Join park naturalist and avid birder Rob Bergstresser as we learn to identify and locate some of the common breeding birds of Beltzville State Park, by their songs and calls. We’ll head out on an easy-to-moderate 2-mile hike along the Sawmill Trail, where participants will learn the common methods, tips, and tricks for identifying the most common birds by ear, and understand why it can be challenging and fun. We’ll also cover the use of modern technology to identify bird songs, including the use of Cornell’s Merlin Bird ID app. Participants are encouraged to download the Merlin Bird ID app to their smartphone prior to the program, but it is not required for the program. Please wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes, and bring water if needed. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own binoculars, but a very limited amount are available for loan.

Instructions for downloading the Merlin Bird Identification app can be found here:

https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

We will be meeting at the Sawmill Trailhead off of Old Mill Road.

 Directions from Beltzville State Park:

Turn left out of the park’s main entrance. Proceed past the Army Corps of Engineers building & go approximately 1 mile. Look for a Big Creek Grange sign on the left. Turn LEFT onto Grange Road. At the bottom of the hill, turn LEFT onto Old Mill Road. You will pass 3 houses on the left. After the last house, turn LEFT into the Sawmill Trail parking lot.

*Registration is required, as group size is limited. Please register each individual attending, separately.

*Rain will cancel the program