B.O.C. Field trips

September 4, 2025 (Thursday) - Schuylkill River Trail at Morlatton Village Trailhead - 5 PM 

Start the fall birding season with a stroll along the Schuylkill River looking for Common Nighthawks and other migrants. Directions: 480 Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglasville, PA. Take Rt 422 E past Douglassville to traffic light at Old River Rd. Turn right, go short distance to first right onto Old Philadelphia Pike. Parking is on left, just past the sewage treatment plant. Coordinator: Linda Ingram, 610-621-7473. 

September 6, 2025 (Saturday)- Berks County Parks, Angora Fruit Farm - 8 AM 

The relic orchard is a great place to see fall warblers and flycatchers, including Yellow-bellied and Olive-sided. 

Directions: Route 12 to Spring Valley Rd. exit. Turn right, go a short distance to McKnight’s Gap Rd. on left. Follow this road uphill and down the other side to stop sign and make a right onto Angora Rd. In a short distance there is a park sign and entrance lane to the left. Location: Angora Fruit Farm, Berks County Parks & Recreation, Angora Rd, Reading, PA 19606, GPS 40.3624, -75.8839. Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053. 

September 9, 2025 (Tuesday) - Berks County Parks, Grings Mill and Trails - 8 AM 

Fall migrants, resident birds, Wood Ducks and other waterbirds are easily seen along the Tulpehocken Creek at this location.  Location: 2083 Tulpehocken Rd, Reading, PA 19610. Directions: East on Broadcasting Rd in Wyomissing to dead end at Tulpehocken Rd. Turn right and go ½ mile to park entrance on left. 

Coordinator Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053.

September 13, 2025 (Tuesday) - Green Hills Preserve - 8 AM 

Walk the trails of a diverse meadow/grassland habitat in this beautiful part of southern Berks County. See summer residents and their off-spring and early migrants before they leave for the winter. 

Directions: 553 Gunhart Rd., Mohnton, PA. Take Rt. 10 south past Penske Complex to Rt. 568. Turn right and go a short distance to right on Gunhart Rd. The Preserve sign and parking will be on the right. 

Coordinator: Art Zdancewic 610-858-3315.

SEPTEMBER HAWKWATCHES AT 4 LOCATIONS

Broad-winged Hawk Week

September 16, 2025 (Tuesday) - Rt 183 Hawkwatch Site - 8 AM

Broad-winged Hawks, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, Falcons possible. 

Parking is limited at this venue, so carpooling (recommended) will be available at 8 am at Sheidy Boat Launch, aka Blue Marsh North Boat Launch, located on Rt. 183 a short distance on left after passing Old Church Rd. GPS Location 40.4126, -76.0865. The hawkwatch site is located on top of the Kittatinny Ridge. If going on your own, take Rt. 183 north 3.1 miles past the intersection of I – 78 and Rt. 183. A left turn lane at the top of the ridge will allow you to access the very small and uneven parking area at the PA Game Commission gate. Watch for fast traffic. Bring a lawn chair and water. No restrooms.

Watch location is Appalachian Trailhead Rt 183. Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053.

September 17, 2025 (Wednesday) Blue Marsh Lake, State Hill Boat Launch Hawkwatch– 9 AM – 4 pm

A variety of migrating hawks can be seen here at this time of year, and many times the birds pass by at eye level, affording close looks. Show up anytime during the day. Bring a folding chair, food and water as desired.

Directions: Take State Hill Rd. to dead end at Brownsville Rd. Left ½ mile to State Hill Boat Launch entrance on right. Park on right at top of hill. 585 Brownsville Rd., Sinking Spring, PA 19608. 

Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053.

September 18, 2025 (Thursday) - Hawk Mountain Sanctuary - 9 AM 

Join BOC birders at the Hawk Mt. Visitor Center for a hike to the north lookout at this iconic venue. Great time to see migrating Broad-winged Hawks. Note that this rocky trail requires walking a mile uphill. Hiking sticks are recommended. Bring water and any desired snacks. Trail fee charged for non-members of Hawk Mt. Sanctuary.

Directions: 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton, PA. 

Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053; call to carpool.

September 20, 2025 (Saturday) - Mt. Penn Pagoda Hawkwatch - 8 AM - 2 PM

Enjoy the beautiful view of the city while scanning for migrating raptors. 

Location: 98 Duryea Dr, Reading, PA 19602. Directions: Meet at the Pagoda on Mt. Penn. Take Walnut St. in Reading uphill to first right after 13th St. Follow winding road to top at the Pagoda.

Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053.

