2026 Field Trips

PRIVATE OUTINGS FOR NEW BIRDERS

Longtime AAS member Jon Dale is available for individual and family local outings for the purpose of teaching birding fundamentals to those new to this informative and entertaining pass time. Contact Jon Dale at jwdale4@gmail.com to schedule.  Jon will provide instruction, tips and a field experience at central Pennsylvania locales to individuals, families, or very small groups.

NOTE: Additional field trips may be announced at meetings and the monthly newsletter as the year progresses. 

APRIL 2026

FRIDAY 4/10/26 - Completed

WILDFLOWER AND NATURE WALK AT SHENK’S FERRY

Join naturalist Dan Welte as he returns to Shenk’s Ferry Preserve in Lancaster County. Expect to see an assortment of blooms, as well as budding trees, and whatever critters seem to pop up on Dan’s excursions, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

Participants may contact Dan at dcmawelte@comcast.net to register.

MAY 2026

SATURDAY 5/2/26

WARBLER WALK AT STONY CREEK CLASSIC!

Join former AAS president Zach Richard in Stony Valley to look and listen for warblers and other song birds in full breeding plumage. As usual there should also be some spring blooms to view on this walk.

Contact Zach at zachrichard021@gmail.com to register.

SATURDAY 5/9/26

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

  AAS member and PA Bird Atlas co-cordinator for Dauphin County, Kevin

Shannon, will return to lead this annual bird count at Memorial Lake State Park in Lebanon County. This world-wide migratory count occurs during the peak of spring migration. Expect to see an array of birds at this time including waterfowl, passerines, and raptors. Bring binoculars, a drink, and a rain jacket. Insect repellent is recommended as ticks are a possibility. Additional spotting scopes are welcome for the sector where we scan the lake for water birds.

Contact Kevin Shannon at kbsathome@comcast.net to register.

SUNDAY 5/10/26 - 7:30 AM

WARBLER WALK AT STATE GAME LAND 230

Pete Lusardi will lead a walk along the base of Blue Mountain near Carlisle Springs to look for migrating and summer resident warblers and other song birds.

This walk has a history of uncommon birds showing up including Golden-winged Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Bobolinks. Registration is not required. Meet at the parking lot on the south side of Rt. 944 at 7:30 AM.

Participants may contact Pete Lusardi at peter.lusardi@ghd.com if needed.

SATURDAY 5/16/26

A GUIDED TRIP TO THE SERPENTINE BARRENS

Geologist and former AAS President Zach Richard will lead another outing to the Serpentine Barrens in southern Chester County. Prior trips proved to be a well balanced mix of geological history, some less common plant life, and a good number of bird species including Yellow-breasted Chats and an elusive singing Kentucky Warbler. Be prepared to hike on some hilly terrain and bring binoculars, sunscreen, a packed lunch, drink, and a rain jacket.

Contact Zach at  zachrichard021@gmail.com to register.

MAY-JUNE 2026

HARRISBURG FALCON WATCH - Dates to be announced after eggs hatch.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to observe and help young Peregrine Falcons at the Rachel Carson Building in downtown Harrisburg. As the young fledglings attempt their first flight, the Falcon Watch team will be on the lookout for mishaps or injuries. Contact Sue Hannon at hbgfalconwatch@gmail.com for more information