Updated through Augt. 11,
2012
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Reminder:
If you are interested in going on a field trip, always contact the Leader prior
to the trip. That way you will be informed of last minute changes,
cancellations, or the leader may need to modify plans according to the number of
attendees.
Unless
otherwise noted, meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month,
October through April, at the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library,
1420 Price Park Road, Greensboro.
This link will show you a map:
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Departments/Library/branches/KCEFB/Map.htm
Field Trips:
the Far Side
by Julien
McCarthy
You know how the
ducks are always
on the FAR side
of the lake?
Well, here comes
a golden
opportunity for
PBC members to
identify,
observe, and
photograph
wintering
migratory
waterfowl in
Guilford County
at close range:
Neil Thompson,
Greensboro Parks
& Recreation
Department Lake
Activity
Specialist,
has scheduled
Sunday afternoon
pontoon-boat
birding trips on
Lake Townsend or
Lake Brandt.
There is also a
chance that we
can get
spontaneous use
of the boat
on other days
when rare birds
are sighted,
provided a
captain is
available.
DATES: Jan.
8, 15, 22, 29
--- Feb. 5, 12,
19, 26 --- Mar.
4, 11, 18, 25.
These are all
Sundays.
TIMES: 2:30-4:00
p.m. Overflow
trip time:
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Trips depart the
dock on time, so
arrive before
these times of
departure.
COST: $4.00 per
person, CASH.
REGISTRATION:
Register in
advance with
Madeleine Carey,
373-3816, to
reserve a seat
and to discover
which lake is on
the agenda.
Minimum number
of
participants is
4 and maximum is
8 – first come,
first served.
When necessary,
a waiting list
for a second
trip on the same
day at 1:00-2:30
p.m. will be
established
for “overflow”.
Life jackets
will be provided
and should be
worn.
Trips will be
cancelled in the
event of high
wind or rain.
Check with the
coordinator,
Madeleine Carey,
373-3816, if
weather is
questionable.
Saturday,
January 14 –
16
Field Trip:
Chesapeake
Bay Bridge
and Tunnel
Islands --
We will
carpool to
the southern
end of the
Chesapeake
Bay Bridge
and Tunnel (CBBT)
where we
will bird
around the
mouth of the
Chesapeake
Bay. On
Sunday
morning, in
the company
of a
security
escort, we
will bird
the manmade
CBBT
islands,
which are
closed to
the general
public.
After our
visit, those
wishing to
return home
on Sunday
afternoon
may do so.
The rest of
us will bird
at several
excellent
locations on
VA’s Eastern
Shore north
of the CBBT,
including
Willis
Wharf,
Oyster,
Kiptopeake,
and the
ESVNWR. We
will return
home on
Monday
afternoon
after a
brief stop
to bird CBBT
Island #1.
The trip is
scheduled
for the
long, Martin
Luther King,
holiday
weekend.
The CBBT
spans 20
miles of
open water
at the mouth
of the
Chesapeake
Bay. We will
literally be
“at sea”
with the
chance of
seeing some
great birds
(e.g.,
Purple
Sandpiper,
Long-tailed
Duck,
Northern
Gannet,
Brandt,
eiders,
alcids,
Marbled
Godwit,
Little Gull,
etc. Each
visit is an
adventure
because
there is no
telling what
birds may
give us a
look or what
naval and
merchant
vessels we
may see!
Harbor Seals
and whales
also are
possible.
Prior to our
visit we
will be
required to
submit
information
that will be
used to
grant us
security
clearance
and enable
us to stop
on the CBBT
islands. We
will also
have to pay
an hourly
fee for our
police
escort. A
further
requirement
is that our
group cannot
have more
than 15
birders.
Although the
beauty of
this
“pelagic”
trip is that
we can’t get
sea sick, we
can get
cold! Bring
plenty of
warm clothes
and
windbreakers.
Bring your
scope if you
have one.
Leader:
George
Wheaton;
336-540-8953,
gcwheaton@earthlink.net.
If you think
you might be
interested
in this
trip, please
get in touch
with George.
He will
scout it in
November,
and will
then
assemble and
communicate
the
logistical
details
(e.g.,
routes,
motels,
target
birds, etc.)
for those
who are
interested.
This is
George’s
favorite
place to
bird - on
shore -- in
Virginia.
