Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Weekend Walk for Waterfowl at Hewens Creek Park
2024-04-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Hewen’s Creek Park South Trailhead, 6515 Bemis Rd, Ypsilanti Charter Township, MI, 48197, United States
This beautiful 191-acre park is located on the south side of Ypsilanti Township has had 162 species reported in April and is a great place to find migrating waterfowl. We will explore the pond and then walk the forest in search of amazing birds.
Directions: Navigate to 6515 Bemis Road and you will find us in the parking lot.
Leaders: Matt Spoor & Juliet Berger

Texas Tour with Ben Lucking
2024-04-16 - 2024-04-24 | MI
Each April, a significant proportion of North America’s migratory birds descend on Texas in what is among the world’s greatest migratory spectacles. The Gulf Coast’s famed migration hotspots such as High Island and Sabine Woods see mass afternoon arrivals of birds that left the Yucatan the evening prior. Hooded, Kentucky, and Swainson’s warblers fill dark understories while flocks of Indigo Buntings and Bobolink find themselves in grassy verges and saltmarsh. Adjacent mudflats and beaches are alive with vast numbers of American Avocets, peeps, and plovers. Rice fields just inland hold plentiful Black-necked Stilts, White-faced Ibis, dowitchers, and the odd Hudsonian Godwit.
In addition to the migratory riches of the Gulf Coast, Texas is home to a rich diversity of landscapes. Heading West of Houston, prairies filled with Scissor-tailed Flycatchers make way to Texas Hill Country. This region is something of a crossroads in avian diversity. Eastern migrants such as Black-and-White Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Least Flycatcher meet dry Southwestern species such as Cactus Wren, Scott’s Oriole, Scaled Quail, and Greater Roadrunner; Southern species such as Green Jay, Ringed Kingfisher, Tropical Parula, and Morelet’s Seedeater; and a whole cast of regional specialties such as Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo, and Black-crested Titmouse. Heading further West, the landscape grows increasingly dry, culminating in the vast expanses of the Chihuahuan Desert. Rising up from this desolate landscape are Big Bend National Park’s Chisos Mountains. The wetter, vegetated valleys high among these peaks are home to one of the ABA area’s rarest breeding birds, the Colima Warbler.
Texas’s diversity of habitats and location at the heart of the Central Flyway give it the greatest avian diversity of anywhere in the ABA area. The current ABA area record of 294 species seen or heard in a day, set by a Cornell team in 2013, was set using a route from Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. This tour aims to be a relaxed pace, extended version of that record day’s incredible route. We’ll begin on the Gulf Coast, before making our way West across Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau to Big Bend’s Chisos Mountains. We will fly in and out of Houston, and the tour will include a one way flight from West Texas to Houston at the end of the tour.
Maximum of 3 participants with 1 leader, or 6 with 2 leaders.
Download/view this PDF for detailed information, including pricing, a detailed itinerary, and contact information.

Birding Costa Rica, with Len Sander
2024-04-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Please note new location and time!
Join Len Sander for an informative program on birding in Costa Rica. This Central American country, despite its small size, has one of the greatest biodiversities in Latin America, with 948 bird species, including seven endemics and 73 near-endemics. Len Sander is professor emeritus of physics and complex systems at the University of Michigan, a keen birder, and an avid photographer.
This will be a hybrid in-person (at our new location, the downtown Ann Arbor District Library) and virtual meeting.
The link you the live stream can be found at least one hour before the event on AADL site here: https://aadl.org/node/625001

Migration Thursdays at The Arb
2024-04-18 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-04-25 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-02 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-09 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-16 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-23 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-30 08:00 - 10:00 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Join us at Nichols Arboretum Thursday mornings through May to observe migrants making their way north. These leaderless walks are a great opportunity to join with other birders of all skill levels.
Directions: Meet at the east end of the arboretum near the Dow Prairie entrance.

