DVOC Main Page > Field Trips
Page last updated: Sunday, May 27, 2007

FIELD TRIP CO-CHAIRPERSONS:
Adrian Binns
Martin Selzer
Contact Information

January 11, 2003 (Saturday) - PHILADELPHIA MID-WINTER BIRD CENSUS.
Contact: Keith Russell
Census Report

January 18-20, 2003 (Saturday - Monday) - MONTAUK (LONG ISLAND), NY
For winter finches, eiders, scoters, alcids and any Eurasian accidentals. Car pool from N.E. Phila at 6AM. Space is limited due to lodging constraints - first come, first served! Max. 16
Leaders: Erica Brendal and Chris Walters
Trip Report

January 25, 2003 (Saturday) - FLORENCE, NJ
For some of the best gull watching in the east. 'White-wing' gulls, Lesser Black-backs, and a search for Thayer's, California, Slaty-back and Yellow-legged Gull. Meet at the boat ramp at 9 AM.
Leader: Adrian Binns

February 1, 2003 (Saturday) - THE NORTH SHORE, NJ.
We'll search the ponds, inlets, jetties and shoreline from Manasquan to Sandy Hook for loons, ducks, gulls and alcids. Meet at the south jetty of Manasquan Inlet at 8:30 AM. We'll be birding through early afternoon.
Leader: Adrian Binns
Directions
Trip Report

April 5, 2003 (Saturday) - SOUTH WEST NEW JERSEY (PEDRICKTOWN and MANNINGTON MARSH)
For possible winter stragglers (Ross' Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, blackbirds) and any early migrants (Ruffs have previously been seen on this trip).
Leader: Frank Windfelder
Trip Report

April 27, 2003 (Sunday) - BIRDING THE THREE OLD FORTS, DE/NJ
A new adventure. We bird three State Parks all having comprehensive remains of war fortifications. We start at Fort Dupont State Park, Delaware City, DE for migrants; we catch a ferry to Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River to see the second largest heronry in the eastern US (and Fort Delaware). We catch the ferry again to Fort Mott in NJ to traverse the nature trail and see the extensive fortifications and finally return by ferry to Delaware City.
Meet: 7 AM at the Ferry Dock, end of Clinton St., Delaware City. Late risers can join us at the same place at 9:30 AM. Return about 5 PM.
Cost: ferry was $6.00 round trip in 2002; state park fees applicable (DE fee - $2.50 for Delawarians, $4.00 for aliens - OK for Fort Mott) so car
pool where you can. Pay as you go.
Please let Colin know if you intend to join; the small ferry needs to know approximate numbers.
Details: in flyer at DVOC meetings (March 20, April 10, 24) or by request from leader (send e-mail or stamped, addressed envelope by post)
Leader: The 4th old fort Colin Campbell

May 2, 3, 4, 2003 (Friday - Sunday) - BIRDING THE DELAWARE-MARYLAND BORDER .
The trip starts Friday evening fro rails at Prime Hook NWR followed by Nanticoke WMA and Trap Pond SP on Saturday, and Cypress Swamp and coastal locations Sunday. Some folks camp, while others get accommodations at nearby motels.
Leader: Colin Campbell

May 4, 2003 (Sunday) - FORT WASHINGTON STATE PARK, Montgomery County, PA
Meet at the Hawk watch platform at 8 AM
Leader: Bill Murphy

May 17, 2003 (Saturday) - BIRDING in Carpenter's Woods.
Meet at 6:30 AM at the bus stop at Wayne Avenue and Sedgwick St., and probably bird until 11:00 or 12:00 Noon, or until we run out of birds. Interested members call
Leader: Erica Brendal

May 18, 2003 (Sunday) - HAWKINS ROAD and BRIGHTVIEW FARM, Burlington Co. NJ.
The target species at Hawkins Road will be breeding Prothonotary,
Worm- eating, Kentucky and Hooded Warblers and grasslands species at Brightview Farm. Meet at 6:30 AM at Hawkins Road where the macadam turns to dirt road (the bridge over Little Creek)
Leader : Don Jones
Trip Report

May 31, 2003 (Saturday) - "BIRDING NATIVE GRASSLANDS", PENNYPACK TRUST
This restoration effort at the Pennypack Trust in Huntingdon Valley is in the fifth growing year and is 60 acres of five different native grasses on the Raytharn Farm property. These fields should be prime to host some grasslands birds and your morning will help us survey the possibilities. Meet at the Trust Center off Edgehill Road at 7:30 AM. Call the Trust @ (215) 657- 0830 for directions.
Location: 2955 Edge Hill Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA
Leader: JoAnn Raine
Trip Report

June 7, 8, 2003 (Saturday - Sunday) - SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ
An overnight trip to the Highlands to look for the breeding birds; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker and an assortment of warblers including Golden-winged, Nashville, Cerulean, Blackburnian and Canada.
Leader: Chris Walters
Trip Report

July 20, 2003 (Sunday) - BOMBAY HOOK NWR and ENVIRONS, DE Part 1
To witness the annual spectacle of shorebird migration. Meet at 7:30 AM at the headquarters
Leaders : Colin Campbell and Martin Selzer
Trip Report

