Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2025-08-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Searles Nature Preserve, 585V+4J Ypsilanti, Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Did you know Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance owns a nature preserve? We do! Searles Nature Preserve is a 48 acre natural area that hosts the headwaters of Stony Creek. Did you also know that ninety-seven percent of North American land birds 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
Now that invasive woody shrubs are slowing the upward flow of nutrients and storing energy in their roots it is the ideal time to start cutting them and treating the cut stumps with herbicide pre-mixed in our handheld Buckthorn Blasters. We’ll use hand saws and loppers to cut invasive woody shrubs and small trees (Common and Glossy Buckthorn, Privet, and Honeysuckle), and use our Buckthorn Blasters, similar to bingo sheet daubers, to apply dyed herbicide to the outer layer of the cut stumps. You can cut, treat, do both, or just join us to hang out. We’ll provide tools, gloves, and instructions but feel free to bring your own hand saws, loppers, or chainsaws. We recommend bringing a water bottle, and wearing long pants and closed toe shoes.
Directions: Meet at the entrance to the preserve on Bolla Road between Crane and Stony Creek Roads. (map here)

Monday Migration Evenings at Matthaei
2025-09-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-29 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 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
2025-09-04 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-11 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-18 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-25 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-02 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-09 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-16 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-23 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).

Annual Fall Migration Walk at Hudson Mills Metropark
2025-09-06 08:00 - 11:00 | Hudson Mills Activity Center Parking Lot, 93GV+C6V, Hudson Mills, MI, United States
Join us for our annual fall migration walk with trip leader Karen Markey. Hudson Mills is one of the top county birding hotspots in September.
Directions: Meet at the flagpole at the Activity Center-HQ building.
Leader: Karen Markey
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.

Moth Night at The Arb
2025-09-06 20:00 - 23:00 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Join Us for Moth Night at Dow Prairie
with Nichols Arboretum, UM Entomology Club, and Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
We’re thrilled to return to Nichols Arboretum’s Dow Prairie for another magical night celebrating moths and biodiversity. In partnership with the U-M Entomology Club and with support from Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, we’ll set up UV light stations across the prairie to explore the diversity of moths after dark.
👉 View and compare all of our moth night observations on iNaturalist here.
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What to Expect
We’ll hang sheets lit with UV lights in several locations across the prairie to attract different moth species. This is a relaxed, come-and-go event—move between stations at your own pace, observe, photograph, and chat with moth enthusiasts on-site.
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What to Bring
A flashlight or headlamp
Trails are unlit and uneven—bring a light to navigate and help with photos.
Dark clothing
Moths are less likely to land on you than the sheet. Ninja mode!
iNaturalist account (optional but encouraged)
Upload your observations and contribute to community science.
👉

Curiosity
Moth experts will be on hand to answer questions and help with IDs.

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Schedule
📍 Meet at the Dow Prairie entrance of Nichols Arboretum
(From Geddes Ave., turn north onto Riverview Dr. and stay right to Riverview Ct. cul-de-sac)
8:00 PM – Welcome at the prairie entrance
8:15 PM – Disperse to UV stations
9:30 PM – UV Wavelength Walk: return to entrance for a short walk with UV flashlights to spot glowing caterpillars and other nighttime life
~10:30 PM – Stations begin coming down (flexible end time)

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Why Moths?
Moths vastly outnumber butterflies—160,000+ described species (possibly 500,000). They’re critical for ecosystems and vital food for birds: 96% of terrestrial bird species feed their young insects, especially caterpillars.
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Explore More
Check out the Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project for photos, stats, and highlights from past events.

BIPOC Bird Walk, Nichols Arboretum
2025-09-13 09:30 - 11:30 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, 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 fall migrants. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions:Meet at the east end of the arboretum near the Dow Prairie entrance. This is located at the end of Riverview Drive.

