What we’re about
The Valley Forge Audubon Society (VFAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society serving those residing in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Delaware and Chester Counties, and parts of Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Our mission is to preserve birds, other wildlife, and their habitats by promoting appreciation and stewardship of the local natural environment through education and active participation. VFAS offers regular bird walks, hikes, events, and educational programs. Valley Forge Audubon Society is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the birding community and beyond. We are excited to bring the joys of birding – the fun of seeing or hearing birds, the social benefits of being part of a like-minded community, and the health and wellness benefits humans receive from spending time in nature – to “everyone and every body”, regardless of someone’s physical, mental, emotional, or societal challenges. Long-time birders, ‘fledgling’ birders, able-bodied birders, and those with disabilities and health concerns are all welcome at VFAS’s programs.
We offer a number of outings that are accessible for those with various access challenges and/or health concerns.
Upcoming events
8
A Winter Weekend at the Jersey Shore: Barnegat
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park - VFAS, 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ, USIt will be cold. It will be blustery. There will be amazing birds. It's Barnegat on the Jersey shore in winter, and we'll be there again this year.
Barnegat Light is where the Atlantic Ocean’s wild beauty meets some of the east coast’s most unforgettable birding. The jetty there is a prime spot for winter coastal specialties such as harlequin ducks that ride the surf like tiny, painted boats, and purple sandpipers that skitter across the rocks, unfazed by the icy spray. Bobbing in the water, sea ducks such as eider, scoter, and scaup as well as loons and long-tailed ducks can be found. The beach and dunes often provide delights such as Ipswich sparrows, snow buntings, and brants. And in past years we've even been lucky enough to be surprised by the appearance of razorbills, gannets, redpolls, and dovekies. Sometimes the worst weather can bring out the best birds - you never know what you'll find unless you brave the conditions to find out.
Bring binoculars; the guides will have spotting scopes available to share, but if you have one you may want to bring it. DRESS WARMLY – the wind can often be biting. (And that’s an understatement.) You may wish to bring hiking poles for stability as we will be walking in soft sand part of the time. Those new to birding as well as children (who must be accompanied by an adult) are always welcome to attend all Valley Forge Audubon Society events.
A restroom is available at the state park parking lot where we will meet.
After our walk we will head to a nearby eatery for warm food and camaraderie before venturing out again to a few other birding locations on the bay side of Long Beach Island. Please join us for any part of the day, or all of it.
NJDEP | Barnegat Lighthouse State Park | New Jersey State Park Service
Photo credit: Surf Scoter, taken by Jaime Thomas at Barnegat30 attendees
A Winter Weekend at the Jersey Shore: Forsythe NWR
Edwin B. Forsythe National WIldlife Refuge - VFAS, 800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway, NJ, USNOTE: Forsythe NWR is a fee area. A daily pass is $4/car - cash or check only. Interagency passes are honored at this site.
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, located near Atlantic City, hosts an impressive concentration of waterfowl, raptors, and hardy coastal species in winter, all set against the refuge’s wide‑open salt‑marsh vistas. Tundra swans, brant, harriers, dunlin, snow geese, and peregrine falcons as well as a variety of ducks are all common here in January as they overwinter in the refuge's wetlands and impoundments.
Join us as we caravan in our cars along the 8-mile, one-way, unpaved Wildlife Drive loop, making multiple stops along the way. Carpooling will be encouraged for those who are comfortable with it. Minimal walking is involved, although there are trails you may wish to explore on your own after the field trip concludes.
Rest rooms are located at the Visitor Center.
All ages and experience levels are welcome and encouraged to attend, including children and those new to birding. Bring binoculars and field guides; if you have a spotting scope you may want to bring that too. Dress in layers; it is usually windy on the refuge making the temps feel even colder, but much of the time we will be in our cars. Bring water and snacks or lunch as we can expect to be out for 3 or more hours.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Photo credit: A flock of Dunlin, taken by John Mercer at Edwin B. Forsythe NWR19 attendees
Past events
1010
Group links
Organizers
Members
3,995
