Gilmore Ponds Metropark Big Day

Gilmore Ponds MetroPark- Intro to Big Day Birding

Push your skills. Build your list. Maximize the day.

This Big Day of Birding at Gilmore Ponds MetroPark is designed specifically for intermediate and advanced birders ready to move with purpose. The goal is simple: see and identify as many species as possible in a single day. This is an introduction to Big Day style birding that will last roughly 5 hours.

Gilmore Ponds is one of Butler County’s most productive birding locations, offering a rich mix of wetlands, open water, grasslands, and wooded edges. On a strong migration day, this habitat diversity can produce impressive species totals (+75 species) — from waterfowl and waders to shorebirds, raptors, and waves of passerines (songbirds).

Expect a fast-paced, focused outing with plenty of discussion around subtle field marks, flight calls, distant silhouettes, and tricky comparisons. This is a collaborative, high-energy day built for birders who want to sharpen their field skills while pushing their species total.

What to bring: binoculars, camera, field guide or app, water, snacks, weather-appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Pace: Moderate (mostly flat terrain)
Goal: Big numbers. Better skills. Great birds.

Let’s see what Butler County can produce in a single day, rain or shine.

Disclosure: must complete waiver prior to attending event. Participants who do not agree to the waiver will not be permitted to participate. foxcbirding waiver