

White Clay Creek, Newark, DE
2026-05-02 07:45 - 12:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Wedgewood Rd. parking lot, 7:45 a.m.
Leader: Bob Murray (610-644-5440, rmurraymmi@gmail.com)
Note: The walk will be on an abandoned railroad bed, along the banks of White Clay Creek, which forms a section of the Mason-Dixon trail. We will cover a total distance of about 3 miles. There will be bathroom facilities at the Nature Center, which is at the midpoint of the walk. We will finish up before noon.
Note: The park charges a fee of $8 per vehicle.
Directions: Call leader for directions if not carpooling.
Carpooling: Meet at Painters Crossing, PA, on the northwest corner of US Routes 1 and 202. Departure time 7:00 a.m.
White Clay Creek

The Purple Martins of Southeast PA: Where Do They Come From, Where Do They Go?
2026-05-04 19:30 - 21:30
Will Krohn
Purple Martins are the largest species of swallow in North America and, in the east, they nest almost entirely in human-constructed nesting colonies. Southeastern PA is one of two strongholds for Purple Martins in the state, and some of the largest colonies in Pennsylvania are in Chester and Delaware Counties. Purple Martins are a model organism for studying the migration and movement of songbirds due to their large size, conspicuous nature, and proximity to humans. They’re also a strong indicator of overall ecosystem health. Will’s research seeks to uncover the rates at which young Purple Martins return to and disperse from the natal colony after hatching. Understanding how far Purple Martins travel from the natal colony is especially important since humans must construct all nesting colonies for the species. Purple Martins have declined by approximately 38% since 1970, so quantifying the rates and distances at which martins disperse will be a key tool for the conservation and management of the species. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and potentially other agencies will be able to use the information he collects in determining where they can best construct new colonies to bolster populations and connectivity, helping steer the recovery of this beloved bird.

Will Krohn is an M.S. student in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, studying dispersal in Purple Martins for his thesis. Will received his B.A. from Colgate University in 2023, where he double-majored in Biology and Environmental Studies. Since graduating, Will has worked as a technician on numerous avian research and conservation projects around the country, and in 2025, Will started his Master’s at UD. Will is originally from Bucks County, PA, and he is an avid PA birder. In his free time, Will also enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and anything else that gets him out in nature.

Zoom Link to Meeting

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

Stroud Preserve, Chester County, PA
2026-05-05 08:00 - 11:00
For: Summer residents, butterflies, etc.
Place: Stroud Preserve parking lot, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: 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

ChesLen Preserve
2026-05-09 08:00 - 12:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Newlin Township Maintenance Building 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Cathy Huneke (610-368-2275, cathyhuneke@hotmail.com)
Note: From NLT building, we will walk the fields and woods, with some hills. We will walk the Purple Trail, about 3 miles. There is NO bathroom on site.
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

First State National Historic Park (formerly Ramsey Road), Wilmington, DE
2026-05-10 08:00 - 10:30
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: Smith Bridge Parking Lot, 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.
Directions: Route 202 South to Smithbridge Road. Turn right onto Smithbridge Road. Turn left onto Brandywine Creek Road. The parking lot is .3 miles on the right. GPS coordinates are 39°49’59.7″N 75°34’29.7″W. In Google Maps, navigate to “Smith’s Bridge Parking Lot, FSNHP Parking”. It is a large parking lot, and we will meet at the south end. New restrooms have been installed in the parking lot.

Fortescue Beach and Belleplain State Forest, NJ
2026-05-14 08:00 - 17:00
For: Shorebirds, migrants
Place: Multiple Cumberland County hotspots, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Bruce Piecukonis (610-247-2205, Pterodroma@comcast.net)
Note: We will visit locations in the state forest and along Delaware Bay looking for passerine migrants and shorebirds. Bring along a lunch.
Directions: Meet at Wawa at the intersection of NJ Routes 47 and 347 (3904 NJ-47, Dorchester, NJ 08316). NOTE: this is a full-service Wawa.