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

BIPOC Bird Walk at Furstenberg Nature Area
2024-04-20 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

Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2024-04-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Searles Nature Preserve, 585V+4J Ypsilanti, Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Did you know Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Washtenaw Audubon Society) owns a nature preserve? We do! Searles Nature Preserve is a 50 acre natural area that hosts the headwaters of Stony Creek. Did you also know that Ninety-seven percent of North American landbirds require animal, primarily insect, protein to raise their young? Most insects require specific, native, host plants for successful reproduction and this is why supporting a biodiverse ecosystem of native plants is so important. More on this here: https://tinyl.io/93Ka
Join us as we work to remove invasive species and improve biodiversity to support the birds we love. Tools and know how will be provided. Bring gardening gloves (we will have extra), 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)

Weekend Walk for Wildflowers & Birds at Nan Weston Preserve
2024-04-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Nan Weston Preserve, Easudes Rd, Manchester, 48158
Join us to explore Nan Weston Preserve for spring ephemeral wildflowers and migrating birds. This 248 acre preserve is owned and protected by the Nature Conservancy and features more than 260 species of wildflowers and other native plants. It should be a beautiful, educational and enjoyable walk.
Directions: Meet in the parking lot off of Easudes Rd.
Leaders: Matthew Spoor & Juliet Berger

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

Spring Migrants and Summer Residents at Hudson Mills Metropark
2024-05-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Hudson Mills Activity Center Parking Lot, 93GV+C6V, Hudson Mills, MI, United States
This annual walk at Hudson Mills with Karen Markey is always tons of fun and super interesting. Join us as we search for spring migrants and recently returned summer residents. Target birds include beautiful spring wood warblers, woodpeckers, tanagers, towhees, thrushes, and any of the other 146 species seen here in May. The field trip is free, but a Metroparks Pass is required for admission. Free passes can be checked out using your library account via Michigan Activity Pass.
Leader: Karen Markey
Directions: Meet at the southern end of the large parking lot near the Activity Center. (map here)
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

Tuesday Evening Birders
2024-05-07 18:00 - 22:00 | Miller Park & Ride, 3001 Miller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
*****May 7 Update*****
Weather may be an issue so check back here before leaving
Ben Lucking is our trip leader! Meet at Miller Park & Ride in time for a 6 pm departure.

Each Tuesday Evening Birders will feature a new trip leader and location of their choice. These events have produced many memories and stories over the years and often yield interesting birds. Each Tuesday in May, we meet somewhere at 6pm, often at Miller Rd. Park & Ride, Plymouth Rd. Park & Ride, or Meijer on Zeeb Rd., depending upon which direction in the county we are headed, and leave from there.
Please register and we will email you the meeting location at least 24 hours before as details for these walks tend to come together closer to the event than our other walks.
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

2024 Washtenaw May Count
2024-05-11 | MI
Please join dozens of enthusiastic volunteers for the Washtenaw County May Count, on World Migratory Bird Day and eBird’s Global Big Day. This event is a day to be out there counting all the birds we can find, and it’s a super fun Big Day!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Juliet Berger is the organizer for this countywide count, which uses eBird to benefit bird science with its comprehensive results. The organizer divides the county into townships, each of which has an Area Leader. Leaders recruit additional volunteers to count birds throughout their area.
We still could use more volunteers across the county, as well as a couple of township leaders. Come join in the fun and go birding!
Washtenaw County May Count Organizers and Compilers: Juliet Berger
Please see these documents describing the count procedures:

Procedure flowchart – a brief visual representation of the procedures and process (PDF)
Detailed written description of the procedures (PDF)
Washtenaw County May Count eBird Usernames (PDF) – also shown below
Township species checklist, sorted taxonomically (PDF)
Township species checklist, sorted alphabetically (PDF)
Unusual/rare species list and documentation requirements (PDF)
Washtenaw County Map of Townships (PDF)

Washtenaw County Coordinator/Compiler: Juliet Berger Contact Juliet!
Area Leaders:

