Hurleyville, NY – The arrival of Spring in the Catskills is marked by increased bird activity as temperatures rise, signaling migration and mating season. To coincide with “Go Birding Day” and “Celebrate Trails Day” – two national events traditionally held on the last Saturday in April – the Sullivan County Audubon Society and the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail have joined up to host an inaugural bird watching event in Hurleyville on Saturday, April 25.
Trail walkers and bird watchers are invited to gather at 8 a.m. at the trailhead located at 214 Main Street in downtown Hurleyville. Sullivan County Audubon Society President Maura Muller and local birder Kathy Scullion will lead participants on a leisurely one mile out-and-back hike along Shaddock Pond – a hotspot for several species of migratory birds and waterfowl.
“Early morning is the best time to view birds,” explained Muller, “and we're sure to see and hear local favorites such as White-breasted Nuthatches, Northern Cardinals, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Black-capped Chickadees, Carolina Wrens and American Goldfinches.” To which Scullion remarked, “If we're lucky, we may also spy a Great Blue Heron, some Wild turkeys, or one of the many species of waterfowl common in our area.”
After the walk, participants are invited to enjoy a complimentary beverage and a snack at the Forage & Gather Cafe located at 234 Main Street (while supplies last and redeemable on April 25 only). In addition, all participants will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of "A Birding Guide to Sullivan County New York" by John. H. Haas courtesy of local business owner Lisa Lyons of Morgan Outdoors.
Fire Departments participating in the Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge will receive 3 points for attending with five or more active members.
Visit www.SullivanOandW.com/Events or visit the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Alliance on Facebook for up-to-date event information.
