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Field Trips and Meetings (See Schedule Below) |
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.) Meetings 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.
A NOTE ABOUT CARPOOLS AND SHARING RIDES
Due to potential liability issues, the Beckham Bird Club does not organize or arrange carpools or ride-sharing for its field trips or other activities. However, the BBC believes that sharing transportation is good for the environment and invites members to share rides if possible. The BBC suggests that one way to arrange ride sharing is via the Beckham Bird Club group on the Discord mobile app. DO NOT attempt to make such arrangements via the field trip channel, since its usage is restricted to offcial BBC communications. Instead, use the open "chit-chat-channel" to either search for or offer rides.
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.
8. A NOTE TO NON-MEMBERS: You are welcome to participate in BBC field trips. If you find them to your liking and attend regularly, we respectfully request that you consider becoming a club member.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month except March (annual dinner) and June (club picnic.) Meetings 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.
A NOTE ABOUT CARPOOLS AND SHARING RIDES
Due to potential liability issues, the Beckham Bird Club does not organize or arrange carpools or ride-sharing for its field trips or other activities. However, the BBC believes that sharing transportation is good for the environment and invites members to share rides if possible. The BBC suggests that one way to arrange ride sharing is via the Beckham Bird Club group on the Discord mobile app. DO NOT attempt to make such arrangements via the field trip channel, since its usage is restricted to offcial BBC communications. Instead, use the open "chit-chat-channel" to either search for or offer rides.
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.
8. A NOTE TO NON-MEMBERS: You are welcome to participate in BBC field trips. If you find them to your liking and attend regularly, we respectfully request that you consider becoming a club member.
FIELD TRIP AND MEETING SCHEDULE
ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2026
Saturday, October 10 GLOBAL BIG DAY – If you’re not going on the BBC trip today, go out and bird!
Saturday,October 10
8:30 a.m. – noon
moderate
MILES LAKES SECTION – BECKLEY CREEK PARK – Residents, migrants, maybe waterfowl. Meet at the paddling put-in parking lot about a half mile from the park entrance on Shelbyville Road. We will walk up the hill and loop back down via the fishing lakes trail.
GPS: 38.230555, -85.467853
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1462737)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Sunday, October 11 CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
8:30-11:30
easy
SPECIAL FIELD TRIP – Reservations required. Home of BBC member Eliott Clepper, 1200 Highcroft Ct., 40245, Residents and migrants on bird-friendly property. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Meg and Steve Brown
502-435-4864
502-435-3967
Eliott Clepper
502-919-1072
Tuesday, October 13
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 7:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - 2822 Frankfort Ave – corner of Frankfort and Kennedy. Details in newsletter.
Saturday, October 17
8:30 a.m. CDT - ???
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. PER KENTUCKY REGULATIONS, PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR AN ORANGE HAT OR VEST WHILE IN THE WMA.
GPS: 37.850231, -87.742674
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L479616)
Brainard Palmer- Ball
502-330-3998
Sunday, October 18
8 a.m. – noon.
easy
BECKLEY CREEK PARK – GRAND ALLEE SECTION – For lingering summer birds, migrants, early winter birds and residents. Meet at the north end of the Allee at the fountain parking lot.
GPS: 38.214859, -85.474468
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2876955)
Kirk Huffstater
303-345-5020
Monday, October 19
8:00 a.m. – noon
easy
HAYS-KENNEDY PARK/GARVIN BROWN PRESERVE – Migrants, waterfowl, early winter arrivals and residents. Meet in the parking lot of Hays Kennedy Park off Upper River Road.
GPS: 38.352711, -85.630354
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L673935)
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L607668)
Michael Autin
502-298-2456
Sunday, October 25
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
CHEROKEE PARK/NETTLEROTH SANCTUARY – For late migrants, winter birds, residents. Meet at the base of Maple Road.
GPS: 38.240259, -85.694712
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L597108)
Kevin Flowers
502-648-6826
Saturday, November 7
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
POPE LICK PARK – For winter birds, residents. 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://ebird.org/hotspot/L596209)
Meg and Steve Brown
502-435-4864
502-435-3967
Tuesday, November 10
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 7:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - 2822 Frankfort Ave – corner of Frankfort and Kennedy. Details in newsletter.
Sunday, November 15
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
SAM PEDEN PARK- - For winter waterfowl and resident and winter birds. 3037 Grant Line Rd, New Albany, IN Meet at the picnic pavilion GPS: 38.319470, -85.826000
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1584767)
Kevin Flowers
502-648-6826
Saturday, November 21
8:30 am – ??? p.m.
easy
MUSCATATUCK NWR/HARDY LAKE – For waterfowl, cranes and others. Meet at the Muscatatuck visitor center at 8:30 a.m. Bring lunch. Directions: I-65 north from Louisvillle to Exit 50 (Seymour). Take US Highway 50 east about 3 miles to refuge entrance. About 1 hour north of Louisville. Bring a two-way radio if you have one.
GPS: 38.959304, -85.798258
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1307600)
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2034604)
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L768475)
Pat Bell
502-498-3543
Sunday, November 22
8:30 a.m. -11:a.m.
easy
TURKEY RUN PARK – SEATON VALLEY Residents, winter visitors, especially sparrows. Meet at the Seaton Valley parking lot and walk the Seaton Valley Trail and Louisville Loop. 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; parking lot is on the right.
GPS: 38.131035, -85.518651
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3324624)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Saturday, December 5
8:30 a.m. – noon.
easy
BECKLEY CREEK PARK – GRAND ALLEE SECTION – For winter birds 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://ebird.org/hotspot/L2876955)
Andrew Melnykovych
502-608-4655
Tuesday, December 8
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 7:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - 2822 Frankfort Ave – corner of Frankfort and Kennedy. Details in newsletter.
Saturday, December 12
8:30 a.m. – noon
easy
HAYS-KENNEDY PARK/GARVIN BROWN PRESERVE – Winter birds, waterfowl and residents. Meet in the parking lot of Hays Kennedy Park off Upper River Road.
GPS: 38.352711, -85.630354
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L673935)
(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L607668)
Meg and Steve Brown
502-435-4864
502-435-3967
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS BEGIN DECEMBER 14
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.
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.