August Birding Trp - Edwin B. Forsythe NWR

Here is the official communication calling for the most intrepid and maybe silly birders out there for the annual “Most Uncomfortable Birding Trip” to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, affectionately known as also as the Brig, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, right smack dab in the middle of the shorebirds migration. For those of you who haven’t yet endured this yearly experience, it is often hot, sunny, uncomfortable and quite buggy (if the wind isn’t blowing)….but filled with shorebirds of many varieties amidst a gorgeous pallet of colorful, specialized wildflowers. There are three types of biting insects, mosquitoes, horseflies and green headed flies, so please, be covered up and remember to wear closed toe shoes! And a hat….

But all the nasty stuff aside, we always always have a great time. The birds are there, the rarities can make appearances, the identification debates are pleasant and friendly, and the air conditioning of the cars….a delight. Please remember to bring ALL your own food, snacks and especially water.

We will be limiting the numbers of people so that the caravan of cars going through the 8 mile auto route is not too long, since the trip is different for those in the back of a caravan than it is for those in the front. Therefore, we encourage carpooling, either from your point of origins, or at the parking lot itself. In that lot, there are bathrooms, but the Visitor Center itself will not be open when we get there. Shall we say that we rendezvous by 8:15 am, at this lot? also, this is a fee destination. If you don’t have a Duck Stamp or a National Parks/Refuge pass, the fee is one entrance fee per car.

I myself will be at the bridge before you get to the lot itself,  about a half hour before, if all goes well, to bird that little area before the group gathers. Feel free to join me if you wish.

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe

Now for the asks: if you wish to go, please register by sending me your name, address, telephone number(s) and email information. If you are taking others in your car from your point of origins, I will still need all their contact information . If someone wants to carpool with me, I can arrange to meet them at the Churchville Nature Center and take them down. But it will be early indeed.

As we grow closer to the date, I will send registered folks an email with highlights seen at the Brig.

So? Want to join us? Please do! It really is a load of fun.

Sharon Furlong

Register with me directly using Sfurlong5@verizon.net or below.