Field trips

  (Including our fall Tuesday Bird Walks on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month.)

GPS addresses/coordinates are included as given by Google Maps.

Includes Fall Tuesday walks, Spring Tuesday walks to be announced in the Spring 2024 issue.

Flash Bird Walks: Field trips may be scheduled at short notice any time it appears conditions are right for an additional outing. Email announcements will be sent to all members and the information will be on our website at the same time. 

October 10, 2023 (Tuesday) Kernsville Dam Recreation Area - Desilting Basin -8:00 am This recently augmented wetland habitat is continuing to produce interesting sightings. A LeConte’s Sparrow was found in 2020. Will Nelson’s Sparrow be next? Mid-October is prime time for rare and common sparrows. From Reading, take Rt. 61 north. At light for Cabela's make a right onto Jetson Dr., then right on Industrial Dr. to left on Kernsville Dam Rd. Coordinator: Matt Wlasniewski 484-577-3530. Meeting Location at the parking lot for the: John Bartram Trail, Hamburg, PA 19526, 40.5624, -75.9947

October 11, 2023 (Wednesday) State Hill Hawk Watch 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Peak time for accipiter and falcon migration. Bald Eagles and Ospreys will probably be seen. Stay for a short time or all day. Bring a folding chair, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. Experienced hawk watchers will help you identify birds. Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053, Meeting Location: Same as September 14. 

(Postponed until) October 21, 2023 (Saturday) Mount Penn Pagoda Hawk Watch 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Postponed due to weather. 

Now October 21, 2023)  Accipiters, falcons, buteos possible. Walk down the steps at the front of the Pagoda and meet on the lawn.  Bring a lawn chair. Coordinator: Bill Uhrich, 610-698-1575

Meeting Location: 98 Duryea Dr, Reading, PA 19602

October 21, 2023 (Saturday) Lake Ontelaunee Waterfowl 8:00 am

Look for ducks, geese, grebes and other waterbirds at Berks County’s premier site for this group of birds. Meet at the dam on Rt. 73 between Rts. 61 and 222. We will carpool to other locations around the lake as time permits. Coordinators: Peter and Jane Wolfe,484-794-3703. Rudy Keller 610-845-7301 Meeting Location: at the west end of the dam on Rt. 73 between Rts. 61 and 222. (Lake Shore Dr, Shoemakersville, PA 19555. 

October 28, 2023 (Saturday) Berks Leisure Area 8:00 am 

Walk the river trail from the Leisure Area to Grings Mill. Late migrants will be the target. Directions: Broadcasting Rd. east to the “T”. Make right 2 miles to sign for the Leisure area on left. Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053. Meeting Location: Berks Leisure area at 1901 Tulpehocken Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610 

November 5, 2023 (Sunday) Hopewell Big Woods Trail, French Creek State Park - 8:00 am 

Wide trail meanders through open fields bordered by woodland. Previous seasons were excellent for field and edge species, including late migrants and wintering birds. Meet at trail parking lot on Center Rd. adjacent to Union Twp. maintenance facility. Coordinator: Linda Ingram 610-621-7473, Meeting Location: 165 Center Road, Douglassville PA 19518

Nov 11, 2023 (Saturday) Mount Penn Pagoda Hawk Watch 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Buteos and eagles. Walk down the steps at the front of the Pagoda to the lawn. Bring a lawn chair. Coordinator: Bill Uhrich 610-698-1575 Meeting Location: 98 Duryea Dr, Reading, PA 19602

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January 1, 2024 (Monday) New Year’s Day- Berks Drive Loop - 8:00 am

Begin your year with a visit to various Berks birding spots, starting at E. J. Breneman Quarry. Meet at Cacoosing Meadows Park parking lot on Reedy Road at the end closest to Evan’s Hill Road.

Coordinators: Jane & Peter Wolfe 484-794-3703 

Meeting Location: 1049 Reedy Road, Sinking Spring PA 19608

February 18, 2024 (Sunday) E.J. Breneman Quarry - Introduction to Wintering Waterfowl - 1:00pm Learn to identify ducks and geese that winter in Berks County at this easily accessible site. Experienced birders with scopes will be there to help you get good looks. Park at Cacoosing Meadows Park on Reedy Road at the end closest to Evan’s Hill Road. Snowy or icy conditions may limit access to the parking lot. Coordinator: Linda Ingram 610-621-7473, Rudy Keller, 610-845-7310 Meeting location: 1049 Reedy Road, Sinking Spring PA (Park at the Evans Hill RD end of the lot)

March 3, 2024 (Sunday) L. Ontelaunee. Introduction to Spring Waterfowl -12 Noon 

Meet at dam breast on Rte. 73 to carpool to the different areas of the lake. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. Experienced birders with scopes will be there to help you get good looks. Coordinator Rudy Keller 610-845-7310 Meeting Location: at the west end of the dam on Rt. 73 between Rts. 61 and 222. (Lake Shore Dr, Shoemakersville, PA 19555.  

