A M E R I C A N B I R D I N G E X P O 2 0 1 8
A Birder’s Guide to Philly
THE 2018 AMERICAN BIRDING EXPO by George Armistead Rockjumper Birding Adventures
SPECIAL TH ANKS TO O UR SPONSOR A Birder’s Guide to Philly By George Armistead
This autumn’s American Birding Expo just outside of Philadelphia represents a homecoming of sorts. The United States’ first World Heritage City, nestled snugly into the southeastern corner of Penn’s Woods, boasts an amazingly rich collection of museums and restaurants, but it was also home to some of our most hallowed pioneers. I refer here not to Philly’s most celebrated resident, Ben Franklin, or to our Princess Grace Kelly, or even to Betsy Ross, or Wilt Chamberlain, Will Smith, or The Roots. No, the pioneers I wish to highlight here are those honored by the names of some of our nation's greatest treasures: birds. Wilson’s phalarope, Audubon’s oriole, Say’s phoebe, Cassin’s finch, Townsend’s warbler, and upland sandpiper are just the tip of the iceberg. While the presence of any of these birds in Pennsylvania would stir something of a frenzy, each is named for a Philadelphia ornithologist. Often referred to as the “Cradle of American Ornithology,” a great many of the names we have come to cherish through our study of birds got their start—and gave us ours—right here in John James Audubon. Painting the Philadelphia by John Syme (1826). Photo area. For starters, by Wikimedia the American Birding Expo is located just minutes from the home of John James Audubon at Mill Grove. Bartram’s Garden, the oldest surviving botanic garden on the continent, still grows on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, right where the Bartrams and the father of American ornithology, Alexander Wilson, left it. (Upland sandpiper, aka Bartramia longicauda, honors William Bartram.) The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in downtown Philly harbors many of the specimens these ornithological giants worked from, as well as those from others, including John Cassin, John Kirk Townsend, Thomas Say, and even modern luminaries such as Dr. Frank B. Gill and Dr. Robert S. Ridgely. Not to mention James Bond, of course. Yes, that James Bond, the Philadelphia ornithologist at the Academy who wrote The Birds of the West Indies (1936), a copy of which novelist Ian Fleming happened to own. Later, Fleming famously stated, “It struck me that this brief, unromantic, Anglo-Saxon, and yet very masculine name was just what I needed, and so a second James Bond was born.” And so, a Sean Connery, a Roger Moore, and a Daniel Craig later, and we have the vivid yet fictional 007 character. True story. But we have a lot of those here in Philly.
Indeed, Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of the nation, rich with history, art, and culture, but it also served as the birthplace for our study of birds. What follows are a few recommendations for visiting birders, many of which would be enjoyable even for non-birding companions. The Greater Philadelphia A juvenile little blue heron area is a wonderful searches for fish at the John playground. Come Heinz at Tinicum National to this year’s Expo Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Bill Buchanan USFWS/ Wikimedia. and check it out.
Sites of Interest for
Birders and Others John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
Photo by pa.adubon.org The first home and property of John James Audubon in America, where more than 175 species of birds and more than 400 species have been identified, featuring five miles of walking trails. A three-minute drive from the Expo Center.
Address and Contact Information: 1201 Pawlings Road Audubon, PA 19403 Phone: (610) 666-5593
Hours: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Tue. through Sat.; 1–4 p.m. Sun. Sanctuary grounds: 7 a.m.– dusk Tue. through Sun.
Learn more » PA.AUDUBON.ORG Valley Forge National Historical Park
Replica hut at Valley Forge. Photo by Djmaschek / Wikimedia. Site of the famous Revolutionary War encampment northwest of Philadelphia. A stone house on the Schuylkill River served as George Washington's headquarters from 1777 to 1778. Trails connect historic structures and key monuments. According to eBird, 163 species have been reported here. A six-minute drive from the Expo Center.
Address and Contact Information: 1400 N. Outer Line Dr. King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: (610) 783-1000 Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
Learn more »
NPS.GOV/VAFO Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
A complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil cast on display with other dinosaur specimens at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Photo by Wikimedia. Founded in 1812, the oldest natural sciences institution in the Western Hemisphere holds many ornithological treasures and fantastic exhibits featuring dinosaurs, live butterflies, and huge lifelike dioramas. About 35 minutes from the Expo Center.
Address and Contact Information: 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: (215) 299-1019
Hours: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Learn more » ANSP.ORG Green Lane Reservoir and Green Lane Park
Hermit thrush is a common fall migrant in the Philly area. Photo by Matt MacGillivray / Wikimedia. Several miles of nature trails at the reservoir attract hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to enjoy the natural beauty of the seasons. The best area for birding in Montgomery County, the reservoir has attracted more than 260 bird species; nearby Green Lane Park has had nearly 200 species of birds reported over the years. About 35 minutes from Expo Center.
Address and Contact Information: 2144 Snyder Road Green Lane, PA 18054 Phone: (215) 234-4528
Hours: 6 a.m.–sunset.
Learn more » MONTCOPA.ORG John Heinz at Tinicum National Wildlife Refuge
John Heinz at Tinicum National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by USFWS/Wikimedia. Locally known as Tinicum, this 1,000-acre national wildlife refuge is one of the best birding destinations in all of Pennsylvania. With more than 10 miles of trails and several wildlife observation platforms, the refuge provides many areas for visitors to observe wildlife. Nearly 300 species of birds reported on the grounds. Located about 45 minutes from the Expo Center.
