On this walk, aimed at new birders but open to all, we’ll spend a morning exploring Wheaton RP (accessible by Metrobuses Y2 and Y8). Starting at 7:30 a.m., we’ll use our eyes and ears to identify forest birds, likely some waterfowl, and perhaps early migrants. Limit: 16. LEADER: Cheryl Hogue at [email protected]. Lisa Norwalk will co-lead.

This half-day trip is targeted at newer birders. We will start at Hughes Hollow parking lot in the McKee-Beshers WMA at 7:30 a.m. We will explore the wetlands and fields of Hughes Hollow. Species to be expected include migrant warblers, Green Heron and other water birds, and possibly raptors. Limit: 8. LEADER: Clive Harris at [email protected]

THIS TRIP IS FULL. Half day. We will meet at 8 a.m. at the Violette’s Lock parking lot at the end of Violette’s Lock Road. We will then carpool to Pennyfield Lock and walk back up the C&O Canal towpath to Violette’s Lock. This walk should net an interesting mix of late warblers, other landbird migrants, and maybe a few early winter visitors, as we scan the skies and river for raptors and waterbirds. Because we will be carpooling, do not sign up if you are not vaccinated against COVID-19 or if you are uncomfortable carpooling. Limit: 10. LEADER: Jim Nelson at [email protected].

THIS TRIP IS FULL. WAITLIST IS OPEN. Join us as we explore this location for some early morning autumn birding at the Equestrian Park on the west side of Route 28 (https://rb.gy/qpdqda). We’ll bird the broad fields and separating woods, beginning at 7:30 a.m., for warblers and sparrows, vireos, woodpeckers, and raptors. Limit: 12. LEADER: Scott Young at [email protected]. Dave Roberts will co-lead.

Roy will share his recent trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos. Mindo is a small village in the rainforest of Ecuador north of Quito. It has an extraordinary diversity of birds for such a small region. Highlights include Golden Tanagers, Red-headed Barbets, Orange-bellied Euphonia, and especially the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. The group spent a couple of days birding in Mindo before traveling around the Galápagos Islands on a 16-passenger boat. In addition to the always enjoyable Blue-footed Boobies and the Magnificent Frigatebirds, among Roy’s personal favorites were the Red-billed Tropicbird, Galápagos Dove, and the Brujo Flycatcher (related to his “spark bird”—the Vermilion Flycatcher).

Roy Howard lives in North Potomac and is a member of the Montgomery Bird Club Council. The company of birds, combined with the company of other convivial birders, is truly his sweet spot.

THIS TRIP IS FULL. WAITLIST IS OPEN. Come discover (or rediscover) a Montgomery County birding gem; 140 species of birds have been recorded in this park! Some moderate hiking. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Nature Center parking lot. Limit:12. LEADER: Emily Huang at [email protected].

8 to 10 a.m. We’ll be looking for fall migrants. Park in the north lot off of Shorefield Road (coordinates: 39.054581048683566, -77.0432617288355). The walk will cover approximately 2 miles on paved paths and grass/natural trails. MENTORS: Andy Martin and Bob Cantilli. You can RSVP for them here: https://tinyurl.com/YMBCFall23. If you are interested in being a mentor on a walk, please reach out to us at [email protected]

On this 2-hour walk, aimed at new birders but open to all, we'll explore this small, birdy parcel of water and woods. (Note: No facilities available at this site). No reservations are needed. Meet at 7:30 a.m. Park on Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring between Glen Haven Drive and Hemley Lane (https://goo.gl/maps/VVrb8avtw62ugshi6). Co-Leaders: Cheryl Hogue at [email protected] and Paul Orsinger.