Upcoming Events
Cobbs Creek
Join us on Saturday, April 27th at Cobbs Creek Park for Celebrate Trails Day. We will be doing a bird outing from 8am to 10am and then have special guest Master Falconer, Rodney Stotts, give a live demonstration of falconry and discuss it’s importance in creating connection to ones self and this planet. The walk will be along dirt, paved, gravel, and grass trails. We will have binoculars to lend out. There will be portable restrooms in the park for use. We expect to find some spring migrants in the park and enjoy each other and some #BirdJoy. Please RSVP here.
For additional happenings in the park, please visit Circuit Trails website for more information.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Join us at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, March 30th from 8am to 11am. We will be looking to find some early Spring migrants. There are restrooms with outdoor access. Binoculars will be provided to those who need them. The event is free for everyone and we expect to share some #BirdJoy! RSVP here.
Tyler Arboretum
FOR ALL AGES
Please join us as we explore Tyler Arboretum. The outing is on Saturday, March 23, from 8-11 am. We will be traversing paved trails with low to medium inclines. There are restrooms available and binoculars for use if needed. We look forward to finding the bird joy with one another.
In Color Birding Club encourages the accessibility and welcoming of Black and brown folks into birding. We ask that all guests, including allies, ensure that the experiences of BIPOC folks are centered throughout this outing. We expect to see many birds and enjoy the Arboretum with joy and inclusiveness!
FREE for everyone!
RSVP at www.incolorbirding.org/RSVP
Valley Forge Park
Let’s Try This Again! Welcome to 2024!
Join @valleyforgeparkalliance and @valley_forge_audubon as we come together and explore the Betzwood Trails of Valley Forge National Historical Park @valleyforgepark on Sunday, February 11th from 8am to 11am.
PLEASE RSVP at www.incolorbirding.org/rsvp
-As always centering diversity in our birding community
-Special Winter Bird Seed Gifts from Wild Bird Unlimited Collegeville
-A Chance to Meet Birders from other Orgs
-Wide Dirt and Gravel Trails
-Restrooms at Beginning
-Likely Cold, So Dress In A way that’s comfortable for you
-Binoculars and Hand Warmers Provided by ICBC if needed
-Looking For Winter Residents (including owls!!)
#BIPOCinNature #BlackInNature #Birding #ValleyForge #Community
Description: A collage of bird photos (owl, wren, creeper, and woodpecker) with the description event above.
Volunteer for Piping Plovers
Please consider joining @incolorbirdingclub on Saturday February 10th for our first conservation event of 2024. We will be working on behalf of the @nationalparkservice and NJ Piping Plover Project to remediate habitat on the beaches of Sandy Hook, New Jersey for the critically endangered Piping Plover.
We will be meeting in Sandy Hook at 9:30am to get debriefed on the clean up efforts. We will be working the beaches until 3pm with lunch in between (ICBC will provide for our volunteers). From 3pm to 4:30pm we will do some sunset beach birding and then head to a local spot for dinner at 5pm. ICBC will cover dinner for our volunteers as well. All you need is yourself, some winter shoes and clothes you can wear during clean up, and a conservation minded attitude. You can choose to meet us there or we can offer some carpooling from Philly. Please indicate if you will need a carpool from Philly in the RSVP section on accessibility needs. We will leave from a point in Philly by 7:30am.
“Habitat loss has caused serious declines and threats to Piping Plover populations, particularly from shoreline development and stabilization projects, energy development, climate change, and plastic pollution. ” via @americanbirdconservancy
#Birding #Conservation #PipingPlover #SandyHookBeach #BlackinNature #BIPOCinNature #Community
[Description: A green background with a photo of a small shorebird on the sand. A Piping Plover. The details of the event above and the In Color Birding logo are visible. ]
Valley Forge Park Bird Outing
Join us on Sunday, September 10th from 8 to 11 or 12 am for a bird outing at Valley Forge National Historical Park. There will be restrooms at the beginning and end. We will walk ~1-2 miles on hilly and flat paved roads and earthen paths. Please come hydrated and bring water if you’d like. We will be looking for Fall migrants including those pesky warblers. Bring your joy and full selves as usual. Please RSVP in the menu above!
