Field Trip and Meeting Schedule
ABOUT OUR FIELD TRIPS AND MEETINGS:
The Beckham Bird Club conducts field trips throughout the year, except from the middle of June until the middle of August. We welcome birders of all ages and skill levels on our field trips, especially beginning birders. The Beckham Bird Club welcomes guests, non-members and out-of-town visitors to participate in field trips and meetings. Field trips mostly visit a variety of birding spots in the Louisville area, with regular outings to more distant locations.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month except March (annual dinner) and June (club picnic.) meeting begin at 7 p.m. and are held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2822 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, 38.254256, -85.689458. St. Mark’s is at the corner of Frankfort Avenue and Kennedy Ave. Please enter by way of the back door near the parking lot. Members and non-members are welcome. Speakers are announced a month in advance in the newsletter.
BBC FIELD TRIPS ARE SMOKE-FREE and VAPE-FREE
In response to member concerns and after careful consideration, the Beckham Bird Club board determined that, effective August 2022, field trips will be no-smoking and no-vaping events. The past policy of asking participants who smoke and vape to step away from the main group proved both ineffective and unworkable. Therefore, participants are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping for the duration of the field trip.
FIELD TRIP INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES
1. IMPORTANT: Field trips are subject to cancellation, rescheduling or relocation due to weather, habitat conditions or other circumstances. If there is constant rain, extreme hot or cold temperatures, ice or snow, you should contact trip leaders for the latest update on the trip. Trip leaders will post information about any changes on the birdky listserv and - time permitting - on the field trip list below. To look for updates, go to http://birding.aba.org/maillistdigest/KY. To subscribe, go to https://www.freelists.org/list/birdky.
2. Arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time. Trips depart at the stated time. Arriving early will give you time to sign the release form and prepare to go.
3. Please stay with the leader. Do not go ahead of the leader(s) or lag behind. If you need to leave early, let the leader know when you do.
4. DOGS AND OTHER PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON FIELD TRIPS. The presence of even the best-behaved dogs disturbs birds and other wildlife and makes observing them that much more difficult.
5. Try to minimize disturbance to the birds by talking in quiet tones and keeping to paths and trails unless the leader directs otherwise.
6. Smoking and vaping are not permitted during field trips. Please refrain from smoking or vaping until the field trip has concluded.
7. Minimize disturbance to other birders. If you need to use your cell phone or have a long conversation be considerate of the other members on the trip and step away from the group.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month except March (annual dinner) and June (club picnic.) meeting begin at 7 p.m. and are held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2822 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, 38.254256, -85.689458. St. Mark’s is at the corner of Frankfort Avenue and Kennedy Ave. Please enter by way of the back door near the parking lot. Members and non-members are welcome. Speakers are announced a month in advance in the newsletter.
BBC FIELD TRIPS ARE SMOKE-FREE and VAPE-FREE
In response to member concerns and after careful consideration, the Beckham Bird Club board determined that, effective August 2022, field trips will be no-smoking and no-vaping events. The past policy of asking participants who smoke and vape to step away from the main group proved both ineffective and unworkable. Therefore, participants are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping for the duration of the field trip.
FIELD TRIP INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES
1. IMPORTANT: Field trips are subject to cancellation, rescheduling or relocation due to weather, habitat conditions or other circumstances. If there is constant rain, extreme hot or cold temperatures, ice or snow, you should contact trip leaders for the latest update on the trip. Trip leaders will post information about any changes on the birdky listserv and - time permitting - on the field trip list below. To look for updates, go to http://birding.aba.org/maillistdigest/KY. To subscribe, go to https://www.freelists.org/list/birdky.
2. Arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time. Trips depart at the stated time. Arriving early will give you time to sign the release form and prepare to go.
3. Please stay with the leader. Do not go ahead of the leader(s) or lag behind. If you need to leave early, let the leader know when you do.
4. DOGS AND OTHER PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON FIELD TRIPS. The presence of even the best-behaved dogs disturbs birds and other wildlife and makes observing them that much more difficult.