The trip
will not go
if there is
little
interest,
and we will
not attempt
it in snow
or ice.
Thursday, Jan 19
Program: Birding
By Boat -- An
Introduction to
North Carolina's
Offshore Pelagic
Birding.
NC offers some
of the best
offshore birding
in North
America. In
this
presentation
we'll explore
some of the
birds and other
creatures that
may be
encountered in
North Carolina
waters on a
birding
expedition. This
program will be
presented by
Jeff Pippin, a
Master’s Degree
holder in
biology,
specializing in
ornithology and
etymology, who
currently
teaches both
undergraduate
and
graduate-level
natural
history/environmental
science courses
at the Duke
University's
Nicholas School
of the
Environment in
addition to his
research. He has
extensive
birding skills,
having birded in
nine countries
and has seen
over 1600 bird
species.
Bird of the
Season:
Pelagic Birds:
Cory's
Shearwater –
Julien McCarthy
Saturday, Jan 21
Outing:
Greensboro Lakes
–
We will meet at
9 a.m. at a
location to be
determined by
the leaders.
Ducks, geese,
grebes,
mergansers, and
gulls are our
target birds on
this tour of
lake overlooks.
Dress warmly and
bring a thermos
of something
hot; the wind
off the lake can
be chilling.
Bring a spotting
scope if you
have one. No
walking. This is
a joint trip
with TGPAS.
Leaders; Henry
and Elizabeth
Link; 273-4672,
linkh@bellsouth.net
Thursday, Feb.
16
Program:
Birding at the
End of the
World:
Antarctica --
PBC members
George and
Cherrie Wheaton
traveled to "The
Ice" on an
expedition ship
in February,
2008. The
primary purpose
in doing so was
to see birds of
the Southern
Ocean and
Antarctic
Peninsula. Their
expedition,
which included a
visit to Tierra
del Fuego
National Park
and many Zodiac
landings on the
Antarctic
continent, provided
some great
birds. More
importantly, it
instilled a deep
appreciation for
this most
special place
and alerted them
to the many
ecological threats
facing the
region. George,
who has
extensive
pelagic birding
experience and
has birded on
every continent,
considers this
trip a highlight
of his birding
travels. Come
join George as
he relives this
trip through a
brief talk and
slide show.
Bird of the
Season:
Pelagic Birds:
Trinidade
(Herald) Petrel
– Lou Skrabec
Friday, Feb. 17
– Monday, Feb.
20
Great Backyard
Bird Count --
Take part in
this Citizen
Science event
that helps
provide a
“snapshot” of
what birds are
where. For more
information, go
to the website:
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
Saturday,
Feb 25
Adopt-A-Park --
Members will
improve the
environment by
picking up trash
at Greensboro
Country Park.
Meet at 9:00
a.m. in the
parking lot that
can be reached
by turning onto
Orman Road from
Lawndale, and
then turning
left at the
intersection.
Leader: Cal
Weimer,
336-790-5286.
Saturday, March
3
Outing: A&T Farm
--
Meet at the Farm
entrance at 8:30
a.m. Easy hike
around the farm
pond and around
edge of wet
woodland and
then by car
across McConnell
Rd. to more
ponds, fields
and the hog
farm. This is
our best site
for Wilson’s
Snipe and
possibly
American Pipit.
Wear
water-resistant
footwear, dress
in layers.
Leader: Emily
Tyler; 375-5770,
ettyler@triad.rr.com
Thursday, March
15
Program: Birding
in Budapest --
Phil Dickinson,
co-writer of
“Bird’s Eye
View” in the
Winston-Salem
Journal, board
member and
past-president
of the Audubon
Society of
Forsyth County,
will share his
birding
experience in
Budapest. In
early May 2011,
he and six other
local birders
and SOBs
(spouses of
birders) arrived
in Budapest upon
friend Ferenc
Domoki’s
invitation to
show them the
birds of
Hungary. They
traveled from
the capital east
to the Zemplen
Hills of the
northeast and
then the marshes
around Ferenc’s
home city of
Szeged.
Bird of the
Season: Pelagic
Birds:
White-tailed
Tropicbird –
Howard Millican
Saturday,March
24
Outing:
Greensboro Lakes
--
We will meet at
9 a.m. Contact
leaders for
location. Ducks,
geese, grebes,
mergansers, and
gulls are our
target birds on
this tour of
lake overlooks.
