Fall is a great time to watch birds for both birders and non-birders. Many birds in our area are gathering in large numbers to fly south for the winter. There are less leaves on the trees making it easier to identify birds.
Parks & Rec and our partners host guided bird walks in local parks. The great thing about birding is you can do it almost anywhere. You can go birding in your backyard. You can even sit inside and observe birds from a window. Birdwatching is for everyone!
Birdability is a nonprofit that works to make birding more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. In 2020 the organization launched Birdability Week. The week event begins on October 16, 2023 and is supported by the National Audubon Society.
To celebrate Birdability Week, Parks & Rec and our partners are hosting several events. These accessible and inclusive birding events will include two “Little Sits.” Participants who attend a “Little Sit” stay in one place and wait for the birds to come to them.
At other times, Parks & Rec works with Philadelphia Touch Tours. They provide birding programs for the blind and visually impaired. Those programs are usually held in late May when birds are the most vocal.
Accessible Birding Events – Fall 2023
Bird walk on Forbidden Drive
October 18, 2023
Noon
Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree house) – 300 W. Northwestern Avenue, 19118.
Look for fall migrants on this wheelchair accessible bird walk along Forbidden Drive. The trail surface is pavement or packed gravel with railings at bridges. The most accessible portion of the trail is the first four miles heading southbound. There are at least two designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off West Northwestern Avenue at the north end of the trail. Both are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. Read more about WEC’s fall programs.
Little Sit at Discovery Center
October 21, 2023
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Discovery Center – 3401 Reservoir Drive, 19121.
Come to Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s annual “little sit.” Unlike traditional birding walks, attendees will sit in the courtyard and look for birds. Binoculars are available to borrow. Learn more and register for the event.
Little Sit: Accessible for All Birdwatching
October 22, 2023
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center – 100 N. Horticulture Drive, 19131.
Come sit and watch birds in the park. The Fairmount Park Conservancy is partnering with Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports (PCAS) and several diverse birding clubs to make birding more welcoming, inclusive and accessible. Visit their website for more information about this free event.
Check out these other 2023 birdwatching events.
Audubon’s Philly Birding Weekend
October 13 to 15, 2023
Various parks throughout the city
Explore some of the city’s parks and look for birds on fall migration. Walks will be led by bird experts. Last year over 93 species were observed. Learn more and register.
Bird walk with Tony Croasdale
October 14, 2023
8 a.m.
Houston Meadow– Meet at Houston Playground, 900 Grakyn Lane, 19128.
Tony Croasdale will lead a bird walk at Houston Meadow. Learn more on Wissahickon Environmental Center’s Facebook page.
Migration Madness Bird Walks
October 25, 2023
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House)– 300 W. Northwestern Avenue, 19118.
Look for fall migrants such as warblers, thrushes and more. Learn more on Facebook.
Bird walk at Saul High School
October 28, 2023
8 a.m.
W.B. Saul High School Fields – 7100 Henry Avenue, 19128.
Come look for birds with Tony Croasdale, a bird expert. Learn more on Facebook.
