Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Tuesday Evening Birders
2025-05-27 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Beginning Birders Series
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.

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.

BIPOC Walk at Bird Hills Nature Area
2025-07-12 09:30 - 11:30 | Barton Nature Area Parking Lot, MI
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to look for birds in the nature area. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Parking will be in the lot at the Barton Nature Area Lot, located at 1010 W. Huron River Drive. We will walk across the street to Bird Hills.

***Canceled *** Jonathan Parker with Seeds to Community
2025-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
This program has been canceled for July and will be rescheduled. Stay tuned…

Join naturalist and Ann Arbor Parks Steward Jonathan Parker to learn about his project Seeds to Community.
Seeds to Community is a volunteer-driven event series rooted in habitat restoration and ecological connection. They bring people together across Washtenaw County to collect, clean, and sow native plant seeds – rebuilding the kinds of wild places that support thriving bird populations. Their work focuses on forests, meadows, and transitional edges where native species once flourished. By grounding their events in seasonal cycles and local stewardship, they give volunteers a hands-on way to participate in long-term habitat healing – often right in their own neighborhoods.
For the birding community, this means more than just pretty flowers. Native plants provide the food, cover, and nesting habitat that sustain birds year-round – from May warblers in migration to overwintering sparrows and resident chickadees. Every goldenrod they restore, every patch of sedge they replant, and every invasive shrub they remove makes a real difference in the complex web of life that birds rely on. They welcome birders not just as observers, but as land stewards – people who know the land through sound, movement, and attention. Your insight is exactly what we need to make restoration more responsive, connected, and enduring.

Moth Night at Matthaei - National Moth Week
2025-07-19 21:00 - 23:30 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Celebrate National Moth Week
with Matthaei Botanical Gardens, UM Entomology Club, and Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
Last month’s moth night at Matthaei was a tremendous success—shattering all previous records with 219 species observed, 743 total observations, and an enthusiastic turnout of participants! We’re thrilled to return to this outstanding University of Michigan property in partnership with the U-M Entomology Club, with support from Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, to celebrate National Moth Week. 👉 View and compare all of our moth night observations on iNaturalist here.
What to Expect
We’ll set up several UV light stations in a variety of habitats throughout the gardens to attract different moth species. This is a relaxed, come-and-go event with participants moving between stations at their own pace throughout the night.
Chat During the Event
We’ve set up a simple group chat for participants to connect, share information, and ask questions during the event. Only active during the event. No app or sign up required — just open this link in your browser:
👉 tlk.io/wbnamoths
What to Bring
A light source

Trails can be uneven and unpaved—bring a flashlight or headlamp
A flashlight also helps illuminate moths for photography.

An iNaturalist account (optional but encouraged)

Upload your own observations to help document the night’s biodiversity
New to iNaturalist? Check out this quick start guide: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started

Dark clothing

Moths are less likely to land on you than the sheets. Think “ninja night!

Curiosity and questions

Moth enthusiasts will be on hand to share knowledge and help with IDs.

Schedule
9:00 PM – Meet at the Conservatory steps of Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Opening remarks, introductions, and a quick rundown of what to expect.
9:15 PM – Disperse to explore the light stations
Wander, observe, photograph, and ask questions at your own pace.
10:30 PM – UV Wavelength Walk
Gather again at the conservatory for a guided walk using UV flashlights to search for caterpillars and other glowing lifeforms—or continue exploring the light stations on your own.
End of Program – ~11:30 PM or later
Stations will begin coming down after 11:30, but the exact end time is flexible.
Why Moths?
Moths are essential to ecosystems and vastly outnumber their butterfly relatives—160,000+ described species (possibly up to 500,000!) compared to just 17,500 butterfly species. They play a key role in the food web, especially for birds: 96% of terrestrial bird species feed their young insects, and caterpillars—protein-rich and abundant—are a staple.
Explore More
Check out the Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project to see details, photos, and stats of past moth nights.