E.B. Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR, NJ
2026-05-16 08:00 - 17:00
For: Shorebirds, herons
Place: Forsythe NWR Headquarters, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Bruce Piecukonis (610-247-2205, Pterodroma@comcast.net)
Note: Meet at Forsythe at 8:00 a.m. Minimal walking involved. Bring a lunch, this is an all day trip.
Directions: Meet at the refuge headquarters parking area (800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205).
E.B. Forsythe NWR, NJ

The Great Marsh
2026-05-17 08:00 - 11:00
For: Spring Migrants
Place: 28 Moores Road, Elverson, PA, 7:00 a.m.
Leader: TBD. 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 a local birding expert who will guide 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.

Papua New Guinea
2026-05-18 19:30 - 21:30
John Mercer & Dorothy Bedford
Club members John & Dorothy will tell us about their trip to Papua New Guinea for the grand opening of the Comongi Lodge. The lodge is in the mountains of Papua New Guinea and hosts a variety of special birds like Stephanie’s Astrapia and other Birds-of-Paradise. This travelog will highlight some of the amazing birds found in Papua New Guinea, many of which are only found in that area on the surrounding islands.

Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.

Members' Photos
2026-06-01 19:30 - 21:30
Coordinated by TBD
Every year, we end our meetings and presentations on the first Monday in June with a showing of members’ photos. If you would like to contribute and show your photos, below is the process for getting the photos to TBD. This is quite a bit of work for the coordinator, so please get your pictures to TBD as soon as you can.
1. Maximum 50 photos per participating member
(depending on the number of people that want to show pictures, TBD may need to make a selection and pair the numbers down a bit. We think the absolute maximum number of photos should not exceed 300. E.g. if 7 people send 50 photos each, TBD will take out 7 photos per submission to bring it down to 301).

2. The photos need to be in JPEG format. Ideally each photo file should be 2Mb or less. However, if you don’t know how to compress your files, TBD with do so himself if it becomes too much for the Powerpoint presentation file

3. Each file name should include the name of the bird. If you want to also show on the slides the location where the photos were taken, please include the name of the location also in the file name, or include a Word document with the cross reference of location to the file name. TBD will then make sure that the location is shown on the slides.

4. The photos should preferably be sent to TBD via websites such as DROPBOX or WETRANSFER. These services are free if you don’t exceed 2 Gb for the 50 photos combined.

5.TBD’s email address is TBD

6. Please make sure to get your photos to TBD by May 15th at the very latest. Earlier submissions are encouraged.

7. If you want to give the photos to TBD on a memory stick or a CD, get in touch with him via phone (cell: TBD) or via email to discuss day, time and location to hand over the memory stick or the CD, You can also mail a memory stick or CD to his home address at TBD.

NOTE: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.
Zoom Link to Meeting

East Goshen Applebrook Park
2026-06-05 08:30 - 11:00
For: Summer Residents
Place: East Goshen Township Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot in Applebrook (off Hibberd Lane), 8:30 a.m.
Leader: Sue Vanasse (484-459-4189, hsvanasse@verizon.net)
Note: Bring your binoculars and join us for a bird walk in the park.
This event is sponsored by the East Goshen Township Conservancy Board.

Poconos Nature Conservancy Preserves
2026-06-05 13:00 - 2026-06-07 12:00
For: Nesting birds including warblers (such as Golden-winged and Cerulean) and other upstate specialties.
Place: Sleeping Bear Retreat, 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 trip is to the Blakeslee area in the Poconos to do some block busting for the PA Breeding Bird Atlas. The area is undercovered, so we are planning to go up Friday June 5, spend Friday and Saturday nights in the area, then coming home on Sunday, similar to how we used to do Sullivan County. We will be birding at Nature Conservancy preserves and at little-known places suggested by local atlas compilers. With an array of nesting birds including warblers (such as Golden-winged and Cerulean), flycatchers, and others. And the annual WCBC “evening with the Whip-poor-wills”.

