Innisfree hosts fall bird walk Sept. 20

Naturalist Dr. Loren Merrill will host his second early-morning walk of the month at Innisfree Garden on Sunday, Sept. 20, turning his focus to the peak of the autumn bird migration.

Merrill, a scientist, writer, and photographer who began leading popular programs at the 185-acre Millbrook garden earlier this season, will guide participants through the landscape during the quiet hours before the property opens to the public.

The program, “Autumn Migration: A Bird Walk with Dr. Loren Merrill,” runs from 8 to 10 a.m. Designed for both experienced birders and beginners, the session will search the grounds for migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, and sparrows, alongside resident raptors and waterbirds.

During the walk, Merrill will address broader ecological questions, including how birds navigate journeys spanning thousands of miles and why varied habitats like Innisfree—with its combination of gardens, ponds, and woodlands—provide critical stopover points for refueling along the way.

Merrill holds a doctorate in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, ecology, and ecophysiology. He has conducted wildlife research across four continents and previously directed Audubon’s Hog Island photography programs in Maine.

The event will take place rain or shine. Admission is $25 for Innisfree members and $35 for non-members. Advance registration is required as capacity is limited, and participants must arrive promptly before the garden gates close at 8 a.m. Innisfree Garden is located at 362 Tyrrel Road in Millbrook. For details and registration, visit innisfreegarden.org/events.