September 27, 2025 (Saturday) - Union Meadows East - 8 AM

An easy loop trail through varied habitats of old fields, brush, wetlands, and riparian woodland. This walk can produce surprises, especially among migrating sparrows and warblers. Meet at Union Meadows East parking area. 

Location: 100 Campbell Ford Rd, Douglasville, PA. Directions: From Birdsboro, take Rt. 724 east 2 miles to park sign on left immediately past Fork and Ale Restaurant. Coordinator: Rudy Keller 484-336-4155.

October 1, 2025 (Wednesday) - Bombay Hook NWR - 9 AM

Meet at the refuge headquarters visitor center. This refuge is known for the multitude of migrating shorebirds in fall. When the tide is right, the shorebirds may fill the pools and edges of mudflats, affording great looks and photo ops. Herons and earlier migrating ducks may also be numerous.

Directions: 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd., Smyrna, DE. 

Coordinator: Art Zdancewic 610-858-3315; check with Art for possible carpool options. 

October 4, 2025 (Saturday) - Blue Marsh Lake Stilling Basin - 8 AM 

Join BOC members on a walk through the woods and along the stream on a fall morning, hoping for migrants. 

Location: 1280 Palisades Dr, Leesport, PA. Directions: Look for the Stilling Basin sign along Palisades Rd., drive in and park at the end of the road at the base of the dam.

Coordinator: Liz Cates 610-926-3206.

October 11, 2025 (Saturday) - Historic Dreibelbis Farm - 8 AM 

This is our first scheduled fall birding trip to this site. We hope to see the resident Red-headed Woodpeckers and any fall migrants that may be present. 

Location: 356 Hard Hill Rd, Hamburg, PA. Directions: Take Rt. 222 N to roundabout at Moselem Springs. Go left onto Rt. 662, then about a mile to a right onto Rt. 143. Travel 1.6 miles to the farm sign on left. Drive down the farm lane to the house. Coordinator: Dan Brennan 484-336-0455’

October 12, 2025 (Sunday) - John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove - 9 AM 

We will bird the fields and woods and check the river for waterfowl. The Visitor Center is open and free on Sunday. A great place to learn about Audubon’s history and birds of the mid-Atlantic today. 

Location: 1201 Pawlings Rd., Audubon, PA. Coordinator: Linda Ingram 610-621-7374. 

OCTOBER HAWKWATCHES AT 3 LOCATIONS

Accipiter and Astur Hawk Week 

October 14, 2025 (Tuesday) - Rt 183 Hawkwatch Site – 8 AM 

Sharp-shinned Hawk (genus Accipiter) and Cooper’s Hawk (now in the genus Astur) should be at peak migration. Golden Eagle possible. 

Directions: Carpooling instructions and directions are the same as for the September 16 field trip to Rt. 183 described above.  Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794 7053

October 15, 2025 (Wednesday) - Blue Marsh Lake, State Hill Boat Launch Hawkwatch - 9 AM 

Besides Sharp-shinned Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks, a variety of other migrating hawks can be seen here at this time of year, sometimes passing by at eye level for close-up looks. Bring a folding chair and snacks if desired.

Location: 585 Brownsville Rd., Sinking Spring, PA 19608. Directions: to dead end at Brownsville Rd. Make a left, go ½ mile to State Hill Boat Launch entrance on right. Park on the right at the top of the hill.

Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794 7053

October 18, 2025 (Saturday) – Mt. Penn Pagoda Hawkwatch -  8 AM - 2 PM 

Great views of migrating hawks and eagles from this skyline lookout. Show up any time during the scheduled period to check out what is being seen. Meet at the Pagoda on Mt. Penn. 

Location: 98 Duryea Dr, Reading, PA 19602. Directions: In Reading, go north uphill on Walnut Street to first right after 13thSt. Follow winding road to top at the Pagoda.

Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794 7053

October 19, 2025 (Sunday) - Lake Ontelaunee - 12 Noon 

We will be carpooling to the various birding areas around the lake hoping for waterfowl and other migrants. 

Meeting Location: at the west end of the dam on Rt. 73 between Routes 61 and 222. (Lake Shore Dr, Shoemakersville, PA 19555. GPS: 40.447, -75.933. Coordinator: Rudy Keller 484-336-4155 

October 21 2025 (Tuesday) - Schuylkill River Trail, Gibraltar End – 8 AM 

This area is being developed for a boat launch site by Schuylkill River Greenways and named Reeser’s Landing. We will walk the trail upstream hoping to see fall migrants that utilize this riparian corridor for their southbound journey. Location: 1018 Gibraltar Rd, Birdsboro, PA 19508. Directions: From traffic light in Gibraltar, proceed north across bridge to first left into parking area. Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053. 

