Join Bill Telfair for this bird survey walk along a 3-mile stretch of the canal towpath (MP 71, 72 and 73)!

PVAS Host: Bill Telfair

PVMN Volunteer Hours Eligible

This event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required and limited to 12 participants.  Anyone with an interest is welcome to participate.  This is a good walk for those still working on their bird identification skills, but intermediate/advanced birders are also encouraged to help.

For over 20 years, birds along the entire 185 miles of the C&O Canal have been counted.  This survey is designed to provide a snapshot count of birds present on the C&O Canal.

Participants should gather across the Potomac River from Shepherdstown at the large National Park Service parking area on Canal Road (past the railroad bridge) at 8:00 am SHARP.  For those that are comfortable, carpooling with masks will be arranged down to Antietam Creek (MP 70). However, if you prefer not to carpool, you can team up with a family member or friend and leave one car at the large parking area and drive the other car down to Antietam Creek parking. The group will carpool or drive down to Antietam Creek (MP 70) and walk back toward the Rumsey Bridge (MP 73).

The count will take place regardless of the weather (only a very severe storm will alter scheduled survey) so please dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear to walk the full three-mile route. The ‘snow/rain date’ will be Saturday, January 28th.

Binoculars will be available for those who need them, however, please bring binoculars if you have them.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bill Telfair at wbchtelfair@sbcglobal.net or 408-966-8895.