Trip Leaders
Kevin Loughlin
Philip Witmer
2010 Dates
MAY 23 - 25
2011 Dates
MAY TBA
2010 Cost
$375 from Graystones Preserve, PA
Prices per person, multi-occupancy.
Limit 14 participants. Easy walking throughout the trip.
Price based on multi-occupancy. Single accommodations available at additional cost, call for details.
BIRDING WORKSHOP:
East Coast Migration
Magnolia Warblers nest in the deciduous forests of northeast PA each summer..
Every spring a variety of tropical birds make their way from the South and Central American continents, across the Gulf of Mexico, and into North America. A majority of these species, especially the Wood Warblers, nest in the northeastern states, moving along the waterways ridges of the Appalachan region.
The Delaware River, which separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey attracts a large percentage of warbler species as well as orioles, thrushes and tanagers. During the quick trip we will explore some of the best birding locations in both of these states, within the Delaware River watershed region.
A few of the expected warblers we'll seek include: Blue-winged, Golden-winged, Black-throated Blue, Black-and-White, Northern Parula, Ovenbird, Worm-eating, Hooded, Prairie, and the threatened Cerulian Warbler. We should also find Blue-headed and Yellow-throated Vireos; Scarlet Tanagers; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Wood, Hermit, Swainson's and possibly even Gray-cheeked and Bicknell's Thrush. Several empidonax species should be iidentifiable by voice, too! Of course, we won't ignore any of the year-round residents like Pileated and Red-headed Woodpeckers.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Late afternoon arrival at Graystones Preserve (near Hickory Run State Park).
After check-in we will convene for wine and cheese reception and orientation followed by dinner and presentation on birding and identifacation skills.
Day 2
Early morning departure after breakfast to explore the Delaware Water Gap region of northeast PA. This area is rich in migrant species as they follow the waterways north to breed.
Lunch on the road as we bird our way back toward Graystones, visiting more prime locations.
Dinner back at Graystones followed by a presentation on ecology and environment.
Day 3
Early morning breakfast followed by birding on the Graystones property.
The wooded areas offer nesting habitat for thrushes, orioles and tanagers while the large meadows offer prime Bluebird, swallow and raptor habitat.
Lunch at Graystones before final departure.
INCLUDED:
Lodging at Graystones for two nights
All meals from dinner on arrival day through lunch on last day
All transportation (by van) to birding locations