This is a leaderless birding experience, you do not need to sign up with the leader. You will bird on your own between the hours of 7 AM and 10 AM. The idea is you will “bump” into fellow birders as you make your way along the trail loop, chat a little about what you are seeing, then move on and hopefully run into another birder further along the trail. You can start at 7 or sleep in and start at 8 or even 9! The route we will bird is as follows: from the parking lot follow the West Branch trail south to the 1.2 mile loop trail head north on the 1.2 mile loop and follow it around and back to the parking lot (Map). As always you can hike the loop in either direction. McDowell Grove is on the east side of Raymond Drive, south of Interstate 88. The main entrance is south of Diehl Road, approximately 1 mile north of Ogden Avenue (Route 34). McDowell Grove website. Dress for the weather, bring bug spray and water.
Organizer: Natalie McFaul, natcatcher7@gmail.com