Upcoming Field Trips
April begins the return of the neotropical migrants. We thank Andrew Rapp for leading a bird walk at the Kites and Kritters Festival in Staunton on April 13th. For our next field trip we have a special excursion to Maple Flats scheduled for the end of the month that should have a good showing of warblers as they make their pass through the area. Pre-registration is required for the Maple Flats trip as it is being limited to 12 participants including parents. Also, on May 3rd 7:30 am is the first Saturday Bird Walk at Ivy Creek Natural Area, followed by our meeting at 9:30 am
BRYBC members are also invited to participate in the bird walks sponsored by the adult bird clubs in the area. The Monticello Bird Club in Charlottesville has a series of Birding Before Work walks scheduled each day for two weeks at the end of April and beginning of May, in hopes of seeing the many warblers migrating through the area. Check here for a list of area bird club walks.
BRYBC members are also invited to participate in the bird walks sponsored by the adult bird clubs in the area. The Monticello Bird Club in Charlottesville has a series of Birding Before Work walks scheduled each day for two weeks at the end of April and beginning of May, in hopes of seeing the many warblers migrating through the area. Check here for a list of area bird club walks.
Maple Flats Saturday, April 26th
7:45 am Car Pool from the Inn at Afton (hawk watch) parking lot
This field trip will finish around 12 noon
Pre-registration Required: Since Participation is limited to 7- 8 youth and 4-5 parents we require you to preregister for this field trip. If you are interested in participating please contact Mary Mapel mary@wildearth.com 540-363-5035
The Maple Flats special biological area of George Washington National Forest contains a complex of sinkhole depressions that are a unique and important natural resource in the East. While the larger depressions may contain water year-round, most of them hold water for only a portion of the year. These seasonal, freshwater wetlands support an impressive array of plants and wildlife, including many species that are specially adapted to these rare types of habitats. (see:http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/fsseasonalponds.pdf)
Mike Hayslett, Naturalist-in-Residence at Sweet Briar College, Director, Virginia Vernal Pools Program, past President, Central Virginia Chapter of the VA Master Naturalist Program will lead a naturalist walk throughout the Maple Flats area. We will check out the vernal pools, wildflowers, birds... of course!! .... and what ever else that crosses our path..... all flora and fauna!!!
April showers or mild rain will not cancel the outing, but thunderstorms or other unsafe conditions could. The walking will not be strenuous, but we mayget off established trails and be walking through the forest and beside the ponds during the day. Please bring water, snacks and lunch with you, and come prepared for the weather and uncertain footing.