October 25, 2025 (Saturday) - Kernsville Dam and Recreation Area - 8 AM 

This site includes a wetland, woodland, and river area which attract many different species of birds. It is also close to the migration corridor of the Kittatinny Ridge, so anything is possible. 

Meeting Location: at the parking lot for the John Bartram Trail, Hamburg, PA 19526, 40.5624, -75.9947.

Directions: Take Rt. 61 north to traffic light for Cabela’s. Turn right on Jetson Dr. then right again on Industrial Dr. Travel 1 mile to left on Kernsville Dam Rd. Parking is on the left. 

Coordinator: Matt Wlaniewski 484-577-3530

October 28, 2025 (Tuesday) - French Creek State Park at Hopewell Lake - 8 AM 

An easy walk along the southern edge of Hopewell Lake through the picnic area and the bordering woods. Late migrants, waterfowl, and early wintering birds are possible. Red-headed Woodpeckers may still be in this area. 

Directions: From east end of Birdsboro go south on Rt. 345 and turn right on Park Rd., where you will see a Hopewell Lake sign. Drive 2 miles to the left turn into the parking area. GPS Location: 40.1982, - 75.7906. 

Coordinator: Jay Kline 610-858-5130

FIRST DAY OF BIRDING, January 1, 2025 by Peter and Jane Wolfe

8 AM, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Art Z, Dan B, Liz C, Hannah S, Irene T, Rudy K, Deanne J, Linda I, Jason K (with his camera) met Peter and Jane W. at E J Breneman Quarry. These eleven intrepid birders were eager to begin their lists for the New Year. The weather cooperated, about 47° F, clear, no fog, rain, or snow. Hidden among the many Canada Geese and Mallards was 1 Cackling Goose, small with a short bill. Also 1 female Canvasback, 5 American Coots, 2 Northern Pintail, 1 Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Redheads, and Ruddy Ducks revealed themselves. A Belted Kingfisher flew by, better heard than seen.

From Breneman’s, we drove to Blue Marsh Lake. There was nothing at State Hill Boat Launch or the Stilling Basin. Our next stop was Dry Brooks Day Use Area where we saw the usual Ring-billed Gulls and a few Herring Gulls. A Bald Eagle and 3 Common Mergansers flew over. Eastern Bluebirds were dropping from the trees to grab food on the ground. Peter and Jane had filled the feeders at the Sensory Trail so the usual House Finches, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Chickadees, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpeckers, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were enjoying their seeds and suet.

Time for a quick break in the parking lot and there we had a surprise. Jason shared his homemade Butternut Squash bread with everyone. Delicious! Thank you Jason!

Our last stop was past Bright School Road at the end of Snyder School Road. We parked in a muddy lot and walked what used to be a macadam road. Disappointment reigned as we only saw a few Juncos. We turned around and headed back to our cars. Down by the creek, a hunter was walking with his dog. He must have pushed some birds up to us because suddenly we saw Golden-crowned Kinglets, Field Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and what has become the rare American Tree Sparrow. And so our New Year’s Day birding adventure ended on a very happy note totaling 49 species.

E. J. Breneman Quarry - February 23, 2025, by Rudy Keller

The first mild day in two months brought out 16 birders to see wintering waterfowl at the best place in Berks County to get good looks at them. We saw 12 duck species, including such winter regulars as Redheads, N. Pintails, Ruddy Ducks and the Am. Coots that live among them. Snow Geese dominated the lake. A clamorous lift-off sent a spectacular wave of geese low over our group, but not one birder was pelted with goose pesto. Join us in 2026. 

Green Hills Preserve - March 15, 2025, by Art Zdancewic

Early migrants were on the move on this foggy morning. We counted many robins, Red-winged Blackbirds and 38 Song Sparrows among the 28 bird species we listed. Everyone's highlight was seeing an overwintering imm. N. Harrier quartering the fields and resting in the grass, where it was nicely photographed by Russ Hoffman. Two of the 12 participants were new to our walks and I encouraged them to attend more BOC activities. 

Woodcock Watch at Union Meadows Park - March 15, 2025, by Art Zdancewic

This rescheduled walk was attended by 13 people wanting to see and hear the courtship flights of American Woodcocks. Sunset was at 7:10 pm and the display started at 7:20 pm. The three males calling and doing their wing twittering flights were easy to hear but very difficult to see.

Nolde Forest EEC - May 3, 2025, by Rudy Keller

Most of the 39 bird species seen by our group of seven birders were newly arrived neotropical migrants. Nine were warbler species, including breeding Louisiana Waterthrushes. We watched a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird gather plant down to line her nest.  As last year, the most memorable bird was one of the resident Barred Owls. The owl, well photographed by Jason Kline, flew to a high branch overhead carrying prey to feed to its nestlings in a nearby tree cavity.