March 23, 2024 (Saturday) Green Hills Preserve – Wintering Birds -8:00 am

Wintering birds and early spring arrivals in managed grassland and edge habitats. From Rte. 10, go west on Rte. 568 (Kurtz Mill Rd.), turn right onto Gunhart Rd. Parking lot is on the right. Coordinator: Art Zdancewic 610-858-3315 Meeting Loc.: Natural Lands' Green Hills Preserve, 553 Gunhart Rd, Mohnton, PA

March 24, 2024 (Sunday) French Creek State Park – Woodcock Watch -7:00 pm 

American Woodcock courtship display. Coordinator: Art Zdancewic 610-858-3315

Meet at park office 843 Park Road, Elverson PA 19520.

April 6, 2024 (Saturday) Gring’s Mill - Spring Walk for Early Migrants –8:00 am

Meet at the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area. Dir. East on Broadcasting Rd to end. Make right 1/2 mile to entrance on left. Coordinator and for more information Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053. 

MeetingLocation: Gring's Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Rd, Reading, PA 19610

April 13, 2024 (Saturday) State Game Lands 280 Spring Outing -8:00 am 

Walk the fields and edges of Blue Marsh Lake looking for migrant and resident birds.

Coordinator Brian Lineaweaver. Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053 

Meeting Location: 40.37066, -76.06973 Directions: State Hill Rd. to Brownsville Rd. Make left and travel 4 miles to Justa Rd. Take right and go to end and park.

April 21, 2024 (Sunday) Union Meadows - Early Migrants -8:00 am

Spring migrants including early warblers. An easy walk on a wide flat trail through wooded and open field habitats. Meet at Union Meadows East parking lot, Schuylkill River Trail, Rte.724/East Main St. in Monocacy, 2 miles east of Birdsboro. Coordinators: Rudy Keller 610-845-7310 Linda Ingram 610-621-7473 Meeting loc.: Union Meadows East parking lot, 100 Campbell Ford Road, Douglassville PA 

April 27, 2024 (Saturday) Hay Creek Watershed -8:00 am

Walk the Hay Creek Watershed in search of spring warblers, including La. Waterthrush, nesting raptors and possibly nesting Bank Swallows. Meet at the closed south end on Hay Creek Rd. From traffic light at Rtes. 568 and 724 in Gibraltar, take 568 west approximately 1.5 miles and turn left on White Bear Rd. Drive 4 miles through 2 stop signs and turn left on Hay Creek Rd. Drive to the dead end and park on the shoulder Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053, Meeting Location: Old 82 & Parking Area, 2000 Hay Creek Rd, Birdsboro, PA 19508

April 27, 2024 (Saturday) Butterflies & Botany, Neversink Mountain -10:00 am (with Mengel Natural History Society) For butterflies flying only in early spring, this is one of the few accessible Berks County locations. Meet at S 10th & South ST., Reading. (Park on South St.) Coordinators: Karl Gardner 610-987-3281, Ryan Woolwine 484-883-6461. Meeting Location: 999-975 South St, Reading, PA 19602. 40.326248, -75.918611

May 4,2024 (Saturday) Nolde Forest Spring Walk -8:00 am

Join BOC members for a walk to search for spring migrants including Louisiana Waterthrush, other warblers, and Acadian Flycatcher. Maybe also catch sight of a Barred Owl which usually nests here. We will meet at the Sawmill Parking Area just off Rt. 625, south on Rt. 625 from Shillington to sign for Sawmill Parking. Coordinator: Linda Ingram 610-621-7473 Meeting Location: 2910 New Holland Rd, Reading, PA 19607

May 5, 2024 (Sunday) State Game Lands 106, Pine Swamp Rd. -8:00 am

Excellent location for neotropical migrants and one of the few Berks County locations where Ruffed Grouse is possible. From Hawk Mt. Sanctuary go south on Hawk Mt. Rd. 4 miles and turn right on Pine Swamp Rd. Drive 1 mile to parking area on right. From Rte 143, turn left on Hawk Mt. Rd. and drive 4 miles to Pine Swamp Rd. (left turn) then 2 miles to parking lot on left. Coordinator: Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053, Rudy Keller 610-845-7310 Meeting Location: Pine Swamp RD, Kempton PA, 19529, 40.6262, -75.9520

