September Outing: Sandy Hook National Recreation Area

Our September outing will be a full-day birding trip to Sandy Hook National Gateway Recreation Area on Saturday, September 12th, 2026. This trip will explore several hotspots along both the bay and beach sides of the park, timed perfectly with the onset of fall migration.

We hope to encounter a good mix of migrants including fall warblers, terns, shorebirds, waders, and possibly large flocks of staging tree swallows, which have been well-documented in past Septembers.

Trip Type: Full-day PACKED-LUNCH trip

Trip Leader: Vin Pannerselvam + co-leader
Meeting Time & Location:8:30 AM at Parking Lot M near the Proving Ground
Lunch Break: Parking Lot E near the Visitor Center
What to Bring: Water, snacks, sun protection, binoculars, and your birding mojo!

Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and bathhouses with outdoor rinse-off showers at Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area are located at Beach Area B, Beach Area C, Beach Area D, Beach Area E, Gunnison Beach, and North Beach, as well as Guardian Park in Fort Hancock and the campground.

Please check park accessibility info: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook-accessibility.htm

Birdability Note: Portion of the trip is accessible to birders with special needs & birders on wheel-chairs. Please contact us for further information via registration form below.

Warrington Warbler Walks (Sept 11, 2026)

Bird Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

Starting Location: Lower Nike Park in Warrington, PA.

Join me to explore the park looking for warblers and other fall migrants. The walk will mostly be on the paved trail and occasionally we wander into mowed grass path that goes to Special Equestrian center near the power line trail.

If it pours, please consider the walk cancelled.

Please register using the link below, so that I can send alerts if I happen to cancel for any other reasons.

Warrington Warbler Walks (Sept 4th 2026)

Bird Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

Starting Location: Lower Nike Park in Warrington, PA.

Join me to explore the park looking for warblers and other fall migrants. The walk will mostly be on the paved trail and occasionally we wander into mowed grass path that goes to Special Equestrian center near the power line trail.

If it pours, please consider the walk cancelled.

Please register using the link below, so that I can send alerts if I happen to cancel for any other reasons.

Warrington Friday Walks - Shorebirds in August

Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

Location (Not Nike Park): Bradford Reservoir Parking on the Countyline Rd

Start Time: 7 AM

Warrington Friday Walks - Shorebirds in August

Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

Location (Not Nike Park): Bradford Reservoir Parking on the Countyline Rd

Start Time: 7 AM

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.

Warrington Friday Walks - Shorebirds in August

Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

Location (Not Nike Park): Bradford Reservoir Parking on the Countyline Rd

Start Time: 7 AM

This presentation will be in person and virtual by Zoom. Come to the Peace Valley Nature Center in person with a few tools or follow along at home.

Description- How to Draw Songbirds:

Learn how to draw the songbirds in your backyard in this workshop hosted by local naturalist and wildlife illustrator Jack Hobe! Participants will learn how to create loose sketches of birds on paper before they fly away, along with ways to simplify feathers, wings, tails and feet. Backyard birds can be challenging and feisty subjects to draw, but Jack’s passion for birding and sketching will help attendees to demystify feather patterns, movements, form and behavior. No art or drawing experience required—all skill levels are welcome! Bring a sketchbook or paper, pencil, and colored pencils / watercolor (if desired).

Bio: 

Jack Hobe is a wildlife artist, birder and educator from Bucks County, PA. He enjoys sharing the wonder of the outdoors and the practice of nature sketching with the public through nature workshops. Jack uses a sketchbook and a set of watercolors to portray the flora and fauna around him from life, and enjoys birding at locations in the Greater Philadelphia area. He has a Bachelor's in Conservation Science from Oregon State University, and sells products featuring his artwork through his small business, Jack Hobe Nature Art. Visit Jack's website www.jackhobe.com to see his portfolio, wildlife art products and upcoming workshops.

Bird Walk at Nockamixon State Park

Do breeding codes F, H, S, S7, M or NY in eBird make any sense to you? Recently Barb Stollsteimer and Vicky Mahmoud helped fellow birders decipher birding codes for the PA Bird Atlas by leading them on a bird walk at Tyler State Park. Maybe you missed this educational event or maybe you just want to go birding. Either way, this is the bird walk for you! 

