Eastern Shore Bird Club Announces Fall 2024 Schedule

MELFA, Va. — The Eastern Shore Bird Club has announced an exciting lineup of programs and field trips for the fall of 2024. The free programs and excursions, running from September to December, offer bird enthusiasts a variety of opportunities to observe and learn about bird species in their natural habitats.

Programs and Field Trips:

Sept. 4 Field Trip: Birdwatching Boat Tour

• Location: Wachapreague, VA
• Times: 8:00 – 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Details: Participants will enjoy close-up views of seabirds and shorebirds from the water.
• Leader: Capt. Meriwether Payne (757-710-2454)
• Registration Deadline: August 28
• Fee: $20 (Limited to 6 participants per trip)

Sept. 28 Field Trip: Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve

• Location: Parksley, VA
• Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Details: Observe a variety of bird species, including terns, shorebirds, and raptors.
• Leaders: Maggie Long (610-500-9971) and Joette Borzik

Sept. 30 Field Trip: Kiptopeke Hawk Watch

• Location: Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory, Kiptopeke State Park
• Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Details: Watch migrating raptors, including hawks and falcons.
• Leaders: Roberta Kellam (info@birdingeasternshore.org) and Paul Anderson

Oct. 4 Deadline: Fisherman’s Island Tour Registration

• Cut-off Date to register: October 4, 2024

Oct. 8 Program: 15 Endemic Bird Species USA

• Speaker: Joanne Laskowski
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Details: An exploration of endemic bird species in the U.S. and their habitats.

Oct. 12 Field Trip: Migratory Bird Day Walk

• Location: Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
• Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Details: Walk and observe a variety of habitats for migratory birds.
• Leaders: Roberta Kellam and Joette Borzik

Oct. 18 Field Trip: Fisherman’s Island Tour

• Location: Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – Noon
• Details: Special walk through restricted coastal habitats. Limited to 25 participants.
• Leaders: Joanne Laskowski and Roberta Kellam
• Registration: Contact Lydia Hansen (lydia_hansen@fws.gov or 948-202-1676)

Nov. 7 Field Trip: Kiptopeke Hawk Watch

• Location: Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory, Kiptopeke State Park
• Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Details: Observe migrating raptors.
• Leaders: Paul Anderson (740-456-5688) and Roberta Kellam

Dec. 11 Field Trip: Hills Farm

• Location: Greenbush, VA
• Time: 3:00 p.m.
• Details: Look for woodcock, owls, and wintering raptors.
• Leaders: Joanne Laskowski (410-253-9141) and Hal Laskowski

Christmas Bird Counts:

• Wachapreague: December 14
• Nassawadox: December 21
• Chincoteague: December 29
• Cape Charles: December 30

Meetings are held at the Eastern Shore Community College, Academic Building, 29316 Lankford Hwy., Melfa, VA 23410. Participants are encouraged to be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes, and the weather, and to bring snacks to share for meetings.

For more information, visit birdingeasternshore.org or email info@birdingeasternshore.org.