Normally, there are many field trips held throughout the year. Most trips are free of charge and are open to the public as well as club members.
Pre-registration and compliance with any applicable guidelines is required.
Please read and follow the instructions provided for each listed field trip. Trip leaders reserve the right to cancel a trip for any reason.
General information for all field trips: Please bring binoculars or scopes, optional if you have them. Bring water or other non-alcoholic beverages; snacks or a lunch are up to you. Wear hiking boots or shoes; flip-flops are not recommended. Most trips are rain or shine, so dress for the weather. All ages are welcome, those age 17 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We host several different types of Bird Walks/Field Trips:
Regular Bird Walks: Geared towards seeing the target birds that are migrating and in the habitats we bird in. It’s usually a little more intense than beginner walks. The leader kind of gears it toward the feel of the crowd. But with fun being #1.
Bird Walks for Beginners: Concentrating on Field marks, habitat and behavior for beginners. A more relaxed slower paced walk. All levels welcome. “Bird Walks for Beginners” is noted in the description for these walks.
Pop-up Bird Walks: Add on trips that may have been cancelled before or a new bird reported somewhere. A last-minute trip that anyone can do. Notifications are made by email – so watch your email! ***********************************************************************************
Please email leader with any questions and to register for trip. Registration is necessary in case of any changes or cancelations.
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Kittatinny Valley State Park Saturday December 13th 2025 8:30am Leader Kathy Wilson
Meet at the main parking lot near the visitors center at the end of the entrance road off of Goodale Road. We will check out the spruce grove by Lake Aeroflex hoping for Evening Grosbeaks (which have been reported in our area) or Red-breasted Nuthatch . We will check out the lake for any wintering waterfowl and drive over to Twin Lakes and walk some trails in search of wintering birds.
Please email Kathy with any questions and to register: kat.wils@hotmail.com; 201-400-3993.
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Liberty Loop Trail at The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge for winter raptors: Leader: Ken Witkowski Saturday January 10th 2026
Meet at 2:00pm at the Owens Station Crossing parking lot. 136 Owens Station Rd Sussex NJ.
This is an afternoon trip and will focus on Short-eared Owls, Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks. We should also expect sparrows.
Dress for the weather. Restrooms in parking lot. For questions and to register email leader. kenwitkowski@yahoo.com
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Jones Beach Winter Walk on the Beach
Saturday January 17, 2026 10am start (date may change depending on weather) Leader Matt Skalla
Meet at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center parking area. We are hoping for sea ducks – Scoters, Harlequins and Eiders. Dunlin and Purple Sandpiper are likely. Razerbills are also frequently seen within the inlet. Approximate 4 mile walk mostly on sand. Will go if the forecast is for no rain, temperature above 35, and reasonable wind. Will delay until next weekend the weather looks good. Travel time from Sparta to Jones beach should be about an hour and a half in the morning. The trip home will likely be longer with traffic.
Please email leader with questions and to register and if interested in carpooling. matt.skalla@gmail.com
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Search for Eagles – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Upper Delaware Scenic River Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip Series SCHEDULED 2026 EAGLE FIELD TRIPS
Sundays – January 4, & 18, 2026 Sundays – February 1 & 15 2026
The Brandwein Institute is sponsoring four searches for eagles in 2026. Join Jack Padalino, President Emeritus of Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and Brandwein Institute by caravan to search for eagles on Sundays during January 2026, and February 2026. Searches for eagles are orchestrated by the Brandwein Institute.
Meet 8:00 AM at PEEC or 10:00 AM at the parking lot of the north entrance to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Route 209 south of the Milford, PA bridge.
WEATHER PERMITTING.
Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch. The search for eagles will conclude along the Lackawaxen River approximately 4:00 PM.
TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP
PLEASE REGISTER via Email: jackpeec@aol.com or PHONE: 845.325.0536
TO INDICATE FIELD TRIP(S) WHICH YOU SHALL ATTEND.
THERE IS NO CHARGE
Eagle observation data that we collect will be shared with the National Park Service, Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA.An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” activities hand-out will be provided by the Brandwein Institute.
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Merrill Creek Reservoir Saturday February 15th, 2026 – Leader: Mike Livesey
NOTE (Trip contingent upon the Snow Geese being here) will be a pop up trip if they show up later.
Meet at the Boat Ramp parking lot. 10:00am. Trip ends at about 3pm but come and go as you like. Over the years numbers of Snow Geese into the tens of thousands have gathered here. We can walk along the Perimeter Trail to the Main Dam. It is a good wide trail, however at this time of year be prepared for slippery conditions. We will also search for wintering ducks and woodland birds on the trail. Bring lunch. Dress warm.
Email leader for info and to register. m.livesey2019@gmail.com
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The Sussex County Bird Club 