Winter Bird Walk

Winter blahs getting you down? An awesome winter bird walk is just what the doctor ordered! Join us in January 2024 for bird walks out in two of the nicest natural areas around – Matt Fraker’s farm and ParkLands’ Merwin Nature Preserve. For those who think spring and fall migration are the only times to birdwatch … au contraire! In the winter, you have more of an opportunity to chat with your birdwatching companions as you look for our resident winter birds. Possible highlights include red-headed woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, red-breasted nuthatches, and northern harriers!

Dress for the weather and consider your footwear, as the trails can get a bit slick if wet.

Each walk will be led by a local expert. Bird walks are appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. (Seriously, there is no pressure to know anything about birds. We can give you some tips, or you can just walk along and appreciate us appreciating the birds.) We even have 5 pairs of loaner binoculars! If you have questions about accessibility, please email us at [email protected]. Here is the schedule (NOTE the later start times):

SUNDAY, January 7 – 9:00 a.m. Fraker Farm (2226 County Road 375 N, Carlock) with leader Dr. Matt Fraker. You’ll see a ParkLands sign at the entrance to the gravel drive. Proceed through the gate and follow the gravel lane as it curves to the left (west) all the way to Matt’s driveway.

SATURDAY, January 20 – 9:00 a.m. ParkLands Foundation Merwin Preserve North Gate on Clarksville Road (2650 N) with leader Dr. Pirmin Nietlisbach.