May 11, 2024 (Saturday) Hopewell Furnace NHS – Spring Migrants & Breeding Birds -8:00 am

This revived venue was a hit with walkers last spring! Eastern Towhees & Baltimore Orioles reliable; spring migrants, shorebirds, maybe. Coordinator: Sheila Martin 610-858-6005 Disregard the nat’l park gates; still closed at our arrival time. Use 23 Clement Brooke Ln, Elverson 19520 This exact GPS is to their secondary handicapped lot, at historic “boarding house”&“tenant house #3”. Orange cones ID lane. Limited to ~10 spaces. Restrooms might not be open yet for the season..

May 18, 2024 (Saturday) Exeter Scenic River Trail at Trout Run Park -7:00 am

Spring migrants & breeders along the Schuylkill River. Park anywhere on both sides of the road.  Coordinator Russ Hoffman 484-794-7053 Meeting Location: just before the Exeter Twp. Yard Waste Composting area next to Trout Run Park, 914-920 East Neversink Rd, Reading, PA 

June 1, 2024 (Saturday) Hopewell Big Woods Trail -7:00 am Breeding birds of grassland & edge habitats. A wide trail meanders through open fields. Yellow-breasted Chat, breeding warblers and Willow Flycatcher are reliable. Meet at the trailhead adjacent to Union Township maintenance building. GPS: 165 Center Road, Douglassville Coordinators: Rudy Keller 610-845-7310 & Irene Taylor 610-856-1116. 

 June 8, 2024 (Saturday) Green Hills Preserve Butterflies -10:00am (with Mengel Natural History Society) Extensive open fields and some wooded habitat. Directions: From Rte. 10, go west on Rte. 568 (Kurtz Mill Rd.) Turn right onto Gunhart Rd. Parking lot is on the right. Coordinators: Karl Gardner 610-987-3281, Ryan Woolwine 484-883-6461 Meeting Location: Natural Lands' Green Hills Preserve, 553 Gunhart Rd, Mohnton, PA

June 22, 2024 (Saturday) Dragonflies & Damselflies at Hay Creek-Birdsboro Reservoir-10:00am (with Mengel Natural History Society)  Coordinators:Mike Slater paplantings@gmail.com, Todd Underwood underwoo@kutztown.edu& Karl Gardner 610-987-3281 A new Location with different dragonflies. We’ll be looking for Tiger Spiketails, Prince Baskettails and Gray Petaltails plus other species not seen on our walks before!

Meet at the closed south end on Hay Creek Rd. directions as for the April 27 bird walk. Meeting Location: Old 82 & Parking Area, 2000 Hay Creek Rd, Birdsboro, PA

June 29, 2024 (Saturday) Nolde Forest EEC Moth Night -8:30 pm to ? (with Mengel Natural History Society) – With UV lights and trees baited rotten fruit//beer night insects show up for viewing. Bring flashlight. Meet at Mansion parking lot. Coordinators: Ryan Woolwine 484-883-6461, Jim Eckert 610-373-1064, Karl Gardner 610-987-3281 Meeting Location: 3025 New Holland Rd, Reading, PA 

July 20, 2024 (Saturday) Wildflowers and Pollinators at Union Meadows West -10:00 am (with Mengel Natural History Society) A meandering path through this pollinator meadow provides good access for observing a variety of butterflies and bee species. Directions: Route 724 (East Main St., Birdsboro) (turn opposite St. Michael's Cemetery) Park in the ball field parking lot. Coordinators: Mike Slater paplantings@gmail.com,  Linda Ingram (610-621-7473) Meeting Location: 980 E Main St, Birdsboro, PA 19508

August 3, 2024 (Saturday) Blue Marsh Butterflies -10:00 am (with Mengel Natural History Society) Coordinators: Karl Gardner 610-987-3281 and Ryan Woolwine 484-883-6461

Meeting Location: Blue Marsh Visitor's Center, 1268 Palisades Dr, Leesport, PA 19533

August 17, 2024 (Saturday) Angelica Park Butterflies -10:00 am (with Mengel Natural History Society) Meet in the parking lot adjacent to Berks Nature, the entrance is off Rt. 10, Morgantown Rd., at the big sign for Alvernia University. Coordinators: Karl Gardner 610-987-3281, Ryan Woolwine 484-883-6461 Meeting Location: Berks Nature Angelica Creek Park, 575 St Bernardine St, Reading

*(GPS addresses are included as given by Google Maps)

 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