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Last page update on Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Going on a Field Trip, or just going birding? Check out the DVOC Field Checklist - CLICK HERE

2015 FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE
All who have an interest in birds are invited to attend functions of the DVOC

2015 FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE

January 10 (Saturday) – PHILADELPHIA MID-WINTER BIRD CENSUS, PA (PMWBC)
Join the 29th annual mid-winter census which highlights the incredible diversity of habitat and species found within our city borders. An average of 92 species are recorded each year including notable rarities.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members
Contact: Keith Russell
2015 Report
2014 Report
2013 Report
2012 Report
2011 Report
2010 Report
2009 Report
2008 Report
2007 Report
2006 Report
2005 Report
2004 Report
2003 Report
If you are interested: Starting about 5pm on the day of the census, birders will be gathering at For Pete's Sake at 900 S. Front (Front and Christian), just off I-95. Beers, pub food, and good conversation will be the order of the day. Usually parking is fairly easy around Old Swedes Church, which incidentally is the grave site of one Alexander "Sandy" Wilson. Contact George Armistead for any needed information about this informal gathering.

January 17 (Saturday) FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT PARK WATERFOWL, PHILADELPHIA
This walk will focus on the spectacle of wintering waterfowl at South Philly’s lakes in FDR Park, legendary for overwintering waterfowl. The walk will meet at the boat house where we will study the waterfowl on the pond that will likely include mallards, gadwall, American widgeon, bufflehead, and hooded mergansers. Redhead and cackling geese, rare in our region, are annual at FDR. We will also walk to the other ponds and bird the brush and trees looking for songbirds such as brown creeper, rusty blackbird, and purple finch.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: Franklin Delano Park is located at Broad and Pattison Avenue. Specifically we are meeting at the boat house.
Time: 10 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

January 17 (Saturday) Cape May, NJ
Check the Facebook page, Web Page or contact the field trip leader the week of the field trip for the meeting place and time. Dress for the weather and bring lunch. This is an all day field trip.
This DVOC trip is a joint field trip with Wyncote Audubon and is free to members and non-members
Leader: Martin Selzer
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report
2013 Field Trip Report
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report
2009 Field Trip Report
2008 Field Trip Report
2007 Field Trip Report

February 7, 9:00 am - PENNYPACK ON THE DELAWARE (POD), GLEN FOERD, AND PLEASANT HILL PARK, PHILADELPHIA
The day will begin with a walk at Pennypack on the Delaware to observe the bald eagle nest, sparrows, and waterfowl. Expected birds include common goldeneye, canvasback, scaup, great cormorant, and American tree sparrow. POD has also turned up notable birds such as long-tailed duck, short-eared owl, and clay-colored sparrow.
After POD (optional trip), we will travel to Glen Foerd and Pleasant Hill Park, great spots to look for unusual gulls such as Iceland and lesser-black backed.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
This is a BirdPhilly Event
Meeting location: The entrance to Pennypack on the Delaware (Pennypack Path) is on State Road just south of Rhawn St. We will meet at the gazebo on the river.
Time: 9 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

February 14-16 (Saturday-Monday) - MONTAUK (LONG ISLAND), NY
This traditional trip will not be held this year.

February 16 (Monday) - NORTH SHORE PRESIDENT'S DAY TRIP, NJ
We will meet at 10:00AM at the south side of the Shark River Inlet. Not the marina, but the inlet where the river meets the ocean. Bad weather cancels - please email me the Sunday before if any doubts. I will be following the rare bird alerts and we will either head north or so from here depending on what is being reported. Plenty of opportunities for restroom and meal breaks if needed.
Dress appropriately as the weather here on the ocean can be quite colder than our region. For an idea of what to expect for the day, please see previous years' trip reports.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Field Trip Leader: Sandra Keller
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report
2013 Field Trip Report
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report