#BlackInNature #BIPOCinNature #Birding #InColorBirding
[Description: The details above on a poster with a photo of a soldiers barracks in Valley Forge Park
Intro to Birding at The Discovery Center
Join Audubon Mid-Atlantic and Damien Ruffner as we introduce you to the wonderful world of birding! Birding (aka bird watching) has been a pastime for centuries. But it can be intimidating to start. "Where do I go to watch birds?" "What equipment do I need?" "What do I look for first?" This series is designed to answer those questions and introduce the world of birding to new audiences, novice birders, or anyone with an interest in the outdoors. We will take a deep-dive into the equipment, techniques, and codes of conduct of birding. This first workshop will concentrate on the equipment needed to bird and finding local groups to bird with as you enter a new hobby! This workshop will focus on identification and data gathering. TWO workshops to choose from: 9am-11am or 1pm-3pm.
Black Birders Week - Pawlings Farm
Join us this weekend as we wrap up #BlackBirdersWeek for 2023. We will be doing an immersive birding tour among the Pawlings Road Farm in Valley Forge National Historic Park on Saturday, June 3rd at 8am. We will be led by Conductor Dee of @ugr3day as we bird and incorporate the perspective of our ancestors as they sought freedom from Chester County through Valley Forge. Absolute massive THANK YOU to @acadnatsci for being a willing and consistent partner in supporting our initiatives, including this one, that are making a difference in getting folks into joyful, safe, and meaningful spaces outdoors.
This event is meant to center BIPOC experiences so preference will be given to those attendees. However if there is space allowed we will open it up to our active allies. You can RSVP here
The trail path and meeting location will be set to attendees. Expect a wide and narrow dirt/gravel trail at spot. Dress comfortably for the weather and terrain in any way you’d like. There will not be restrooms so please plan ahead.
Little Sit, Bartrams Garden
WHAT: “Little Sit” - Accessible for All Birdwatching Gathering
WHERE: Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 9–11 am
WHO: Adapted Birders, In Color Birding Club, Philly Queer Birders, & Feminist Bird Club Philly
DESCRIPTION:
Birders seek out diversity in birds, looking for an array of colors, sizes, ages, origins, etc. Thankfully, there’s a movement underway among birders to similarly celebrate diversity in our fellow humans! We’re thrilled to partner with In Color Birding Club, Philly Queer Birders, and Feminist Bird Club Philly to present a special morning of birding that is intentionally accessible and welcoming to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled people!
We encourage people with all skill levels to attend (even if you have never been birding!) and if you have an accessibility question, request, or need, please email Jason at info@incolorbirding.org
All are welcome!
You’re welcome to show up at any time between 9am-11am and stay for as long or as short as you want. We'll have a few light snacks and encourage people to bring outside chairs, picnic blankets, or anything that will make you comfortable spending a morning birding in one location (rather than walking). We'll have name tags where you can also write your name and pronouns if you want, so you can easily meet other birding friends. After all, birds of a feather flock together!
This event is FREE, but we do ask that you RSVP so we can send info & email updates.
WHAT’S A “LITTLE SIT”?
The Little Sit is our answer to a typically day-long, stationary birding event called a "big sit," where groups try to see as many birds in one location as possible. For reference: https://www.thebigsit.org/ It’s also a departure from our normal format of taking a “bird walk” or even a “bird hike” that covers a lot of terrain, with us going to the birds. With the Little Sit, we find a stationary position and let the birds come to us!
Spring Outing w/BirdPhilly - Fisher Park
Join ICBC and BirdPhilly as we explore a great little park in the East Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia on April 29th from 8am to 11am. Fisher Park is located at 571 W. Spencer St., 19120. We will be led by the incredible Tanya Burnett as she introduces us to a space that is very meaningful to her birding journey. We will travel along some park trails (dirt/gravel) in mostly shaded habitat. As usual, prepare for the weather forecast. There is parking lot at the location however, restrooms may not be available so please use facilities prior to arriving at the event to be safe. We expect to have the pleasure of viewing some great spring migrants and sharing the usual joy, laughter, and togetherness of a Philly bird outing.
