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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Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 8:00am – 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 it 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 leader, Matt Skalla at matt.skalla@gmail.com.
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Wawayanda State Park Saturday – June 6, 2026, at 8:00 am 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 astime/interest permits. Bring lunch and a drink.
Please email leader with questions and to register. matt.skalla@gmail.com
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Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge-Liberty Loop Trail Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 8:30 am – Leader Sandy McPhail.
Meet at Owens Station Parking lot off Lake Wallkill Rd in Sussex NJ. Flat easy trail. We will walk the trail through woods, field and swamp looking for warblers, Vireos and sparrows, out to the marsh for waterfowl and hopefully Sandhill Cranes. After the walk back we can check out the Purple Martin colony, the lake and visit the “Friends” store. Restrooms at parking area. Bring lunch.
For questions and to register contact leader. smcphailemt@yahoo.com
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Worthington State Forest Wednesday July 8th, 2026- 8am Leader Melissa de Waal
Meet at Douglas Parking lot. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. We will bird until it gets too hot or until activity dies down. According to eBird, various warblers and flycatchers are likely along with our regular summer residents. We can walk along the waterfront by the campgrounds or head into Garvey Springs trail.
For directions and to register contact leader. m.dewaal@fdu.edu
The Sussex County Bird Club 