5. Try to minimize disturbance to the birds by talking in quiet tones and keeping to paths and trails unless the leader directs otherwise.
6. Smoking and vaping are not permitted during field trips. Please refrain from smoking or vaping until the field trip has concluded.
7. Minimize disturbance to other birders. If you need to use your cell phone or have a long conversation be considerate of the other members on the trip and step away from the group.
FIELD TRIP AND MEETING SCHEDULE
TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE FULL SCHEDULE FOR APRIL THROUGH JUNE, CLICK HERE
Wednesday, April 3
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
DRAUT PARK – For winter birds, early migrants and residents. Meet in parking lot on Bowling Boulevard. GPS: 38.242791, -85.629445 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1161147)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Sunday, April 7
9 a.m. – noon
easy
HARRODS CREEK PARK – For early migrants, residents, winter birds. 6530 Montero Dr., Prospect. Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. GPS: 38.340941, -85.600052
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1540198)
Win Ahrens
502-500-1175
Tuesday, April 9
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 7:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - 2822 Frankfort Ave – corner of Frankfort and Kennedy
Saturday, April 13
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy/moderate
TURKEY RUN PARK – Brown-Forman Silo area. Residents and migrants. Directions: From I-265 exit (19) Billtown Road, go south and turn left at the T; go 1.5 miles and turn right into Turkey Run Park entrance; continue through the park to the Brown-Forman Silo parking lot. GPS: 38.115846, -85.533371
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L3970586)
Meg and Steve Brown 502-435-3967
Wednesday, April 17
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
CHEROKEE PARK/NETTLEROTH SANCTUARY – For residents, early migrants. Meet at the base of Maple Road near the entrance to Nettleroth. GPS: 38.241906, -85.695007
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L597108)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Saturday, April 20
8:00 a.m. – noon
easy
BECKLEY CREEK PARK – GRAND ALLEE SECTION – For lingering winter birds, migrants and residents. Meet at the “Port-a-Potty” parking lot at the south end of the Humana Grand Allee just before the large bridge over the creek. GPS: 38.209077, -85.474110 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L2876955)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Sunday, April 21
8 a.m. CDT - ??
moderate/strenuous
SLOUGHS WMA, HENDERSON CO. KY— Meet at the observation platform on Highway 268. For directions check DeLorme Atlas page 44 quadrant A 2&3. Bring lunch, shoes for wading, & extra clothes. GPS: 37.850231, -87.742674 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L479616)
Brainard Palmer-Ball
502-330-3998
April 26-28
KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING
Mammoth Cave National Park
See KOS website or Kentucky Warbler for details
Saturday, April 27
8:30 am-noon
easy
CREASEY-MAHAN NATURE PRESERVE – For residents and early migrants. Directions: turn left from US 42 onto KY 1793 at North Oldham High School. Preserve is about 1.5 miles on Old Harmony Landing Road. Meet at parking lot near Education Building. GPS: 38.400504, -85.590233
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1124187)
Kevin Flowers
502-648-6826
Sunday, May 5
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
POPE LICK PARK – For migrants, breeding birds. From Gene Snyder get off at Taylorsville Rd toward Fisherville, go about a mile, & take a right on South Pope Lick Rd. Follow signs to Pope Lick Park, part of the Parklands. Meet in the parking lot. (formerly called Floyds Fork Park) GPS: 38.184655, -85.488095
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L596209)
Christine Hayden
502-640-3445
Friday, May 10
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
BERNHEIM FOREST – For migrants and residents. Meet at the Bernheim Forest Arboretum Way parking lot, next to Lake Nevin and the old education center rotunda. Directions: I-65 south from Louisville to exit 112. Bernheim entrance is about one mile east on KY 245. About 30 minutes from Louisville. GPS: 37.918889, -85.669087
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L286341)
Meg and Steve Brown
502-435-3967
Saturday, May 11
GLOBAL BIG DAY - See May newsletter for details.
