When: October 11, 2026 @ 8:30 am
Lets go birding! Binoculars available to borrow.
Join Mainspring’s Outreach Associate and professional bird guide Alina Martin for this beginner-friendly morning full of neotropical migrants refueling for their long flights down to Central and South America! We have a good chance of seeing a wide variety of striking and interesting species like like songbirds such as Warblers, Grosbeaks, Vireos, Flycatchers; wading birds like Herons and Egrets; and waterfowl like Wood Ducks and Teal! Participants are encouraged to download the Merlin Bird ID app before the event, and we will discuss how to use this fantastic, self-guided learning resource at the beginning of the walk, as well as how beginner and advanced birders alike can easily contribute to ongoing community science
We will meet on October 11th just before 8:30am at the Murphy River Walk L&N Depot Parking Area. See the map below for exact location. The walk will take three to four hours and will alternate between hard trail and mud along the lake.
Question: Why so early?
Answer: The early worm gets the bird! Birds are most active in their foraging in the earlier hours of the day, especially during migration. They spend the whole night flying and when they land they need to fuel up as much as possible before their midday nap. Late afternoon/evening can be good birding as well but it’s not reliable like the mornings are! I want folks to really experience the phenomenon of fall migration. Plus, mornings themselves are pretty phenomenal (just make sure to get a good nights sleep!)
This event is weather-dependent; we will proceed in light rain, but cancel in the event of dangerous weather conditions like thunderstorms or high winds. Please leave pets at home.
This event is free with a suggested donation is 0-$20. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but please give what you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy! Donations can be made online (select “upcoming event” from the dropdown box), or by cash or check at the event.
Meet your Guide
As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Associate, Alina Martin aims to encourage the protection and appreciation of land by connecting communities to the birds, plants, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that share our home here in the Southern Blue Ridge. Her birding adventures up and down the east coast have introduced her to a wide variety of habitats, and those experiences inspire her to continue nurturing her understanding of wildlife and plant ecology. Armed with her identification knowledge and ever-increasing wonder, Alina leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and finds something curious and new each time. She is a life-long birder, all-around naturalist, and avid user of eBird and iNaturalist.
