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 are 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.
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Bird Walks for Beginners
All trips are easy walking on flat trails. All levels of birders are welcome. Checklists are provided at the end of each walk. Trips will be cancelled if there is snow on the roads. For more info or directions, email trip leader Sandy McPhail via smcphailemt@yahoo.com
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Saturday, May 20, 2023 • 9:00am – Birding Hike at Tilcon Lake. Waterloo State Park, Waterloo Village Main Parking Lot. Leader: Michael Livesey. Tilcon Lake is part of Allamuchy Mountain State Park and is administered by the Waterloo Village park staff. The lake was formed when the Musconetcong River breached its banks during a server flooding event and flooded the old quarry formerly run by Tilcon. Many species of waterfowl, swallows and warblers have been seen in this area. Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher have also been reported. May is such a great birding month and the nesting season will be well in progress, so we may be treated to the unexpected. The trails are flat, some quite close to the river allowing good viewing. Among the many swallows reported are Bank Swallows that have been known to nest here. With scopes we should be able to get a view of the nesting sites. With time we can walk through the village, we have seen Chimney Swift there in the past. If you have any questions regarding this trip and to register please contact the trip leader, Mike Livesey at M.livesey2019@outlook.com.
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Saturday, May 21, 2023 • 8:00am – Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Leader: Matthew Skalla. We will meet at the Ryker Lake parking lot at 8:00 am for a short walk out and back (about a mile total). The road down to Ryker Lake is an unmarked road off Edison Road is a few hundred feet with its junction off Glen Rd. Then we will head over to the Edison Monument parking area to do a loop of about 3 miles. This will include a section of power lines, so besides the usual woodland birds we should also have a number of field/brushy area specialists. Moderate walk, a mild up and down route but most of Sparta Mountain trails are old logging roads so there is rough footing and loose rocks in places. For questions and to register for the trip contact the leader, Matt Skalla at matt.skalla@gmail.com
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Saturday, June 10th 2023 8:00am. Waywayanda State Park. Leader Matt Skalla – Trip starts at the P7 parking lot on Clinton Road (approx. 30 minute drive north of Sparta) this area is known as “Hiking Terrace Pond parking” on google maps. We will walk approx. 3-4 miles on logging roads through woodland. We hope to see Acadian Flycatcher, Hooded Warbler and Cerulean Warbler as well as the usual suspects for June. We may stop at other sites as time/interest permits. Bring lunch and a drink.
Please email leader with questions and to register. matt.skalla@gmail.com
The Sussex County Bird Club 