Dress warmly,
and bring a
thermos of
something hot;
the wind off the
lake can be
chilling. Bring
a spotting scope
if you have one.
No walking.
Leaders: Henry
and Elizabeth
Link; 273-4672,
linkh@bellsouth.net
Saturday, March
31
Outing: Whitacre
Farm
-- We will visit
the Whitacre’s
farm in the
Bunch Rd. area
of Guilford
County for an
easy walk to
look for late
winter and early
spring birds.
Meet at the
parking lot of
Kernodle Middle
School, 3600
Drawbridge
Parkway, at 8:30
a.m. for car
pooling.
Leader: Carolyn
Allen; 288-3045,
texallennc@aol.com
Frday, April 6 –
Sunday, April 8
Field Trip:
Huntington Beach
State Park and
Georgetown area
--
This popular
trip to the S.C.
coast lasts
three days
(longer for
those coming
earlier or
staying later)
and covers
several
different
habitats from
fabulous ocean
beach, tidal
streams and
estuaries to
lush inland
forests and
gardens. We
will explore
Huntington Beach
State Park, and
possibly
Brookgreen
Gardens,
Samworth WMA,
Murrell's Inlet,
and Sandy Island
Road, depending
on participants’
interests. We
should see many
gorgeous
shorebirds,
ducks, terns,
gulls, migrating
warblers, and if
luck is with us,
Painted
Buntings, Bald
Eagles,
Oystercatchers,
Sora and others.
This trip will
be well
organized from
all perspectives
including
accommodations
and meals. Bring
snacks, drinks
and food for
breakfast and
lunch. Pack for
a variety of dry
to wet weather;
it could get
chilly in the
mornings.
Participants
will be given a
detailed
itinerary before
departure which
will resolve
most questions.
Be sure to
contact the
leader: Emily
Tyler;
336-375-5770,
ettyler@triad.rr.com
to ask questions
and sign up at
least two weeks
before the
departure date.
Saturday, April 14
Outing: Randolph
County --
Beginning at 8:30
a.m. we get the
opportunity to
explore Jane and
Craig Lawrence's
exemplary preserve
in Randolph County,
NC. Indigenous and
migratory species
should be abundant.
We will listen and
look for birds,
flowers, mammals,
reptiles, etc. The
walking is easy and
slow and
temperatures should
be cool to warm.
Deciduous and
evergreen forests
abound as well as
newly overgrown
clearings, streams
and ponds. It's got
it all folks! Bring
water, snacks and a
contribution for the
famous potluck lunch
and enjoy cordial
conversation as we
share our company
and discuss the
day's treats.
Contact Jane or
Craig; 336-381-0555;
jewelwing.jane@gmail.com
to sign up (give
them a week's notice
for this one please)
and ask questions.
Rain will cancel the
day but the outing
will be rescheduled
for Sunday, April 15
if possible.
Thursday, April 19
Program:
A Flyway Vision:
Let birds lead us to
our work --
Heather Starck,
Executive Director,
Audubon North
Carolina will join
us to discuss
Audubon’s new
strategic vision and
how it relates to
our Atlantic
Flyway.
Bird of the Season:
Pelagic
Birds:
Wilson's Storm
Petrel – Stephen
Bryant
Friday, April 20 –
Thursday, April 26
Field
Trip: West Virginia
Pilgrimage --
This
trip takes advantage
of the WV New River
watershed &
property/home of
Julien & Judith on
the Bluestone River,
a three hour and 15
minute drive from
Greensboro, NC. We
will explore a
variety of habitats:
open fields,
hardwood / evergreen
forest, river
bottom, streams,
mountains, margins,
looking for target
species:
neo-tropical
migrants including
Golden-winged
Warbler,
Black-billed Cuckoo, Cerulean
Warbler, Blackburnian
Warbler, both
orioles, and both
water thrushes.
There is an
abundance of
indigenous species
as well.
Logistical
considerations and
size of
accommodations limit
the size of the
group so only seven
members at a time
can participate.
Please participate
for at least two
days during the
period. Participants
may sign up for
three consecutive
days. Sign up in at
least one week in
advance
Provisions needed /
meal plans:
Breakfast will be
served at 7:30 a.m.
daily at the house.
All lunches, snacks
& beverages for
every day should be
brought by
individuals for
their consumption.