March 7 (Saturday) - Salem County (NJ) marshes.
This is the habitat for most of New Jersey's Bald Eagles, but we'll tour the generally under-birded area for wintering waterfowl and possible Sandhill Cranes. Probable stops could include Mannington Meadow; Supawna Meadows NWR; PSEG Estuary Enhancement site in Elsinboro; Mad Horse Creek WMA; or Canton Drain.
Weather-wise, snow ice, or a downpour would cause cancellation, which would be posted at www.salemcountybirding.org by 7:00 AM on the morning of the trip.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Leaders: Sandra Keller, Jack Mahon
Meet at Wawa market, intersection of US Route 40 & NJ Route 45, west of Woodstown at 9:00 AM.
Click Here for a Google map to the meeting place for this trip
2015 Field Trip Report

March 14 (Saturday) JOHN HEINZ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, PHILADELPHIA
A morning walk will be held at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for those who wish to make a full day of birding in Southwest Philadelphia. This is a great time of year to observe the bald eagle nest as well as abundant waterfowl and sparrows. A great horned owl nest is often viewable at this time of year and often American bittern can be seen as well.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
This is a BirdPhilly event
Meeting Location: 8601 Lindberg Boulevard. 19153
Time: 10 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

March 14 (Saturday) FORT MIFFLIN, PHILADELPHIA
Historic Fort Mifflin is the best place to view the Delaware River south of Center City. We will look for waterfowl such as common loons and diving ducks.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
This is a BirdPhilly event
Meeting Location: 82 Fort Mifflin Road, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Meeting Time: 2:00pm
Contact: Tony Croasdale

March 14 (Saturday) EASTWICK, PHILADELPHIA (MEET AT JOHN HEINZ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE)
We will time our visit an hour before sunset to meet at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Cusano Visitor Center to walk across the berm into the City of Philadelphia’s adjacent Eastwick property. This area of wet old fields is a great place to observe the flight displays of American woodcock at dusk.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
This is a BirdPhilly event
Meeting Location: 8601 Lindberg Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Meeting Time: 6:00 pm
Contact: Tony Croasdale

April 18 (Saturday) Coastal Delaware
Our meeting place will be determined so check back for updates or Contact Leader: Lynn Jackson if you have any questions.
This DVOC trip is a joint field trip with Wyncote Audubon and is free to members and non-members.
Leader: Lynn Jackson
No report submitted for 2014 trip
2013 Field Trip Report
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report
2009 Field Trip Report

April 18 (Saturday), WISTER WOODS, PHILADELPHIA
We will meet at the corner of Belfield Avenue and Logan Street to begin our walk in this under birded urban oasis. We can expect to find late wintering sparrows and juncos as well as sapsuckers and other woodpeckers. Perhaps we will also find early arriving spring migrants or even something unusual! We will also explore neighboring Wakefield Park and check out its magnificent seven-trunked London Planetree on Ogontz Avenue.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting Location: Belfield Avenue and Logan Street. 19151
Meeting Time:10:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

April 18 (Saturday) - WEST LAUREL HILL CEMETERY
A walk through West Laurel Hill Cemetery and part of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail. Meet in the back parking lot behind the Bringhurst Funeral Home 200 yds inside entrance to West Laurel Hill Cemetery, which is on Belmont Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Foci: migrant passerines, nesting Peregrine Falcon--usually more than 50 species in 3-4 hours along creek and river, and in forest and grassy fields....
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting Time 7:30 am
Leader: Gregg Gorton
2015 Trip Report
No report submitted for the 2014 trip
No report submitted for the 2013 trip
No report submitted for the 2012 trip
2007 Field Trip Report

Click Here for a Google Map of the meeting place for this field trip

April 25 (Saturday) BARTRAM’S GARDEN, PHILADELPHIA
Historic Bartram’s Garden is perhaps the best 40 acres of birding in Philly! With river access, fields, woodlands, wetlands, and ornamental plantings, this spot has an amazing diversity of bird attracting habitat. We expect to see late wintering waterfowl with early arriving breeders and migrants like warblers and orioles (both species).
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, 19143
Meeting Time: 7:00 am

