Stilt Sandpiper at the Flats (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Are you looking for closer views of shorebirds close to home or want to brush up on shorebird ID? Always wanted to experience the Yellow-crowned Night-Herons in Harrisburg? Want to get up-close and personal for great photo opportunities? There’s no better way to observe shorebirds and waders in Pennsylvania then by kayak. Join Alex Lamoreaux of Nemesis Bird Nature Tours LLC for guided kayak-birding tours at two locations in central Pennsylvania – the Conejohela Flats for shorebirds, and the West Fairview portion of the Susquehanna River for Yellow-crowned Night-Herons and general waterbirds. Guided trips are available from August 1st to August 15th, 2016. Contact Alex at aslamoreaux@gmail.com for more details, pricing, and scheduling. Fully-outfitted kayaks for up to 5 people are available, but smaller groups may offer closer viewing of our target species. Alex is an experienced birder, kayaker, and photographer and knows just how to read the river and the wildlife to get you the best views possible! Tandem kayaks are available to allow photographers to not worry about paddling, and be ready to get the shot!
Conejohela Flats-
“The Flats” along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County are famous among PA birders for the great habitat available for migrating shorebirds. Over 250 species have been recorded there, including a whopping 35 shorebird species! On any given day in August, over a dozen shorebird species could be expected but stormy weather can produce impressive ‘fallouts’ and increase species diversity. Guided trips may be scheduled to coincide with ideal weather conditions. Many other interesting waterbirds and waders use the Flats during fall migration including multiple species of herons, egrets, gulls, terns, and swallows. Bald Eagles are also particularly abundant, with many great photo opportunities!
Least Sandpiper bathing at the Flats (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
West Fairview River Access-
Although this portion of the river is directly adjacent to downtown Harrisburg, wildlife abounds and over 200 species have been recorded here. Scattered islands and muddy spits provide habitat for many species of waders and waterbirds, including the rare but locally-breeding Yellow-crowned Night-Herons. Evenings are best for viewing the night-herons when they come out to forage. This portion of the river is also excellent for photographing beautiful sunsets and river-scapes. Join Alex to kayak through this urban wildlife hotspot!
Sunset on the Susquehanna (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)