West Chester Friends’ Meeting House

For: Waterfowl, Sparrows and Rusty Blackbirds

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.

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. October at GMI is all about Waterfowl, Sparrows and Blackbirds; Rusty Blackbirds that is. The Great Marsh hosts wintering populations of this rapidly declining species and October is when they typically move in. Flocks of several dozen are not uncommon here this time of year. Waterfowl are also on the move. In the past we have had: Cackling Goose, Blue and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, American Black Duck, and Pied-billed Grebe. Sparrows will be moving in as well including chances of seeing: Fox, White-crowned, Vesper, Savannah, and Lincoln’s. Other species of note seen in October include: Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, Blue-headed Vireo, Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter and Marsh Wren, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Eastern Meadowlark. In all, 101 species have been recording in October.

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.