Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

New Year’s Bird Walk at Gallup Park
2024-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Gallup Park Playground, 3175 Gallup Park Rd, Ann Arbor, 48104, United States
What will be the first bird you see in 2024? 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

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 onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

Nature Walk at Kuebler Langford Nature Area
2023-12-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Kuebler Langford Beechwood Entrance, 76XV+GR9, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Kuebler Langford is one of Ann Arbor’s most biodiverse natural areas with high quality oak-hickory forest and prairie ecosystems. Join us as we explore, discover, and discuss the winter habitat of this special place. We will turn our focus towards the plants, fungi, and animals that live here. While we will be focusing on other flora and fauna, we won’t ignore the birds, so please feel free to bring your binoculars. Did you know that there is another, separate nature area, tucked inside Kuebler? We’ll talk about that too.

Please register as the event is limited to 15 to improve everyone’s experience.
Directions: Meet at the Beechwood Dr. entrance. From Sunset Rd., north on Beechwood Drive, just past M14 underpass.

Leader: Matthew Spoor

78th Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count
2023-12-16 | MI
The Christmas Bird Count is coming up soon. Please see the Christmas Bird Count web page for all the details. See link below.
GO TO THE WEBSITE

Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2023-12-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-28 15:00 - 18:00, 2023-09-30 16:00 - 19:00 | Searles Nature Preserve, 585V+4J Ypsilanti, Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Did you know Washtenaw Audubon owns a nature preserve? We do! Located just a mile south of Rolling Hills County Park, Searles Nature Preserve is a 50 acre natural area that hosts the headwaters of Stony Creek. Join us as we work to remove woody invasive species and create habitat for native plants and insects that support the birds we all love.
With 97% of North American landbirds relying on animal protein to raise their young, it is critical that there’s enough native habitat to support the populations of insects required for them to raise their young. Most of these insects, largely moth and butterfly caterpillars, have evolved to require specific, native, host plants for successful reproduction. This is why it is so important that we continue to foster the biodiversity necessary to support all the beautiful birds. More on this here.
Tools and know how will be provided. Please bring leather work gloves, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes or boots.
Directions: Meet at the entrance to the preserve on Bolla Road between Crane and Stony Creek Roads. (map here)

Winter Tree Identification Walk
2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Kuebler Langford Beechwood Entrance, 76XV+GR9, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Want to learn the difference between a hickory and a hackberry? How about a beech from a basswood. Join us as Isaac Smith, who teaches woody plant identification at the University of Michigan, leads an interactive winter hike to learn to ID common Michigan trees with their bark, buds and twigs! Isaac is also an avid birder and does research on how climate change affects bird reproduction.
Directions: Meet at the Beechwood Dr. entrance. From Sunset Rd., north on Beechwood Drive, just past M14 underpass.
Leader: Isaac Smith

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

BIPOC Bird Walk at Barton Nature Area
2023-12-09 09:30 - 11:30 | Barton Nature Area Parking Lot, MI
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 around Barton Pond and other wintering birds in the nature area. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Parking will be in the Barton Nature Area Parking Lot at 1010 W. Huron River Drive.
Leader: Victor Chen

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (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.

Natural Area Preservation Restoration Day with Washtenaw Audubon Society
2023-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Kuebler Langford Beechwood Entrance, 76XV+GR9, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Time to Give Back!
Continue the restoration work that started more than 50 years ago at Kuebler Langford!
We birders enjoy access to more than 1,400 acres of natural areas managed by the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP). Let’s give back, say thank you!. Come on out to help NAP restore biodiversity, and help the birds at Kuebler Langford Nature Area.
Since the time of its acquisition, Kuebler Langford has been a park of importance to the people of Ann Arbor. As this natural area continues to recover from top-soil removal and compaction from the 1970’s, we are left with areas of stunning prairie and forests. Because Kuebler Langford was fought for and won by the people of Ann Arbor, it is a wonderful feeling to contribute to the ongoing effort to bring health and beauty back to this natural area.
Registration is required and you can do that at birding.cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com
Let’s show the city what a great group of birders can do!

BIPOC Bird Walk, Kensington Metropark
2023-11-18 10:00 - 12:00 | 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
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (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.

Belle Isle State Park with Oakland Audubon
2023-11-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI, 48207, United States
Join WAS friends and Oakland Audubon Society for a tour of this State Park, a gem on the Detroit River. We’ll search for waterfowl, gulls, waders, raptors and other goodies 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 migrating 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 : Don Burlett & 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.

