Tuesday May 17, 2022

Explore Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary with Friends of Pondicherry! Join us for a Migratory Bird Day Walk at the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge. We will meet at the overlook at Airport Marsh on Airport Road in Whitefield at 7am to look for waterfowl and grassland birds. We expect to see Bobolinks, Savanah Sparrows, and several warbler species. At around 8am, we will drive over to the Pondicherry Trailhead at 289 Airport Road and bird the 1.5 miles to Cherry Pond. At Cherry Pond, we will take a side trip to Moorhen Marsh for Marsh Wrens. We will also bird the Little Cherry Pond Trail looking for Black-backed Woodpeckers and Cape May Warblers. On a good day at this time of year, we can expect to see up to 20 species of warblers and 80 or more total species. We will finish the hike by mid-afternoon, although you are welcome to stay as long as you like.

The walk is free, and we will have free 2022 migratory bird day posters available. This year’s theme is Light Pollution and how it affects birds and other wildlife. The total walking distance will be 3-5 miles depending on the side trips you take from Cherry Pond. Most walking will be on a flat rail trail or the easy and flat Little Cherry Pond Trail.

Bring binoculars, water, lunch, and clothing for the weather, and be prepared for black flies. We will have experienced birders assist with this walk.

If you have questions or want to let me know that you are joining us, contact me at David.Govatski@gmail.com

We hope to see you on Tuesday, 17 May 2022, at Pondicherry.

David Govatski

Friends of Pondicherry