Suppers will be
impromptu/communal
or individual &
there are a variety
of restaurants close
at hand. Physical
difficulty &
weather: There will
be many short walks
and a couple of
optional walks up to
a mile or two. The
weather will vary
from cold to warm.
All mornings will be
cold.
Overview: We rise at
7 a.m. and at 9 a.m.
and will travel
daily by vehicle to
several different
sites and will stop
for short walks. We
will break for
lunches (no restroom
facilities in the
field). We will
return to the
property/home in
late
afternoon/evening
for social/local
birding activity.
Leaders: Julien &
Judith; home;
336-656-4774, Julien
e-mail jbm@triad.rr.com,
Judith cell,
336-339-5001, Julien
cell, 336-706-9003
(rarely on except
during the
pilgrimage) Sign up
at least one week in
advance
Directions: a map
will be provided to
all participants
after signing up.
Carpooling is
encouraged and is a
must on expeditions
away from the
property. It makes
sense to arrive on
the evening before
you intend to
participate in
expeditions because
we leave promptly at
9 a.m. each day. An
abundance of
inclement weather in
the forecast will
result in
cancellation of this
trip! Participants
will be notified by
trip leaders.
Saturday, April
21
Earth Day at
KCEF Library
-- If you would
like to help
with the Club's
educational
exhibit at this
well-attended
event, please
contact Emily
Tyler at
375-5770,
ettyler@triad.rr.com
to sign up for a
two-hour shift.
On-the-Job
training is
provided and you
don’t need to be
an expect
birder.
Beginners are
welcome.
Sunday, April
22
Outing: Smith
River Greenway
--
Our destination
for this trip is
the Smith River
Greenway located
in Eden, NC.
This well-graded
1.5 mile walking
path winds
through riparian
habitats along
the Smith
River. We will
walk a total of
three miles
including the
return trip, but
there are “off
the main trail”
paths we can
follow to see
more habitat.
This is one of
the best
migration areas
I have found in
Rockingham
County. In
April a number
of vireo and
warbler species
are possible. (I
have seen 20
warbler species
at this location
in the past
three years.)
Woodpeckers,
chats,
flycatchers, and
thrushes are
possible as
well.
Bring water and
snacks. Insect
repellant might
also be
desirable.
Check the
weather and
dress
appropriately.
Binoculars are
all that’s
needed here. We
will meet at the
trailhead
located in the
YMCA parking lot
off Kennedy
Street in Eden
at 9 a.m.,
Sunday, April
22. From
Greensboro take
29 North to the
Hwy 14
(Reidsville,
Yanceyville,
Eden, exit 153),
turn left at the
light. Drive
11.6 miles then
turn left onto
Kings Highway in
Eden. Go .2
mile and turn
right on Kennedy
(second right).
The trailhead is
in the parking
lot .2 miles on
the left (You
should easily
see it as you
approach).
Leader: Marty
Wall;
336-587-1872,
martin@martinwallphotography.com
Be sure to
call with
questions and to
sign up at least
three days in
advance. This
trip is canceled
in case of rain.
Saturday, April
28
Spring Bird
Count
-- Teams will
count birds in
assigned areas
within the
designated
15-mile circle.
Some teams
need new
counters for all
or part of the
day, and new
birders are
welcome.
Mostly riding or
mostly walking,
depending on
team assignment.
Bring drinks and
binoculars;
dress for
weather. The
tally is the
following
afternoon.
Compiler and
Assignments
Coordinator;
Elizabeth Link:
273-4672,
elzlink@yahoo.com
Sunday, April 29
Outing:
Beaver Dam
Trail at
Plainfield
Road --
Lynn Moseley
and Ann
Walter-Fromson
have
initiated
this new
adventure
into one of
the more
diverse
areas that
we are
privileged
to visit.
This
property is
a recent
acquisition
of the new
Guilford
County Open
Space
program.
This is an
easy walk of
about two
miles round
trip along a
margin bound
on one side
by mature,
mixed forest
and either a
creek, a
fresh marsh
or a beaver
dam/pond on
the other.
Who could
ask for more
so close to
Greensboro?
We will
likely find
most of the
local
woodpeckers
and there is
a colony of
Red-headed
ones there.
Of course
the spring
migration
will be in
full swing
so warblers,
tanagers,
vireos, etc.
could be
numerous.