TownshipArea LeaderTownship eBird Username

Ann ArborJuliet BergerWasMayCount-Ann

AugustaJim LawWasMayCount-Aug

BridgewaterVictor ChenWasMayCount-Bri

DexterTBD/Juliet BergerWasMayCount-Dex

FreedomBob MaddoxWasMayCount-Fre

LimaBob MaddoxWasMayCount-Lim

LodiJuliet BergerWasMayCount-Lod

LyndonCathy TheisenWasMayCount-Lyn

ManchesterSilas BialeckiWasMayCount-Man

NorthfieldGreg JacksWasMayCount-Nor

PittsfieldJacco GelderloosWasMayCount-Pit

SalemJoe KennedyWasMayCount-Sal

SalineVictor ChenWasMayCount-Sln

ScioDiana KernWasMayCount-Sci

SharonFrancie KrawkeWasMayCount-Sha

SuperiorKarl BrennerWasMayCount-Sup

SylvanAndy DettlingWasMayCount-Syl

WebsterFaye StonerWasMayCount-Web

YorkJim LawWasMayCount-Yor

YpsilantiBill Nolting
Donna ParmeleeWasMayCount-Yps

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Tuesday Evening Birders
2024-05-14 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
** Meet at the Miller Park and Ride to carpool for a 5:30 pm departure**

If you are not up for carpooling, meet on Embury Rd just north of N. Terrritorial Rd by 6pm.
Matt and Juliet will lead an enchanting walk down Embury Road. This location has shown us some amazing and unique Washtenaw County species over the years. We will park and walk a large portion of the gravel road.

Each Tuesday Evening Birders will feature a new trip leader and location of their choice. These events have produced many memories and stories over the years and often yield interesting birds. Each Tuesday in May, we meet somewhere at 6pm, often at Miller Rd. Park & Ride, Plymouth Rd. Park & Ride, or Meijer on Zeeb Rd., depending upon which direction in the county we are headed, and leave from there.
Please register and we will email you the meeting location at least 24 hours before as details for these walks tend to come together closer to the event than our other walks.

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

Birding in Guantanamo, Cuba: A Tale of Two Journeys
2024-05-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join Jacco Gelderloos for a presentation on the birds and other wildlife of Cuba’s easternmost province during two trips in June 2022 and February 2024. This remote and under-birded area is ecologically rich and hosts many of the island’s endemic species, as well as a wide range of migrants. Jacco Gelderloos is a long-time WBNA member and Board member, World Traveler, Washtenaw Wingnut, Washtenaw Big Green Big Year rider, Ann Arbor CBC Complier, Washtenaw County Township birder, Ann Arbor NAP Breeding Bird Surveyor and produces our Newsletter bi-monthly, as our Newsletter editor, in his spare time.

A livestream of this event will be available at the AADL website approximately one hour prior to the start.

Warbler Wonderland at Magee Marsh
2024-05-18 07:00 - 14:00 | Magee Marsh Boardwalk
This trip speaks for itself. If you are not familiar with this North American warbler mecca, please take a minute (or a thousand) to check out www.mageemarsh.org. After Magee, many of us usually stop by neighboring Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge or Howard Marsh (2023 Trip Report), so one could plan on being down there until the late afternoon or just leave late morning from Magee.
We will meet at the west platform warbler sign at the west entrance of the boardwalk. Directions can be found here.
Directions: Meet at 7:00 am at warbler sign at boardwalk here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PXD3EjnfmPWJKXBb7
Trip 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

BIPOC Walk at Eliza Howell Park
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Eliza Howell Park, 23751 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI, 48223, United States
This is a joint walk with the BIPOC Birders of Michigan. At this walk, we will walk along the Rouge River in one of Detroit’s hidden gems and look for warblers and other migrating species. Park near the Nature Trailhead, by the third set of parking spots as you drive around the loop.
Leader: Victor Chen
Directions: 23751 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI

