Five birding trips planned for May 16-17

Scarlet Tanager

Take advantage of several opportunities this weekend for birding trips in and around the Lehigh Valley. Sponsoring organizations include the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society and the Wildlands Conservancy.

Leaser Lake on Saturday, May 16. Leaser Lake is a favorite birding spot because of a wealth of nesting species difficult to find elsewhere in the Lehigh Valley. This excursion involves a drive and a bird trip, with some uphill walking as well. The trip will last about six hours. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the Tilghman Square parking lot, near the Red Robin restaurant. The trip is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. Fritz Brock is the leader. Information: 610-797-2675.

Pool Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, May 16. Explore the forests, fields and streams to discover bird life in May. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Wildlife Sanctuary, located off Route 29 north of Emmaus. Sponsored by the Wildlands Conservancy. Information: 610-965-4397, extension 136. 

Lehigh Furnace Gap on Sunday, May 17. State Game Lands 217, below Lehigh Furnace Gap in northern Lehigh County, is an excellent place to see songbirds in May. Walk the trail at the base of Kittatinny Ridge. Waterproof footwear is recommended since the grass can be wet during the morning. Due to limited parking at the site, all participants must be willing to carpool. Meet at 6 a.m. at the Tilghman Square parking lot, near the Red Robin restaurant. The trip will return to the Red Robin around noon. Sponsored by the Adam Smith is the leader. Information: 610-462-2528.

Monocacy Nature Center on Sunday, May 17. Bird walk through the Monocacy Nature Center in Bethlehem, an excellent location to see spring migrants. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot on Illicks Mill Road, just off Center Street. The trip should last four hours. Sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. Barbara Malt and Linda Freedman are co-leaders. Information: 610-433-3451 (Barbara).

Trexler Memorial Park on Sunday, May 17. Examine "Nature in the City" by walking the park's trails and exploring its ponds for signs of abundant wildlife.  Meet at 2 p.m. at the park, located between Cedar Crest Boulevard and Springhouse Road, and south of Tilghman Street in Allentown. Sponsored by the Wildlands Conservancy. Information: 610-965-4397, extension 136.