Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Early 5:30 p.m. Start: Monday Evening Migration at Matthaei
2025-10-13 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-10-20 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-10-27 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Please note that the Monday evening walks at Matthaei will start at 5:30 p.m. in October.
Join us for a walk through the trails at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to look and listen for birds during their migration. This leisurely stroll will wind through the woods on the Botanical Gardens’ well-maintained dirt paths and will involve ~2 miles of walking or less.
The pond often hosts waterfowl and shorebirds, and the trails will take us through excellent habitat to look for warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, the occasional cuckoo, and other birds that briefly pass through Washtenaw County (and we’ll be sure to take notice of our local birds, too!).
All are welcome to attend, and please note that it is perfectly appropriate to attend for only a portion of the walk and depart as needed. New birders are especially encouraged to come along—the very best way to learn more about birds and birding is to spend time in the field. Please join us!
Visit Matthaei’s eBird hotspot page to see what species have been recently seen at the Botanical Gardens.
Leader: James Weir and guest
Directions: Meet in front of the main entrance to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens building at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Thursday Fall Migration Walks at Nichols Arboretum
2025-10-16 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-23 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-30 08:00 - 11:00 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Join us Thursday mornings at Nichols Arboretum as we search for fall migrants. These walks are a great opportunity to join with other birders of all skill levels. In addition to the birds, the Arb’s trees and other flora offer delights of their own.
Curious about what birds you may see? Visit the eBird Macaulay Library to view photos taken in the Arb in September and October here, or view the eBird hotspot species list to see what birds have been reported recently.
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.
Directions: Meet at the east end of the Arboretum at the Dow Prairie entrance on Riverview Dr. From Geddes Ave., turn north onto Riverview and stay right until it terminates at the cul-de-sac.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you can sign up to receive the eBird checklist during the walk as well).

Waterfowl at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
2025-10-26 09:00 - 11:30 | Watkins Lake State Park, 4VH6+WR, Brooklyn, MI, United States
This gem features beautiful rolling land covered in a mixture of open meadow, mixed hardwoods, low wetland areas, open water, and the property’s most popular feature, Watkins Lake. Watkins Lake has been designated a Waterfowl Refuge by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources due to the significant habitat provided for migrating and breeding birds; many species of ducks, geese, grebes, and more may be seen, especially in spring and fall. The park also has historical significance as being part of the Underground Railroad and being awarded membership to the Network to Freedom program through the National Park Service (read more here).
Directions: A Recreation Passport is required for each vehicle entering the park. Meet at the main parking lot on Arnold Rd (map).
Carpooling: For those interested in carpooling, we will depart from the Miller Road Park and Ride (map) at 8:15 am.
Leaders: Juliet Berger and Isaiah Clark
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

BIPOC Bird Walk at Kensington Metropark
2025-11-08 10:30 - 12:30 | Kensington Metropark Natue Center, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI, 48381, United States
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to feed the birds! This metropark is unique in that the local birds have learned to feed from the hands of visitors. We will be walking with folks from the Shades of the Outdoors Facebook group led by Brandan Freeman. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any. We will provide birdseed for participants.
Directions: Meet outside the Nature Center at Kensington Metropark. You need a Metropark Pass to enter the park.
Leader: Victor Chen

Winter Tree Identification Walk
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Bird Hills Nature Area – Newport Entrance, 862M+4M, Ann Arbor, United States
Want to learn the difference between a hickory and a hackberry? How about a beech from a basswood? Did you know oak species can be relatively easy to distinguish from their bark? Join us for an interactive winter hike to learn to ID common Michigan trees. As always, we will share interesting ecological information and paint a holistic picture of this ecosystem.
Directions: Meet at the Newport Rd parking lot entrance at 1850 Newport Rd, Ann Arbor.
Leader: Ed Trager & Matthew Spoor

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. Nearly all of our events are open to members and non-members alike.

Belle Isle State Park with Oakland Bird Alliance
2025-12-06 08:00 - 12:00 | Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI, 48207, United States
Join WBNA friends and Oakland Bird Alliance for a tour of the Belle Isle State Park, a gem on the Detroit River. We’ll search for waterfowl, gulls, waders, raptors and other winter birds on the river and in the woods. We’ll tour mostly by car, but will stop and get out with scopes and binoculars. A mile long walk in the interior is planned for songbirds and other feathered friends.
Directions: Meet at the Nature Center parking lot (map) at 8 am sharp. For those interested in carpooling, we will meet at the Plymouth Road Park and Ride (map) for a 7:00 am departure. A State Park Recreation Passport is required to drive on the island.
Leaders : Kayla Niner & Jeff Stacy

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

80th Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-20 | MI
The Christmas Bird Count is coming up soon. Please see the Christmas Bird Count web page for all the details.

