Second Saturday Bird Walks
Forsyth Audubon has a long tradition of holding bird walks open both to members and the public on the second Saturday of every month, clouds or shine and perhaps even with a little precipitation. Each month, the walk is held at a different park or greenway around Forsyth County. We also like to check out the ducks and shorebirds that visit the Archie Elledge Waste Water Treatment Plant. Walks begin at 8 a.m., April through October, and at 9 a.m., November through March. Participation is free.
Being able to identify all of the birds by sight or sound is not required. Quite the opposite, this is a great opportunity for the beginning and intermediate birder to learn more about the birds in our area and to improve their identification skills. More experienced birders offer tips about bird watching and identification. Most of all, we are out there to have fun exploring our local natural habitats with people who share our interests. Families and young children who like birds are welcome. Bring binoculars, if you have them, but we also have a couple pair that are just the right size for young naturalists.
On January 12, Ann Newsome and Sven Halling led us on a walk through the fog at Tanglewood County Park. Despite low visibility, we recorded 41 species, including a Red-headed Woodpecker in the walnut grove near Mallard Lake, several Brown Creepers, a Red-breasted Nuthatch and a Red-winged Blackbird.
On February 9, come look for ducks on the pond at Salem Lake. Woodland birds like Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush and Golden-crowned Kinglet also may be around. Meet at 9 a.m. at the pier parking area. Nathan Gatto leads the walk.
Weekday Bird Walks
Our Saturday walks have proved so popular, we will try something new beginning in September - a second walk on a weekday. So, it you are retired, work at home, work on weekends or just want to get out on a beautiful day before going to work, come on out.
On Monday, February 25, "Hop" Hopkins leads a walk at Archie Elledge Water Treatment Plant. Winter ducks, snipe and several sparrow species, including fox and white-crowned, are regulars there. Meet at the gate at 9 a.m. A waiver of liability likely will be required.
See our Calendar, for a complete list of our scheduled walks.
Creek Week Features Three Simultaneous Walks
When: Sunday, March 17, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Creek Week will be held March 16 - 23, 2013 and is sponsored by the City of Winston-Salem's Stormwater Division, the County Extension Office, Forsyth Audubon and other conservation-minded groups to educate the public about the importance of protecting our streams. Creeks are wonderful places to watch birds drinking water, foraging on creekside vegetation, or bathing. On Sunday March 17, as part of Creek Week, an experienced birder from Forsyth Audubon will lead groups on a slow walk along one of our local creeks. No birding experience necessary. This walk is perfect for anyone who is interested in birds. Families and young children who like birds are welcome. Bring binoculars, if you have them, but we also have a couple pair that are just the right size for young naturalists. March is the start of migration season as well as breeding season for our year-round birds, so we're likely to see a variety of birds including wrens, kingfishers, sparrows, herons, and hawks.
- Tanglewood Park - led by Ron Morris, co-author of Bird's Eye View column in the Winston-Salem Journal Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the gravel parking lot at Skilpot Lake. There is a $2/car fee to enter the park.
- Civitan/Salem Creek Greenway - led by Forsyth Audubon President Jeremy Reiskind Meet at 9:00 a.m. at WSSU's Anderson Center parking lot by the footbridge.
- Muddy Creek Greenway - led by Phil Dickinson, co-author of Bird's Eye View column in the Winston-Salem Journal Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the parking area: From Silas Creek Parkway, go west on Country Club Road to Meadowlark Road. Turn right, go 0.5 mile to an unpaved entrance on the right just before the schools. Proceed down the hill to the parking area.