Discover a great hobby and learn about nature and the conservation/habitat preservation needs of our birds!

Come and explore the fun and entertaining world of birds on a walk with Liz Alakszay and Christine Nicholson at Black Rock Sanctuary, 953 Black Rock Rd. (Rt. 113) in Phoenixville.  Meeting place: parking lot across from Riverwalk Drive.  In the event of steady rain, the walk will be canceled.  Information will be posted on the Events Calendar and the Library's Facebook page.  

You will learn not only about identifying birds, but also about the habitat and feeding preferences of the various birds that we will encounter as we check out the wetlands and the meadow. We will also practice using binoculars and offer tips for using your bird guide.  You can also download the Merlin Bird ID App at: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/.  After our walk, you will be sent a list of the birds we observed.

Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced.  You are encouraged to bring binoculars, sturdy walking shoes, a bird guide, bottled water, and bug repellant, and to dress appropriately for the weather.  

Liz is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and has been a Cornell Ornithology Lab member and a FeederWatch program participant for over a decade. Through her involvement in the West Whiteland Public Services commission and her role as Great Backyard Bird Count ambassador, she  teaches about birds and designs, develops and advises on creating bird-friendly parks and backyard habitats.

Christine is Circulation Manager at Phoenixville Public Library. Besides her love for libraries, she is an advocate for nature and a passionate outdoorswoman. Christine has been birding for the past six years. When she’s not at the Library, you can find her out in the woods hiking, camping, birding, identifying animal tracks, or herping.

This event is being held in conjunction with Longwood Gardens' 2021 Community Read.  This year's Community Read featured book for adults is The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham. Birds are a lifelong passion for Lanham, and in The Home Place, he also examines his personal history and struggles. Readers follow his journey as a successful wildlife ecologist who along the way uncovers lessons about legacy and his own need to inject a deeper sense of human caring into his life and work.  More on Longwood's Community Read at https://longwoodgardens.org/education/library-archives/community-read.   

Each attendee at the walk will receive a family pass to Longwood Gardens.