Hike the Forest Cathedral, where old-growth hemlock and white pine attract migrating warblers, scarlet tanagers, and many other songbirds.
This is a free event – REGISTRATION REQUIRED – please call the Birdwatchers Store of Slippery Rock, PA at 724-794-2473 for availability – details provided to registrants.
- Capacity: 20 hikers
- Recommended age: 10 years and above
- Difficulty & Duration: estimated at about an hour and a half, some incline, all on park trails
- Please bring a water bottle, a jacket to layer, and binoculars if you have them
- rain or shine: birds like rain! and the hemlock canopy really minimizes the raindrop impact
We’ve seen & heard blackburnian warblers (featured in the photo), scarlet tanagers, black and white warblers, hermit thrush, wood thrush, loads of vireos, and other warblers. Many of these are amazing songbirds – for example the winter wren, which is tiny yet quite loud and lovely to hear.
Want to really be prepared for a bird hike in Cook Forest, or other Audubon Important Bird Areas? Visit these resources:
- the CFC recommended apps, books, binoculars, etc.
- the legacy (2016) bird density and season chart from PA DCNR
- the current eBird hotspot list for Cook Forest
- the Birdwatchers Store – our hike leader, and excellent bird supply supply shop located in nearby Slippery Rock, PA
And consider “re-wilding” your yard, or part of it, to provide better habitats for birds, bugs, and small critters. Our local Seneca Rocks Audubon chapter oversees a Bird-Friendly Habitat program and certification – learn more at https://www.senecarocksaudubon.org/bird-friendly-habitat.