Tuesday, May 14
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING/OFFICER & BOARD ELECTION - 7:00 p.m. –– St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - 2822 Frankfort Ave – corner of Frankfort and Kennedy
Wednesday, May 15
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
CHEROKEE PARK/NETTLEROTH SANCTUARY – For residents, migrants. Meet at the base of Maple Road near the entrance to Nettleroth. GPS: 38.241906, -85.695007
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L597108)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Thursday, May 16
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
easy
CAPERTON SWAMP – For migrants, residents, summer birds. Meet in the parking lot on River Road. GPS: 38.290277, -85.681183 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L601823)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Sunday, May 19
8 a.m. CDT – ???
easy
MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK – For spring migrants and residents. Meet at Little Hope Cemetery inside the park. PLEASE DO NOT BIRD THE CEMETERY BEFORE THE TRIP BEGINS. Bring lunch. GPS: 37.154126, -86.053762 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1337848)
Pat & Jane Bell
502-419-5262
Thursday, May 23
8 a.m. – noon
easy/moderate
TURKEY RUN PARK – Brown-Forman Silo and Boulder Pond/Sky Dome areas. Residents and late migrants. Directions: From I-265 exit (19) Billtown Road, go south and turn left at the T; go 1.5 miles and turn right into Turkey Run Park entrance; continue through the park to the Brown-Forman Silo parking lot. GPS: 38.115846, -85.533371
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L3970586)
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L26519455)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Sunday, June 2
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
BECKLEY CREEK PARK – GRAND ALLEE SECTION - For summer arrivals and residents. Meet at the “Port-a-Potty” parking lot at the south end of the Humana Grand Allee just before the large bridge over the creek. GPS: 38.209077, -85.474110 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L2876955)
Meg and Steve Brown
502-435-3967
Saturday, June 8
8 a.m.- 11 a.m.
easy
HAYS-KENNEDY PARK/GARVIN BROWN PRESERVE – Residents. Meet in the parking lot of Hays Kennedy Park off Upper River Road. GPS: 38.352711, -85.630354
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L673935)
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L607668)
Kevin Flowers
502-648-6826
Sunday, June 9
BECKHAM BIRD CLUB PICNIC – CREASEY-MAHAN NATURE PRESERVE –Directions: turn left from US 42 onto KY 1793 at North Oldham High School. Preserve is about 1.5 miles on Old Harmony Landing Road. GPS: 38.400504, -85.590233 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1124187)
Further details in newsletter.
Wednesday, June 12
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
DRAUT PARK – For resident and summer birds. Meet in parking lot on Bowling Boulevard. GPS: 38.242791, -85.629445 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1161147)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Saturday, June 15
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
LONG RUN PARK – For residents and waterfowl. From intersection of Shelbyville Road and Flat Rock Road, about 2 miles north on Flat Rock Road to park entrance, then ¼ mile to first fork and left at fork and then first right to boat launch ramp parking area. GPS: 38.266796, -85.419667
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L2706091)
Christine Hayden
502-640-3445
COVID19 PRECAUTIONS
Due to ongoing COVID19 transmission, we are asking that all field trip participants observe social distancing to the greatest extent possible. Unvaccinated participants are requested to wear masks.
GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS
TO MAKE OUR TRIPS MORE ENJOYABLE
1. Arrive a few minutes before the scheduled field trip. The time stated is the STARTING time, not the arrival time. This will give you time to sign the release form and be ready to go. STARTING TIMES ARE EXACT; ENDING TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE
2. Check the monthly Observer for changes or corrections to the field trip schedule.
3. PLEASE NOTE: Field trips are subject to cancellation, rescheduling or relocation due to weather, habitat conditions or other circumstances. If there is constant rain, extreme hot or cold temperatures, ice or snow, you should contact trip leaders for the latest update on the trip. Also, trip leaders will post information about any changes on the birdky listserv. To look for updates, go to http://birding.aba.org/maillistdigest/KY. To subscribe, go to https://www.freelists.org/list/birdky.
4. Keep talking to a minimum and speak in hushed tones. Birds react to motion so minimize your movements.
5. Please stay with the leader. Do not go ahead of the leader(s) or lag behind.
6. Smoking and vaping are not permitted during field trips. Please refrain from smoking or vaping until the field trip has concluded.