Froth Night with Natural Area Preservation
2025-07-25 21:00 - 23:30 | Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Froth Night 2025
with the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation and Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
It’s more than just the foam on your latte. “Froth” is our playful mashup for this unique night where we double down on the dark to search for frogs, toads, moths, and more! Join City of Ann Arbor Herpetologist George Hammond and some of WBNA’s regular moth-ers for this now-annual evening adventure.
Rain date: Saturday, July 26. Check back here if the forecast looks questionable.
What to Expect
We’ll set up several UV light stations in a variety of habitats throughout the park to attract different moth species. This is a relaxed, come-and-go event with participants moving between stations at their own pace throughout the night.
What to Bring
A light source

Trails can be uneven and unpaved—bring a flashlight or headlamp
A flashlight also helps illuminate moths for photography.

An iNaturalist account (optional but encouraged)

Upload your own observations to help document the night’s biodiversity
New to iNaturalist? Check out this quick start guide: inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started
Here is the iNaturalist project page for this event: inaturalist.org/projects/froth-night-2025-at-furstenberg-nature-area

Dark clothing

Moths are less likely to land on you than the sheets. Think “ninja night!

Curiosity and questions

In addition to our moth enthusiasts, George is a fount of knowledge so take advantage and ask all the questions you have.

Schedule
9:00 PM – Meet at the Furstenberg parking lot near the sign in front of the bathrooms

Opening remarks, introductions, and a quick rundown of what to expect.

9:15 PM – Disperse to explore the light stations

Wander, observe, photograph, and ask questions at your own pace.

10:00 PM – Frog Walk

Meet back in front of the bathroom building for a guided walk in search of frogs and toads with Natural Area Preservation Herpetologist, George Hammond.

10:30 PM – UV Wavelength Walk

Meet in front of the bathroom building for a guided walk using UV flashlights to search for caterpillars and other glowing lifeforms.

End of Program – ~11:30 PM or later

Stations will begin coming down after 11:30, but the exact end time is flexible and some may choose to leave theirs up longer.

Chat During the Event
We’ve set up a simple group chat for participants to connect, share information, and ask questions during the event. Only active during the event. No app or sign up required — just open this link in your browser:
👉 tlk.io/wbnamoths

Why Moths?
Moths are essential to ecosystems and vastly outnumber their butterfly relatives—160,000+ described species (possibly up to 500,000!) compared to just 17,500 butterfly species. They play a key role in the food web, especially for birds: 96% of terrestrial bird species feed their young insects, and caterpillars—protein-rich and abundant—are a staple.

Explore More
Data recorded from our Froth Night at Oakwoods Nature Area last year.
Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project to see details, photos, and stats of past moth nights.
View moths recorded in Washtenaw County
View frogs and toads recorded in Washtenaw County

Trail Maintenance Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2025-07-26 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 President, Matt, 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, battery operated hedge trimmers, or chainsaws. 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)

**CANCELED - Moved to 8/23/25** BIPOC Walk at Rolling Hills Park
2025-08-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Wiards Orchard, 5565 Merritt Rd., Ypsilanti, 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 birds in the park. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Parking will be in the Wiards Orchard lot, located at 5565 Merritt Road. We will walk across the street to Rolling Hills.

Butterfly Walk at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
2025-08-02 11:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Shorebirds & Waders at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Members Only)
2025-08-09 08:00 - 13:00 | Point Mouillee State Game Area, Sigler Road, South Rockwood, 48179, United States
Pointe Mouillee, on Lake Erie near the mouth of the Huron River is one of the premier destinations in the Midwest for viewing shorebirds and waders, but access is limited. Jim Fowler knows this territory as well as anyone and leads several field trips each year at this location. Usually, vehicles are restricted, but for this event, we will be allowed to bring in four vehicles. As a result, this trip will be limited to 20-25 attendees depending on the size of the vehicles driven. Preference will be given to current WBNA members. Membership information can be found here.
Past checklists: 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Directions: Registered participants will meet at the Pointe Mouillee SGA parking lot on Sigler Road (map) at 8AM and from there will consolidate into 4 larger vehicles. Bring insect repellent, wear a hat and dress for warm weather—there is no shade or shelter at Pointe Mouillee. Bring all of the food and fluids you think you will need to sustain you for approximately five hours of birding.
We will need four larger vehicles to accommodate the group. If you have one and can drive, please email Matt Spoor at fieldtrips@washtenawbna.org.
Leader: Jim Fowler
To receive the checklist: tinyurl.com/ebirdlist