There is a
chance that
an American
Bittern will
be passing
through
(cross your
fingers--it's
been seen
here for
years).
There could
be a decent
array of
gorgeous
wildflowers
too and we
often find
interesting
mammals,
reptiles,
etc. so come
on and join
us for this
exciting
foray into
the
outdoors.
We will meet at
1 p.m. in the
parking lot at
Lake Brandt
Marina,
Greensboro, NC
and carpool from
there. Be sure
that you look at
the weather
forecast to see
how cool or warm
it will be and
dress
accordingly. You
will be near
water, mud, etc.
so wear
appropriate
boots. Bring
drinks and
snacks and be
prepared to stay
out until about
4 p.m. This is
a joint trip
with TGPAS. To
sign up at least
three days in
advance and ask
questions
contact Lynn
Moseley;
336-226-4353,
lmoseley@guilford.edu
or Ann Walter-Fromson;
336-299-9494,
annwf7@gmail.com.
These two
experienced
leaders are
quite
knowledgeable
and are
educators. We
will all learn a
lot on this
outing so new
birders will
find this one
most
interesting,
beautiful and
informative. See
you there!!
Rainy weather
will cancel this
outing.
Wednesday, May 2
Outing: Blue
Ridge Parkway
via Kibler
Valley &
Squirrel Spur
Road
-- The
beginning of the
birding
territory is
about 45 miles
North of
Greensboro at
Kibler Valley, a
one hour drive.
We will travel
about 20 miles
through Kibler
Valley and then
up Squirrel Spur
Road to the Blue
Ridge Parkway
where we will go
about seven
miles to Rt. 58
and
then home.
We will have
about 4-5 hours
of good birding.
The territory
will cover lush
valleys to
scenic altitudes
at the BRP.
There will be
many stops to
walk short
distances and
view canopies
from overlooks.
The spring
migration will
be in progress
revealing
warblers,
tanagers and
vireos as well
as resident
birds. Gorgeous
wildflowers will
be blooming too.
The views are
spectacular and
the traffic will
be minimal. Rest
stops are
infrequent, but
we will stop as
needed. Bring
lunch, snacks
and drinks. We
will picnic at
an overlook at
an appropriate
time/ location
depending on the
group's needs.
Please come to
explore a new,
scenic and
lightly traveled
approach to the
BRP allowing for
spectacular
views and
relatively
placid birding.
New members and
less experienced
birders will be
nurtured by the
more seasoned
folks.
Contact Julien
McCarthy or
Judith Pate;
336-656-4774,
jbm@triad.rr.com
at least three
days in advance
to sign up and
ask questions.
We will depart
at 8 a.m. sharp,
from the Food
Lion parking lot
at the junction
of Rtes. 150 and
220 in
Summerfield.
Carpooling is
essential. Limit
14 people. A
forecast of
inclement
weather will
cancel the
outing.
Saturday, May 5
Birding 101 -
Introduction to
Birds and
Birding: Session
1 --
Co-sponsored by
the PBC and
TGPAS at the KCE
Library at Price
Park in
Greensboro, this
interesting,
educational
outing is
intended to
bring relatively
new birders
together with
experts in an
effort to
nurture those
wanting a
compressed
learning
experience that
not only will be
informative, but
also great fun
together in the
field. We are
fortunate that
retired
professor,
Dennis Burnette,
has designed and
will be teaching
this class on
the basics about
birds and
birding. The
class, a
PowerPoint
presentation
plus questions
and answers,
will last around
45 minutes and
will be indoors
at the KCE
Library. It will
cover spotting
techniques,
binocular usage,
and
identification
using field
marks, etc.
The walk will be
a beautiful,
one-hour jaunt
along a trail in
that park
consisting of
mixed forest and
open fields and
there will be
seasoned birders
to help and
coach. Bring
equipment,
binoculars and
field guides
that you
already possess.
It could be a
little cool in
the morning so
dress according
to the forecast.
You should bring
your drink and
snack for the
easy trail walk.
Sign up at least
three days in
advance and ask
questions by
contacting
Dennis Burnette:
336-299-4342,
DEBurnette@triad.rr.com The general
public,
including older
children
accompanied by
an adult, is
welcome.
Sunday, May 6
Outing: South
West Park Outing
for Physically
Challenged
members --
For those folks
who cannot
attend most PBC
outings, this
outing could be
a lot of fun.
