Bird Watching

Brisk 3-to 4-mile hike starting and ending at Bronson Bierhall near Ballston Metro in Arlington. We will hike Custis Trail before turning through Cherrydale and heading back to Bronson for drinks and food.

Join us for Happy Hour and trivia at Caddies on Cordelle in Bethesda. Happy Hour prices last until 10 pm. Trivia starts at 7:30, but we will arrive early to get a table. https://caddiesoncordell.com/event/trivia-night/2025-06-24/

***Starting Saturday, May 2nd NextGen will be hosting monthly bird outings on the first Saturday of the month!*** Locations and guides will vary per month. For our first monthly walk, we will visit Jones Point Park in Old Town, Alexandria for a spring bird walk. In early May, it's common to see the following at Jones Point: * **Migratory Songbirds (Warblers/Swallows):** Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Prothonotary Warbler, Black and white warbler, and early spring migrants like Gray Catbirds and Baltimore Orioles. * **Raptors:** Osprey (frequently fishing in the river), Bald Eagle, and the resident Peregrine Falcon. * **Waterbirds & Shorebirds:** Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gull, and various sandpipers (e.g., Least Sandpiper). * **Year-Round Residents:** Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, and Downy Woodpecker. Quick Navigation Tips * **Park Location:** The park is tucked directly **underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge**. * **Entrance:** The main pedestrian and vehicle entrance is at the end of **South Royal Street**. To get to **[Jones Point Park](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/03hk_s&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIAhAC)** via the DC Metro, your best route involves taking the **Blue** or **Yellow** lines to Alexandria and then completing the trip by bus or a scenic walk. 1\. Take the Metro to Alexandria * **Primary Station:** [King St-Old Town Metrorail Station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/king-st-old-town.cfm) (Blue/Yellow Lines). * **Secondary Station:** [Huntington Station](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/1tf71tz3&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBBAG) (Yellow Line). 2\. Connect to the Park Since the park is about 1.5 to 2 miles from the nearest Metro stations, you have several transfer options: * **By Bus (Recommended):** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAF)**, take the **DASH Bus Line 34**. It runs along South Royal Street and drops you near the southern edge of Old Town, which is a short walk to the park entrance. * The **Metrobus 11Y (Mt Vernon Express)** stops at Washington Street and South Street, only a two-minute walk from the park entrance. * **By Free Trolley:** * Take the [Free King Street Trolley](https://visitalexandria.com/plan/king-street-trolley/) from the King St-Old Town station to the **Waterfront** (at Union Street). From there, it is a scenic \~15-minute walk south along the waterfront to reach the park. * **By Walking or Biking:** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAS)**, it is roughly a **25-minute walk** to the waterfront and nearly **60 minutes** (approx. 2.7 miles) to the park itself. * The **Mount Vernon Trail** passes directly through the park, making it a popular destination for cyclists starting from Old Town.

Meet at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, at the far left end of the parking lot.

\#\#\# This is now a No-Host Event. People may attend as individuals, but there will be no event host. Aditya will be put of state during this event. \#\#\# Free Tickets are available here: [https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/event/tregaron-meadow-concert-26/](https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/event/tregaron-meadow-concert-26/) Below is the official event description You will need to bring chairs or mats to sit on, or comment that you need one since I have plenty of outdoor chairs. You need to get a ticket from this website, the tickets are free, but are not available yet. An afternoon jazz performances by Mars Arts D.C. artists. In the Meadow, the magic of live performances and the tranquility of nature come together for an unforgettable experience of sensory delights. Tregaron performances are free and great for all ages. Artist details to be announced. Registration will be available in spring 2026.

(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike II: Long hikers start at Manassas Gap, and follow the AT north past Manassas Gap Shelter and the junction with Verlin Smith Trail to continue on the AT to a point just south of the Whiskey Hollow Shelter. Here they turn right and follow Verlin Smith Trail around Lake Thompson and to parking area #4 and the waiting bus. Moderate hikers begin at parking area #4 and complete a circuit by joining the path of the long hikers. Est.: 12 miles, 1600' elevation and 9 miles, 1000' elevation. PATC Map 8. Fare: $33. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

Hello Everyone, Thank you so much for joining us for our **Valentine’s Mystery Social**! It was truly a pleasure to host such an intentional space for all of you to connect as "souls" rather than just titles and paychecks. We heard your feedback loud and clear: you all wanted more time to connect after the opening icebreakers! We have noted this and look forward to hosting several more of these sessions for our private clients throughout the year with even more space for deep discussion. ### **🔥 TODAY ONLY: Elite Match Alert** We have just added two profiles, a powerhouse Jack and Jill **brother and sister duo**—both exceptional catches: * **The Sports Agent (Male):** A high-achieving, family-oriented professional who embodies the values of our community and the legacy of his upbringing. * **The Powerhouse Attorney (Female):** A stunning attorney and active actress who is a true "Jack and Jill" legacy. She balances a high-stakes legal career with a passion for the arts. **Follow us on IG:** For our most up-to-date match alerts and event BTS, make sure you are following us on Instagram @helpmeetclub **Saturday Appointment Available:** We have **ONE** consultation opening available for this Saturday. This is first-come, first-served for anyone ready! **Consultation:** To celebrate these new additions, use code FRIENDS20 at checkout for an **[additional $55.55 off](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)**[ ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)our current consult special. **This code is valid TODAY ONLY.** ### **Action Required: Selection Form** Please submit your final selections by the **end of today**. As a reminder, we only facilitate a "Double-Yes" match (where both parties select each other) or reach out if you have specifically marked that you are open to hearing from others. ### **Membership Updates** We are committed to the quality of our community. To that end, we have decided to make some adjustments to our membership structure: * **Database Services:** We will no longer allow women to join our database as a standalone service. * **The Reason:** It is undeniable that the women who complete our **Readiness Process** stand out and make exceptional partners. It is only fair that they are rewarded with exclusive access to our socials and curated community. On that note, if your database membership is currently expiring, please let us know and we will re-enroll you at 50% off your annual database membership fee.

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Wednesday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable. https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna, Austria, and the finals are scheduled for 16 May 2026. The [Scandinavian Club of Columbus](https://www.scandiclub.com/) will be co-hosting a viewing party for the final event in conjunction with Germania and the [Columbus Maennerchor](https://www.maennerchor.com/). The delayed televised viewing will take place at the Germania. The program will start around 2:00 p.m. and the singing will start around 3:00 p.m. There will be a cash bar, and those in attendance can bring food or snacks for themselves and or to share with the groups. **Suggested donation: $10/person** to help cover the cost of the venue.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.