August 11 -15, 2003 (Monday - Thursday) - HIMALAYAN SNOWCOCK, UTAH / NEVADA.
An early morning hike through the Ruby Mountains provides us with one of our greatest birding challenges as we search for the successfully introduced Himalayan Snowcock, our largest grouse. Surrounded by stunning scenery Black Rosy-Finch and Lewis' Woodpecker can be found here and we will visit pinyon-juniper and sagebrush habitat as well as salt flats. 110-130 species are possible including California Quail, Chukar and Flammulated Owl.
Leader: Adrian Binns
Trip Report

August 16, 2003 (Saturday) - BOMBAY HOOK NWR and ENVIRONS, DE Part 2
A trip to catch the later wave of the shorebird migration spectacle. Meet at 7:30 AM at the headquarters.
Leader: Martin Selzer
Trip Report

August 30, 2003 (Saturday) - JAMAICA BAY NWR, NY - work the east and west ponds for shorebirds (white-rumped and Bairds Sandpipers) and waders including American Avocets and Hudsonian Godwits, and take a boat trip into surrounding bay and marshes. Limited to 6 participants. Meet at the refuge headquarters at 7AM
Leader: Adrian Binns
Trip Report

September 12, 2003 (Friday) - "CONFUSING FALL BIRDERS" at HIGBEE BEACH WMA, NJ - spend a morning birding the fields and forest edges looking for songbird migrants. We will sort through the fall plumages of the (hopefully) numerous migrants at this Fall hotspot. With luck we will get to see a big fallout of birds, but there should be plenty to see regardless this time of year. Emphasis will be on sorting out "confusing fall warblers". The warblers are not confused, we are. They know who they are, but we are the ones confused (sometimes anyway). Meet at the main lot at Higbee Beach WMA (the one at the end of the road) Cape May Point NJ at 7:30 AM
Leader: Mike Fritz
Directions
Trip Report

September 13, 2003 (Saturday) - JOHNSON SOD FARM in Cumberland County, NJ - for as assortment of shorebirds including plovers. Can we find a Pacific amongst the Goldens? Meet at 7:30AM
Leader: Adrian Binns
Directions
Trip Report

Sept 19, 2003 (Friday) - HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY, PA to catch the Broad-wing migration. Meet at the visitor's center at 8:30 AM. Bring a packed lunch.
Leader: Adrian Binns
Directions

September 20, 2003 (Saturday) - FALL BIRDING at the BAILEY TRACT (Palmyra Cove Nature Park), PALMYRA, NJ.
Focusing on migrating warblers anything is possible including numerous Connecticut's. Up to 20 species of warblers have been seen in past trips at this wonderful birding location. Meet at 7:00 AM at car park.
Leader : Ward Dasey
Directions

September 24, 2003 (Wednesday) - CAPE MAY, NJ for raptors. Meet at the Cape May State Park hawk watch platform at 9AM.
Leader: Adrian Binns
Directions
Trip Report

September 28, 2003 (Sunday) CARPENTERS WOODS, PA. Carpenter's Woods is one of the best and most easily accessible locations in Philadelphia for observing migrating landbirds. It is most often birded during the spring but the birding is just as rewarding there during the autumn. Located in the Mount Airy section of northwest Philadelphia, this 20 acre woodland along the edge of the Wissahickon valley is an excellent place to find Philadelphia Vireos, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Golden-winged and Connecticut warblers, Gray-cheeked Thrushes, and other unusual landbird migrants, as well as the more common species. Carpenter's Woods is easily accessible by public transportation. Meet at the parking lot where Wayne Avenue dead ends at Sedgwick Street. Time 8:00-10:30 a.m.
Leader: Keith Russell
Trip Report

October 11, 2003 (Saturday) - TUCKERTON MARSHES, NJ
For Sharp-tailed Sparrows, with great comparison of all races of Nelson's as well as Salt Marsh Sharp-tail's. A walk along Seven Bridges Road, is likely to add another a dozen sparrow species. Meet at the end of Seven Bridges Road at 7:30 sharp! Please remember to bring high boots and a change of footwear, and pack a lunch if you are going with us to Brigantine. We will bird Tuckerton until 9:00 or 9:30, then head to Brigantine.
Leader: Frank Windfelder
Directions
Trip Report

Saturday November 1, 2003 - BAKE OVEN KNOB, PA
A decision has been made - the trip is Saturday! Raptors and possible Golden Eagles and Goshawks. Last year we saw six Golden Eagles. Meet at parking lot at 8:30 am. Pack a lunch and dress warmly. Later arrivals should walk up the trail at the back of the parking lot and join us at the north lookout.
Leaders : Frank Windfelder, Bill Murphy and Chris Walters
Directions
Trip Report (and pictures)

November 7, 2003 (Friday) - HEINZ NWR (TINICUM), PA with KENN KAUFMAN
On the Friday after our banquet Kenn Kaufman will lead an 8:00 A.M. bird walk at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. Meet at the Cusano Environmental Education Center prior to 8:00 a.m. and walk the trails around the impoundment for approximately two hours. The Center has displays, including a "marsh machine," interactive computers, an extensive library, and a gift shop that will be open for early holiday shopping. Kenn's books will be available for sale and signing and proceeds will benefit the refuge. This will be an opportunity to learn from a master birder and author and see some good birds at Tinicum. There is no rain-date for the walk. Contact Doris McGovern with questions and to sign up.
Leader: Doris McGovern
Directions
Trip Report (and pictures)

