Birding Spring Migration: Murphy River Walk

Name: Birding Spring Migration: Murphy River Walk
Start: 2026-04-17T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-17T11:00:00-04:00
Location: L&N Depot, Downtown Murphy NC

Schedule

Fri Apr 17 2026 at 09:00 am to 11:00 am

UTC-04:00

Location

L&N Depot, Downtown Murphy NC | Murphy, NC

REGISTER FOR EVENT HERE: https://www.mainspringconserves.org/events
Email [email protected] if you have any further questions.
Join Mainspring’s Outreach Associate and professional bird guide Alina Martin for this beginner-friendly morning full of neotropical migrants refueling after their long flights up from Central and South America! We have a good chance of seeing a wide variety of striking and interesting species like Warblers, Grosbeaks, Vireos, and Flycatchers along with Herons, Egrets, and hopefully some Wood Ducks! Participants are encouraged to download the Merlin Bird ID app before the event, and we will discuss how to use this fantastic, self-guided learning resource at the beginning of the walk, as well as how beginner and advanced birders alike can easily contribute to ongoing community science
We will meet on April 17th just before 9:00am at the Murphy River Walk L&N Depot Parking Area. See the map below for exact location. The walk will take about three hours and will alternate between hard trail and mud along the lake. Wear water resistant walking shoes or boots!
Question: Why so early?
Answer: The early worm gets the bird! Birds are most active in their foraging in the earlier hours of the day, especially during migration. They spend the whole night flying and when they land they need to fuel up as much as possible before their midday nap. Late afternoon/evening can be good birding as well but it’s not reliable like the mornings are! I want folks to really experience the phenomenon of fall migration. Plus, mornings themselves are pretty phenomenal (just make sure to get a good nights sleep!)
This event is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but please give what you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy! Donations can be made online (select “upcoming event” from the dropdown box), or by cash or check at the event.
Space is limited, so please fill out the form below to register then grab your binoculars and prepare for a fun morning of finding migrating birds here in the Cherokee valley! This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or thunder storms, but will proceed with a light drizzle. Please leave pets at home. Email Alina at [email protected] with any questions.