That’s a WRAP - Berks Big Day - 9 May 2026

A Big Day is one of birding's best traditions. It is the challenge of finding and identifying as many bird species as possible within a single calendar day from midnight to midnight. Success depends on careful planning, knowledge of local habitats, favorable migration conditions, and a little luck. Teams often begin well before sunrise, listening for owls and nightjars, and continue until darkness falls, covering wetlands, forests, grasslands, lakes, and every habitat in between in pursuit of one more species.

For the 2026 Berks County Big Day, ideal weather was nowhere to be found. Rain and persistent overcast skies accompanied the team's effort, conditions that can suppress bird activity, dampen migration, and make finding vocal or active birds significantly more difficult. Despite those less-than-perfect circumstances, the group of Wlasniewski, Ruggles, Shirk, and Penkala still assembled an impressive list of 119 species, proof that experience, teamwork, and persistence can often overcome challenging weather. Some of our favorite species observered during the day include Grasshopper Sparrows, and over 100 Bobolinks in the Hamburg grasslands, a group of Wild Turkey standing proudly in a damp field, and a surprise Wilsons Warbler at Lake Ontelaunee.

Birding has a way of rewarding those willing to venture out, regardless of the forecast, and often the best stories begin with wet boots, cloudy skies, and the decision to go birding anyway.