November 8, 2003 (Saturday) – SAWWHET OWL BANDING at HIDDEN VALLEY, PA. Join Scott Weidensaul at his banding station along the Kittitany Ridge on Second Mountain in Schuylkill County during the peak of Saw-whet migration. Meet at the banding station at 6:30 PM. Dress warmly. Expect to be out till 11PM. Limited to 15 participants. Leader: Adrian Binns.
As of 10/10/03 this trip is FULL. Please contact Adrian to be added to a waiting list.
Directions
Trip Report (and pictures)

November 20, 2003 (Thursday) - WEST BASIN at EAST PARK RESERVOIR, Philadelphia PA
Funds raised from this year's birdathon have been allocated for improvements to the West Basin at the East Park Reservoir, in Fairmount Park. With security levels back to normal, Joe Schultz, the Philadelphia Water Department engineer, will be able to show us around this habitat. Having learnt his birds over the years from Ed Fingerhood, Keith Russell and Dave Cutler, who does the Philadelphia Winter Count there, he is very knowledgeable about the reservoir and it's history. This has traditionally been a winter spot for canvasbacks. The entrance we will use is closest to the West Basin, which is the point of greatest interest, but we will also see the other potential habitats, ripe for development into meadows and marshes. We will meet at 8:00 AM at the "South Gate" near Reservoir Drive and 33rd. Street.
It is important to be prompt, because, after letting our cars into the compound, he will reclose the gate.
Leaders: Jan Gordon and Adrian Binns
Directions
Trip Report (and pictures)

December 5 - 8, 2003 (Friday - Monday) - NIAGARA FALLS & ONTARIO, CANADA.
Visit the Niagara River at the peak time for gulls. 10 plus species are likely including California, Little and Thayer's plus Bonaparte's by the thousands. Also 20 plus species of ducks are possible including staggering numbers of Long-tailed Ducks and Scaup. One day will be spent birding areas away from the river in Southern Ontario. Group size limited to 12. Car pool.
Leaders: Bert Filemyr and Martin Selzer
Pretrip Website
Trip Report

December 6, 2003 (Saturday) - BRIGANTINE to BARNEGAT LIGHT WINTER WATERFOWL TRIP.
Joint field trip with DOS and DCBC.
Meet us at Edwin Forsythe NWR (Brigantine) at 8:00 am. We will spend the early hours of the day at Brig. Expect a diverse collection of wintering waterfowl. We will look for raptors as well, with luck, perhaps, Bald Eagle or Rough-legged Hawk. Bring your lunch, or if need be, there is a WAWA close by. Rest room facilities are available at both Brigantine and Barnegat. In the early afternoon, we will head north towards Barnegat Inlet. Along the way, we may stop in Harvey Cedars at a spot usually reliable for Long-tailed Duck. Then on to Barnegat. We will search the inlet for gulls, falcons and lingering shorebirds. Weather permitting, we will explore the rocky breakwater on the South side of the inlet. Harlequin ducks and Purple sandpipers have been reliable here, with terrifically close views possible. Returning to the Lighthouse, we may find “Ipswich” Savannah sparrow, or a flyover flock of Snow Buntings. We will then journey on to Cedar Dock Road just a few minutes away in Manahawkin, where we will enjoy the last light of the day. And, if luck is still with us, we may enjoy a Short-eared owl or two.
A full day of birding deserves a fitting conclusion. We will enjoy dinner at a good, reasonably priced restaurant nearby. We expect to dine around 5:30 or so, and you should be on your way by 7:00.
Leader: Tom McParland
No report available - trip cancelled due winter storm
Directions

December 14, 2003 (Sunday) - ROOSEVELT PARK, PA. If you live in or near South Philadelphia and have never visited Roosevelt Park this is your opportunity to get to know this outstanding birding location. This picturesque 348-acre park located in the shadow of Philadelphia's sport stadiums, contains a diverse mix of aquatic, wooded, and brushy habitats, and a wide range of species are possible there. Pied-billed Grebes, coots, and dabbling ducks are easily found during the early winter, but raptors, songbirds, and marshbirds should also be observed, and Orange-crowned Warblers, Clay-colored Sparrows, and other rarities are a distinct possibility. Roosevelt Park is easily accessible by the Broad Street Subway, and it is an easy place to bird, but bring a good pair of waterproof shoes.
The park is located at the southwest corner of Broad and Pattison streets. From Broad go west on Pattison. There are two entrances to the park on your left. Go in the second entrance and stop at the nearest parking area. Time 8:00-11:30 a.m. (note - The first entrance to the park on Pattison is so close to Broad Street that it can be easily missed)
Leader: Keith Russell
Trip Report

2004 Field Trips

Drawing of Himalayan Snowcock © Adrian Binns

DVOC Main Page > Field Trips