Birding Oaxaca
2023-11-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Join Washtenaw Audubon’s longtime foreign field trip leader, Bryn Martin, for a report on the WAS trip he led to the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca in August of this year. The trip started in Oaxaca City and visited a variety of habitats from high mountains to the Pacific coast. The trip yielded 220 species, including 45 endemics, as well as many butterflies and a visit to fantastic Zapotec ruins.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://umich.zoom.us/j/99433486554
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or dial-in: 312-626-6799

BIPOC Bird Walk at North Bay Park/Ford Lake
2023-11-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Ford Lake Boardwalk Access, 526 S. Grove Street, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, 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 waterfowl around the lake. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Parking will be in the entrance located at 526 Grove Street, Ypsilanti.
Leader: Victor Chen

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (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.

Waterfowl at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
2023-10-29 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 MDNR 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 Matthew Spoor

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
2023-10-26 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-10-19 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-10-12 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-10-05 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-09-28 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-09-21 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-09-14 08:00 - 10:30 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Join us Thursday mornings through October 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.
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.
Curious about what birds you may see? Explore photos taken at the Arb in the months of September and October here. Or, view an eBird illustrated checklist for September at the Arb here.
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.

Special Member Meeting to Vote on Changing Our Name
2023-10-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Notice to all current members of Washtenaw Audubon: Save the date for this important program to learn about the controversy surrounding Audubon’s actions during his lifetime, and the movement to remove “Audubon” from the name of many of our sister birding organizations. We will vote on whether to remove the “Audubon” name at this meeting, and decide on a new name at a later date. You will hear from board members on their recommendations to remove “Audubon,” and from any member wishing to share their opinion. If you have questions, or cannot attend to vote and would like a statement read on your behalf, please email treasurer@washtenawbna.org. Full details on the process and expectations will be shared with members via email and our website.
Weds., October 18, 2023
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Voting will be via anonymous paper ballot.
Only in-person voting is permitted.
Only current members as of Sept. 13, 2023 are eligible to vote.

Michigan State Bird Observatory Banding Stations
2023-10-15 07:00 - 14:00 | Miller Park & Ride, 3001 Miller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
We are excited to announce our first field trip to the Michigan State Bird Observatory (MSBO) where we will have the opportunity to observe research and field biologists in action as the capture and band birds. More about the observatory can be found here. More
The MSBO operates two bird banding stations – the Burke Lake Banding Station (2011 – present) and the Corey Marsh Banding Station (2019 to present). Each can accommodate up to 20 people so we will limit registrations to 40. There are two stations two miles apart that can accommodate 20 people each. We will work out final logistics as we get close and see how many folks we have. The have a great web page on logistics and what to expect once you are there, here. We will likely stay at the banding stations for a few hours and then maybe bird a hotspot or to in the area before we head home.
Registration Required. Please register below.
Directions: We will want to carpool as much as we can so, please plan to meet at the Miller Road Park and Ride for a 7:00 am departure with plans to arrive at the banding stations around 8:00am.
In an attempt to expedite carpooling logistics before we depart, please fill out this carpooling form. If you prefer not to carpool, that can be indicated on the form.
**ADA: If you are in a wheelchair, or have other accessibility needs, there is a ramp that allows visitors to get into the bird banding barn to view the banding process and see birds up close. Please let us know up front so we can make sure you are in the correct group visiting that station.

The Big Sit! at Independence Lake County Park
2023-10-07 06:00 - 14:00 | Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189, United States
How many birds can you identify in one day while staying within a 17-foot / 5.2-meter diameter circle? This free, annual, semi-competitive international birding event was started by the New Haven Bird Club in 1992. More information on The Big Sit! here. Join WAS birders as we count as many species as we can from our circle. Great for those with mobility issues, and who enjoy the more relaxed pace of birding in place. Bring a comfy chair and some warm food and beverage and enjoy the birds, conversation, and camaraderie. While many will, none are expected to be there the entire time so feel free to drop in for an hour or four. We would love to see you.
Directions: Meet at the grassy knoll just past the boat launch area as you enter the park from Jennings Rd, it’s ¼ of a mile into the park on your left. (map)
Leader: Matthew Spoor

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.

