Pre-Class Birdwatching

OVERVIEW

Hey guys! I haven’t been birdwatching since June, so let’s go birding together!!

I have been birding for 4 years, but have never been in Albemarle County, so I can’t wait to explore some of the parks around here! A quick search on eBird said Ivy Creek was a great spot, so I was thinking there, but the location is subject to change based on group input and rarities.

I know nothing about the park, but the plan is to leave Grounds by 6:45 and get there by 7 (right around sunrise), bird and explore the park for 2 hours, leave at 9, and return here by 9:15 so you can be at class as early as 9:30. Sorry the trip is so early. Birdwatching is almost always better in the morning. I hope we’ll get some good sightings!

For the trip, I would recommend:
– Going to the gear room to grab some binoculars
– Downloading the free Merlin app + Virginia bird pack to aid with identification
– Wearing long pants and socks to avoid any insect bites
– Bringing a bottle of water

I want to emphasize that no birdwatching experience is necessary to attend this trip. If you’re even remotely interested in birdwatching, you are welcome to attend! I am a first-year and don’t have a car, so we will need someone with a car. Because of this, priority enrollment will be given to anyone with a car who is willing to drive us!

If you can’t make it on this trip, don’t worry! There will be plenty of other opportunities. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to send me an email (fxj3bz@virginia.edu) or a text (7038178162).