Great Blue Heron photographed by Heather Russell

Park in the Long Rifle Trail parking lot (the one deepest into the park and last one before reaching the Bicentennial Greenway access).

Distance: roughly 1.7 to 2 miles

Bring: BUG SPRAY, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, water

Habitat: woodland, lake, marshland/wetland

From late afternoon to early evening, the woods, lakes, and wetland of Gibson Park should begin to awaken with birdsong in this first week of summertime.

A nearly 2-mile hike will traverse through open lake areas, woods, and spend an hour at or around the observation deck boardwalk over the wetland for optimal views of many species. At the wetland, expect to see and hear tons of red-winged blackbirds, the most prevalent bird in the area. Cardinals, flycatchers such as eastern phoebes, Carolina wrens, herons, and maybe even the less-common red-headed woodpecker are among the many species active there, as well! Beyond birds, beavers may be active in the wetland, while frogs will also begin their songs.

Also active will likely be MOSQUITOS, so bring bug spray! Sunscreen, a hat, and water are also good choices at the end of a hot day.

While Twin Pond Trail, Patch Box Trail, and the Bicentennial Greenway are the focus, we have the option of a longer hike given interest and time, to include parts of Long Rifle Loop and Black Powder Trail for more woodland birds!

Gibson Park has a firm 8 PM closing time, so we will begin returning from the observation deck and/or wrapping up around 7:20 PM to give everyone enough time to get back and leave the park.

The hike is free and open to all. Registration is appreciated but your presence is what is important. Register here