Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
The Free Library of Philadelphia Continues Saying, “Go Birds!” This Spring Migration Season
PHILADELPHIA— From late April through mid-May, birds begin their spring migration, and the Free Library of Philadelphia is celebrating with a variety of ways to get outside, learn about birds, and connect with the local environment.
“We’re excited to offer birding programs and Birding Backpacks to residents across Philadelphia,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library. “These programs foster environmental awareness, spark scientific curiosity, and help people explore the natural beauty and bird diversity of our city—connecting communities with nature, knowledge, and one another.”
Birding Backpacks are available at over a dozen libraries across the city. Each backpack includes high-quality binoculars, a bird field guide, local trail maps, and other resources for a complete birding experience. This lending program aims to make birdwatching accessible to everyone. Backpacks are available for 3-week loans with a library card. For a complete, up-to-date listing of all participating Free Library locations, view the library’s Birding Backpack locations.
Residents can also participate in a series of guided spring migration bird walks with expert birder Holger Pflicke in parks across Philadelphia. All walks are family-friendly and last between one and two hours. Beginners are welcome. The walks are a great way to explore the city's green spaces, learn birding skills, and observe local wildlife. A list of all walks can be found on this Bird Walks flyer. The dates, times, and locations of the workshops are
- April 23, 2025, at 4:45 PM – Pennypack Park
- April 26, 2025, at 9:30 AM – Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
- May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM – Falls of Schuylkill Library
- May 7, 2025, at 4:30 PM – FDR Park
- May 10, 2025, at 9:00 AM – Logan Square
- May 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM – Fisher Park
- May 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM – Penn Treaty Park
An upcoming exhibition entitled “Go Birds: Appreciating Our Avian Friends” will run from June through August 2025 in the 2nd Floor West Gallery of the Parkway Central Library. Patrons can expect the exhibit to feature artwork, books, maps and highlight Philadelphia’s birdwatching. Themes will explore dangers to birds, migration/movement, and conservation. Upcoming events and additional details will be made available closer to the date.
To learn more about the Free Library’s birding programs and events, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
04/21/2025
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850