Join Barb and Vicky at Nockamixon State Park on Friday, July 10 at 8 am, starting at Parking Lot 13, and find a variety of breeding birds in Bucks County. Learning and participating in this citizen birding project is important for birds and conservation so scientists can dig into the data from this birding atlas and compare it to the two previous events, one in the 1980s and one in early 2000s. Information can help with conservation efforts and protect endangered bird species. 

Birders of all levels are welcome! 

Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars, bug spray, and sunscreen.  Be prepared for the weather, so bring a hat and water. 

Meet us here at Nockamixon State Park: 40.47182079333861, -75.22619665636424

A Guided Bird Walk at Pine Run

This Month’s Speaker is Dr. Raju Kasambe and the topic is Bird Migration in India

Bird migration in India

India gets a flurry of migratory bird species in winter (September to March) from the northern hemisphere and is an important country for wintering populations of birds in the Central Asian Flyway. Also, there are bird species which migrate from east as well as south to the mainland India, besides bird species migrating locally or altitudinally within India itself. The talk gives an overview of the research studies, tagging protocols, and findings of the various studies and how bird migration happens in India. Also the talk will cover conservation of migratory birds in India.

Dr. Raju Kasambe: Brief Introduction:
Dr. Raju Kasambe is an Ornithologist based in Mumbai, India. With a Doctorate on the Indian Grey Hornbill he joined the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) - the BirdLife partner in India. He was Important Bird areas (IBA) Program manager and then Assistant Director Education and Education. He is the author of multiple books and many research papers on birds and butterflies in India. This includes the book “Important Bird areas in India”.

Join us for a morning bird walk with a local guide to enjoy and appreciate joy of birding while the migrant birds moving through Bucks County in September & October. Bradford Dam reservoir is a fantastic location to watch migration in action with its variety of habitat along the Neshaminy creek.

Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

When: Friday Mornings 7am-9am (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5); If rains consider it cancelled.

Where: Bird walk starts sharply at 7 am from the gravel parking lot at John Paul Park at Lower Nike. The address is 301, Folly Rd, Chalfont, PA

What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, water, sun protection, and bug spray.

Join us for a morning bird walk with a local guide to enjoy and appreciate joy of birding while the migrant birds moving through Bucks County in September & October. Bradford Dam reservoir is a fantastic location to watch migration in action with its variety of habitat along the Neshaminy creek.

Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

When: Friday Mornings 7am-9am (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5); If rains consider it cancelled.

Where: Bird walk starts sharply at 7 am from the gravel parking lot at John Paul Park at Lower Nike. The address is 301, Folly Rd, Chalfont, PA

What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, water, sun protection, and bug spray.

Steve Mariconda, MPH, is a Delegate for the DarkSky New Jersey Chapter and Chair of the Saddle Brook Green Team. Steve has a Master of Public health degree from Rutgers School of Public Health and is passionate about raising public awareness of Light Pollution. Light Pollution disrupts ecosystems, obscures our view of the night sky, and is associated with various human health conditions. Learn about the basics of light pollution, responsible lighting practices, and policies that can help reduce light pollution in New Jersey and beyond.

Spring Migration Hike at Core Creek Hidden Gems Trail

When: Sunday May 17th,starting at7:15 am

Trip Leader: Sharon Furlong

Where to meet: This Hike will begin at the first ball field off the Woodbourne Road entrance, opposite the school. It is beyond where the tennis courts are, where the first ball field opens right beyond the open air pavilion, and where the brick restrooms are located. There is plenty of parking. 

Notes from the Leader: Like last year, I will indicate different routes one can take to change or extend your own hike, and talk about habitat. And of course, we will scour the place for birds. And more birds. We hope to be out for at least 2.5 hours, but if you have to leave before, there are places you can return to your car more directly and I will do my best to get you on that route. I say “my best” because I have been known to get lost in my own yard…….

Last year we had a goodly number of species, and indeed, this past Core Creek Hike I did several weeks ago (when it was 34 degrees), we had close to 40 species, including FOY osprey for many of us. That one began on Duchess Lane picnic area’s parking lot, so we will be in a different section of the Park, although they meet at the far edges of each Hike system, and yay, it will be spring! Warblers? Tanagers? Grosbeaks? Great Crested Flycatchers? Vireos? Wood Thrushes and Veery’s? Buntings? And song, loads of song….

Come join us!