New Year’s Bird Walk at Gallup Park
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Gallup Park Bridge Parking Lot South, 77GX+373, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
What will be the first bird you see in 2025? Get a boost to next year’s list by joining the crazy birders of Washtenaw County for a refreshing New Year’s morning bird walk. Meet at the Gallup Park playground parking lot at the east end of Gallup Park Rd.
Leaders: Juliet Berger & Matthew Spoor
Directions: Meet in the parking lot on the south side of the bridge over the Huron.
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this during the walk as well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

Winter Tree Identification Walk
2026-01-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Oakwoods Nature Area – Dunwoodie Trailhead, 88C2+5X3, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Want to learn the difference between a hickory and a hackberry? How about a beech from a basswood? Did you know oak species can be relatively easy to distinguish from their bark? Join us for an interactive winter hike to learn to ID common Michigan trees. As always, we will share interesting ecological information and paint a holistic picture of this ecosystem.
Directions: Meet at the Dunwoodie Rd entrance at 3185 Dunwoodie Rd.
Leader: Ed Trager & Matthew Spoor

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. Nearly all of our events are open to members and non-members alike.

Birding the Upper Peninsula *Members Only*
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-15 | Saulte Ste. Marie, Saulte Ste. Marie, 49783
We will travel to Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, February 13th, and bird all day Saturday and Sunday morning with a goal of departing Sault Ste. Marie around noon on Sunday. Target birds include: Snowy Owl, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, Red and White-winged Crossbills, Evening Grosbeak, Ruffed and Sharp-tailed Grouse, Purple Finch, Snow Bunting, and more! Maybe the heavens will align for a Spruce Grouse lifer for your trip leader this year finally? Space is limited to 20 and membership is required. You may join or renew your membership here. While the trip is free for members, a $30 dollar donation per person to defray the leaders’ costs is suggested but not required. Venmo link here.
Basic Itinerary – Detailed itinerary will be sent at least a week out
Friday, February 13th
Arrive Sault Ste. Marie. Some may bird on the way up and we will provide some suggestions in a later email for doing so.
Saturday, February 14th
7:30 am – Meet at hotel for departure.
6:30 pm – Dinner at a local restaurant.
Sunday, February 15th
7:30 am – Meet at hotel for departure.
Noon – Conclude birding and arrive at hotel for folks to get their cars and head home.
** Please note: We will be caravanning together in as few vehicles as possible while birding. Those not driving in the caravan will leave their cars at the hotel. So, it is important everyone can bird the entire morning on Sunday. If you have to leave before noon on Sunday, this may present logistical challenges for the group. Please respond to the questions on the registration form to facilitate smooth transportation for this event. **
Members, please register below. Lodging information and other logistical details will be shared after registration.
View the trip report from 2025 here.
Trip Leaders: Matthew Spoor & Juliet Berger
This is one of our very few MEMBERS ONLY events. If you are not a member or need to renew, you can do so here.

BIPOC Bird Walk at North Hydro Park
2026-03-14 09:30 - 11:30 | North Hydro Park Winter Entrance, 6C6W+WH5, Ypsilanti Charter Twp
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to look for waterfowl and winter birds. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Meet at the entrance by Ambassador Drive and Woodale Ave. If there is snow on the ground, be sure to wear boots.
Leader: Victor Chen

