West Park Bird Hike with Holger

West Fairmount Park is an excellent location to connect with nature and its large woods provide a great opportunity to get one closer to the 10,000-steps-a-day goal. This time of year, Philly’s green spaces are once again bustling with returning breeding birds and stopover migrants. The park will be no different, with woodpeckers, sparrows, thrushes and warblers abound. Our goal will be to walk about 3 miles on various terrain with up- and downhills while watching and talking about birds. We will utilize a brisker pace than during a typical bird walk finishing in about 2 hours. Holger will guide our eyes and ears. You can also bring your own bird book or download an identification app such as Merlin.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Level: moderate to difficult (some hiking experience recommended)
• Terrain: combination of flat open parkland and hilly trails
• Please wear appropriate footwear (hiking boots recommended).
• Tour starts at 8 am sharp.
• BYOB – as in, please bring your own binoculars. If you don’t have any, we will have a limited number of binoculars to borrow.
• Appropriate for adults and families with children ages 12 & up. Minors must be ticketed and accompanied by an adult.
• Dress according to weather conditions.
• Bring your own water and snacks (drinking water is not available in the park).
• There are limited nearby bathrooms (porta-potties) so please plan accordingly.

GETTING THERE/PARKING: Meet at Belmont Plateau Cross Country Course entrance (parking lot next to the Car Barn building). From Montgomery Dr., turn onto gated park road with blue “Car Barn” sign at the entrance. Parking lot is a few hundred feet ahead. There is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car!