Leader: Victor Chen

Nuthatch Open - Oakland Bird Alliance
2025-09-14 00:00 - 16:00 | Oakland County
Some of us Washtenaw folks love participating in this annual competitive birding event from Oakland Bird Alliance. A some of you know, Oakland Bird Alliance has come to Washtenaw many times and won the One Road Challenge. Will Washtenaw folks ever do the same in Oakland County? Let’s get some teams together and get up there this year!
Find as many species as possible anywhere in Oakland County until 4:00 PM and then meet later (location TBD) for awards presentations and a cookout. Checklists need to be submitted by 4:00 PM or a species will be deducted for every minute late. Teams consist of 2 to 4 members, and all members must see or hear the species for it to be listed. Youth teams must be at least 50% youth (under 18 years of age) to be eligible. Check the Oakland Bird Alliance website for more information. Register your team using the entry form here.
For questions, contact Kayla Niner at shadowc00kiecrumbs@gmail.com

Butterfly Walk at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
2025-09-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Please join us for a return to Matthaei Botanical Gardens as Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance and resident butterfly experts help to observe, appreciate, and learn about another one of our winged beauties.

We will catch (with permission) observe, photograph, document, and release many species to provide attendees with an up close study of organisms.
Portions of the walk will be in the prairie so prepare to be in the sun. Walking will be a long trails on flat terrain. We will have extra binoculars for those that need them. Bring your curiosity and questions for this wonderful walk.
Photographers are highly encouraged to attend as we attempt to document all of the species we find. Data gathered will be shared with Matthaei staff and to iNaturalist. You can view our past butterfly observations and photos here.
Leader: Jerry Paulissen

& Matt Spoor

Directions: Meet at the conservatory steps of Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Parking is $2 per hour, but bikes are free! Unfortunately, AAATA does not provide reasonable transit to this location.

Visualizing Bird Song: Ram Ramamurthy
2025-09-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Please join Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance for a talk specifically focusing on the use of technology to visualize bird songs and calls. It is akin to translating what we hear into a version of “sheet music”. This talk will be an introduction to the area of Bioacoustics, the science of studying bird vocalizations. We will learn why birds sing, how birds sing, type of bird vocalizations, and birds’ ability to learn vocalizations. We will show how our recordings with smartphones can be transformed into “sheet music”!
A 2022 survey shows that 96 million of us enjoy watching birds, either in our backyard, at a local park or on a trail. Birds are everywhere, and watching birds gives a workout to our body and mind. Birding connects us to the environment, gives us an opportunity to sharpen our identification skills, and this enhances our mental wellbeing. Humans are fascinated with the diverse colors, the mystery of long-haul flights, and wide variations in bird song.
Speaker: Ram Ramamurthy
Location: Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch
This program will be live streamed on YouTube at this link (click on the “LIVE” link appearing on our channel when the program is in session)
https://www.youtube.com/@washtenawbirdandnaturealliance

The Detroit River Hawk Watch--Lake Erie MetroPark
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | 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, Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrals, and potentially more!
We will watch 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. Erika Van Kirk, the coordinator of the Detroit River Hawk Watch, will speak to the group around 10:30 a.m. to provide an introduction to this important annual initiative to understand and document raptor migration through southeast Michigan.
Please note that the Hawkfest event is happening on September 20th and 21st at Lake Erie Metropark. The event celebrates the annual hawk migration and there are lots of things to see and do at the Marshlands Museum as well as the official Hawk Watch count site.
Want to learn more about raptor ID? 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). Once at the boat launch, look for trip leader Kate Jackman in a blue WBNA hat, and co-leader James Weir who will be wearing a bright orange “Great Gull Island” baseball cap for maximum visibility. A metropark pass per vehicle is required for entry. Pass information here. Please note that if parking is busy due to Hawkfest at the boat launch (where the Hawk Watch count location is), y0u may need to park nearby and walk a short distance.

Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Searles Nature Preserve, 585V+4J Ypsilanti, Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Did you know Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance owns a nature preserve? We do! Searles Nature Preserve is a 48 acre natural area that hosts the headwaters of Stony Creek. Did you also know that ninety-seven percent of North American land birds 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
During the heat of summer things are growing fast and end up covering up our trails and make it tricky to stroll through the paths at our beautiful 48-acre Searles nature area. Please join our Stewardship Chair, Dana, and other Searles Preserve enthusuiasts to trim back the trails. We will provide hand tools and gloves but feel free to bring your own hand saws, loppers, or battery operated hedge trimmers. Bring a water bottle and wear long pants and closed toe shoes.
Directions: Meet at the entrance to the preserve on Bolla Road between Crane and Stony Creek Roads. (map here)

