By Betsy Natter
Fall’s cool weather is a great time for a hike in the woods or up a mountain side to take in a panoramic view of colorful leaves, but is also the perfect time to watch for colorful warblers, honking waterfowl and graceful raptors as they migrate to winter habitats. Pennsylvania is in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway and is excellent for migratory bird viewing from mid-Aug through mid-December. Check out some of these local activities where you can learn about local migratory species and observe many first-hand.
Fall Migration Bird Walk – 10/13 & 11/3
Norristown Farm Park
2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 270-0215
Join park staff in the search for both resident and migrating birds within the park, especially hawks, during these fall hikes on Fri., mornings at 8 am. The hike is free, but pre-registration is required. Meet in parking lot #3 and bring binoculars if you have them.
Flight of the Falcon – 10/14
Green Lane Park Amphitheater
2150 Green Lane Rd., Green Lane, PA 18054
215-234-4528
Enjoy a unique opportunity to watch birds of prey in action during this special presentation on Sat., Oct. 14 at Green Lane Park. Cheri Heimbach of Baywings Falconry will be talking about the art of falconry and demonstrating the flight of her amazing birds. Two programs are scheduled; one at 1pm and a second at 3 pm. There will be opportunities to take photos with the birds between shows. The program is free for all ages.
Bird Meet & Greets – 10/14 & 11/11
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
1201 Pawlings Rd., Audubon, PA 19403
(610) 666-5593
The JJ Audubon Center at Mill Grove is home to several non-releasable birds that were injured and now live at the center. Take this opportunity to meet one of these beautiful birds up close and learn about its natural habitat and abilities from a member of the animal care team. Two programs will run – one on Sat., Oct. 14 and one on Sat., Nov. 11, both from 10 to 10:30 am. Bird meet & greets begin on the porch of the historic house. The program is free to everyone and there is no registration required.
Audubon Bird Town Bird Walk – 10/17
Lorimer Park
183 Moredon Rd., Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
(215) 947-3477
Lorimer Park is an official Audubon IBA (Important Bird Area) and a great place to look for fall migrating birds. Join members of the Wyncote Audubon Society on Tues., Oct. 17 at 8 am as they search the trails for migrating and returning winter birds. New birders are welcome. The walk is free for ages 12 and up, but pre-registration is requested. Meet at the Moredon Road parking area and bring binoculars if you have them.
Owl Prowl – 11/12
Norristown Farm Park
2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 270-0215
There is something almost magical about a quiet walk in the woods, with leaves crunching underfoot and the sound of owls calling to each other from the tree tops. Join the Farm Park staff on this late afternoon walk on Sun., Nov. 12 at 4 pm. to look and listen for owls as they call to each other during courting season. The walk is for anyone over age 13 and is free, but pre-registration is required. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring binoculars if you have them and meet in parking lot #3.
Waterfowl Watch – 11/25
Green Lane Park
2150 Green Lane Rd., Green Lane, PA 18054
215-234-4528
Montgomery County has one of eastern PA’s best birding hotspots – Green Lane Park. Join park staff and fellow bird lovers on Sat., Nov. 25 at 1 pm for this close up look at ducks, geese, swans and more as waterfowl are in their peak of migration southward. Enjoy the sights and sounds of these large flocks. In past years, participants have seen Greater White-fronted Geese, Northern Shovelers, Canvasbacks and many more species. The meet-up will begin at the tennis court parking lot and then move by car to two other hotspots in the park. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. Recommended for ages 9 and over.
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