Spring Outing - Houston Meadows
Join us for an early spring outing through Houston Meadows. Although this will not be our only outing at Houston Meadows, it is our FIRST one!! We are so excited to traverse the field and forest paths with you. Like many spring outings, there may be some mud and loose soil. The weather may be cooler or warmer than expected (ya know because… Pennsylvania LOL). Please dress and prepare in a way that you will feel comfortable.
We will plan to meet at the Houston Playground which is located at 900 Grakyn Lane, Philadelphia, 19128. There is ample street parking here and restrooms at the playground area. It’s also just a short walk from the # 62 SEPTA bus stop at Grakyn Lane and Sagamore Road.
We hope to spend some time welcoming early spring migrants like the returning Palm Warblers and Eastern Phoebe’s as we bid farewell to our American Tree Sparrows, Fox Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos until next Autumn.
RSVP HERE
Earth Day - Cobbs Creek
Join us and traverse the historic trails of Cobbs Creek Park as we celebrate Earth Day 2023 on Saturday, April 22nd from 8am to 10am. We will be meeting on the corner of Cobbs Creek Parkway and Thomas Ave at the entrance to the park. We will be in the height of migration and should see some fantastic returning migrants (bring on the warblers!). The weather looks to be cloudy and maybe a few sprinkles. Please dress accordingly. Parking is available on Cobbs Creek Parkway and Thomas Ave.
There looks to be a portable restroom in the parking lot, however, please plan ahead and use facilities prior to arriving at the event just to be safe.
We look forward to celebrating Earth Day 2023 in this beautiful and significant part of Philly!
Spring Outing - Hawk Mountain
Have you been cooped up all Winter? Would you enjoy a Spring hike to view some arriving songbirds and some migrating raptors? Do you enjoy being around welcoming, accepting, and joyful birders?
Then come on out and join us for a Spring outing at Hawk Mountain. ICBC will be offering up to 20 seats on a coach bus traveling from Philly up to Hawk Mountain. We will also be covering the cost of admission for those traveling with us or even those driving up themselves.
We suggest wearing comfortable shoes that can get a little dirty and light layers as it may start to get a little warm by then. The trail is a dirt/gravel trail to start and then moves into some good inclines and even a couple sets of stairs. This is a hike that will get your legs a workout but we do not expect to carry a brisk pace. This is still birding after all. There will be restrooms at the beginning and end of the hike at the visitors center. ICBC will provide some water and snacks/lunch as we will be resting and spending some time enjoying the view from the hawk watch lookout. For those not looking to hike all the way to the top, there is an earlier lookout where we will have bird guides to enjoy a nice sit and view. This earlier lookout is accessed via the same gentle incline but does not include the steeper steps and incline hike up to the top.
RSVP HERE
Birds & Brunch
Nothing like working up a good appetite after some birding. So why don’t we enjoy some lovely birds and some pancakes? Well if this sounds like your type of outing please join us at The Discovery Center for this very purpose. We hope to welcome some early spring migrants and enjoy a nice jaunt along the trail. Additionally, birding will be supported and available from stationary positions on the concourse of the Discovery Center.
Birding will take place from 8am to 10am with brunch (free) from 10am to 11am. Vegan options will be available.
For those who wish to attend, please RSVP here. There is limited availability for this event so RSVP as soon as possible.
Spring Outing - Houston Meadows
Join us for an early spring outing through Houston Meadows. Although this will not be our only outing at Houston Meadows, it is our FIRST one!! We are so excited to traverse the field and forest paths with you. Like many spring outings, there may be some mud and loose soil. The weather may be cooler or warmer than expected (ya know because… Pennsylvania LOL). Please dress and prepare in a way that you will feel comfortable.
We will plan to meet at the Houston Playground which is located at 900 Grakyn Lane, Philadelphia, 19128. There is ample street parking here and restrooms at the playground area. It’s also just a short walk from the # 62 SEPTA bus stop at Grakyn Lane and Sagamore Road.
We hope to spend some time welcoming early spring migrants like the returning Palm Warblers and Eastern Phoebe’s as we bid farewell to our American Tree Sparrows, Fox Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos until next Autumn.
