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For the most updated and current Field Trip listing, re-visit this website, or call the Southwest Ohio Rare Bird Alert at 937-640-BIRD (2473)
Field Trip Schedule in Downloadable PDF Format - Download
Sept 20 (Sun) 8:00 AM
AULLWOOD AUDUBON CENTER.
Leader: Tom Hissong (890-7360).
The first trip this fall will be to Aullwood and there is always something good to see at Aullwood in the fall- it's hard to go wrong there! Come spend a couple of hours looking for lingering southbound migrants. Prior walks here have been excellent. Meet Tom at the Aullwood Audubon Center in Englewood. Take U.S. 40 west from I75 north of Dayton, and turn south at the east end of the dam (between the Dayton International Airport and Englewood), and go 1/2 mile to the nature center on the left.
Sept 26 (Sat) 8:30 AM
TWIN CREEK METROPARK.
Leaders: Jim and Annette Arnold (299-5070).
This outstanding natural area contains steep, wooded ravines containing mature forest with a diverse understory plant life, extensive areas of second growth forest, floodplain forest, several large managed grasslands, a large scenic pond, and the beautiful Twin Creek. In addition, the MetroPark contains a winding prehistoric Indian mound and a scenic hilltop vista. The MetroPark is linked by the wooded Twin Creek Corridor that connects it to Germantown MetroPark to the north. Come explore the wild and beautiful Twin Creek with Jim and Annette. From Dayton, take SR4 south past Germantown and the junction of SR123 to Eby Rd. Left on Eby Road; meet at the High View parking lot on Eby Rd.
Sept 27 (Sun) 8:30 AM
ENGLEWOOD METROPARK.
Leaders: Betty Berry (836-3022) and Jennifer Monahan (654-3301).
The natural areas of Englewood contain floodplain forests, large areas of former farmland in natural succession, second growth upland hardwood forest, significant remnants of mature and old growth forest, a large shallow lake/wetland, several managed grasslands, and the scenic Stillwater River. There is no question that Englewood Metropark is one of the very best places to go birding in the Greater Miami Valley for fall migration and depending on water levels, there could be some mud flats for some shorebird habitat. Meet Betty and Jennifer at the parking lot at the east end of the dam on US 40 between the Dayton International Airport and Englewood. To get to the park, take U.S. 40 west from I75 north of Dayton.
Oct 4 (Sun) 8:00 AM
CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK.
Leader: Mike Coogan (438-5688).
Carriage Hill, in addition to being a working farm, has many varied habitats. The natural areas of Carriage Hill MetroPark consist mainly of former farmland and woodlots. Large, open grasslands, diverse successional areas, created ponds and wetlands, a 14-acre lake, and two forest tracts make for a very diverse experience. So join Mike for a leisurely amble along the well-kept trails of this wonderful place. Take I75 north, east on I70 to SR 201, north to the park entrance on the right. Follow the park road east to the parking lot north of the road across from the Visitor's Center.
Oct 10 (Sat) 9:00 AM
CJ BROWN RESERVOIR, SPRINGFIELD.
Leader: Richard Balk (886-0092).
At CJ Brown Reservoir, there are number of habitats to explore including a deep-water lake, shallow inlets, beach, seasonal mudflats, as well as patches of woods and grasslands. Fall waterfowl, shorebirds, and a few late passerine migrants are all possible at CJ Brown Reservoir near Springfield in October, and you are invited to join Dick, our past DAS chapter President (2004-2006), to look for a variety of species. Take I70 east to US 68. North to SR 334, east to SR 4, south to Croft Rd., east across the dam, to the state park entrance. Meet at the parking lot by the water north of the check-in station (north end of the beach.)
Oct 11 (Sun) 9:00 AM
CAESAR CREEK GORGE.
Leaders: Cindy and Jim Beckman (862-4505).
Just below the dam at the southern end of Caesar Creek Lake, Caesar Creek Gorge is one of the Ohio State Nature Preserves. It features a 180 foot deep gorge with trails leading along Caesar Creek from the base of the dam to the Little Miami River two miles away. Along the creek lies a flood plain forest and at this prime time of the year, combined with a variety of other habitats in the area including woods and fields, there should be a large number of resident and migrant species of birds present there. The gorge is an excellent place for late migrant warblers, as well as Pileated Woodpecker. Wild Turkeys are also possible, since they've been reintroduced here. Located in Warren County, east of the town of Waynesville. Take I75 south to SR 73. East through Waynesville. After crossing US 42, go about 1 mile, then right on Clarksville Rd. Follow 2-3 miles to park road on the right. Go down the hill into the Gorge to the parking lot below the dam.
Nov 1 (Sun) 8:00 AM
CAESAR CREEK LAKE.
Leader: John Shrader (436-3664).
Located SE of the metro Dayton area, Caesar Creek State Park has many different habitats available for birding, including, besides the lake itself, newly created wetlands, fields, and woodlots. Over the years a long list of birds has been sighted here. If the weather has cooperated, there could still be some southbound passerine migrants around in addition to the numerous local avian residents. Meet John at the large beach parking lot where we'll start; to get to Caesar Creek, south on I75 to SR 73, then east past Waynesville. Where the road widens to four lines (just before crossing the lake), turn left and follow the signs to the Beach.
Nov 8 (Sun) 9:00 AM
WHITEWATER STATE PARK, INDIANA.
Leader: Chuck Gardner (937-962-4860).
Don't miss this popular traditional end to the fall season's field trips! You just never know what will be seen on this trip. It could be lots of waterfowl, some shorebirds, a few early winter birds, Black Vultures, or Sandhill Cranes. Over the years, there have been all sorts of surprises at this beautiful park in nearby Indiana. Plan now to stay all morning - bring a picnic lunch with you, and since it is now fall, bring a jacket in case the weather is a bit brisk! If you want to come for great birds AND fellowship, this is the trip for you! Take SR 725 west to Indiana 44 to Liberty. South on Rt. 101 to the state park sign. Meet at the park entrance. Don't forget your good luck "bear claw necklace"!
Nov 29 (Sun), Dec 6 (Sun), & Jan 3 (Sun) 10:00 AM
EASTWOOD LAKE/HUFFMAN RESERVE.
Leader: Jennifer Monahan (654-3301).
The weather is the key factor for this field trip. We will look for waterfowl and hope for cold and rainy instead of warm and balmy (which is better for the birders but not the ducks!). We will then head up Rt 4 to Huffman Reserve which many times has open water when other areas are frozen. Let's meet at Eastwood in the first main parking lot.
RESPONSIBILITY RELEASE: All persons knowingly participate in listed events at their own risk. The public (including non-DAS members) is welcome at all events of the Dayton Audubon Society. For information concerning other DAS events, including programs, yet to be scheduled, be sure to check the monthly calendar section of the DAS Yellow Warbler or check the DAS web site: http://www.dayton.net/audubon. A notice for any trip that must be cancelled for any reason will be made on the DAS Southwestern Ohio Rare Bird Alert tape (937-640-BIRD) as soon as it is known. Be sure and check the tape for information concerning changes of cancellations. If it is raining or snowing the morning of a field trip, call leader to confirm that the trip will be held, or to receive alternate instructions.
To volunteer to lead a field trip, just call the DAS Field Trip Chair, Jennifer Monahan (654-3301), and we'll sign you up!
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