The Augusta Bird Club is partnering with Blue Ridge Packs & Tracks to enable people with mobility challenges experience real access to birds in nature. Their mission is to provide free access to adaptive all-terrain track chairs, supported by trained volunteers, so people with mobility challenges can safely explore the outdoors. Thus, through this partnership, those with mobility challenges will be able to join our bird walks or field trips via use of a track chair. If interested, please let us know (info@augustabirdclub.org).

Springdale Water Gardens bird walk, Jun 12, 2026 – Four members enjoyed 2 hours of birding at Springdale, mostly in the wooded areas along Old Quarry Ln. The cool shade made for a pleasant experience and the small group enjoyed lots of “birdy” conversation as we tallied 30 species on this sweltering morning. Highlights included a nice view of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and hearing two others further away. A Northern Flicker talked to us and two Eastern Wood-Pewee were heard with one seen. A Wood Thrush melody sounded lovely and an Ovenbird sang out. Lots of other birds heard but few seen. Thanks to Huck, Stan and Ann for joining me on the monthly walk. It’s been a fun four months of birding with everyone!!!  –Tish Folsom

McCormick Farm, May 20, 2026 – Fourteen members and guests attended the McCormick Farm bird walk this morning. 42 species were recorded. Species of note were the Blackpoll Warbler,Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers,and a Green Heron. Great sighting of two Brown Thrashers (sexes are alike) shaking off water from their stream bathing. Lovely vocalizations from Song and Field Sparrows, Eastern Towhees, Cardinals, Great-crested Flycatchers and an Eastern Wood-Pewee. A lovely morning spent with friends and all the bounty of nature to behold. My thanks to all the participants. Have a great summer see you all in August.  – Jo King

Springdale Water Gardens bird walk, May 8, 2026 – 6+ birders enjoyed a lovely spring morning at Springdale Water Gardens and the entrance road of Old Quarry Ln. Participants spent between 1 1/2 and 3 plus hours scanning the trees, shrubs and skies to tally 56 species. We started off with spectacular views of a Wilson’s Warbler!! Everyone enjoyed great naked-eye looks but it never posed for a photo op. We tallied 8 warbler species, Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers and could hardly hear other birds over the singing of the MANY Gray Catbirds, Wood Thrushes and Red-eyed Verios. Thanks for coming and we’ll see what we can find on the next 2nd Friday of June. Photo: Spotted Sandpiper by Scott Priebe.  –Tish Folsom

Bells Lane, May 4, 2026 – It was a beautiful morning to be on Bells Lane as 13 club members took their leisurely time, 3 1/2 hours, enjoying the sights and sounds of spring. The group tallied 50 species. At the pond, some highlights included a nice showing of Chimney Swifts (~43) soaring and then a large group skimming the surface of the pond (cool thing to watch), 2 Spotted Sandpipers, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Kingbird, and great looks at White-crowned Sparrows and Orchard and Baltimore Orioles. Back on the Lane, we had a few warblers: Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Palm and Yellow-rumped. A Northern Parula was heard by one person, and a Veery was seen by another. It was a delightful morning with a group of delightful birders! I thank everyone who attended and adding their enthusiasm and expertise!  Happy Birding!  –Penny Warren

Blue Ridge Parkway and Rt 610, May 2, 2026 – It was an amazing day of birding for our field trip up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and adjacent Route 610. Attendance was sparse, no doubt reflecting the cloudy and chilly weather, but conditions improved later on. Some highlight species included: Hooded Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler (pictured here by Andrew), American Redstart, Indigo Bunting, Brown Thrasher, Broad-winged Hawk, and Blue-headed Vireo. Thanks to Marilyn and her daughter and friend, Tom, Lynne, and Chris for joining us! –Andrew Clem

McCormick Farm, Apr 22, 2026 – Sixteen congenial birders participated in a field trip to McCormick’s Farm this morning. Forty bird species were recorded. An Eastern Warbling Vireo welcomed the group with its melodious song along with Eastern Bluebirds, Song Sparrows, an Orchard Oriole and a Baltimore Oriole singing his flute-like whistles in the old Willow Tree. Spotted Sandpipers, a lone Wild Turkey hen, numerous Goldfinches, Eastern Towhees, and many Yellow-rumpled Warblers made for a most pleasant morning. A big thank you to all the participants. Your camaraderie is very much appreciated. See you next month. –Jo King

