We will meet at the parking lot for Newville Ponds which is located on Newville Road west of Stoney Creek bridge. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/C78SVShicsrhr2QR7  Why would you want to visit these two unique locations that are part of the US Army Corps of Engineer’s Black Butte Recreation Area? For the birds of course, and in particular, vast numbers of waterbirds. Newville Ponds, North of the lake, are fed water through Black Butte Lakes Dam system that regulates the flow of Stoney Creek. This time of year, the dam release can be large which allows water releases to spread out across several acres creating ideal habitat for many waterbirds of many varieties. Burris Creek, primary access of Black Butte Lake’s Southern Shoreline, begins to recede in the fall where the shore begins to widen at a very shallow section of the lake. This too becomes ideal for waterbirds. Burris Creek also has the added feature of large dense willow trees, flowering plants, and prime oak woodlands for those non-waterbird species. Entrance fees are $6.00, but federal annual and lifetime passes are honored at this Recreation Area. We always recommend carpooling and instruction regarding where to meet might be available on website. Daniel Bye will lead this Bird Walk, please bring insect repellant, lunch or snack and plenty of water, Burris Creek may require some walking and the ground conditions vary from wet to dry, so please be prepared.