Often we see
many indigenous
birds at South
West Park and
this time of
year we will see
migratory birds
like warblers,
tanagers and
vireos. There is
a convenient new
overlook there
donated by the
TGPAS chapter
where we can sit
comfortably and
observe whatever
passes by.
Obviously this
will be a very
easy outing so
grab a drink and
a snack to bring
as well as your
favorite outdoor
chair and call
one of the
leaders below to
sign up and ask
questions. Don't
forget your
binoculars and
field guides and
be sure to check
the weather
forecast and
dress
accordingly. The
leaders will
assist you all
the way through
and if you need
a ride we will
come to you and
take you to the
park (“on Jeeves!").
Leaders: Julien
McCarthy,
336-656-4774;
Jean Murdick,
336-340-5484;
Dennis Burnette,
336-299-4342.
Saturday, May 12
Outing: The
Summit at Haw
River State Park
-- We will walk
the wooded
trails down to
the lake and
along the
boardwalk to the
Haw River. This
a good place to
see a variety of
breeding birds
including
Prothonotary
Warbler,
Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, and
Great Blue
Heron. We will
visit a nearby
cut-over area to
see
Yellow-breasted
Chats, Blue
Grosbeaks,
Indigo Buntings,
Prairie Warblers
and more.
Contact the
leader for
meeting time and
directions.
Leader: Emily
Tyler; 375-5770,
ettyler@triad.rr.com
Saturday, May 19
Birding 101 -
Introduction to
Birds and Birding:
Session 2
-- Learn about how
to feed birds and
attract them to your
yard. Co-sponsored
by the PBC and TGPAS
at the KCE Library
at Price Park in
Greensboro, this
session will be
aimed at beginners
who want to learn
the basics about
attracting birds to
your yard and
feeders. This class
will have an indoor
classroom component
of about 45 minutes
in length consisting
of a narrated
PowerPoint
presentation and
question and answer
session. It will be
followed by an
easy one-hour bird
walk to learn to
spot birds, use
binoculars, and
begin picking out
field marks used in
identification. The
classes will be
open to the
public, including
older children who
are accompanied by
an adult. This
outing occurs rain
or shine. Bring a
drink and snacks if
you like.
Sign up at least
three days in
advance and ask
questions by
contacting Dennis
Burnette:
336-299-4342,
DEBurnette@triad.rr.com
Saturday, May 19
Spring Picnic at
Greensboro Country
Park,
Shelter #1 –
There will be a
short bird walk at
5:30 p.m. followed
by dinner at 6:00
p.m. Bring a covered
dish; beverages
utensils and paper
products will be
provided. Parking is
at the end of the
Natural Science
Center parking lot
off Lawndale Drive.
This event is mostly
social. Contact
Janet Goins:
336-665-1883,
gons5@aol.com
Saturday, May 26
Outing: Chinqua-Penn
Walking Trail --
Located adjacent to
the famous Chinqua-Penn
Plantation close to
Reidsville, NC
(very near
Greensboro), this
outing is very
special. We will
walk about 1.5 miles
along an easy trail
that passes beside
two ponds, through
mature hardwood
forest, along a
gentle creek and
through
fields/pastures.
Species that could
appear include
Eastern Meadowlark,
Grasshopper Sparrow,
Blue Grosbeak,
Summer Tanager,
Acadian Flycatcher,
and all six
woodpeckers (WOW).
We will walk the
loop
counter-clockwise
and cover the upper
fields first.
Spotting scopes will
give good views of
birds on fences at a
distance so bring
one if you have it.
White-tailed Deer
are common in the
morning. Next we
will enter the
forest where many
typical species
should appear. Here
we can work on
“birding by ear".
We will then walk
the boundary between
forest and field up
to “Turkey Pond”
where aquatic
species may be. We
exit then through an
open forest where we
are likely to see
those fabulous
woodpeckers.
Be sure to bring
drinks and snacks
and check the
weather so you'll
know how to dress.
Don't forget
binoculars and field
guides and bring a
scope too if you
have one (most folks
share these well).
We should all be at
the trailhead by 8
a.m. From
Greensboro, take the
exit for NC 14 West
and go 3.2 miles to
Salem Road. and turn
left there. Travel
to the intersection
of Wentworth St. and
turn right onto it.