Augusta Springs Wetlands – Birds & Blooms, Apr 18, 2026 – It was a warm, sunny morning as 19 club members met at Augusta Springs Wetlands for a Birds & Blooms walk. We discovered lots of nature during our 2-hour walk! The group tallied about 31 bird species. We also spotted one mammal (Gray Squirrel), one reptile (Northern Water Snake), two amphibians (Green Frog and Spotted Salamander eggs), and loads of butterflies, including Tiger Swallowtails, Black Swallowtails, Spicebush Swallowtails, Silver Spotted Skipper, Duskywing, one of the small Fritillaries, Clouded Sulphur and Cabbage. Our bird highlights included Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, three soaring Broad-winged Hawks, Eastern Towhees, a singing Ovenbird and a very vocal Northern Flicker. Our wildflower finds included Rue Anemone, Wild Geranium, May Apple, Bristly Buttercup, Star Chickweed, native Coral Honeysuckle and three species of violets. It was a great morning, with a terrific group of people! Thanks to everyone who participated and joined in in our discoveries! – Rich Wood

Springdale Water Gardens bird walk, Apr 10, 2026 – Seven members gathered for a lovely 1.25-mile walk taking 2.25 hours. We tallied 39 species on the official list, with a few additional species noted on individual lists. Highlights included eight species of sparrows, including Swamp Sparrow. We also observed three swallow species, notably two Northern Rough-winged Swallows entering and leaving a cavity in the quarry wall near the Raven nest. Other sightings included a Cooper’s Hawk and three Red-tailed Hawks. Finally, we also heard at least two Louisiana Waterthrushes during our walk.  –Tish Folsom

Field trip to Boy Scout Lane, Mar 28, 2026 – Six members took an early spring bird walk up the Boy Scout Lane. It started out chilly, but the bright sun eventually warmed things up. The big surprise was an Osprey circling above the lake. There were also a few Tree Swallows and N. Rough-winged Swallows above the lake. We had nice views of a Pine Warbler, some Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. We heard Field Sparrows at several locations. Finally, we saw two White-breasted Nuthatches, an American Kestrel and a Savannah Sparrow on the road back to town. All in all, not a bad day. Thanks again to everybody who came along! – Andrew Clem

Bath County Field Trip, Mar 21, 2026 – Allen Larner led a very successful field trip to Bath County today, joined by Wendy Hill, Scott Priebe, and Andrew Clem. The temperatures climbed into the 70s, and yet there were still a few patches of snow/ice from that blizzard in late January! A Red-tailed Hawk was at the Ingalls Overlook, just east of Warm Springs. At the Gaithright Dam reservoir we saw some Horned Grebes, Eastern Phoebes, Ring-necked Ducks, and Green-winged Teals. At Lake Moomaw we saw many Common Mergansers, Eared Grebes, Buffleheads, and a young Bald Eagle. While snacking at the picnic area we spotted a Pine Warbler and two Killdeer. It was quite a day. Thanks to Allen for leading this trip!

Springdale Water Gardens bird walk, Mar 13, 2026 – Twelve birders participated in Tish’s inaugural monthly bird walk at 8am at Springdale Water Gardens in Greenville, VA. We spent 1 1/4 hours  walking and covered about 3/4 of a mile. The group explored the variety of habitats at the Gardens including wetlands to forests to fields. It was a cold 22F start this morning! However, everyone enjoyed the walk, and the group ended up with 33 species! Highlights included Kildeer, Pileated Woodpecker, Purple Finch, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wild Turkey, and Canada Goose. Thanks for coming! –Tish Folsom

McCormick Farm, Mar 11, 2026 – This warm sunny morning, twenty two members and guests of the Augusta Bird Club met to conduct a bird walk at McCormick’s Farm. Thirty five species were recorded. We were welcomed in the parking lot by a Red-tailed Hawk sitting high in a tree and a Bald Eagle gliding over the pond. Singing Towhees, Meadowlarks, Song and Field Sparrows made for a most pleasant walk. Other highlights inluded Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbirds, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Fish Crow a Rusty Blackbird, 13 Gadwall, a Northern Harrier, and a Tree Swallow. Many thanks to all the participants. The warm hearted birders made for a most congenial occasion. –Jo King

Bells Lane, Staunton, Jan 20, 2026 – Undaunted by the early morning rains, 12 members/guests of ABC ventured out  for this morning’s bird walk. Rains left after about an hour allowing us to tally 40 species starting with a smattering of waterfowl: Wood Duck, N Shoveler, Mallard, GW Teal, Redhead, 61 RN Duck, Common Merganser, and one Coot! In the woodpecker realm, we had Sapsucker, Red-bellied, Downy, and N Flicker. At the top of the hill, we found three N Harriers and witnessed some fairly dramatic aerial combat between two Ravens giving chase to a Harrier! Other sightings included Red-shouldered & Red-tailed Hawks, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, RW Blackbirds, and YR Warbler. I thank and appreciate those who participated with their keen eyes and ears and their enthusiasm for our natural world! Happy Birding!  –Penny Warren