7. If you need to use your cell phone or have a long conversation be considerate of the other members on the trip and step away from the group.
Wednesday, April 3
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
DRAUT PARK – For winter birds, early migrants and residents. Meet in parking lot on Bowling Boulevard. GPS: 38.242791, -85.629445 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1161147)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Sunday, April 7
9 a.m. – noon
easy
HARRODS CREEK PARK – For early migrants, residents, winter birds. 6530 Montero Dr., Prospect. Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. GPS: 38.340941, -85.600052
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1540198)
Win Ahrens
502-500-1175
Tuesday, April 9
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 7:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - 2822 Frankfort Ave – corner of Frankfort and Kennedy
Saturday, April 13
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy/moderate
TURKEY RUN PARK – Brown-Forman Silo area. Residents and migrants. Directions: From I-265 exit (19) Billtown Road, go south and turn left at the T; go 1.5 miles and turn right into Turkey Run Park entrance; continue through the park to the Brown-Forman Silo parking lot. GPS: 38.115846, -85.533371
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L3970586)
Meg and Steve Brown 502-435-3967
Wednesday, April 17
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
CHEROKEE PARK/NETTLEROTH SANCTUARY – For residents, early migrants. Meet at the base of Maple Road near the entrance to Nettleroth. GPS: 38.241906, -85.695007
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L597108)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Saturday, April 20
8:00 a.m. – noon
easy
BECKLEY CREEK PARK – GRAND ALLEE SECTION – For lingering winter birds, migrants and residents. Meet at the “Port-a-Potty” parking lot at the south end of the Humana Grand Allee just before the large bridge over the creek. GPS: 38.209077, -85.474110 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L2876955)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Sunday, April 21
8 a.m. CDT - ??
moderate/strenuous
SLOUGHS WMA, HENDERSON CO. KY— Meet at the observation platform on Highway 268. For directions check DeLorme Atlas page 44 quadrant A 2&3. Bring lunch, shoes for wading, & extra clothes. GPS: 37.850231, -87.742674 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L479616)
Brainard Palmer-Ball
502-330-3998
April 26-28
KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING
Mammoth Cave National Park
See KOS website or Kentucky Warbler for details
Saturday, April 27
8:30 am-noon
easy
CREASEY-MAHAN NATURE PRESERVE – For residents and early migrants. Directions: turn left from US 42 onto KY 1793 at North Oldham High School. Preserve is about 1.5 miles on Old Harmony Landing Road. Meet at parking lot near Education Building. GPS: 38.400504, -85.590233
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1124187)
Kevin Flowers
502-648-6826
Sunday, May 5
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
POPE LICK PARK – For migrants, breeding birds. From Gene Snyder get off at Taylorsville Rd toward Fisherville, go about a mile, & take a right on South Pope Lick Rd. Follow signs to Pope Lick Park, part of the Parklands. Meet in the parking lot. (formerly called Floyds Fork Park) GPS: 38.184655, -85.488095
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L596209)
Christine Hayden
502-640-3445
Friday, May 10
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
BERNHEIM FOREST – For migrants and residents. Meet at the Bernheim Forest Arboretum Way parking lot, next to Lake Nevin and the old education center rotunda. Directions: I-65 south from Louisville to exit 112. Bernheim entrance is about one mile east on KY 245. About 30 minutes from Louisville. GPS: 37.918889, -85.669087
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L286341)
Meg and Steve Brown
502-435-3967
Saturday, May 11
GLOBAL BIG DAY - See May newsletter for details.
