Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Monday Evening Migration at Matthaei
2026-05-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Beginning Birders Series
2026-05-15 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Nichols Arboretum – Riverview Court, 174-196 Riverview Ct., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Every Friday between April 17 and May 22, 2026, 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.

Warbler Wonderland at Magee Marsh
2026-05-15 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 2025 Trip Report.
Directions: Meet at 7:00 am at warbler sign at boardwalk here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PXD3EjnfmPWJKXBb7
Trip Leaders: Juliet Berger & Sarah Surato
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

Birding the Pinky: A Conservation Fundraiser in the Northwest Lower Peninsula
2026-05-14 20:00 - 2026-05-17 20:00 | Northwest Lower Michigan
Join the Washtenaw Bird & Natural Alliance for a three-day trip to Michigan’s northwest lower peninsula. This trip is a fundraising event with a $100 suggested donation to support conservation and restoration work in Washtenaw County, including our ongoing efforts at WBNA’s Searles Nature Preserve. Isaiah Clark and James Weir will lead the group and the trip is limited to 20 WBNA members.
We will travel to the Arcadia area in Manistee County on Thursday May 14, and our birding will begin early Friday morning at Arcadia Marsh, one of few remaining coastal marshes in Michigan that is visited by and home to scores of shorebird species and other breeding and migrant birds. From there, we will work our way north toward Glen Arbor and the broader Leelanau County area, stopping along the way to visit birding locations as well as a nature preserve known for extraordinary blooms of spring ephemeral flowers.
The group will stay in Glen Arbor on Friday and Saturday night and bird the surrounding areas on Saturday and Sunday. We will search for migrating and breeding warblers, visit the famous Piping Plovers at Sleeping Bear Point, look for Common Loons in historical breeding locations, and hope to encounter least and American Bitterns, rails, Ruffed Grouse, falcons and other raptors—including late-departing Rough-Legged Hawks—numerous sparrow species including Clay-Colored, Upland Sandpipers, Meadowlark and Bobolink, cuckoos, Yellow-Throated and other vireos, and a wide variety of other migrating and local species.
This trip is designed to be flexible for participants. If you are unable to travel north on Thursday evening, you can meet the group later on Friday in Glen Arbor (note: Arcadia Marsh is our best stop for shorebirds, so shorb enthusiasts are encouraged to join for Friday morning). Similarly, we will have birding opportunities all day on Sunday if you want to maximize your time and stay another night, while those who need to leave on Sunday afternoon are welcome to do so.
The general rhythm for each day will be an early start with an active morning of birding until a group lunch. We will have a break in the afternoon, during which participants can rest, join informal activities such as a bike ride on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail or a drive along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, or do more birding! The group will reconvene in the late afternoon/early evening for more birding and dinner.
Most of the birding will involve low-impact walking and mild hiking on paved paths, dirt and stone trails, and sand. There will be one ~2-3 mile hike with a section of moderate to steep incline on a gravel trail; while the hiking pace will be slow, it may not be suitable for those with lower endurance or mobility issues.
To get a sense of the birds and locations, you can review this eBird trip report from 2023 and this one from 2025.
Each participant is responsible for their own accommodation and incidentals like food and drink. We will share suggested hotels and areas to look for Airbnbs or other rentals with registrants (expect to pay ~$120-$150 per night, depending on choice of hotel or rental). These and other details will be shared with participants after registration.
To register, please fill out this form. Note: We will send email confirmations after you register, and we will update this site and start a waiting list if the trip reaches capacity.
Volunteers are planning this event and 100% of proceeds will be applied to conservation and restoration, including the purchase of tools for invasive species removal for WBNA volunteer workdays, prescribed burns, and other related activities.
If you have any questions, please reach out to James Weir at jamesweir@washtenawbna.org.

Spring Migration Thursdays at The Arb
2026-05-14 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-07 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-30 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-23 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-16 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-09 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-02 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 26th through May 28th 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.

Tuesday Evening Birders
2026-05-12 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
Location Update 5/11: The 5/12 Tuesday evening birders will meet at Birdsong Preserve on Vreeland Road at 6pm. We will spend some time exploring Birdsong for locals and migrating rarities and then head to LeFurge Nature Area to look and listen for the Least Bittern that has been seen there in recent days.
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
2026-05-09 | 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 Organizer and Compiler: Juliet Berger
Here are the basics for volunteers:

Every counter should use eBird to record birds at every site you visit for birding.
Save each list indicating 2 observers, even if you are the only observer. This enables the sharing option via mobile devices, which you need in the next step.
Share each list with the eBird township username for the township in which you are birding. These usernames are in the table below. Please do this as soon as possible; preferably by the end of the day, but certainly by the end of the weekend.

