Registration Requirements: Preregistration required.
Recommended Audience: This program is suitable for adults.
Program Description: Grab your binoculars and join us for a birding trip to the Fernald Nature Preserve, northwest of Cincinnati. In addition to resident birds, our trip will focus on the arrival of waterfowl and other birds preparing for winter. This is an ideal time to see ducks, geese, swans, and other water birds migrating south. Up to 15 species of ducks have been reported here at this time of year! In addition, Fernald has a considerable open habitat, which can provide excellent views of sparrows, raptors, and other field birds. The hiking for this trip will be on level roadsides, paths, and groomed trails. There are restrooms onsite.
Fernald Preserve is one of the most popular birding locations in the greater Cincinnati area. It is located northwest of the city just outside the I-275 beltway (40 miles from CNC Rowe Woods). The site offers a variety of habitats within its 900 acres, including woodland, grassland, wetlands, and open water. Fernald has a bird list of 256 species based on eBird data (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L686318 ).
Schedule:
9 am Meet at the Fernald Preserve Visitor Center Parking lot for introduction and plans.
9:15-10:30 am Carpool to Lodge Pond at Fernald (closer to the entrance) for waterfowl and other birds. We’ll drive back along the road while scanning the open fields. We have permission to stop along the road if needed.
10:30-10:45 am Back to the parking lot for a break and snacks.
10:45 am-12 pm Hike from the parking lot along the Biowetlands Trail. This is open country with a blind overlooking a good-sized wetland. The area is prime for open country birds and raptors.
12 pm Trip conclusion and tally on eBird.
Additional information:
- Feel free to bring your camera and binoculars if you have them.
- Bring snacks and something to drink.
- The Fernald Visitor Center should be open (with full restrooms).
- A portable restroom is available in the parking lot.
- You can check recent Fernald bird sightings in eBird at this link: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L686318
- We will be walking at a leisurely pace and will stand most of the time. There is some uneven terrain and elevation change.
- Participants should dress in layers.
- This program takes place rain or shine unless the weather is very severe.
Accessibility: We do our best to make our programs accessible to everyone when possible. If you have an accessibility question or need, please feel free to reach out to our front desk staff at (513) 831-1711.
Where to Meet: Registered participants will meet at Fernald Preserve (7400 Willey Rd., Hamilton, Ohio 45013)
https://www.energy.gov/lm/fernald-preserve-ohio-site
Cost: Member adult $12; nonmember adult $17. Only members get discount on this program designed for adults.
By registering below, you agree to the following:
Pet Policy for Programs/Events: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at programs or events. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Therapy animals, whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do not qualify as service animals. For more information about pets on our grounds, please see our pet policies on our website.
Cancellation Policy: Please note that cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. All programs continue, rain or shine. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued.
Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program.
Media Release: All participants (18 and older) associated with this transaction grant permission to Cincinnati Nature Center to utilize images, likenesses, actions, or statements in any form taken during a visit to the Nature Center, Nature Center sponsored event, or virtual presentation for the purpose of promoting the Nature Center in perpetuity.
Important Information For All Program Registrants: Please retain your order number or save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program.