May 2 (Saturday) RIDLEY CREEK STATE PARK, PENNSYLVANIA
For breeders and spring migrants. Expected: warblers, including Kentucky, Hooded and Louisiana Waterthrush; thrushes (possibly including Swainson's), vireos, flycatchers and many others. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Ridley Creek bridge on Gradyville Road (near Newtown Square, PA). We will bird until 11:00 or noon, depending on when the birds give out.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Leaders: Win Shafer, Alan Crawford
2014 Report not available
2013 Field Trip Report
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report
2009 Field Trip Report
2008 Field Trip Report
2007 Field Trip Report

Click Here for a Google Map of the meeting place for this field trip

May 2 (Saturday) WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK, PHILADELPHIA (See below)
Early May in the Wissahickon is excellent for early arriving warblers like Louisiana waterthrush, as well wood thrush, and courting wood ducks. We will meet at Valley Green and walk along Forbidden Drive, stopping at bridges to search for waterthrush.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: Valley Green parking lot. Valley Green Road. 19128
Meeting time: 7:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

May 2 (Saturday) BIRDING BY EAR WORKSHOP AT WISSAHICKON ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, PHILADELPHIA (See above)
After a break for lunch, a birding by ear workshop will be held at the Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House).
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: 300 Northwestern Ave. 19118
Meeting time: 1:00 pm
Contact: Tony Croasdale

May 9-17 GREATER PHILADELPHIA BIRD RACE
Bird Philly will occur in Philadelphia city limits with specific competitive birding activities as part of Greater Philadelphia Bird Race (GPBR). The GPBR is a week-long competition to see who can observe the most species of birds each day and then for the whole week as a ‘bird-a-thon’ to support bird conservation projects in the region.
These DVOC/Philadelphia Bird Race events are free to members and non-members.

Sat May 9th 7:30am-8:30am - Big Green Hour at Heinz (Tinicum) NWR
Check the Bird Philly / Philadelphia Bird Race events calendar for details.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Bird Race event is free to members and non-members.

May 9 (Saturday) WEST PARK, PHILADELPHIA PA
We will explore West Park in Fairmount Park to look for spring migrants and breeding birds like veery and wild turkey.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: 100 N Horticultural Drive.
Meeting Time: 9:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

Sun May 10th 7:00am-8:00am Big Green Hour at Heinz (Tinicum) NWR
Check the Bird Philly / Philadelphia Bird Race events calendar for details.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Bird Race event is free to members and non-members.

May 11 (Monday) – GLOUCESTER COUNTY HOTSPOTS
Our annual Gloucester County jaunt will concentrate on exploring Delaware River areas. I will be showing people how to access the dredge, where to start looking for fall warblers at Riverwinds, what’s the best spot at Wheelabrator to expect warblers, etc. We will not be searching out Kentucky this year - unless we hear a migrant! Please meet at 7:00AM, Monday, May 11, 2015 in the parking lot for the Riverwinds Scenic Trail.
This parking area is 1/2 to 1 mile past the intersection of Grove and Riverwinds drive, West Deptford, NJ as you head toward the river. It’s on your right. We will have plenty of chances to stop for snacks and bathroom breaks if needed. Be prepared for ticks and chiggers. The trip goes to about 1:00PM. Bad weather cancels - no rain date. If in doubt, email me the Sunday before. Sandra Keller [email protected]
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Leader: Sandra Keller
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report
2013 Field Trip Report
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report
2009 Field Trip Report

Mon May 11th 7:00am-8:00am Big Green Hour at Heinz (Tinicum) NWR
Check the Bird Philly / Philadelphia Bird Race events calendar for details.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Bird Race event is free to members and non-members.

