Bird lovers and enthusiasts can take advantage of the peak bird migration season during the 2025 BirdTok Community Bird Walk at Westminster College from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Friday, April 25.

Led by Westminster students in the BirdTok interdisciplinary cluster course, the event is open to everyone from the campus and local community who wish to connect with nature, observe local bird species, meet students and enjoy the company of fellow birdwatchers.

The bird walk—scheduled the day before National Go Birding Day on Saturday, April 26—is easy and casual and will begin at the dock at Brittain Lake on Westminster’s campus. Participants will be able to explore the beautiful surroundings of the college while learning about the birds that live in the area.  Westminster College is home to wildlife sanctuary spaces certified by the Bartramian Audubon Society of Slippery Rock, Pa.

The BirdTok cluster brings together the courses Biology of Birds and Digital Media Essentials. BirdTok student Jacob Rhodes , a junior broadcasting and sports communication major from Columbiana, Ohio, is excited to use the knowledge that he has recently acquired to spread the word about birds.

“Coming into the class I had a very vague understanding of birds and would hear birds chirping as just ‘birds chirping.’ Now almost four months removed from my birding journey truly beginning, I find myself much more curious when walking outside and seeing a bird soar above my head,” he said. “Those aforementioned bird calling turned into the song of a black-capped chickadee or a northern cardinal looking for a mate. I’ll leave this class with a much better appreciation of birds and the science of them.”

“We’re excited to provide an opportunity for students and community members to connect,” said Dr. Kerri Cornell Duerr, professor of BirdTok and director of the Harms Center for the Environment. “This event offers a chance to learn about birds and tips for observing birds in their natural habitats. It’s a healthy way to spend your lunch hour.”

For those wanting to learn more about our feathered friends, Duerr suggested downloading the Merlin Bird ID application at merlin.allaboutbirds.org. She also recommended the following websites to explore bird species: Cornell Lab of Orinthology’s All About Birds at allaboutbirds.org/news and Audubon at audubon.org/bird-guide.

Bird Walk organizers recommend that attendees wear comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor terrain and bring their own binoculars, as only a limited number will be available for borrowing. However, binoculars are not necessary for participation.

Reservations are not required but appreciated and can be made by emailing Duerr at duerrkc@westminster.edu or visiting this link.

The BirdTok Community Bird Walk is part of the Harms Center for the Environment celebration of Earth Week. For more information about the Bird Walk, please contact Duerr at duerrkc@westminster.edu or 724-946-7210.

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