McCormick Farm, Jan 18, 2026 – A wonderful bird walk with 19 hearty birders was conducted this morning at McCormick’s Farm. 27 species were observed. Of special note was a Tundra Swan flying with a group of Canada Geese. Interesting to note that resident birds were singing their spring mating and nesting songs before all the snow melts. Some highlights:  Canada Goose 389, Tundra Swan 1, Gadwall 27, Mallard 4, Pileated Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 1, Field Sparrow 1, Dark -eyed Junco 2, White-throated Sparrow 1, Song Sparrow 1, Eastern Towhee 2, Red-winged Blackbird 5. Many thanks to all the participants. It’s wonderful being in your company sharing our love of nature and especially the love of our feathered friends. Hope to see you on our next outing. Happy birding to all. – Jo King

McCormick Farm, Jan 21, 2026 – On Wednesday January 21, twelve members of the Augusta Bird Club endured a frigid morning on our walk at McCormicks Farm in Raphine. Ten species were recorded. Due to the freezing temperatures the ponds were frozen over, which limited our adding waterfowl to our list. The appearance of three Common Ravens acrobatically performing for us was so cool. The list follows: 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Blue Jay, 2 American Crow, 3 Common Raven, 1 Carolina Wren, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Carolina Chickadee, 1 Song Sparrow, 2 Northern Cardinal. Much appreciation to my fellow birders who were so brave and committed to the joy of counting birds. See you in February. – Jo King

Bells Lane, Nov 14, 2025 – I am beginning my report with the exciting ending of our trip when we saw a Barred Owl!!! It’s a bit uncanny in that on Dec. 28, 2023, we had a Barred Owl in almost the exact location and the same scenario of a Cooper’s Hawk sounding off with its alarm call and harassing the Barred Owl. The owl stayed in one spot and moved its head now and then in response to the hawk. Back to the beginning of our day: sunny, crisp and cool, not much wind at all which provided for a great outing. There were three Canadas on the private pond and no other waterfowl. In addition to the owl and the Coop, we had N. Harrier, RT hawk, Kestrel, several Sapsuckers, Red-bellied, Downy, Flicker, both WC and WT Sparrows, Grackle, YR warbler, and others for a list of 34 species. Bill Benish got on a group of Rusty Blackbirds. As always, I thank the group of nine bird devotees who joined me and for their great ears and eyes! A delightful morning! Good birding, – Penny Warren

McCormick Farm, Nov 12, 2025 – Thirty four species were observed by ten intrepid members of the Augusta Bird Club this morning at McCormick’s Farm. Despite the cold and wind, many great sightings were observed. A flight of sparkling Killdeer rising from the field into the sunlight to Cedar Waxwings throughout the walk; beautiful views of a Hermit Thrush, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Golden-crowned Kinglet enthralled the group. Ducks, hawks and woodpeckers completed the walk. Many thanks to all the participants for your exceptional skills and camaraderie. Love all of you. Cheers!   – Jo King

Saw-whet Owl banding at Highland Retreat, Nov 6, 2025 – Eleven of us made a trip up to the Saw-whet Owl banding station in northern Rockingham County. We were able to see TEN owls (retrieved in two groups of five) brought in to be carefully weighed, measured, banded, and identified for age under ultraviolet light. Ben and four assistants were very friendly and explained to us the work they do – on a volunteer basis! They are carrying on the annual mission begun long ago by Claire Mellinger, and followed up by Charles Ziegenfus. Many thanks to Robyn Puffenberger for organizing this wonderful outing! –Andrew Clem

McCormick Farm, Oct 15, 2025 – This morning ten members of the Augusta Bird Club conducted a bird walk to McCormick Farm in Raphine, Va. Thirty seven species were recorded. Highlights included a Merlin and numerous Cedar Waxwings and Yellow-rumped Warblers. The croaking Raven welcomed us as we began our walk. Some other birds sighted include: Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. – Jo King

Augusta Springs Wetlands, Oct 4, 2025 – We saw a nice variety of birds at Augusta Springs this morning. Soon after arriving we saw a Cape May Warblerand many Cedar Waxwings. We also saw Black-throated Blue Warblers at two locations. Other highlights included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Common Yellowthroat, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, Pileated Woodpecker, and Belted Kingfisher, Indigo Buntings, and White-throated Sparrows. Overall, however, it was great day! – Andrew Clem

McCormick Farm, Sep 24, 2025 – This morning eight intrepid birders met to conduct a field trip to McCormick’s Farm. Thirty seven species were recorded. A good assortment of warblers, woodpeckers, phoebes and pewees were welcomed along with a scarlet tanager and eastern meadowlarks. Some highlights include: 4 hummingbirds, 2 Pileated Woodpecker, 1 House Wren, 2 Eastern Wood Pewee, 5 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 2 Swainson’s Thrush, 5 Cape May Warbler, 2 Magnolia Warbler, 6 Palm Warbler, 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler, and a Scarlet Tanager. – Jo King

