Three Rivers Birding Club Outings
Throughout the year, we have many outings to locations in Western Pennsylvania and beyond. For a more comprehensive calendar of birding and other Western Pennsylvania natural history outings and outdoor activities of other groups, see the links at the bottom of this page under the heading of "Events Calendars".
If you are birding one of the areas listed below, download a PDF copy of the birding checklist provided and take it with you:
- Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania — Beechwood Farms Bird Checklist
- Cook Forest — Cook Forest Bird Checklist
- Erie County, Pennsylvania — Erie County PA Bird Checklist
- Frick Park — Checklist of Birds in Frick Park
- Harrison Hills Park — Harrison Hills Park Bird Checklist
- Oil Creek State Park — Oil Creek State Park Bird Checklist
- Shenango Reservoir — Shenango Bird Checklist
- Westmoreland County — Westmoreland County Bird Checklist
- Yellow Creek State Park — Yellow Creek State Park Bird Checklist
Outings are free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, contact the leader in advance to confirm whether the outing is on or canceled. Also, contact the leader with any questions about weather, driving directions, or trail conditions. Although we, too, like our pets, it is the club's policy not to include them on our walks.
Below is a general statement that will be followed for all our outings. Also, the leader may have specific requirements that are stated in the outing description:
"It is our intention to foster a safe environment during our outings. Social distancing and mask wearing are not required, and sharing equipment is optional; however, attendees should respect individuals who decide to remain socially distant or wear masks. Pets are not permitted on 3RBC outings. The leader may have certain prerequisites and can end a walk if an uncomfortable situation arises."
In the event of a late cancellation of or a change to any of our outings, please check the Three Rivers Birding Club Facebook page or the "Items of Interest" section of the Home page of this website for the latest information on outings, cancellations, and other events that could not make our newsletter's deadline.
3RBC Current Outings --- October 2026
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Saturday, October 3, 2026 — Linda's Farm
Linda Croskey has invited us to visit her farm for this bird walk. We will meet at 8:00 AM at 882 Deer Creek Road, Gibsonia 15044. Linda's farm is comprised of a variety of natural habitats: several acres of goldenrod fields, farm fields with brushy edges, mature deciduous trees, plus several wildflower and milkweed meadows. This area attracts grassland birds, warblers, and many fall migrants.
Dress for ticks, and bring water and snacks. Walking is mostly level along paths with a few hills over uneven terrain. Location is in northern Allegheny County in West Deer Township; there will be a sign at the end of the driveway. (GPS coordinates: 40.665712 -79.8923529) (Across the road is Harvest Valley Farm). For additional directions call Linda at 724-612-9963 or email lcroskey@consolidated.net.
Saturday, October 10, 2026 — Gilfillan Park (Upper St. Clair)
We will meet Conor Tompkins ( conorotompkins@gmail.com)) at Gilfillan Park located in Upper St. Clair at 8:00 AM. We will meet in the parking lot of the Westminster Presbyterian Church along Orr Road. This is an active farm with surrounding fields and woodland. We will hope to see a mix of fall migrants, including warblers and thrushes. The extensive dirt/mulch trail system is mostly flat. There are no bathroom facilities. Afterwards we can get brunch at a nearby restaurant, if there is interest.
Church parking lot location GPS: 40.340976, -80.0645403. Gilfillan Farm is across Orr Road, which is off of Route 19 South (Washington Road) just south of South Hills Village Mall.
3RBC Current Outings --- November 2026
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Saturday, November 7, 2026 — Yellow Creek State Park
Roger and Margaret Higbee (724-354-3493 or Roger's cell 412-309-3538) will lead this outing to Yellow Creek State Park. This is our annual fall joint outing with the Todd Bird Club. Meet at the park office at 8:00 a.m., located on PA 259 just off US 422 east of Indiana. Allow an hour and a half to drive from Pittsburgh. The Park has a wide variety of habitats and a large lake that attracts a wide variety of waterbirds and sometimes exciting rarities.
Please contact Roger or Margaret Higbee (724-354-3493 or Roger's cell 412-309-3538) if you plan to go.
Saturday, November 14, 2026 — Peters Lake
Meet Conor Tompkins (conorotompkins@gmail.com) at 8:00 AM at Peters Lake in Canonsburg aka Canonsburg Number Two Reservoir. This large lake has a walking trail that goes around the perimeter of the lake, with multiple viewing spots along the way. We hope to see migrating waterfowl and grebes, as well as resident herons and other fall birds. The trail system is partly paved and partly dirt, and is generally flat. There is a port-a-john at the trailhead.
Location: 40.257897, -80.108303
Saturday, November 21, 2026 — Panhandle Trail Midway/Bulger
We will gather with our leader Conor Tompkins ( conorotompkins@gmail.com) at the Midway/Bulger Panhandle Trail trailhead at 3:45 PM. We have had good luck seeing Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers in the evening twilight here in the past few years. The trail is paved with a gentle but steady incline. The wind can be high here, so dress like it is 10 degrees cooler than the actual temperature. There is a port-a-john at the trailhead.
The parking lot is located just south of the intersection of Washington Avenue and Prospect Street in Midway, PA. GPS coordinate: 40.3693449, -80.2924795