Please see these helpful documents regarding the count:

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)
2026 Instructions for Area Leaders (PDF)

Washtenaw County Coordinator/Compiler: Juliet Berger
Area Leaders:

TownshipArea LeaderTownship eBird Username

Ann ArborJuliet BergerWasMayCount-Ann

AugustaTim McKayWasMayCount-Aug

BridgewaterRussell RyanWasMayCount-Bri

DexterTBD/Juliet BergerWasMayCount-Dex

FreedomCarol WatsonWasMayCount-Fre

LimaCarol WatsonWasMayCount-Lim

LodiJuliet BergerWasMayCount-Lod

LyndonCathy TheisenWasMayCount-Lyn

ManchesterSilas BialeckiWasMayCount-Man

NorthfieldGreg JacksWasMayCount-Nor

PittsfieldJacco GelderloosWasMayCount-Pit

SalemJoe KennedyWasMayCount-Sal

SalineRussell RyanWasMayCount-Sln

ScioDiana KernWasMayCount-Sci

SharonFrancie KrawkeWasMayCount-Sha

SuperiorAndy DettlingWasMayCount-Sup

SylvanBob MaddoxWasMayCount-Syl

WebsterFaye StonerWasMayCount-Web

YorkTim McKayWasMayCount-Yor

YpsilantiBill Nolting
Donna ParmeleeWasMayCount-Yps

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Tuesday Evening Birders
2026-05-05 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
Location update: For the May 5 Tuesday evening birders event we are going to visit Mary Beth Doyle park in Ann Arbor to look for the short-billed dowitchers that were identified there on Monday, May 4, along with other potential shorebird migrants. We will also explore the wooded trails for warblers and other songbirds, as well as search for the black-crowned night herons that frequent the park. We will meet at 6 pm at the parking lot for the Mary Beth Doyle disc golf course at 3191 Chelsea Circle at the intersection with Birch Hollow Drive. If you have any questions please email James Weir at jamesweir@washtenawbna.org. Happy Birding!
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

BIPOC Walk in Saline
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 spring migrants in Saline. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
We will start at Leslee Niethammer Preserve and then move to a few other parks in Saline to explore this area of Washtenaw County that is not often birded. Other locations include Salt Springs Park and Curtiss Park. There may be some ticks and other insects so wear repellant and dress accordingly.
Directions: Meet at the entrance of Leslee Niethammer Preserve, 9000 S. Maple Rd. There is very limited parking at the preserve lot so you may need to park on Maple Rd.
Leader: Victor Chen and Gaia Stanley

Ecological Restoration at Searles Nature Preserve
2026-04-26 13:00 - 15:00 | 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 protects the headwaters of Stony Creek.
Did you also know that 97% of North American land birds rely on animal, mostly insect, protein to raise their young? Most insects depend on specific native host plants for reproduction — which means a healthy, diverse plant community is essential for sustaining bird populations. Learn more here.
Join us as we remove invasive species and improve habitat diversity to support the birds we love. Tools and guidance are provided. Please bring leather work gloves if you have them — we’ll also have some available to borrow. 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

Bird and Nature Walk with Ypsilanti Library - Water Street Trail
2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:30 | MI
Join us as we partner with the Ypsilanti District Library in a nature walk down the Water Street Trail. We will meet at the downtown library in the downstairs meeting room
Address: 226 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
If you have binoculars, bring them. Otherwise, we will have some extra pairs available for you.

BIPOC Bird Walk at Furstenberg Nature Area
2026-04-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to look for early spring migrants. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Meet in the main Furstenberg parking lot by the bathrooms.
Leader: Victor Chen

Chimney Swift Conservation in Michigan
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
How well do you know this compact, aerial acrobat? Facing steep population declines, the Chimney Swift is one urban bird that we should all get behind. In this presentation you will learn the identification and life history of the Chimney Swift along with issues these birds are grappling with. We will also discuss ways that YOU can help with Chimney Swift conservation and what Michigan Audubon is doing across the state to help this enigmatic bird.
About Chad Machinski
While Chad’s first love is botany, he doesn’t deny the intertwining nature of birds, plants, insects, and all other organisms we share the world with. As Michigan Audubon’s Conservation Manager, Chad is responsible for the management and care for all 20 of Michigan Audubon’s Sanctuaries around the state and bird specific programs such as Chimney Swift and Purple Martin conservation. In his spare time, Chad enjoys tending to and expanding his native plant garden, birding, and learning more about our natural world.

Woodcock Walk with Natural Area Preservation
2026-04-12 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 suitable habitat across Washtenaw County, including Furstenberg Nature Area in Ann Arbor. Watching and hearing their display is an amazing experience: 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.
Directions: Meet at the Furstenberg parking lot off Fuller Rd.
Leaders: Juliet Berger and James Weir

Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) Feathered Friends Walk
2026-04-11 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