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

Natural Communities Walk at Scio woods Preserve
2024-05-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Scio Woods Preserve, 754R+9Q, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Join Michigan Natural Features Inventory Botanist, Julie McLaughlin, to explore the dry-mesic (oak-hickory) and mesic (beech/maple) forest communities comprising this 91 acre preserve owned and managed by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation. We will explore and learn about the plants that make up these natural communities.
Leader: Julie McLaughlin, Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Directions: From I-94: Exit Number 169 (Zeeb Road), southbound. Turn left from Zeeb Road onto Scio Church Road, go approximately 1.0 mile. Preserve entrance is on the north side of Scio Church Road.

Tuesday Evening Birders
2024-05-21 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
***May 21 Update – Andy Dettling to lead as we explore the Sharonville Prairie area for Henlow’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, and others.
**Meet at the Miller Road Park and Ride for a 6pm departure. We will carpool to reduce the number of vehicles in the caravan.**

Each Tuesday Evening Birders will feature a new trip leader and location of their choice. These events have produced many memories and stories over the years and often yield interesting birds. Each Tuesday in May, we meet somewhere at 6pm, often at Miller Rd. Park & Ride, Plymouth Rd. Park & Ride, or Meijer on Zeeb Rd., depending upon which direction in the county we are headed, and leave from there.
Please register and we will email you the meeting location at least 24 hours before as details for these walks tend to come together closer to the event than our other walks.

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

Tuesday Evening Birders
2024-05-28 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
***May 28 Update – Matt Spoor to lead as we get special access to explore the Urquhart’s Tree Farm for interesting grassland birds. From there, there are a couple of other stops planned with hopes of getting a few more interesting species.***
**Meet at the Miller Road Park and Ride for a 6pm departure. We will carpool to reduce the number of vehicles in the caravan.**
There is a 60-70% chance of rain and may be thunderstorms so plan accordingly. It may be fine or it may be wet. We won’t know until we are out there.
Each Tuesday Evening Birders will feature a new trip leader and location of their choice. These events have produced many memories and stories over the years and often yield interesting birds. Each Tuesday in May, we meet somewhere at 6pm, often at Miller Rd. Park & Ride, Plymouth Rd. Park & Ride, or Meijer on Zeeb Rd., depending upon which direction in the county we are headed, and leave from there.
Please register and we will email you the meeting location at least 24 hours before as details for these walks tend to come together closer to the event than our other walks.

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

Black Birders Week - Photography Workshop
2024-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Ypsilanti Public Library, Whittaker Branch, 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Now’s your chance to learn about bird photography. Lighting, lenses, angles – everything you need to know to make the birds you’ve been tracking look their best!
Photographers Ryan Henyard and Lamar Burke will prepare you for a gorgeous season of birding and nature. Henyard strives to make natural spaces more equitable and inclusive for BIPOC, disabled and queer communities. Find his work at www.henyard.com, on Instagram (@kuroganeig), or his online print store.

Black Birders Week - Hike Through North Bay Park
2024-06-01 12:30 - 13:30 | MI
We’re wrapping up Black Birders Week with a walk in the park! This fun and informative walk will be led by Victor Chen and Brandan Freeman, founder of the Shades of the Outdoors.
Location: North Bay Park, meet at the Park-and-Ride on 1001 Huron St.

Stinchfield Woods Breeding Bird Census
2024-06-02 07:00 - 11:00 | Stinchfield Woods, 9401 Stinchfield Woods Rd, Pinckney, MI, 48169, United States
The Stinchfield Woods breeding bird census is an annual survey of elusive species breeding within the 777-acre Stinchfield Woods, located at 9401 Stinchfield Woods Rd., Pinckney, MI. Typical birds found there include Pine and Black-throated Green Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Golden- crowned Kinglets, Hooded Warblers, Ovenbirds, and Acadian Flycatchers. This survey is mostly a hearing event so birders with a keen ear are especially needed, although all birders are welcome to participate. Please email Mary Wise at auntyem@umich.edu to RSVP for this event.