Tuesday, May 14
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING/OFFICER & BOARD ELECTION - 7:00 p.m. –– St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - 2822 Frankfort Ave – corner of Frankfort and Kennedy
Wednesday, May 15
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
CHEROKEE PARK/NETTLEROTH SANCTUARY – For residents, migrants. Meet at the base of Maple Road near the entrance to Nettleroth. GPS: 38.241906, -85.695007
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L597108)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Thursday, May 16
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
easy
CAPERTON SWAMP – For migrants, residents, summer birds. Meet in the parking lot on River Road. GPS: 38.290277, -85.681183 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L601823)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Sunday, May 19
8 a.m. CDT – ???
easy
MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK – For spring migrants and residents. Meet at Little Hope Cemetery inside the park. PLEASE DO NOT BIRD THE CEMETERY BEFORE THE TRIP BEGINS. Bring lunch. GPS: 37.154126, -86.053762 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1337848)
Pat & Jane Bell
502-419-5262
Thursday, May 23
8 a.m. – noon
easy/moderate
TURKEY RUN PARK – Brown-Forman Silo and Boulder Pond/Sky Dome areas. Residents and late migrants. Directions: From I-265 exit (19) Billtown Road, go south and turn left at the T; go 1.5 miles and turn right into Turkey Run Park entrance; continue through the park to the Brown-Forman Silo parking lot. GPS: 38.115846, -85.533371
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L3970586)
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L26519455)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Sunday, June 2
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
BECKLEY CREEK PARK – GRAND ALLEE SECTION - For summer arrivals and residents. Meet at the “Port-a-Potty” parking lot at the south end of the Humana Grand Allee just before the large bridge over the creek. GPS: 38.209077, -85.474110 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L2876955)
Meg and Steve Brown
502-435-3967
Saturday, June 8
8 a.m.- 11 a.m.
easy
HAYS-KENNEDY PARK/GARVIN BROWN PRESERVE – Residents. Meet in the parking lot of Hays Kennedy Park off Upper River Road. GPS: 38.352711, -85.630354
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L673935)
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L607668)
Kevin Flowers
502-648-6826
Sunday, June 9
BECKHAM BIRD CLUB PICNIC – CREASEY-MAHAN NATURE PRESERVE –Directions: turn left from US 42 onto KY 1793 at North Oldham High School. Preserve is about 1.5 miles on Old Harmony Landing Road. GPS: 38.400504, -85.590233 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1124187)
Further details in newsletter.
Wednesday, June 12
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
easy
DRAUT PARK – For resident and summer birds. Meet in parking lot on Bowling Boulevard. GPS: 38.242791, -85.629445 (https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1161147)
Karen Bonsell
502-794-3526
Saturday, June 15
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
LONG RUN PARK – For residents and waterfowl. From intersection of Shelbyville Road and Flat Rock Road, about 2 miles north on Flat Rock Road to park entrance, then ¼ mile to first fork and left at fork and then first right to boat launch ramp parking area. GPS: 38.266796, -85.419667
(https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L2706091)
Christine Hayden
502-640-3445
COVID19 PRECAUTIONS
Due to ongoing COVID19 transmission, we are asking that all field trip participants observe social distancing to the greatest extent possible. Unvaccinated participants are requested to wear masks.
GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS
TO MAKE OUR TRIPS MORE ENJOYABLE
1. Arrive a few minutes before the scheduled field trip. The time stated is the STARTING time, not the arrival time. This will give you time to sign the release form and be ready to go. STARTING TIMES ARE EXACT; ENDING TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE
2. Check the monthly Observer for changes or corrections to the field trip schedule.
3. PLEASE NOTE: Field trips are subject to cancellation, rescheduling or relocation due to weather, habitat conditions or other circumstances. If there is constant rain, extreme hot or cold temperatures, ice or snow, you should contact trip leaders for the latest update on the trip. Also, trip leaders will post information about any changes on the birdky listserv. To look for updates, go to http://birding.aba.org/maillistdigest/KY. To subscribe, go to https://www.freelists.org/list/birdky.
4. Keep talking to a minimum and speak in hushed tones. Birds react to motion so minimize your movements.
5. Please stay with the leader. Do not go ahead of the leader(s) or lag behind.
6. Smoking and vaping are not permitted during field trips. Please refrain from smoking or vaping until the field trip has concluded.
7. If you need to use your cell phone or have a long conversation be considerate of the other members on the trip and step away from the group.