Mon May 11th 5:30pm-6:30pm Big Green Hour at FDR Park
Check the Bird Philly / Philadelphia Bird Race events calendar for details.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Bird Race event is free to members and non-members.

Tue May 12th 5:30pm-6:30pm Big Green Hour at Heinz (Tinicum) NWR
Check the Bird Philly / Philadelphia Bird Race events calendar for details.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Bird Race event is free to members and non-members.

May 16 (Saturday) CARPENTER’S WOODS (PHILADELPHIA PA) FOR WARBLERS
Mid May is the best time for migrating warblers, and Carpenter’s Woods is Philadelphia’s warbler hotspot. We will meet at the Wayne Avenue entrance.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: Wayne Ave and Mt Pleasant Road. 19119
Meeting Time: 7:30 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

May 16 (Saturday) TANNERSVILLE CRANBERRY BOG
The Tannersville Cranberry Bog, owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, is recognized as the southernmost low altitude boreal bog along the eastern seaboard and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Tannersville Cranberry Bog was once a 715 acre kettle lake formed thousands of years ago by glacial depressions, eventually becoming filled in by layers of sphagnum moss to 60 feet deep, creating an acidic fen providing a unique habitat for many species of plants and animals usually found in northern boreal bogs. Canada Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush are among the species known to breed here, and many specialized endemic plants can be found in this habitat including a number of endangered species. The property has been designated as a Pennsylvania Important Mammal Area, providing suitable habitat for otters, beavers, bobcat, and bears. The 150 acre wetland and bog is part of a 775 acre preserve and is surrounded by upland woods that should be productive for breeders and migrants. The Tannersville Cranberry Bog is publicly accessible only for scheduled public tours or by special permit, and participants for this trip are limited to 15. Students and plant enthusiasts welcome! All students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact the trip leader to reserve your place for this trip: Cindy Ahern [email protected] or call or text 215-840-4010.

Following our visit to the bog, if time allows, we will explore other areas of the Kettle Creek Environmental Center, offering a variety of habitats that attract a nice diversity of bird and plant species. The DVOC encourages participants to consider donating $5.00 to the Kettle Creek EEC.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.

Meet at the Tannersville Inn at 7:30AM where we will consolidate vehicles for the short drive to the preserve.
Google map of meeting place: https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Tannersville+Inn%2c+Pennsylvania+611%2c+Tannersville%2c+PA&aq=0&oq=Tannersville+Inn&sll=41.117935%2c-77.604698&sspn=4.427268%2c10.821533&vpsrc=0&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=Tannersville+Inn%2c+Pennsylvania+611%2c+Tannersville%2c+PA&z=15&cid=17606924675814066668&iwloc=A
Trip Leader: Cindy Ahern
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report

Sun May 17th 10:30am-2:30pm Philadelphia Bird Race FINISH LINE + final Big Green Hour at Bartram's Garden
Check the Bird Philly / Philadelphia Bird Race events calendar for details.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Bird Race event is free to members and non-members.

May 30 (Saturday) MT MORIAH CEMETERY, PHILADELPHIA PA
Mount Moriah Cemetery located along Cobbs Creek in Southwest Philadelphia has a unique mosaic of habitats. This brushy secondary growth is perfect habitat for mourning warblers that migrate in late spring.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: 62nd Street and Kingsessing Avenue. 19143.
Meeting Time: 7:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

May 30 (Saturday) COBBS CREEK PARK, PHILADELPHIA PA
A walk for the later risers will meet at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center parking lot. We should still find some late migrants like blackpoll warbler and observe breeding birds in full song such as wood thrush and Baltimore oriole.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
700 Cobbs Creek Parkway. 19153
Meeting Time 9:30 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

