Cradle of Birding and the PA Young Birders

The PA YOUNG BIRDERS CLUB participated in a special event on Saturday September 19 — the 9th annual Cradle of Birding Festival in Philadelphia.  The festival attracted nearly 1,200 people mostly from the local area, to enjoy myriad festivities at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, in Philadelphia.

Kevin Loughlin, Adrian Binns and Debbie Beer represented the PA YOUNG BIRDERS with an eye-catching exhibit table, providing information and answering inquiries from kids and their parents who were interested in joining the club.  Many emails were added to the list of people who want more details about PAYB field trips.  Thanks to the PA Young Birders and their parents who also volunteered!

During the festival, Kevin and Adrian presented a one-hour Birding for Kids Workshop, and led 3 different bird walks for young birders around the refuge.  With the help of binoculars given generously by Nikon and DVOC, they found a total of 52 avian species throughout this gorgeous, sunny day, and several turtles too.  The enthusiastic kids and adults enjoyed exciting experiences with Tinicum’s birds, including the following highlights:  A female Merlin perched right up close; Cooper’s Hawk chasing a Red-shouldered Hawk; A Bald Eagle soaring in the distance; Two rattling Belted Kingfishers chasing each other over territory; Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers perched side-by-side for good comparisons;  Six warbler species seen across 3 trips – Magnolia, Black & White, and Yellow-rumped Warbler,  American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, and Northern Parula;  Solitary Sandpiper posing cooperatively in the nearby mudflats of Darby Creek; Several Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets standing at the water’s edge or flying from one location to another with deep croaking calls; and a Black Tern flying with Forster’s Terns low over the impoundment.  Everyone enjoyed a wonderful day.