BCDC field trips provide opportunity to explore different locations, see (and hear) resident and migratory birds, and meet great people! Bring binoculars and dress to be outdoors. Participation is at your own risk. Click on the event title for more details. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!

Upcoming Field Trips

August 2026

Nighthawk Watch at Haverford College

Nighthawk Watch at Haverford College

August 23, 2026 - September 12, 2026    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
All are welcome to join Sheryl Johnson nightly between August 23 and September 12, 6:00-8:00 pm, weather permitting, to witness the Common Nighthawk migration at Haverford [...]

September 2026

Bird Walk at Harvey Run Trail in Chadds Ford

Bird Walk at Harvey Run Trail in Chadds Ford

September 12, 2026    
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Join us for an early fall bird walk at Harvey Run Trail in Chadds Ford, where we will look for warblers, Blue Grosbeaks, woodpeckers, bluebirds [...]
Early Fall Bird Walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia

Early Fall Bird Walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia

September 13, 2026    
9:00 am - 11:30 am
All are welcome to join the early fall bird walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, an urban oasis in southwest Philadelphia. We'll stroll through [...]
Birders and Broad-wings at Rose Tree Park

Birders and Broad-wings at Rose Tree Park

September 18, 2026    
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
All bird clubs, birders, and wanna-bes are invited to Birders and Broad-wings Day at the Rose Tree Park Hawkwatch! Educator and raptor counter John Mercer [...]
Bird Walk at Ridley Creek State Park (Parque/Mansion Area)

Bird Walk at Ridley Creek State Park (Parque/Mansion Area)

September 19, 2026    
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Join the Birding Club of Delaware County (BCDC) as we walk the path around the mansion area looking for migrating warblers and flycatchers, and resident [...]
Bird Walk at Gillespie Park

Bird Walk at Gillespie Park

September 27, 2026    
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Join us at Gillespie Park in Upper Darby Township for a walk along the Darby Creek. The trail is paved and ADA compliant. We will [...]

More Upcoming Field Trips …

Previous Field Trips

September 2026

Hawk Watch Kick-off at Rose Tree Park

Hawk Watch Kick-off at Rose Tree Park

September 1, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The 28th season of the Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch (RTPHW) launches on September 1, 2026 with a kickoff gathering at 10:00 am! (Rain date September [...]

August 2026

Summer Bird Walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia

Summer Bird Walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia

August 9, 2026    
8:00 am - 11:00 am
All are welcome to join the summer bird walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, an urban oasis in southwest Philadelphia. We'll stroll through warbler [...]

July 2026

Owling in the Moonlight at Gillespie Park

Owling in the Moonlight at Gillespie Park

July 29, 2026    
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
In collaboration with the Upper Darby Township Library, Lynne Rabchuk, of the Birding Club of Delaware County and the Tree Tenders of Upper Darby, will [...]
Summer Bird Walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia

Summer Bird Walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia

July 12, 2026    
8:00 am - 11:00 am
All are welcome to join the summer bird walk at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, an urban oasis in southwest Philadelphia. We'll stroll through warbler [...]
Purple Martin Banding at Glen Mills School

Purple Martin Banding at Glen Mills School

July 8, 2026    
8:00 am - 10:00 am
A colony of Purple Martins has been nesting at the Glen Mills School property for many years, utilizing special mini condominiums built specifically for the [...]

June 2026

Father's Day Walk at Naylors Run Trail

Father's Day Walk at Naylors Run Trail

June 21, 2026    
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Join us at the NEW Naylors Run Trail segment 5a for a Father's Day Summer Solstice walk along the creek. Meet in the Beverly Hills [...]
Day Trip to Ocean City Welcome Center Rookery

Day Trip to Ocean City Welcome Center Rookery

June 20, 2026    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join us at the Ocean City Welcome Center (The Roy Gillian Welcome Center - Google Maps) to view the spectacular nesting shore birds at the [...]
BCDC Summer Picnic at Ridley Creek State Park

BCDC Summer Picnic at Ridley Creek State Park

June 10, 2026    
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
BCDC invites everyone to our annual summer picnic on Wednesday, June 10. BYO picnic dinner or grillables and join us for birds, fun, games and [...]

May 2026

Bird Walk at Penn Pines Park

Bird Walk at Penn Pines Park

May 31, 2026    
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Join us at Penn Pines Park in Upper Darby Township for a bird walk along the Darby Creek. The trail is unpaved with moderate inclines [...]
CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST Bird Walk at Natural Lands' Hildacy Preserve

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST Bird Walk at Natural Lands' Hildacy Preserve

May 23, 2026    
7:30 am - 9:30 am
CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST.  Join the Birding Club of Delaware County (BCDC) for a bird walk at beautiful Hildacy Preserve in Media. Natural Lands [...]

Additional Information

Field Trip Tips and Guidelines:

  • Please arrive promptly. Allow time to park and walk to meet the leader.
  • Field trips take place outdoors, in various conditions and terrain.
  • Be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, potentially rough and muddy.
  • Dress for seasonal weather, wear sturdy footwear. Waterproof boots may be needed in some locations.
  • Bring hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent as desired.
  • Binoculars are essential, as trip leaders do not have extras to share. Spotting scopes are handy in some outings.
  • Restrooms are often not available.
  • For long trips, bring a full water bottle, trail snack or food, and ample gas if caravanning.

BCDC follows the ABA Birding Code of Ethics, to practice and promote respectful, enjoyable, and thoughtful birding for people and wildlife.

Health and Safety:
BCDC prioritizes the health and safety of people and wildlife communities. Help us all stay safe, and follow guidelines for BCDC field trips, programs, and activities. Participants are responsible for their own well-being during all activities; be aware of your capabilities.

  • If you or a family member are sick, please stay home.
  • Masking is optional. Participants may choose to mask at any time. Everyone should respect personal decisions regarding mask-wearing.

PARTICIPANT RELEASE: Participation in a BCDC field trip or event signifies that you agree not to hold the Birding Club of Delaware County or any of its agents responsible for any accidents, losses, damages, or injuries resulting from participation in the field trip or program. Participation in BCDC activities is entirely at your own risk.