Annual Picnic and the Coveted Wingnut Award Ceremony
2025-08-10 12:00 - 15:00 | Dexter-Huron Metropark, 6535 Huron River Dr, Dexter, MI, 48130, United States
Join us for the Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance Annual Picnic! In addition to connecting with fellow bird and nature enthusiasts, we will present the 2024 Wingnut Award to the individual who identified the most bird species in Washtenaw County last year.
Bring a dish to share and drinks for yourself, and feel free to use the onsite grill. Although there is no electricity, we have our own picnic shelter for the entire group! Nearby, you’ll find restrooms and the Huron River to cool off. We’ll also discuss our community efforts over the past year. Everyone is welcome, so please join us!
There is a $10 per vehicle daily fee to enter. An annual pass is $40 for residents of Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties ($29 for seniors). Free passes can be checked out via the Ann Arbor District Library through the Michigan Activity Pass Program.
Directions: Meet at Dexter-Huron Metropark, Shelter B (map here).

Swift Nights Out
2025-08-22 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-23 20:00 - 21:00 | MI
Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance and the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation invite you to join us for our Annual Ann Arbor-Washtenaw County Chimney Swift count. Watching Chimney Swifts enter their roosts at dusk is a spectacular sight (video and more information here). Volunteers will choose a known Chimney Swift roosting location and stake it out before dusk, counting the Swifts as they enter the chimney, as darkness falls. You can sign up for one night/one location at a time, or count each night of the weekend.
Chimney Swifts are in steep decline across North America and this volunteer effort is an important part of understanding how the species is faring in Washtenaw County. Habitat loss is one reason, as well as decline of the insects they eat, and other unknown factors. We are helping bird science by conducting this count! This is a great experience for non-birders—bring your friends and family to show them how these very cool aerial insectivores share our cities and towns with us.
NOTE: Occasionally the Swifts will not use a particular location on a given night due to a predator such as a Cooper’s Hawk, or another issue. In that case, “No Swifts” will still be good information for us! Email Ann Arbor City Ornithologist Juliet Berger (NAPBirds@a2gov.org) with your results after the survey, and post it on eBird if you have an account. Please share your eBird list with usernames Washtenaw Audubon Society and NAPBBS. Thank you for your help!
Volunteers can sign-up for specific locations by following this link. If you know of an active roost that’s not listed, email Juliet Berger and she will add it to the sign up.

BIPOC Walk at Rolling Hills Park (Moved from 8/2/25)
2025-08-23 09:30 - 11:30 | Wiards Orchard, 5565 Merritt Rd., Ypsilanti, United States

Butterfly Walk at Leonard Preserve
2025-08-24 12:00 - 14:30 | Leonard Preserve, 375 N Union St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Please join Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance and resident butterfly experts at the Leonard Preserve in the Manchester area. We will observe and catch butterflies to study and release. The Leonard Preserve is also a fabulous place for birding, so bring binoculars too! 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
Directions: Meet at the preserve parking lot at 375 N Union St. Manchester, MI 48158

**Location Updated** Swift Nights Out: Public Group Event
2025-08-24 20:00 - 21:00 | West Park, 205 Chapin Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
*** Location Update***- West Park
We will gather at West Park to celebrate the end of Swifts Night Out and view the swifts as they enter the Miller Manor chimney. They will be visible from the picnic tables under the huge burr oaks in the middle of the park; a great place for a swift party!
Directions: West Park parking lot off of Chapin at 205 Chapin Street (enter Chapin from Huron St.).
Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance and the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation invite you to join us for a group event to celebrate the third and final night of our Annual Ann Arbor-Washtenaw County Chimney Swift count. We will gather at dusk to watch the swifts enter their roost for the evening at the busiest location (which changes every year—final details will be announced a few days in advance of the event). This is a great experience for non-birders—invite your friends and family to show them how these very cool aerial insectivores share our cities and towns with us.
We also recommend brining camping chairs or blankets to sit on as observe one of nature’s coolest phenomenon.
Watching Chimney Swifts enter their roosts at dusk is a spectacular sight (video and more information here). Chimney Swifts are in steep decline across North America and the annual volunteer effort between the city and WBNA is an important part of understanding how the species is faring in Washtenaw County. Habitat loss is one reason, as well as decline of the insects they eat, and other unknown factors.

Thursday Fall Migration Walks at Nichols Arboretum
2025-08-28 08:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-04 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).

Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2025-08-30 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
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 | 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.
