Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and experienced birder Holger Pflicke for a bird-watching hike in West Fairmount Park on Saturday, April 13 from 8:00–10:00 AM. We’ll hike along the historic Trolley Trail – an excellent location to connect with nature. This time of year, Philly’s green spaces are once again bustling with returning breeding birds and stopover migrants. Holger will guide our eyes and ears as we look and listen for woodpeckers, sparrows, thrushes, warblers, and more.

Participants are encouraged to bring a bird book or download an identification app such as Merlin.

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Holger Pflicke is an avid birder with years of experience leading walks with BirdPhilly. Holger got hooked on birding at age 12, thanks to his uncle who was involved in the reintroduction of peregrine falcons in his region of Germany. Holger has been in the US since the fall of 2010 and while he has a lot of favorite spots on the Delmarva and along the Jersey Shore, most of his birding is done locally in Philly parks before and after work, especially during migration season. His focus is on little-visited parks like Pennypack, Poquessing, Tacony, smaller parks like Fernhill and Fisher Parks, and lesser-known sections of West Fairmount Park. When not chasing birds, Holger helps people as the Study Director of pre-clinical oncology studies.

TICKET PRICE: $15

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• The hike will be roughly two miles in length over a combination of flat, open parkland and hilly trails (moderate exertion).
• Appropriate for adults and families with children ages 12 and up. Minors must be ticketed and accompanied by an adult.
• Please dress according to weather conditions and wear good hiking shoes (boots/sneakers).
• Please bring your own water and snack (drinking water is not available in the park).
• There are no bathrooms nearby so please plan accordingly.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• The tour starts at 8:00 AM sharp. We will leave shortly after the scheduled start time. Please arrive at the departure location at least five minutes early. We cannot guarantee that latecomers can join after the group has departed.
• BYOB – as in, please bring your own binoculars. If you don’t have any, we will have a limited number of binoculars to borrow. Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org to let us know if you need a pair.

PARKING/GETTING THERE: We’ll meet at Belmont Plateau Cross Country Course entrance (parking lot next to the Car Barn building). From Montgomery Drive, turn onto the gated park road with blue ‘Car Barn’ sign at the entrance. The parking lot is a few hundred feet ahead. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at Belmont Ave and Belmont Mansion/Fairmount Park Drive – a half-mile walk from the start. The closest Indego bike station is at Parkside and Belmont Ave – also a half-mile walk from the start.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org

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