Spring Migratory Bird Walk

Co-sponsored by Bird Town PA, Newtown Square, Newtown Square EAC, Garrett Williamson and CRC, accomplished birders Mike McGraw & Phil Witmer will lead this "Rain or Shine" event, scheduled for the peak of Spring bird migration. We are likely to see a number of warblers, sparrows, red tailed hawks, black and turkey vultures, and hope to see bald eagles and bobolinks along with many other species that breed in Pennsylvania.

The Garrett Williamson property is a total of 240 acres and has approximately 4 miles of walking trails. The trails meander through open fields and meadows, riparian areas featuring a tributary to Crum Creek and primarily beech tree dominant forest. There are many diverse habitats and edges because the property is farmed, and they have an educational garden which is visited regularly by birds. The property is private and generally closed to the public so this would be a unique opportunity to visit this large piece of mostly undeveloped land in Newtown Square.

This event is not recommended for younger children.

This event is free, but registration is required. Register now! Birding events at Garrett Williamson tend to fill up early.

Our Guides:

Michael McGraw is a Wildlife Biologist and Ecologist. Since 2002, Michael has performed an extensive variety of reptile, amphibian, and avifaunal surveys in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. with a strong emphasis on endangered, threatened, and species of concern. Beyond survey and research, his work as a consulting scientist includes project design, permitting, project management, and client relations, as well as writing technical reports and proposals. Michael is currently managing numerous projects and functioning as a lead biologist on a variety of Princeton Hydro projects, including wildlife surveys, ecological assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, population biology research, wetland mitigation, sensitive habitat restoration, FAA-mandated wildlife hazard management plans for airports, land management and site master planning, and energy development projects.

Phil Witmer is an avid birder and conservationist with over 40 years birding experience. He is a past board member of Bucks County Audubon Society, past president of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, one of the oldest birding clubs in the country, and was a member on the advisory board of Audubon Pennsylvania State Office. He is currently vice-president of Bird Town Pennsylvania helping to build bird friendly habitats in Pennsylvania municipalities and associate member of the Tredyffrin Township EAC. He has devoted much time to the conservation of birds, the forces driving their decline and what we need to do to save them. He leads bird walks with a conservation focus and lectures on a variety of related topics. He teaches a course on backyard birding through the Main Line School Night.