Spring Migrants and Summer Residents at Hudson Mills Metropark
2025-05-03 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | 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

Monday Migration Evenings at Matthaei
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.

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

Spring Migration Thursdays at The Arb
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.

Beginning Birders Series
2025-05-09 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-16 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-23 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-30 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 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

Black Birders Week Kickoff Walk
2025-05-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Wheeler Park, Depot Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104, United States
Join us for an afternoon walk as we kickoff Black Birders Week 2025! We will start at the playground in Wheeler Park, located in a historically Black neighborhood and named after Ann Arbor’s first Black mayor, Albert Wheeler.
We will walk around the park to learn some of the history of the park and then head to the underground walkway to Argo Park. Everyone and all ages are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have extra pairs if you need some.
Directions: Meet at Wheeler Park playground, 200 Depot Street, Ann Arbor
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.

Tuesday Evening Birders
2025-05-27 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
***May 27 Update -Dan Sparks Jackson and Juliet Berger 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.**
NOTE: Miller Road is closed from downtown to Pine Tree Dr.
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 Extravaganza
2025-05-28 17:00 - 18:30 | Erickson Elementary School, 1427 Levona St., Ypsilanti, MI, United States
Come celebrate Black Birders Week as we join members of the Ypsilanti and the greater birding communities in this outdoor event. At this event, we will have activities set up by the following organizations:

Leslie Science and Nature Center
Michigan Audubon Society
Ryan Henyard Creative Photography
Ypsilanti District Library
Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Whether you are a seasoned birder or new to birds, come on out and celebrate with us. We encourage you to bring neighbors and friends.
Location: Erickson Elementary School and Nancy Park
1427 Levona St, Ypsilanti
Parking: Since parking at the school might be limited, please park on surrounding streets and walk to the back area of the school connected to Nancy Park
Time: 5 – 6:30 pm (drop in for some or all of the event)

Black Birders Week Bird Walk - Inkster Park
2025-05-29 16:30 - 18:00 | Inkster Park, 1550-1676 John Daly St, Inkster, United States
Come celebrate Black Birders Week as we join the Inkster Public Library on a bird walk through Inkster Park.
Leader: Victor Chen
Directions: 1550-1676 John Daly St, Inkster
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
2025-05-30 21:00 - 23:30 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
It’s time for our first Moth Night of the year!
This event will be a special one—we’re hosting it for the first time on University of Michigan property. In partnership with the University of Michigan Entomology Club and with support from the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, we’ll hold this year’s first installment at Dow Prairie in Nichols Arboretum.
Most moths are nocturnal and only seen after dark. While some fly during the day like butterflies, most are drawn in at night by light. We’ll hang sheets lit with UV lights to attract them, giving us a chance to observe and photograph these diverse insects up close.
Moths play a vital role in the food web—there are an estimated 160,000 described species (possibly up to 500,000), compared to just 17,500 butterflies. They’re especially important for birds: 96% of terrestrial bird species feed their young insects, and most rely heavily on caterpillars, which are soft, abundant, and protein-rich.
This year, we’ll also have UV flashlights on hand to help spot caterpillars and other organisms that fluoresce under ultraviolet light—another way to explore what comes alive after dark.
Check out our Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project to view hundreds of observations with photos, species details, and more from past moth night events. We’ll be encouraging attendees to photograph and post their own observations to iNaturalist during the event to help document the night’s findings and contribute to community science.
Need help using the app? Visit this iNaturalist support page for a quick guide on how to get started.
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 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)

Trail Maintenance Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2025-05-31 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)

Stinchfield Woods Breeding Bird Census
2025-06-07 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.

Prothonotary Paddle
2025-06-14 08:30 - 14:00 | Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery, 3902 E Delhi Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
It has not been long since the beautiful Prothonotary Warbler began breeding along this 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 and are best viewed from the water. There are always a large variety of other birds to see on this great float.
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 paddlethehuron.com and review the details on their site. Make sure to select the 9am option on June 14th. 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.. The crew from Skips depart at 9 a.m. and arrive at the Hudson Mills launch at 9:30 a.m.. The two groups will connect on the water with the Skips crew waiting for the boat owners that should see us as they float downriver at 9:30 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.

Annual Meeting and Celebration
2025-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Join us at the WBNA Annual Meeting to vote-in the new slate of board officers, and most importantly, to celebrate and thank Juliet Berger and Mike Sefton, our longstanding President and Vice President, at their last public program in these roles. We will not have a public speaker at this meeting. We will be providing cake, and encourage attendees to bring a dessert to share. Anyone is welcome to attend the Annual Meeting, but voting for officers is limited to current WBNA members.
How to Vote

Each nominee has shared about themselves and why they are seeking each role (see Search for Board Officers).
We will have brief presentations at the start of the June 18th Annual Meeting, followed by member voting by secret ballot.
If a current member cannot attend in-person but would like to vote, please contact secretary@washtenawbna.org for an absentee ballot. All absentee ballots must be received by 5pm on June 17th.

Meadow Music: Grassland Birds of Washtenaw
2025-06-22 07:00 - 11:00 | Conservancy Farm, 8383 Vreeland Road, Superior Township, 48198, United States
Join WBNA for a special morning outing focused on the breeding birds of Washtenaw County’s grasslands. This trip will highlight species that depend on these precious habitats, including Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Henslow’s, Grasshopper, and Savannah Sparrow. We’ll also look and listen for the increasingly elusive Dickcissel—a sparrow-like species in noticeable decline in our region.
Meeting Location & Plans:
We will meet at 7 a.m. at the Conservancy Farm on Vreeland Road. We may carpool to a second (or more) locations afterwards depending on the birds and how the morning unfolds.
Leaders: Matt Spoor & James Weir
Bring binoculars, water, and be prepared for walking in open terrain. All experience levels welcome. Those that have scopes are encouraged to bring them. For those that do not, we love to share.

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.

Trail Maintenance Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2025-06-28 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)

Moth Night at Matthaei
2025-06-28 21:00 - 23:30 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
It’s time for another Moth Night!
We are once again hosting this on University of Michigan property in partnership with the University of Michigan Entomology Club and with support from the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
Most moths are nocturnal and only seen after dark. While some fly during the day like butterflies, most are drawn in at night by light. We’ll hang sheets lit with UV lights to attract them, giving us a chance to observe and photograph these diverse insects up close.
Moths play a vital role in the food web—there are an estimated 160,000 described species (possibly up to 500,000), compared to just 17,500 butterflies. They’re especially important for birds: 96% of terrestrial bird species feed their young insects, and most rely heavily on caterpillars, which are soft, abundant, and protein-rich.
This year, we’ll also have UV flashlights on hand to help spot caterpillars and other organisms that fluoresce under ultraviolet light—another way to explore what comes alive after dark.
Check out our Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project to view hundreds of observations with photos, species details, and more from past moth night events. We’ll be encouraging attendees to photograph and post their own observations to iNaturalist during the event to help document the night’s findings and contribute to community science.
Need help using the app? Visit this iNaturalist support page for a quick guide on how to get started.
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 steps of the conservatory at 1800 N Dixboro.
