When: October 3, 2025 @ 9:00 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 warblers, grosbeaks, vireos, flycatchers, and more. Participants are encouraged to download the Merlin Bird ID app before the walk, 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 just before 9am by the boat launch at the base of Mission Dam on Friday, October 3rd. See the map below for exact location. The walk will take about two-three hours and will be on grassy mostly level, even trail. There will be a small hill with a gravel road we walk up to get the the start of the trail just past the dam.
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 free and open to birders of all skill levels, from newbies to experts. Please bring a water bottle, water-resistant close-toed shoes (the grass may be dewy), binoculars, and your curiosity! Binoculars will be provided for those who don’t have their own.
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.
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.
Please treat your registration as a formal ticket. Read this event description thoroughly and ensure that the date, time, and location work for your schedule. We monitor event sign-ups, and restrict group size to ensure you have a quality experience out in the woods with us. If you register and can no longer attend, email Alina at [email protected]. Thank you!