These are limited rooms available so please contact Armas Hill if you are interested.

Directions: TBA.

Hopewell Big Woods, French Creek State Park, Douglassville, PA
2026-06-07 08:00 - 12:30
For: The birds that inhabit this rare meadow terrain, such as Chat, Prairie and Blue-winged Warbler.
Place: 165 Center Rd. Douglassville, PA, 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Jared Brandt (jabrandt@pa.gov), and Sheila Martin (610-858-6005, sheilamartin554@gmail.com)
Note: Join West Chester bird club and State Park Staff for a morning of birding along the ADA accessible Hopewell Big Woods trail. During the walk we will be spotting the birds that inhabit this rare meadow terrain. This trail is plentiful with indigo buntings, yellow breasted chats, and summer season warblers such as prairie and blue winged warblers. This is the best time of year to get a view of these birds! The walk will be easy terrain with some inclines. Binoculars provided for participants who do not have any.
Directions: The most direct route is to take Rt 100 N to Rt 724 W then, just before entering Birdsboro, go left on Center Rd to parking on the left.
Do not use the website below for directions, they will take you to the wrong place.
Hopewell Big Woods

Willisbrook Preserve, Malvern, PA
2026-06-13 08:00 - 12:00
For: Summer residents
Place: Lot .25 miles south of Paoli Pike (at the soccer field lot), 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Sue Vanasse (484-459-4189, hsvanasse@verizon.net)
Note: Half-day trip, approximately a 3 mile walk over relatively flat terrain in both woods and open fields. Trail can be muddy, with roots, so wear sturdy shoes. There is a portable bathroom in the lot.
Directions: From Routes 202 and Paoli Pike, take Paoli Pike east between 3.5 and 4 miles to Line Road. Turn right on Line Road. Turn left into the soccer field parking lot.
Willisbrook Preserve

The Great Marsh
2026-06-14 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-12 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 a local birding expert who will guide 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
2026-07-18 18:00 - 21:00
For: Good times!
Place & Time: Copeland School, 674 Copeland School Road, West Chester, PA, 6:00 p.m.
Hosts: Randy and Janet Aylam (aylamrs@verizon.net))
Notes: Covered dish picnic. As is our custom, the picnic will be pot luck. Everyone should bring some food to share and drinks for yourself. Please bring non-disposable plates and cutlery to avoid waste. There will be tables and chairs available in the building.
Please contact the hosts to let them know you are coming so they can prepare the tables for seating.
Directions: From West Chester, take Rt. 322 by-pass towards Downingtown. On the by-pass, stay in the right lane, to be able to turn right at Copeland School Rd. at the next light. On Copeland School Rd., turn left at the stop sign by the ball fields. Park at the top of the hill.

Bombay Hook NWR and Points South, DE
2026-08-08 08:30 - 20:00
For: Shorebirds, herons and summer residents
Place: Bombay Hook NWR Headquarters, 8:30 a.m.
Leader: John Mercer (484-459-2062, mercer1135@aol.com)
Note: This is an all day trip that will start at Bombay Hook and go South as far as we can get before we stop for dinner at a local restaurant and head home. Bring lunch. Minimal walking involved.
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.
Carpooling: Meet at Painters Crossing, PA, on the northwest corner of US Routes 1 and 202. Departure time 7:00 a.m.
Bombay Hook NWR

The Great Marsh
2026-08-30 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 a local birding expert who will guide 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
2026-09-15 07:30 - 12:00
For: Migrants and resident birds
Place: : Parking lot at end or Route 272, 8:00 a.m.
Leader: Armas Hill (302-529-1876, Armas@focusonnature.com)
Note: A walk to Turkey Point in Elkton 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 S 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
2026-10-03 07:30 - 2026-10-04 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