SGL 106, Pine Swamp Rd. - May 4, 2025, Rudy Keller

Songs of 46 bird species filled the mountainside forest on this misty morning. Wood Thrushes and Ovenbirds carried the chorus, with grace notes from 13 other warbler species and three vireo species. We heard both cuckoos, notably a very vocal Black-billed Cuckoo, as well as a noisy, flashy pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers. Despite the later starting time, this productive walk was again sparsely attended, attracting only three birders. Visibility may be an issue. When trees are fully leafed out, as they were this year, most birds are heard but not seen, a problem for birders who must see a bird to appreciate it. 

Hamburg Reservoir - May 10, 2025, by Linda Ingram

On this clear morning following a rainy day, nine birders arrived at the parking lot to a chorus of song from many of the 50 bird species we found. Many hikers to the Pinnacle passed our group as we slowly birded the forest edge along the road below the reservoir. We saw or heard 13 warbler species. Everyone got long, clear looks at two male Cape May Warblers, the highlight among the warblers. We all appreciated seeing the many shades of blue on an Indigo Bunting singing from a low perch. A patch of pink ladyslippers near the reservoir brought out the cell phone cameras. BOC field trip planner Russ Hoffman, who dislikes uphill walks, made it up the hill and back down on this one, and even enjoyed it. 

Hopewell Big Woods Trail - May 24, 2025, by Rudy Keller

Visibility is hardly ever an issue in this open habitat. In spite of strong west winds, our group of 12 people saw 59 bird species. Yellow-breasted Chat is everyone's target bird here, and this year we listed five, with good looks at two males on exposed song perches. As usual, birds of old fields and brushy edges abounded, such as five Prairie Warblers, as well as Common Yellowthroats, Indigo Buntings and Field Sparrows by the dozen. An Olive-sided Flycatcher sallying from a dead ash tree, definitively photographed in harsh light by Jason Kline,  was the only one seen this spring by most of the participants.  

Old Dreibelbis Farm - June 1, 2025, by Allan Chelius

There were approximately 10 BOC members who met at Dreibelbis farm. It was a wet and windy day so the distance we could go was limited. According to the members, among the 43 bird species heard or seen were Indigo Buntings, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. We saw a Red-headed Woodpecker for a brief moment, but I did not get a picture. We got a quick look at a Green Heron. There were many Tree and Barn Swallows. I got photos of an Eastern Kingbird, a Great-crested Flycatcher and an Eastern Wood-Pewee. Great group of knowledgeable birdwatchers!

 Flash Birdwalk 

at Union Meadows East

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14TH 

at 8:00 am 

As we had hoped, we had good looks at many sparrows including Swamp, White-crowned, Lincoln's plus the regular ones like Song and White-throated.

We had a nice comparison of Downy and Hairy woodpeckers together on one tree which Russ Hoffman captured in the photo above! The full ebird checklist is here. 

Afterwards some of us went to the 2 year old butterfly meadow at Union Meadows west and got to enjoy over 100 American Goldfinches eating the seeds of the native perennial Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)

as shown on our eBird list

We met at Union Meadows East parking lot, trailhead for the Schuylkill River Trail,  Rte.724/East Main St. in Monocacy, 2 miles east of Birdsboro. 

Coordinator: Mike Slater paplantings@gmail.com Meeting Location: 100 Campbell Ford Road, Douglassville PA 19518 

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The photo of a Downy and a Hairy Woodpecker on the same tree is by Russ Hoffman.

October 11 (Tuesday) Kernsville Dam Recreation Area - Desilting Basin 8:00 am

This recently augmented wetland habitat is continuing to produce interesting sightings. 

Coordinator Mike Slater was joined by 6 other birder for a lovely morning of birding. Even though the air was cold at the beginning the sun warmed thing up to a comfortable temperature.

The highlight was many amazing, close looks at palm warblers on the trail. We saw 46 species which are on the group's eBird checklist here. 

Afterwards four of us stopped at the storm-water detention pond at Hamburg Commerce Park off Rte 61 and saw some sandpipers, including a White-rumped, 3 pectoral and l0 least sandpipers along with 23 killdeer.  Some of Mike's video of them feeding is here and there are more pictures on 

the eBird Checklist

Photo of a palm warbler in the parking lot by Mike Slater

The latest eBird Reports for Berks County

Photo: A Merlin at Blue Marsh Lake.

 by Mike Slater