June 6 (Saturday) HOUSTON MEADOW BIRD AND BOTANY WALK, PHILADELPHIA PA
We will meet at Houston Playground (900 Grakyn Lane ) to look for bluebirds, brown thrasher and nesting raptors like Cooper’s hawk. This will be a joint walk with the Philadelphia Botanical Club to also learn about the beautiful wildflowers of the meadow.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting Location: Houston Playground 900 Grakyn Lane. 19128
Meeting Time: 8:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

June 9 (Tuesday)– LAKEHURST NAVAL AIR STATION FOR UPLAND SANDPIPERS, NJ
Important: Participants MUST sign up by Tuesday May 22. Please provide Bob Horton with your full name, drivers license number and state, and date of birth. To grant access to the base, the military needs this information two full weeks before the trip
The grasslands here are the best annual site in NJ for seeing the breeding displays of Upland Sandpipers. We also expect Grasshopper, Field Sparrows, Horned Lark, Eastern Meadowlark and in the pine forests Pine Warbler. Each participant must be a US CITIZEN and will need a valid driver’s license or picture ID. Our stay in the Jump Zone grasslands will be 3 hours.
You must register with Bob Horton for this trip in advance. This trip is limited to 20 people.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members
Meeting time: 7AM at the Chapel of the Air parking lot in Lakehurst
Directions: Take Rte 70 to the center of Lakehurst. At the McDonald’s & gas station, turn onto Rte 547. In about a ¼ mile, on the left there is a gray chapel named the Chapel of the Air. We will car pool from this parking area under the supervision of John Joyce, the base Conservation Officer. Each car entering the base will need a registration card and proof of insurance.
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report
No report submitted for the 2013 trip
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report
2009 Field Trip Report

July 11 (Saturday) FOX CHASE FARM, PHILADELPHIA PA (Two trips on this day)
Meet at the Pine Road entrance of Pennypack Park. We will walk along the creek to Fox Chase Farm where we hope to see some open country birds like eastern bluebirds and forest birds such as pileated woodpecker.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.Meeting Location: Pine Road and Pennypack Trail parking lot. (Not the Farm)
Meeting Time: 8:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

July 11 (Saturday) BIRD LECTURE AT PENNYPACK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER (Two trips on this day)
The morning’s walk will be followed by a lecture by local ornithologist Matthew Halley at Pennypack Environmental Center.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: 8600 Veree Road.
Meeting Time 11:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

August 1 (Saturday) Summer Bombay Hook NWR
Meet at the Refuge headquarters at 9AM. We'll spend the time looking for shorebirds and other migrants starting their way south. Bring lunch and scopes and lots of bug juice. This DVOC trip is a joint field trip with Wyncote Audubon and is free to members and non-members.
Contact leader Lynn Jackson for details
No report submitted for the 2014 trip
No report submitted for the 2013 trip
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report
2009 Field Trip Report

August 17 (Monday)– CAPE MAY COUNTY FOR TERNS AND OTHER SUMMER SPECIALTIES
The usual August trip to Stone Harbor and Nummy’s Island is going to search Cape May Point instead for terns, gulls, shorebirds, and anything else we spot along the shore. We will be concentrating on what we find on the beach and what is seen feeding and flying back and forth over the rips. We will explore one or two of the dune overlooks, then the state park beach and pond areas, then the Meadows. I hope to explore some of Nummy’s on the way home, but that will depend on traffic. High tide at the Point is 10:00 or 10:30AM which makes for a good 5 or 5 hours that we can explore during the high tide period. Birds will be more concentrated now.
Directions for this trip - Please meet at the Coral Ave dune crossing - Monday, August 17 - it has a big platform we can comfortably scan from - at 8:00AM.
Bring spare money for the Meadows - this is a pay area unless you are a Nature Conservancy member. The trip will go to early afternoon. Any questions on the trip and what to expect or the weather, please email Sandra Keller.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Trip Leader: Sandra Keller (856)287-2732.
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report
2013 Field Trip Report
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
2010 Field Trip Report
2009 Field Trip Report