Sharon Furlong

When: Saturday May 16th, 8:00 AM

Start Location: We will meet at the parking lot (Garret Mountain Reservation Parking, Woodland Park, NJ 07424) at 7:45 am. A few bathrooms are available onsite near picnic pavilions.

Park Address: 8 Mountain Avenue Woodland Park, NJ 07424

If you're picking up food/snacks, please be prepared to add additional time to be at the parking lot at 8am. 

Nearest Wawa is 25 mins away at 350 New Rd, Parsippany, NJ 07054.

Trip Leaders: Micheal Lee

Import info: Bring your bug spray, weather protection and plenty of water and snacks.

Description: Garret Mountain Reservation is a 568-acre park located on First Watchung Mountain in Paterson and Woodland Park in southern Passaic County, New Jersey. In 1967, it was designated a National Natural Landmark as part of the Great Falls of Paterson-Garret Mountain listing.

Ebird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L209818

Fees: No fees

Please REGISTER using the link below and please use subject as “May Garret Mountain Field Trip Regisitration”

Join us for a morning bird walk with a local guide to enjoy and appreciate joy of birding while the migrant birds moving through Bucks County in September & October. Bradford Dam reservoir is a fantastic location to watch migration in action with its variety of habitat along the Neshaminy creek.

Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

When: Friday Mornings 7am-9am (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5); If rains consider it cancelled.

Where: Bird walk starts sharply at 7 am from the gravel parking lot at John Paul Park at Lower Nike. The address is 301, Folly Rd, Chalfont, PA

What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, water, sun protection, and bug spray.

Doylestown Township’s 

Bird Town and Environmental Advisory Council

invite you to

Springtime 

Family and Community

Free Bird Walk

May 9, 2026

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Meeting at the Doylestown Township’s new Recreation Center

425 Wells Road, Doylestown

Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day, please join Karin Isett, an outstanding leader and Bucks County Birder member, who will lead and identify some of our beautiful local birds, from Baltimore Orioles to Chickadees and more! 

Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunblock, bug repellant and binoculars are recommended.

All are welcome!

Join us for a morning bird walk with a local guide to enjoy and appreciate joy of birding while the migrant birds moving through Bucks County in September & October. Bradford Dam reservoir is a fantastic location to watch migration in action with its variety of habitat along the Neshaminy creek.

Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

When: Friday Mornings 7am-9am (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5); If rains consider it cancelled.

Where: Bird walk starts sharply at 7 am from the gravel parking lot at John Paul Park at Lower Nike. The address is 301, Folly Rd, Chalfont, PA

What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, water, sun protection, and bug spray.

Jennie MacFarland is the Director of Bird Conservation at Tucson Bird Alliance. She co-coordinates the Arizona Bird Areas Program with Tice Supplee and also coordinates the Tucson Bird Count, a city-wide, urban spring bird count.

Desert Purple Martins - Star Birds of the Arizona Monsoon

The Desert Purple Martin (Progne subis hesperia) is a distinct subspecies that times its nesting to monsoon abundance and nests almost exclusively in saguaros or other large columnar cacti. Desert Purple Martins are extremely understudied with large gaps in knowledge about their nesting, migration, and wintering grounds. Very recent discoveries and data results will be shared along with lots of video and audio that showcases the charming and fascinating Desert Purple Martin. 

Join us for a morning bird walk with a local guide to enjoy and appreciate joy of birding while the migrant birds moving through Bucks County in September & October. Bradford Dam reservoir is a fantastic location to watch migration in action with its variety of habitat along the Neshaminy creek.

Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

When: Friday Mornings 7am-9am (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5); If rains consider it cancelled.

Where: Bird walk starts sharply at 7 am from the gravel parking lot at John Paul Park at Lower Nike. The address is 301, Folly Rd, Chalfont, PA

What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, water, sun protection, and bug spray.

Join us for a morning bird walk with a local guide to enjoy and appreciate joy of birding while the migrant birds moving through Bucks County in September & October. Bradford Dam reservoir is a fantastic location to watch migration in action with its variety of habitat along the Neshaminy creek.

Walk Leader: Vin Pannerselvam

When: Friday Mornings 7am-9am (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/5); If rains consider it cancelled.

Where: Bird walk starts sharply at 7 am from the gravel parking lot at John Paul Park at Lower Nike. The address is 301, Folly Rd, Chalfont, PA

What to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, water, sun protection, and bug spray.