RSVP HERE
American Woodcocks at Eastwick
Join us on Saturday March 4th, at 5:30pm to try and peep the mating displays of the iconic American Woodcock. We will be hanging in the Eastwick Meadows outside of the entrance to John Heinz NWR. Please RSVP at the LINK HERE.
This event will only last about an hour and the following points should be considered when attending:
- Park on Lindbergh Ave outside of the entrance John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
- Will walk down paved road to meadow.
- Meadow will require walking over some uneven areas (~30ft)
- Mostly stationary viewing; bring a chair if you’d like
- Flights occur between 6pm and 6:30pm
- No flash photography
- Binoculars are not required
- Restrooms at JHNWR are open but do close around sunset.
- Unlike other outings, this one will require general quiet as to not disturb the birds typical display activities. These are very shy birds and we want to ensure they continue to find Eastwick a suitable habitat to display. We encourage use of this quiet time to practice some mindful and joyful birding.
See you then!!
Disclaimer
Everyone taking part in the birding or nature related outings does so at their own risk. ICBC is not responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring as a result of any event or in connection with travel to such event, however caused.
When you join an event, you indicate that you accept these conditions and accept that no legal liability is accepted by the group, group organisers, event organisers or event hosts in the event of accident or injury, however caused.
Participants in events are responsible for ensuring that they are prepared with the proper outdoor clothing/gear as applicable (e.g. boots, jackets, umbrellas, etc).
Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk (including their own medical conditions), the safety of themselves and their guests and the suitability of any equipment used.
ICBC reserves the right to turn away any attendee for any reason that they deem unsafe for the group or the individual.
Middle Creek WMA - Snow Geese
Join us as we attempt to witness the great “takeoff” of tens of thousands of Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Are.a. Limited transportation will be provided with a priority given to BIPOC attendees coming from Philadelphia. Please see the link here
Winter Bird Outing - PennyPack on the Delaware
Join us for a bird outing brought to you by ICBC and Riverfront North.
Disclaimer
Everyone taking part in the birding or nature related outings does so at their own risk. ICBC is not responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring as a result of any event or in connection with travel to such event, however caused.
When you join an event, you indicate that you accept these conditions and accept that no legal liability is accepted by the group, group organisers, event organisers or event hosts in the event of accident or injury, however caused.
Participants in events are responsible for ensuring that they are prepared with the proper outdoor clothing/gear as applicable (e.g. boots, jackets, umbrellas, etc).
Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk (including their own medical conditions), the safety of themselves and their guests and the suitability of any equipment used.
ICBC reserves the right to turn away any attendee for any reason that they deem unsafe for the group or the individual.
Winter Bird Outing- Valley Forge NHP
Join us for a winter bird outing in Valley Forge National Historic Park. Brought to you by ICBC and the Valley Forge Park Alliance
Disclaimer
Everyone taking part in the birding or nature related outings does so at their own risk. ICBC is not responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring as a result of any event or in connection with travel to such event, however caused.
When you join an event, you indicate that you accept these conditions and accept that no legal liability is accepted by the group, group organisers, event organisers or event hosts in the event of accident or injury, however caused.
Participants in events are responsible for ensuring that they are prepared with the proper outdoor clothing/gear as applicable (e.g. boots, jackets, umbrellas, etc).
Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk (including their own medical conditions), the safety of themselves and their guests and the suitability of any equipment used.
ICBC reserves the right to turn away any attendee for any reason that they deem unsafe for the group or the individual.
Disclaimer
Everyone taking part in the birding or nature related outings does so at their own risk. ICBC is not responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring as a result of any event or in connection with travel to such event, however caused.
When you join an event, you indicate that you accept these conditions and accept that no legal liability is accepted by the group, group organisers, event organisers or event hosts in the event of accident or injury, however caused.
Participants in events are responsible for ensuring that they are prepared with the proper outdoor clothing/gear as applicable (e.g. boots, jackets, umbrellas, etc).
Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk (including their own medical conditions), the safety of themselves and their guests and the suitability of any equipment used.
ICBC reserves the right to turn away any attendee for any reason that they deem unsafe for the group or the individual.