Beginning Birders Series
2025-04-11 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-25 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-02 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-09 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-16 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Nichols Arboretum – Riverview Court, 174-196 Riverview Ct., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Each Friday during April and May, 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.

Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) Feathered Friends Walk
2025-04-12 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

Birding Peru With Ben Lucking
2025-04-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join WBNA member Ben Lucking on a trip to Peru, one of Latin America’s most biologically diverse and bird rich countries. Ben has birded and photographed the birds of Peru a number of times. Peru has over 1880 bird species, in addition to a large number of mammals.
Ben Lucking leads tours for the Wings birding tour company, as well as private tours, and has birded and photographed birds in many countries.
This program is in person at the downtown Ann Arbor District Library, and will be live streamed on YouTube Live.
Click here to find the YouTube Live link!

Spring Migration Thursdays at The Arb
2025-04-17 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-24 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-01 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-08 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-15 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-22 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 27th through May 29th 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.

Woodcock Walk with Natural Area Preservation
2025-04-18 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 several of our parks. Watching and hearing their display is an amazing experience for the observer! 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.
Register: ttps://nap.a2gov.org/WoodcockWalk2025
Directions: Meet at the Furstenberg parking lot off Fuller Rd.
Leader: Matt Spoor & Juliet Berger

Weekend Walk for Wildflowers & Birds at Nan Weston Preserve
2025-04-26 08:00 - 10:30 | 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: Matt 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

Ecological Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2025-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | 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 50 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
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. 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)

Monday Migration Evenings at Matthaei
2025-04-28 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-19 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.

Spring Migrants and Summer Residents at Hudson Mills Metropark
2025-05-03 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 flagpole in front of 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
2025-05-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Meijer East Lot off Zeeb behind Starbucks, 75P5+6W8 Haisley, Ann Arbor, United States
Update: This weeks TEB will be led by Nathan Shay. Meet at the Meijer’s parking lot off Zeeb Rd between Starbuck and Meijer (see map) It’s looking like rain in the morning Nathan recommends good boots for some mud.
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

Washtenaw May Count and World Migratory Bird Day
2025-05-10 | 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 could always 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
2025-05-13 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
Update: This weeks TEB will be led by Victor Ferriera and Isaiah Clark. Meet at the Meijer’s parking lot off Zeeb Rd between Starbucks and Meijer (see map)
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

Warbler Wonderland at Magee Marsh
2025-05-17 07:00 - 14:00 | Magee Marsh Boardwalk
This trip needs no introduction! If you haven’t experienced this North American warbler hotspot, now is the time. Magee Marsh is famous for its up-close views of migrating warblers, and you won’t want to miss the excitement. Visit mageemarsh.org to learn more about this incredible birding destination.
After spending the morning at Magee, many of us continue birding at nearby Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge or Howard Marsh. You can plan to stay into the afternoon or wrap up your visit by late morning if needed. For a comprehensive species list and captivating photos from last year’s trip, please refer to the 2024 Trip Report.
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
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Eliza Howell Park, 23751 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI, 48223, United States
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.

Tuesday Evening Birders
2025-05-20 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
**Update for May 20, 2025****
Meet on Embury Rd just north of N. Terrritorial Rd by 6pm. Turn north onto Embury Rd from N territorial and park along the road.
Juliet Berger 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. As it gets dark, we may drive a short distance for some night calling treats.
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 - Its Origins and Why It's Important
2025-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Black Birders Week is a week-long celebration at the end of May that started only a few years ago. However, many folks are unaware of the event and its origins.
At this presentation, Victor Chen (WBNA BIPOC walks leader) and Brandan Freeman (Shades of the Outdoors founder) will discuss some of the history of Black Birders Week and the significance of the event to helping diversity in the outdoors. We will talk about some of the events WBNA has going on during Black Birders Week in 2025 and how folks can get involved in person and through social media.
At this meeting, we will be announcing the following nominees for Officers of the WBNA Board of Directors, and actively seeking nominations for the Vice President Position:

President: Matthew Spoor (new in this role)
Vice President: seeking nominee(s)
Treasurer: Keith Dickey (continuing in this role)
Secretary: Jessica Adamczyk (continuing in this role)

Please come meet these nominees and hear about why they are seeking election. Also, if you would like to nominate yourself or another member to be Vice President, please either email secretary@washentawbna.org or do so in-person at the May 21st program. The Vice President job description is viewable on the WBNA website. Voting for the slate of officers will take place at the Annual Meeting on June 18.
This meeting will be at the Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Branch, 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
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