Spring Migration Thursdays at The Arb
2026-03-26 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-02 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-09 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-16 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-23 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-30 08:00 - 11:00 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Join us at Nichols Arboretum, affectionately known as “The Arb”, on Thursday mornings from March 26th through May 28th to observe migratory birds as they journey north. Participating in these walks offers a unique chance to observe species that are typically absent from our region during other times of the year. Many migratory birds, such as various warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers, pass through only during migration, making this period the prime opportunity to witness these species locally. For instance, birders have reported seeing more than 100 species during peak migration times, including numerous warbler species. For a comprehensive overview of recent bird sightings and to enhance your birding experience, you can refer to the Nichols Arboretum Hotspot Report from eBird.
Feel free to join our Thursday morning bird walks for as long as your time permits; many attend for a portion of the walk and depart as needed. Your presence, whether brief or extended, contributes to the collective birding experience.
We look forward to birding with you this spring!
Leader: Juliet Berger
Directions: Meet at the east end of the arboretum at the Dow Prairie entrance. From Geddes Ave., turn north onto Riverview Dr. and stay right until it terminates at Riverview Ct. cul-de-sac. (Map)
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Annual One Road Challenge
2026-03-28 00:00 - 11:00 | MI
This is a friendly team birding competition where teams pick one road in the county to see how many birds they can see in a morning along that road. If you have a team, great. If not, that’s OK too; register and we will help set you up with a team.
More details and competition rules can be found here. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to James Weir at jamesweir@washtenawbna.org.
Everyone is welcome to join the teams for lunch and tally rally at 11:30 AM at Holiday’s Restaurant, located at 2080 W Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor.
No need to participate in the event to join us for lunch and hear the great birding stories of the day! If you plan to join the lunch but have not sighed up for the Challenge, please email fieldtrips@washtenawbna.org so we can include you in the reservation.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.One Road Challenge RegistrationPlease register below. Please include the team leader and all team members along with your team name below. Once registrations complete, you will receive an email conformation of your registration.Registration Type *I am registering a teamI am registering to be placed on a teamTeam & Leader InformationTeam Name *What road will your team drive?Registrant Name *FirstLastEmail *Mobile Phone *Additional Team MembersTeammate 1FirstLastTeammate 2FirstLastTeammate 3FirstLastTeammate 4FirstLastSubmit

Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) Feathered Friends Walk
2026-04-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Gallup Park Playground, 3175 Gallup Park Rd, Ann Arbor, 48104, United States
This event at Gallup Park is meant specifically for students participating in the WESO event “Feathered Friends.” We will take a walk through and around the park to look and listen for the birds in the area. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Meet at the Black Lives Matter sidewalk area near the large playground at Gallup Park.
Leader: Victor Chen

Woodcock Walk with Natural Area Preservation
2026-04-12 19:45 - 21:00 | Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
The American Woodcock, a chunky inland-loving shorebird, performs a courting display in the evenings in habitats with woods, shrubs and open prairie, and is found in suitable habitat across Washtenaw County, including Furstenberg Nature Area in Ann Arbor. Watching and hearing their display is an amazing experience: After sunset, males will display by flying high into the air then engage in a circling dive that initiates their display call by moving air fast over three specially evolved feathers. Make sure to dress for the weather (walks happen rain or shine). You will be walking in the dark so bring a flashlight. Registration is required and space is limited to provide a quality experience for all. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian.
Registration is required and space is limited to provide a quality experience for all.
Directions: Meet at the Furstenberg parking lot off Fuller Rd.
Leaders: Juliet Berger and James Weir

Monday Evening Migration at Matthaei
2026-04-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Join us for a walk through the trails at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to look and listen for birds during their northern migration. This leisurely stroll will wind through the woods on the Botanical Gardens’ well-maintained dirt paths and will involve ~2 miles of walking or less.
The pond often hosts waterfowl and shorebirds, and the trails will take us through excellent habitat to look for warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, the occasional cuckoo, and other birds that briefly pass through Washtenaw County as they head north to their breeding grounds (and we’ll be sure to take notice of our local birds, too!).
All are welcome to attend, and please note that it is perfectly appropriate to attend for only a portion of the walk and depart as needed. New birders are especially encouraged to come along—the very best way to learn more about birds and birding is to spend time in the field. Please join us!
Visit Matthaei’s eBird hotspot page to see what species have been recently seen at the Botanical Gardens.
Leader: James Weir
Directions: Meet in front of the main entrance to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens building at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Beginning Birders Series
2026-04-17 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Nichols Arboretum – Riverview Court, 174-196 Riverview Ct., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Every Friday between April 17 and May 22, 2026, we will take our time to observe and discuss identification of some of the more common birds of Ann Arbor. This is a great series of walks for folks that would like to learn more about bird identification. Of course, all are welcome to attend any of our bird walks, but this one will be geared toward those with little or no experience. We will have extra binoculars on hand for anyone that needs them.
Directions: Meet at the east end of the arboretum near the Dow Prairie entrance on Riverview Court (map)
Leader: Gaia Stanley
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

BIPOC Bird Walk at Furstenberg Nature Area
2026-04-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to look for early spring migrants. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Meet in the main Furstenberg parking lot by the bathrooms.
Leader: Victor Chen