Bells Lane, Sep 15, 2025 – It was a beautiful September morning for 16 members to explore Bells Lane. It was not a very birdy morning but we made the most of it and tallied 34 species. There was not much happening at the private pond except for a nice group of Barn Swallows, a Rough-winged and some Chimney Swifts. An interesting call note caught our attention as we approached the pond but no one was certain what it was. Merlin suggested a Blue Grosbeak but we did not include it in our list. Back on the lane near the first farm a large group of Cowbirds flew to the distant pasture. Between the first wetland area down to “Cujo Corner” we had a few warblers, Redstarts, Magnolia, Parulas and also Red-eyed Vireos. Mark caught a glimpse of a thrush and was pretty sure it was a Veery but we didn’t catch sight again. As the saying goes, “A good day of birding is any day you go birding.” I thank everyone who attended and added to the enjoyment of the morning! Happy migration!  – Penny Warren

Blue Ridge Parkway and Rt 610, Sep 13, 2025 – We had a nice variety of warblers and other migrants on our field trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Route 610 this morning. Many were either too fast or too well hidden to identify but included Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Tennessee Warbler, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Blackpoll Warbler. We also saw a probable Blackburnian Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Least Flycatcher,  Eastern Phoebe, Cedar Waxwing, and several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Just wonderful! Left to right: David Chernoff, Wendy Hill, Ana Maria Allard, Harriet Bell, and Jane (?), with me in front. Thanks to all those who attended. – Andrew Clem

McCormick Farm, Aug 13, 2025 – A most pleasant gathering of seven birders conducted a field trip to McCormick’s Farm this morning. Forty-four species were noted by sight and sound. From the flight of the Green and Great Blue Herons to the rattling of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo to Baby Mocker being fed and five species of Swallows, birding is good for the soul. Other highlights included: Solitary Sandpiper, Belted Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Cliff Swallow, Bank Swallow, and Cedar Waxwing. – Jo King

Cowbane Prairie Preserve, July 8, 2025 – Three members ventured to Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve on Tuesday, July 8 (Ann Cline, Vic Laubach and Rich Wood). It was a beautiful, warm morning as we strolled past fields of summer wildflowers, hedgerows and wetlands with lots of bird activity for mid-July. We were happy to tally 40 species. Some highlights included a rather noisy Yellow-breasted Chat that challenged a Great-crested Flycatcher, a young Red-tailed Hawk looking for breakfast, and summer songs from a Field Sparrow, Orchard Oriole and Warbling Vireo. A Willow Flycatcher was busy catching insects, while a female Eastern Towhee carried grass for a late-season nest. Above the fields and trees several members of the swallow family (Purple Martin, Barn & Tree) seemed to be starting to gather in preparation for migration. It was a fun morning!  –Rich Wood

Highland County, June 7, 2025 – Three club members tallied 72 species today on our trip to Highland County. We started off with drizzle rain at the Confederate Breastworks. At Bramble Hill we started with light drizzling rain but  then the clouds broke and the sun started to peek thru. Here, Andrew found a singing Golden-winged Warbler as well as a (female) Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler hybrid (see photo by Andrew, likely a Brewster’s Warbler, gathering nest material) at the top of the trail behind the house. At Laurel Fork, we had Least Flycatcher and Alder flycatcher. We ended our day in Straight Fork where we had Magnolia and Canada Warbler as well as two Yellow -bellied Sapsuckers. Other highlightes included Bobolink, Bald Eagle, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. We had a total of 14 species of Warblers, 3 species of Thrush, 5 species of Flycatcher, Black-billed Cuckoo, 4 species of Woodpeckers with the most notable Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. We didn’t have time to cover Paddy’s Knob where the Mourning Warblers are found.   –Allen Larner

McCormick Farm, June 4, 2025 – Fourteen members met this beautiful morning to explore McCormick Farm in Raphine, Va. Thirty-eight species were recorded. A sighting of an immature Black-crowned Night Heron, along with a singing Orchard Oriole, a nesting Warbling Vireo in a Tulip Poplar Tree, and a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers at the nesting hole carrying food for their young was quite thrilling, along with many Cedar Waxwings and Goldfinches. Other birds included Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Cliff Swallow, Red-tailed Hawk, and Orchard Oriole.  Many thanks to all the participants. Your kind presence is most endearing to me. Have a great summer. Hope to see you all in August for the start of the migration. Hugs –Jo King