In Search of Fall Shorebirds
2025-09-28 09:00 - 11:00 | MI
Update 9/26: We will meet at Sharon Mills North at 9 a.m. There are still a few spots open for this event but please register below so we know how many guests to expect. Depending on what we find at Sharon Mills North, and how long we spend at the site, we may continue on to Four Mile and/or Trinkle Marsh to see if we can uncover any other expected (or unexpected!) migrants.
Join the Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance on a search for fall shorebirds as they move south for the winter.
It has been a very dry September in Washtenaw county and the specific location(s) for this event will depend on rainfall. We will share details via email on Friday, September 26. If there is no suitable shorebird habitat, we will pivot to a more typical birding walk.
Trinkle Marsh and the Sharon Mills area are two possibilities, among others. We may need to meet in one location and then caravan as a group to minimize cars parked along the county roads we will be birding. You can learn more about the patterns and timing of shorebird migration on the Black Swamp Bird Observatory website.
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. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.
Location: Register below to receive location details on Friday, September 26.
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).
Trip leaders: Isaiah Clark and James Weir

Tree Identification Walk - Autumn Edition
2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve, 578 Mooreville Rd, Milan, MI, 48160
Want to learn the difference between a hickory and a hackberry—by their leaves? How about a beech vs. a basswood at a glance? With foliage on, it’s the perfect time to practice leaf-based ID: simple vs. compound, margins, venation, petioles, and leaf arrangement—plus quick bark/back-up cues and common look-alikes (including invasives). Join us for an interactive hike to learn to ID common Michigan trees. As always, we’ll share ecological context to paint a holistic picture of this ecosystem.
Directions: 551 Mooreville Rd, Milan, MI 48160. The small gravel lot and signed entrance are on Mooreville Rd just west of S Platt Rd, before the bridge over the Saline River.
Leaders: 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.

Early 5:30 p.m. Start: Monday Evening Migration at Matthaei
2025-10-06 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-10-13 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-10-20 17:30 - 19:00 | 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.

BIPOC Bird Walk at DeVine Preserve
2025-10-11 09:30 - 11:30 | DeVine Preserve, 6110 West Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, 48103, 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 fall migratory birds. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Meet in the parking lot at DeVine Preserve, 6110 W Liberty Rd.
Leader: Victor Chen

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 Big Sit! at Independence Lake County Park
2025-10-12 06:00 - 14:00 | Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189, United States
Join WBNA for The Big Sit!
Hosted by Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
How many birds can you spot in one day from a 17-foot (5.2-meter) diameter circle?
The Big Sit! is a free, annual, semi-competitive international birding event founded by the New Haven Bird Club in 1992. Participants count as many bird species as they can without leaving their circle—it’s birding, simplified.
Whether you stay for an hour or the whole day, join WBNA birders for a relaxed, social day of birding in place. This event is perfect for anyone who enjoys a slower pace, good conversation, and accessible birding.
What to Bring:

A comfortable chair
Binoculars and scope (we will have many extra)
Warm food and drink
Layers for the weather

No registration required—just stop by and enjoy the birds and camaraderie.
More info about The Big Sit!
We’d love to see you there!
Directions: Meet at the grassy knoll just past the boat launch area as you enter Independence Lake County Park from Jennings Rd, it’s ¼ of a mile into the park on your left. (map)
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.

A Lens on Panamanian Wildlife with Keith Dickey
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join WBNA member Keith Dickey as he shares images and observations from a recent trip to Panama. Keith and his wife Alison spent 6 days at Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge birding and hiking, followed by 3 days exploring the coral reefs of Bocas del Toro on Panama’s Gulf coast in early March. Among the 200 bird species and 120 other non-avian critters they saw and photographed, highlights included a very cooperative White-tipped Sicklebill, a skulky but curious Black-capped Antpitta, Motmots aplenty, Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths, Panamanian Night Monkeys, Confusa Tigerwing Butterflies, Spinybacked Orbweavers, Mangrove Upsidedown Jellyfish, a school of Atlantic Spadefish and several Caribbean Whiptail Stingrays.

Location: Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch
This program will be live streamed on YouTube at this link (click on the “LIVE” link appearing on our channel when the program is in session)
https://www.youtube.com/@washtenawbirdandnaturealliance