August 29 (Saturday) FAIRMOUNT WATERWORKS INTERPRETIVE CENTER, PHILADELPHIA PA
We will meet at the Fairmount Waterworks Interpretative Center for cormorants, wood ducks and early migrants. (This will now just be a birding walk, the workshop portion is cancelled)
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: 640 Waterworks Drive. 19130
Meeting Time: 10:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

September 19 (Saturday) SEDGLEY WOODS, PHILADELPHIA PA
Sedgley Woods is an under-birded gem of East Fairmount Park, with secluded forest fragments (no road access), thick understory shrubs, and an open meadow - a great place to find migratory passerines. The disc golf course and its tributary trails meander through woodlands, and tall trees surround a secluded meadow in which the grafitti-ridden ruins of the Cliffs, the 18th century home of Joshua Fisher. We will walk around the property in the early morning, and look for migrants before the disc golfers arrive!
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members, and is in partnership with the Friends of Sedgley Woods.
Meeting location: The parking lot for Sedgely Woods Disc Golf Course is shared with the adjacent ball-golf driving range. It is located on Reservoir Drive in East Fairmount Park, between the Smith Playground and N 33rd St.
Meeting Time: 7:00 am
Contact: Matthew Halley

September 26 (Saturday) TACONY CREEK PARK, PHILADELPHIA PA
Tacony Street Park is a great place to look for migrating warblers at this often-productive migrant trap.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting Location: Ferko Playground, 1101 E. Cayuga Street, 19124
Meeting Time: 8:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

October 3 (Saturday) Wissahickon Environmental Center
Come bird the woods and meadows of northern Wissahickon Park during the peak of bird migration.
Wissahickon Environmental Center, 300 W Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118, United States
Contact: Tony Croasdale 215-301-7940
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting Time: 8:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

October 10 (Saturday) Delaware River Trail
Delaware River Trail (South Philly) Meet at Washington Avenue Green to look for fall migrants such as warblers, cuckoos and thrushes in what has proved to be a very productive migrant patch. We will scan for water birds from the new park on Pier 53. Afterwards, we will visit Alexander Wilson's grave at Old Swede's church (just across Columbus Blvd. from Washington Avenue Green.) Alexander Wilson is regarded as the greatest American ornithologist before Audubon. Meeting Location: Washington Avenue and Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA. Follow trail to the river. http://washingtonavenuegreen.com
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting Time: 8 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

November 7 (Saturday) COBBS CREEK PARK/ MORRIS PARK, PHILADELPHIA PA
The woods, meadow, and wetland near Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center are excellent in late fall. We will look for tasty morsels like pileated woodpecker, winter wren, fox sparrows, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers. A walk here in November 2010 produced Pennsylvania’s 3rd record Townsend’s Warbler. November is the best time for wandering western vagrants.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: Papa Playground 6839 Landsdowne Avenue. 19151
Meeting Time: 9:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

November 7 (Saturday) - SAW-WHET OWL BANDING at HIDDEN VALLEY, PA
DVOC continues it's longtime tradition of visiting Scott Weidensaul’s Saw-whet Owl Banding Station during the peak of Saw-whet migration. During this popular field trip, we'll get an opportunity to observe and learn from the experts, how banding Saw-whet Owls has revealed myriad information about the lives of these small birds-of-prey. Bring cameras and snacks, for an enjoyable evening! Saw-whet Owl numbers are cyclical, and each year varies. There are no guarantees, but we've seen at least one bird every year except once. Meet at the banding station at 6:30 PM, located along the Kittitany Ridge on Second Mountain in Schuylkill County - approximately 2 hours from Philadelphia. Dress warmly. Expect to be out till 11PM. Limited to 15 participants - registration required. Contact Debbie Beer, debbeer1023(at)gmail.com, 610-955-4098. Provide name(s) in your party and cell phone number. First come, first served. There is often a waiting list; please make sure you show if you register. This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members. Priority will be given to DVOC members.
Leader: Debbie Beer
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report
2013 Field Trip Report
2012 Field Trip Report
2011 Field Trip Report
No report submitted for the 2010 trip
2009 Field Trip Report
2008 Field Trip Report
2007 Field Trip Report
2006 Field Trip Report
2005 Field Trip Report
2004 Field Trip Report
2003 Field Trip Report

