Saturday Morning Bird Hikes at CBEC

Join CBEC staff and birding volunteers for a one-hour monthly bird hike around CBEC. Both beginner and experienced birders are welcome. There will be a theme for each hike, but we will keep an eye out for whatever comes our way.

Dress for the weather, bring your binoculars and some patience. We’ll meet at the CBEC Visitor Center for each hike.

$5 per person per hike for CBEC members; $10 per person per hike for non-members. Maximum of 12 hikers/session (with the exception of our September trip to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge).

January 10 at 9:00 am
Wintering Waterfowl
Led by Anne and Dave Brunson
Take a leisurely walk to the kayak area to look for Tundra Swans and a myriad of ducks wintering in Marshy Creek.

February 14 at 10:00 am
Tweets and Treats: Bird Feeder Watch
Led by Judy Wink
Enjoy an indoor activity learning about the inter and intraspecific behavior of birds at a feeder and the appropriate seeds to offer at your backyard feeders.

March 14 at 10:00 am
Look Who’s Living Here: Resident Birds at CBEC
Led by Andy and Gretchen Cheezum
Hike through a woodlot to observe the bird life that toughs it out all year ’round to call CBEC home.

April 11 at 9:00 am
Migrants Arriving
Led by Adele Clagett
Join our sharp-eyed leader on a bird hike focusing on “guess who’s coming to CBEC” for the summer.  Discover the early birds returning to nest.

May 9 at 9:00 am
Tree Swallows: Another Generation
Led by Dave Brunson
From egg to winged adult and every stage in between. Trek easily along the entrance road, and examine the progress of the families in the tree swallow nest boxes.

June 13 at 9:00 am
Ospreys: Facts and Fiction
Led by Judy Wink
After a short hike to a nesting platform, observation time will kick in … and our observations will dispel some fictions about their behavior.

July 11 at 8:00 am
Family Happenings
Leader to be announced
Join our walkabout to observe bird family dynamics. We’ll identify adults and immatures and watch their unique interactions.

August 8 at 8:00 am
Lake Look for Migrants Moving Through
Led by Adele Clagett
An easy walk around CBEC’s freshwater lake, looking for early migrants stopping over at CBEC for rest and food. Sandpipers, plovers and waders are “early birds” heading south.

September 12 at time to be announced
Bird Behavior: What’s That Bird Doing?
Led by Anne Brunson, Dave Brunson and Judy Wink
Join us for a birding trip to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.  Transportation is not provided—meet at the refuge parking lot, and plan to be at the refuge all morning. Watch for additional information to be announced.

October 10 at 9:00 am
Woodpecker Work: The Bug Managers
Led by Andy and Gretchen Cheezum
“Tap” into nature on this bird walk! It will reveal places where woodpeckers live throughout the year, including nesting and feeding sites.

November 14 at 10:00 am
Follow the Squeak: The Habits and Habitat of the Brown-Headed Nuthatch
Led by Dave Brunson
CBEC has an abundant population of “squeakers.” On a short walk, both seeing and hearing the Brown-Headed Nuthatches will ingrain their locations and vocalizations in your bird memory.

December 12 at 10:00 am
Winter Weather and Bird Life
Led by Judy Wink
Lace up your boots and join our winter hike! Learn how birds survive the cold, from a chickadee’s internal thermostat to its amazing foraging skills.