Let’s get ready for the fall migration! Although the fall migration can start as early as late June, here at Love Park, we are in the heart of it. Love Park offers our traveling birds a place to rest, restore, and feed on their way south for the winter.
This week, we spotted a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in the park feeding on the flowers. Did you know this bird, which is only 3.5 inches long, will fly non-stop over the entire Gulf of Mexico? It goes to prove that anything is possible.
We will also host the white-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos. They travel from Canada to Philadelphia to enjoy a milder winter.
Practical advice:
- Keep outside lights off at night during migration: birds use the stars for navigation.
- Be patient when birding: remain quiet and still to increase your chances of spotting them.
- Do not feed the birds: it’s against park rules to feed wildlife.
Join us for “Birdwatching with Ranger Bob” on Thursdays from noon to 2:00 PM on October 3, 17, and 24. Experience the fall migration at Love Park!
I’m available to answer any questions, and happy birding!
Pro-tip:
Borrow a birding kit from the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Birding backpacks with binoculars and field guides are now on loan at the following Philadelphia libraries:
- Andorra.
- Cobbs Creek.
- Cecil B. Moore.
- Falls of Schuylkill.
- Frankford.
- Greater Olney.
- Logan.
- Richmond.
- South Philadelphia.
- Torresdale.
- Widener.
Before attending a walk or other event, please check for schedule changes or cancellations.
Check out these 2024 birding events:
Autumn Bird Outing with In Color Birding
September 21, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pennypack on the Delaware—8201 State Rd., 19136.
Enjoy the beginning of Autumn with an outing at Pennypack on the Delaware hosted by In Color Birding. Dress for the weather – binoculars will be provided! Admission is free. See more details and register for tickets.
Wissahickon Environmental Center Noon Bird Walks
Every Wednesday until November
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House)—300 W. Northwestern Avenue, 19118.
Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime. Optics are provided on Wednesdays at noon at the Tree House. Come search for wood warblers, raptors, songbirds, and water birds. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.
Bird Watching with Ranger Bob
October 3, 17, 24, 2024
Noon to 2 p.m.
Love Park—1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd, 19102.
Learn about the different species of wildlife that visit Center City with your favorite park ranger! Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Limited binoculars will be available for sharing. See more details on Instagram.
FDR Park with BirdPhilly
October 6, 2024
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
FDR Park —1500 Pattison Avenue &, S Broad St, 19145.
Join us to explore one of Philly’s Top 3 birding locations. This park has a few good birding areas including the lakes, woods and meadows of the old golf course. We will concentrate on areas that are productive each month. Due to consistent flooding in the park please be prepared for muddy and wet areas. Water-proof shoes or mud boots are recommended. Dress for weather. Get more details on the BirdPhilly website.
Audubon’s Philly Birding Weekend
October 12-13, 2024
Various locations
Audubon Mid-Atlantic invites people from across the Philadelphia region to join us as we explore some of the city’s iconic green spaces and look for birds on their fall migration. Each tour will be guided by local bird experts from Philly’s birding community. Planned excursions include walks in local parks and cemeteries, including John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, FDR Park, and a Bike-n-Bird excursion in Fairmount Park! Learn more and register for a field trip with Philly Birding.