Moth Night at Furstenberg Nature Area
2024-06-07 21:00 - 23:00 | Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
We had a great group at our first Moth Night! This iNaturalist project will begin capturing observations from last night as they are posted by participants: https://www.inaturalist.org/…/moth-night-at-furstenberg…
To see observations from all WBNA Moth Nights, check out this iNaturalist.org umbrella project (aka project of projects ): https://www.inaturalist.org/…/moth-nights-of-washtenaw…
To see all moth observations within the City of Ann Arbor, view this project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/moths-of-ann-arbor
A huge thank you to Susan Kielb, Heidi Trudell, and Michael Kielb for their time and expertise in making this a great event!

Come out and join us as for our first moth night of the year! Check out our Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project to view hundreds of observations with photos, species details, and more for all of our past moth night events.
Why care about moths? Ninety seven percent of all North American land birds rely on animal protein to raise their young. For most birds, that means insects. And for most of them, that means caterpillars. Without abundant moth larva, there is not enough animal protein to raise the young of our beloved birds. It takes approximately 9,000 caterpillars to raise one brood of Black-capped Chickadees from hatching to fledgling! Now, think of all the birds you see out there. It’s hard to imagine the numbers required. So, you can see, moths are integral to the reproduction of most of our birds we love. They’re our allies in birding and getting to know them is a joy.
They are among the most diverse and successful organisms on earth. Scientists estimate there are 150,000 to more than 500,000 moth species. Their colors and patterns are either dazzling or so cryptic that they define camouflage. Shapes and sizes span the gamut from as small as a pinhead to as large as an adult’s hand. Most moths are nocturnal, and need to be sought at night to be seen – others fly like butterflies during the day. Finding them can be as simple as leaving a porch light on and checking it after dark. Serious moth aficionados use special lights and baits to attract them.
Once again, Susan Kielb and Heidi Trudell will guide us through the process of attracting, identifying, and enjoying these amazing creatures.
Suggestions for Attendees:

A headlamp or flashlight would be nice to have.
Ninja night with moths! Wearing black is the best way to keep moths on the sheet and not your shirt.
It might be nice to bring a camp chair if you would like to sit.

Directions: Meet at the Furstenberg Nature Area parking lot off of Fuller Road (map).

Grassland Birds at Conservancy Farm
2024-06-08 07:45 - 10:30 | Plymouth Road Park and Ride, 3700 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
We will look and listen for grassland breeding birds such as Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Henslow’s Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
Directions: Carpool from the Plymouth Park and Ride as parking is limited onsite. We will depart the park and ride at 7:45am.
Leader: Matt 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.

Prothonotary Paddle
2024-06-15 08:30 - 14:00 | Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery, 3902 E Delhi Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
It has been a few short years since the beautiful Prothonotary Warbler colonized a stretch of the Huron River from Hudson Mills through Delhi MetroPark and beyond. They sing their cheery song from close to their cavity nests along the river. They are best viewed from the water, and there are always a large variety of other birds to see on this float trip.
The trip is eight miles long, and usually takes about 3 ½ hours to complete, but we’ll stop for good birds, a picnic, etc., and your car will be waiting for you at the other end. We will have a picnic spot picked out that is approximately halfway, for those who wish to stay with the group. Bring your own picnic and beverages.
Book your own boat(s) for the “Hudson Mills to Delhi MetroPark Long Trip” directly from Skip’s Canoe Livery at www.paddlethehuron.com and review the details on their site. Make sure to select the 9am option on June 15th. On the day of the event, if you are renting a canoe/kayak, we recommend arriving at Skip’s by 8:30 to check-in, park, and pick up the required, provided personal flotation device.
Paddlers with their own boats, meet at Hudson Mills, Rapids View area (map here) to launch by 9:00 a.m.

Leaders: Juliet Berger & Matthew Spoor

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending this event 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.
