Come spend a day searching for migrants around the Raleigh area! We plan to scour some of the county’s best hotspots for southbound birds. The walking will not be too strenuous since we will be following roads and established trails. However sturdy, waterproof footwear is suggested. Insect repellent may be necessary.

The day will begin at Lake Crabtree County Park where we will scour a variety of habitat for avian life. We will start with the treetops and fields adjacent to the lake and then move on to the marshes and (hopefully if it is dry enough) mudflats. Expect a variety of warblers such as American Redstart, Black-throated Blue, Chestnut-sided and Cape May. Red-eyed and Solitary Vireos are likely—and maybe even a Philadelphia will appear. Empidonax flycatchers are quite possible as are Great Cresteds. The fields should hold lingering Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks and passing Field and Savannah Sparrows. In the wetter habitat, we should see at least a few waders such as Great Egrets and immature Little Blue Herons. If there is enough mud, Semi-palmated Plovers or sandpipers such as Least or Lesser Yellowlegs could be found foraging. A Bald Eagle or to will be all but guaranteed!