Click Here for a Google Map of the meeting place for this field trip

November 25 (Wednesday)– CONOWINGO DAM, MD
Meet 9AM at Fisherman's Park located below the Conowingo Dam in MD. The dam is located where Rt 1 crossed the Susquehanna River. the trip will meet at the concession stand located near the dam. We will visit some other birding spots in the area. Great time of year for eagles in big numbers and other waterfowl.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Leader Cliff Hence cwhenceiii(AT)aol.com

November 28 (Saturday)– TRIP TO BARNEGAT AND FORSYTHE NWR
Meet at 12:00PM in the parking lot for the Barneget Lighthouse State Park. We will concentrate on the island
this year - not hitting Forsythe - and hit Mannahawkin in the late afternoon for a watch for Rough-legged Hawks and Short-eared Owls. Please bring snacks as we may stay at the north end of the island for most of the afternoon and not places to buy food up there. This trip will involve a lot of walking. For an idea of what to expect, please see previous trip reports or email me. We will go in some bad weather, but not a major storm. Contact me the Friday before if in doubt.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Trip Leader: Sandra Keller (856)287-2732.
2015 Field Trip Report
2014 Field Trip Report
2013 Field Trip Report

December 5 (Saturday)– CONOWINGO DAM, MD
Meet 9AM at Fisherman's Park located below the Conowingo Dam in MD. The dam is located where Rt 1 crossed the Susquehanna River. the trip will meet at the concession stand located near the dam. We will visit some other birding spots in the area. Great time of year for eagles in big numbers and other waterfowl.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Leader Cliff Hence cwhenceiii(AT)aol.com

December 5 (Saturday)– MORNING TRIP TO JOHN HEINZ NWR AT TINICUM
This is a combined field trip sponsored by Wyncote Audubon and the DVOC that is free to members and non-members. Leaders George Armistead and Martin Selzer will be joined by Alvaro Jaramillo. Renowned birding tour leader, and author of "Birds of Chile", “New World Blackbirds: The Icterids”, as well as "Identify Yourself" for Bird Watcher's Digest, Alvaro is in town to speak at DVOC and the Wyncote Audubon Banquet. Meet George, Martin and Al in the parking lot of the Heinz NWR at 7:30am on Saturday Morning.
Meeting Location: Under the shelter, by the parking lot
Meeting time: 7:30am (birding until 10am)

December 12 (Saturday) EAST PARK RESERVIOR, PHILADELPHIA PA
East Park Reservoir to look for wintering ducks, sparrows, and other birds. The reservoir is one of the best spots in the area for diving ducks including canvasbacks. We will also explore nearby Sedgley Woods. This location is the future home of Pennsylvania Audubon and Outward Bound’s Discovery Center.
This DVOC/Philadelphia Parks and Recreation trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting location: Disc Golf Course parking lot. 33rd Street and Oxford St. 19121
Meeting Time 10:00 am
Contact: Tony Croasdale

December 13 (Sunday) CAPE MAY, NJ
Cape May attracts many birds and birders in September and October, but late fall and early winter is also an excellent time. Seaducks and sparrows are plentiful, and it's a good time of year for unexpected birds, like lingering half-hardy species and vagrants. We'll hit several spots for songbirds and spend some time looking out to sea as well to see seabirds like gannets, scoters, and loons.
This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members.
Meeting Location: The Concrete Ship, at the end of Sunset Blvd in Cape May, New Jersey
Meeting time: 7am (birding until 1pm)
Trip leader: George Armistead

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Click Here for 2016 Meetings Schedule