Fall Migration Birding Walk with the Ypsilanti Library
2023-09-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Hewen’s Creek Park South Trailhead, 6515 Bemis Rd, Ypsilanti Charter Township, MI, 48197, United States
Have you ever wanted to explore your Ypsilanti parks? Come join the library as we visit one of our lesser-known parks, Hewen’s Creek Park. Victor Chen, from the Washtenaw Audubon Society, will lead a walk through the park as we look for migrating bird species. If you have binoculars, bring them along. Otherwise, we will have a few pairs to spare. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Wear sturdy shoes as the trails in the park are mostly unpaved.
Directions: Meet at Hewen’s Creek Park south trailhead at 6515 Bemis Rd.
Leader: Victor Chen

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.

Weekend Walk for Birds at Cherry Hill Preserve
2023-09-24 09:00 - 11:30 | Cherry Hill Preserve, 6375 Cherry Hill Rd, Superior Township, MI, 48198, United States
The Cherry Hill Nature Preserve, a Scio Township owned, 160 acre preserve of diverse terrain, including rolling hills, wetlands, part of Fleming Creek, meadow and woods. It’s one of the best September hotspots in the county with 124 species reported in the month.
Join us as we explore different habitats for fall migrants. Warbler migration will soon be winding down so come on out and see them before they’re gone!
Directions: Navigate to 6375 Cherry Hill Rd, Superior Township, MI 48198. The entrance and small parking area are well marked.
Leader: Matthew Spoor

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.

Fall Foray for Mushrooms
2023-09-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Hudson Mills Mushroom Meeting, 93MP+CR4, Hudson Mills, MI, United States
Join local mushroom aficionados for a fun fall fungal foray. We will gather and explore the woods to see what we can find. Following the foray, we will come together for lunch and mushroom identification. Here is an iNaturalist view of mushrooms reported there for you to explore. We had so much fun last year. Please join us!
We may be walking off trail through the woods so dress appropriately. Knowledge and knowhow will be provided. Bring lunch, a basket for carrying your collection, and a knife for harvesting. A pocket knife will work fine.
Leader: Jim Buschman
Directions: Enter Hudson Mills Metropark, turn right immediately after the ticket booth, and proceed straight to the end of the parking lot. (map)

Birding the Deserts of Rajasthan
2023-09-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Join Amurthur Ramamurthy for an interesting program on the colorful desert birds of India, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. Ram is a native of India and an avid birder and photographer.
This is a hybrid event and will be offered in person and via Zoom. Zoom links will be updated here before the event.
Zoom information: https://umich.zoom.us/j/99433486554?pwd=[REDACTED]
Passcode: [REDACTED]
*** The previously scheduled member vote on whether Washtenaw Audubon Society will change it’s name has been moved to a stand-alone meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. We want to hear from as many members as possible and are working on details to do this more effectively at a dedicated meeting. Details on the process and expectations for the meeting will be shared with members is the coming weeks and posted to the event page here. ***

Weekend Walk for Birds at The Arb
2023-09-17 08:00 - 10:30 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
September is the peak of fall warbler migration and Nichols Arboretum is the best place in Ann Arbor to find them! Join is as we walk this familiar hotspot to see what gems we will find.
Curious about what birds you may see? Explore photos taken at the Arb in the months of September and October here. Or, view an eBird illustrated checklist for September at the Arb here.
Leader: Matthew Spoor

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.

The Detroit River Hawk Watch--Lake Erie MetroPark
2023-09-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Detroit River Hawk Watch, 3RH4+HG7, Brownstown Charter Twp, MI, United States
A standardized monitoring program – the Detroit River Hawk Watch – is conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (DRIWR), and its friends group, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance (IWRA), at the Lake Erie Metropark in Gibraltar, MI. Join us and witness spectacular flights of Broad-winged Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Golden Eagles, and potentially more!
Join us as we search for and learn to identify migrating raptors in flight. Hawk watching is a largely stationary event so bring a comfy chair, dress for the weather, and bring something to eat and drink.
Want to learn more about raptor ID before going? Check out our October 2022 program, “Identifying Raptors in Flight” with friend of WAS, Josh Haas. It’s a great program.
Directions: Upon entering Lake Erie Metropark, follow the signs to the boat launch (map). You can’t miss us if you are there. A metropark pass per vehicle is required for entry. Pass information here. Those interested in carpooling, we will meet at the Plymouth Road Park and Ride (map) for a 9:00 am departure.
