42nd Street James River Park

May 03, 2026, Sunday
42nd Street James River Park
6:30 am
Alan Wingfield, RAS Field Trip Leader
Birding by Ear at 42nd Street James River Park System.
Join RAS President Alan Wingfield for a special migration-oriented birding event at the 42nd Street segment of James River Park. The emphasis will be on identifying birds by ear, so this event will be on the “quiet” side while we listen hard. This event will be especially good for beginners wanting to learn more about identifying birds by ear, those who want to wean themselves from overreliance on Merlin or learn how to (properly) use Merlin in the first place, and those attracted to the mindfulness aspects of birding. We will focus on our common local birds, but May 3 should be peak spring migration. 42nd Street is well known statewide as a prime spot for Neotropical migrants. This could be one of the best days, time, and place for hearing spring migrants in Richmond, if not the state.
Alan will start in the 42nd Street parking lot at 6:30 am to catch the dawn chorus. But the group won’t leave the parking lot until 7:30 am at the earliest for those who want a slightly later start. We’ll wrap up around 10 am or slightly later. Loaner binoculars will be available, and if you haven’t already done so, downloading Merlin to your phone is recommended. Plenty of parking is available along Riverside Drive if the gate is not open. The walking aspect will be on easy side, but there is a substantial set of steps down to the access road, and we may stray onto a trail or two. There are no restroom facilities in this area of James River Park.
Contact Alan with questions at 804.239.7558 or adwingfield@outlook.com.
RAS trips are open to all, RAS membership is encouraged but not required, and unless the trip says otherwise, you don't need to sign up. Please feel free to stay for as long as you want. Attendees do not need to stay the entire time listed.
** The field trip schedule is subject to change. Trips may be added, canceled, or modified. Please check our RAS calendar online at richmondaudubon.org for the most recent trip information.