Join the American Birding Association for a full weekend of birding, community, and celebration in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 23–24, 2026!

All bird walks, talks, and socials are free and open to the public (with cash bar/food during the evening social), but registration is required. Additional details, such as speakers, will be announced soon.

Saturday

Saturday, May 23, begins in the field with multiple guided bird walks at some of the region’s top migration hotspots. Early risers can join 7am walks at FDR Park or the Schuylkill Center, followed by 9:30am walks at Houston Meadow and Woodlands Cemetery.

From noon to 4pm on Saturday, we’ll gather at the Discovery Center for an afternoon of community engagement and learning. Local bird clubs, including Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, In Color Birding Club, Pennsylvania Queer Birders, Feminist Bird Club (Philadelphia Chapter), Lower Bucks Birders, Mid-Atlantic Audubon, and others, will host booths alongside event sponsors Kowa and Hillstar Nature. Rolling bird walks will depart every half hour from noon to 2pm. Two featured speakers will present from 2–3pm and 3–4pm (details to be announced).

On Saturday evening, join us from 5–8pm for a Birder Social and celebration of the ABA. It will be the perfect opportunity to connect with friends old and new in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.

Sunday

We’ll wrap up the weekend on Sunday, May 24, at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, also known as Tinicum. Rolling bird walks will depart every half hour from 7–10am. Bird club and sponsor booths open at 9am, and a featured presentation in the Heinz auditorium will begin at 11am. The event concludes at 12:30pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience spring migration in one of the Northeast’s most vibrant birding communities. Mark your calendar and plan to join us in Philadelphia for an unforgettable ABA Community Weekend!

Accessibility Information

The ABA strives to make ABA Community Weekend welcoming and accessible to all participants. Please note that some bird walks take place on natural trails with uneven terrain. Accessibility information is listed for each activity. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us ahead of the event so we can help ensure a comfortable experience.

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 7am EDT: FDR Park Bird Walk

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 7am EDT: Schuylkill Center Bird Walk

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9:30am EDT: Houston Meadow Bird Walk

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9:30am EDT: Woodlands Cemetery Bird Walk

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 12–4pm EDT: Discovery Center Bird Walks and Presentations

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 5–8pm EDT: Fallser Club Social

Sunday, May 24, 2026, 7am–12:30pm EDT: John Heinz NWR Bird Walks, Exhibits, and Presentations