Address and Contact Information: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19153 Phone: (215) 365-3118
Hours: Sunrise–sunset.
Learn more » FWS.GOV Peace Valley Park and Peace Valley Nature Center
Lake Galena, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Photo by Wikimedia. Offering 14 miles of nature trails through woods and meadows at the eastern end of Lake Galena, from groomed footpaths to remote hiking trails in mature woods. A designated Important Bird Area and one of the best birding hotspots in the state, close to 300 species have been tallied here. About 50 minutes from the Expo Center.
Address and Contact Information: 170 N. Chapman Road Doylestown, PA 18901 Phone: (215) 345-7860
Learn more »
PEACEVALLEYNATURECENTER.ORG
Bartram’s Garden
Bartram House. Photo by J.T. Fry / Wikimedia. The oldest surviving botanic garden in North America and former home of William Bartram, who fostered Alexander Wilson’s interest in birds. Grounds cover 46 acres and include a historic garden and arboretum that have hosted more than 170 species of birds. The garden also contains a couple notable trees, including Franklinia alatamaha, discovered by Bartram in October 1765 in Georgia. William Bartram brought seeds to the garden, where they were planted in 1777, and the species, named in honor of John Bartram's friend Benjamin Franklin, was last seen in the wild in 1803. All Franklinia growing today are descended from those propagated and distributed by the Bartrams, who are credited with saving it from extinction. About 40 minutes from the Expo Center.
Address and Contact Information: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19143 Phone: (215) 729-5281
Hours: Dawn–dusk. Learn more »
BARTRAMSGARDEN.ORG
Iconic Philly Tourist Spots
Independence Hall – In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in the building's Assembly Room. Just eleven years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Guided tours are available year-round. Free tickets are required and can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center. Make sure to plan ahead. Tours fill up fast!
The Liberty Bell – The Liberty Bell was originally used to call the Pennsylvania Assembly to meetings. It was later adopted as a symbol of freedom by abolitionists, suffragists and civil rights advocates. The bell is free to visit year-round.
Barnes Foundation – The Barnes Foundation on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway inspires discovery with the world’s largest collections of Impressionist, Post- Impressionist and early Modern paintings and African sculpture.
Franklin Institute – An innovator in designing hands-on exhibits before “interactive” became a buzzword, the Franklin Institute is as clever as its namesake. Its eminently touchable attractions explore science in disciplines ranging from sports to space.
Philadelphia Art Museum and the “Rocky Steps” – Since Rocky’s triumphant run, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have become an international destination. Travelers from around the world embark on their own jog up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view. To finish off the experience, head to the bottom of the stairs and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, originally created for Rocky III.
More hotspot information »
VISITPHILLY.COM
Best Eats
IN PHOENIXVILLE: Root Down Brewing – 90s hip hop beats, kung fu flicks, and inspired brews include De La Sol Kolsch, Salty by Nature Gose, 2 Grainz Double Malt Eagle and more.
TASTE by Sand Castle Winery – Elegant and savory vegan menu focused on the proteins, in the heart of historic downtown Phoenixville, Taste features wonderful array of wines from neighboring Bucks county.
Black Lab Bistro – Popular breakfast and lunch spot.
IN PHILLY: Do the “Cheesesteak Face-Off” – Go with a friend, get a steak from each spot, and taste test!
• Pat’s vs. Geno’s—both classic cheesesteak spots, catty-corner from each other in South Philly, by the Italian Market.
• Dalessandro’s vs. Chubby’s – Closer to Expo center in Northwest Philly in Roxborough, and just as classic.
Reading Terminal Market – Unique, authentic Philly spot with tremendous variety of amazing food options.
Oyster House - Get your buck-a-shuck oysters here, along with your lobster roll, some snapper soup, or scallop ceviche as you sip beer or wine at Philly's premier fish house.
Learn more » PHILLYMAG.COM
Off-the-Wall Philly Spots
Mütter Museum – Medical anomalies. One of Philly’s weirdest/coolest spots.
WaWa – Much beloved convenience store, and they are everywhere. Good sandwiches, cheap gas, and locally adored iced tea.
King of Prussia Mall – The East Coast’s largest shopping mall.
Charles Dickens’ Raven – Meet the bird that inspired Edgar Allen Poe’s poem The Raven. Stuffed and mounted in a shadow box, Grip is found in the Rare Books department of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Learn more » ATLASOBSCURA.COM
Magic Gardens – Take a walk through a labyrinth of folk art! This unusual gallery covers half a city block with myriads of tile, texture, and color. Within the installation, you'll find sculptures from Latin America and Asia, mirrors of every shape and size, and much more.
Learn more »
ATLASOBSCURA.COM
Breweries – Philadelphia has a long, storied love affair with beer dating back over 100 years. Greater Philadelphia—already home to many craft breweries that regularly bring home medals from international beer festivals and competitions—is bubbling over with new locations where beer lovers can sample local brews.
Learn more » VISITPHILLY.COM
Eastern State Penitentiary – Al Capone’s old digs. National historical landmark.
Learn more »
WIKIPEDIA.ORG
For More Information
Want more helpful info on visiting the Philadelphia Area?
Check out VisitPhilly.com » OFFICIAL VISITOR’S SITE