Now go 0.4 miles and
just past the
Chinqua-Penn
entrance to the
parking lot at the
trail head. (NC
Atlas & Gazetteer
pg.
18)
Marty Wall leads
this outing. Be sure
to call with
questions and to
sign up at least
three days in
advance;
336-587-1872,
martin@martinwallphotography.com.
This trip is
canceled if it
rains.
Friday, June 1 –
Sunday, June 3
Field
Trip: The Howell
Woods --
Our president; Jim
Strickland, will lea
this overnighter to
Howell Woods in
Johnston County,
near Four Oaks, NC
where there are 2800
acres of pine and
hardwood forests,
streams, brushy
meadows and rivers.
In this varied
habitat we could
find lots of
beautiful warbler
species, tanagers,
woodpeckers
(including the
Red-headed), Indigo
Buntings, and maybe
even a Mississippi
Kite! We will walk a
lot on easy, level
trails leading
around the property.
We can accommodate
up to 12 people on
this trip and will
be staying in
communal cabins
which have bunk beds
(rarely anyone ever
having to sleep in
the upper bunk) and
a shared kitchen. Be
sure to bring food
to prepare your
breakfasts and
lunches as well as
your drinks and
snacks. We will eat
dinners at local
restaurants.
Due to reservation
requirements,
participants must
sign up by the first
week in May! Contact
Jim Strickland;
336-248-6979 home,
336-239-2800 cell,
jimbird.strickland@gmail.com
to sign up and ask
questions.
This is a “rain or
shine trip". Jim
will contact
participants to
finalize the
departure time and
location.
Saturday, June 9
Introduction to
Birds and Birding:
Session 3 --
Co-sponsored by the
TGPAS and PBC at the
KCE Library at Price
Park in Greensboro.
This
interesting,
educational outing
is intended to bring
relatively new
birders together
with experts in an
effort to nurture
those wanting a
compressed learning
experience that will
not only be
informative, but
also great fun
together in the
field. We are
fortunate that
retired professor,
Dennis Burnette has
designed this class
on the basics about
birds and birding
and will be teaching
the class using a
PowerPoint
presentation. The
class, including
questions and
answers, will last
around 45 minutes
and will be indoors
at the KCE Library
at Price Park in
Greensboro. It will
cover spotting
techniques,
binocular usage, and
identification using
field marks, etc.
The walk will be a
beautiful, one-hour
jaunt along a trail
in that park
consisting of mixed
forest and open
fields and there
will be seasoned
birders for help and
coaching. Bring
binoculars and
field guides
that you already
possess. It
could be a
little cool in
the morning so
dress according
to the forecast.
You should bring
a drink and
snack for the
easy trail walk.
Sign up at least
three days in
advance and ask
questions by
contacting
Dennis Burnette:
336-299-4342,
DEBurnette@triad.rr.com
. The general
public including
older children
accompanied by
an adult are
welcome.
Saturday, June
16
Field Trip:
Off-shore
Birding for
Pelagic Species
with Captain J.
Brian Patteson
-- Check out the
marvelous
opportunities at
sea with this
most experienced
off-shore guide
in his
newsletter at
www.seabirding.com.
We intend to
coordinate
sign-up and
motel
accommodations
for this
expedition.
Obviously many
things will be
observed on the
way to the Gulf
Stream from
Hatteras, NC
such as
Cetaceans,
turtles, fish
and of course
many pelagic
birds. Members
who have
independently
done this trip
rave about it so
come on and
let's put out to
sea for a
“once-in-a-lifetime"
adventure. This
is tentative
based on the
schedule that
Capt. Patteson
decides to
establish so we
must have at
least six
members to
commit to this
trip by the end
of October,
2011.
Otherwise,
perhaps we can
take this trip
as a “bonus
trip” once Capt.
Patteson sets
other dates for
trips on his Web
site. Leader:
Julien McCarthy;
336-656-4774,
jbm@triad.rr.com
Saturday, August
11
Outing:
Archie Elledge
Water Treatment
Center in
Winston-Salem
-- This trip has
been described
as “the best
site in the
Triad for
migrating
shorebirds.”
We’ve also seen
Yellow-billed
Cuckoos and a
variety of
raptors there
and were pleased
on the 2011 trip
to see a Black
Tern, a life
bird for many!
Leader; Louise
Brown: 233-7531,
piedmontbirder@triad.rr.com
This page was last updated
01/08/12 |