Here is the field trip line up for the 2011/2012 year. We are always looking for additional field trips. Call Steve Minard at 942-7165 if you have a spot you would like to show to the group. Watch the Caller for future trip announcements.
Editor's Note: Field trips from earlier dates have been removed as of May 10, 2012
This trip will visit the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute south of Hastings. We will hike trails in woods and field edge habitat and along ponds and marshes seeking spring migrating warblers, flycatchers, thrushes and others. Hopefully, we will hit the peak of spring migration.
Essentials: Meet at the Caledonia McDonald’s on M-37 south of 84th St. at 7:00 AM. Plan to carpool to the Institute. Sturdy footwear, rain gear and insect repellent are recommended. You may want to bring a drink and a snack to hold you over until lunch.
Safety Hazards: Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from the leader for travel to the next stop. Please exercise caution on the roads at all times and watch the car ahead of you when driving in a caravan. If using a CB, Family Radio or cell phone to keep in touch between vehicles, designate a passenger to be in charge of the device. Massasauga rattlesnakes have been recorded on the property. Inspect your legs for ticks frequently.
Join us counting birds on the second Saturday of May for the Spring Migration Count. In Michigan, we count birds and tabulate results by county for this worldwide event. Locally, we focus on Kent County, but counters are needed across the state. Someone on Doug’s trip needs to report the birds seen in Barry County. This is a 24-hour count period, but every one- or two-hour count helps. Plan to bird your favorite place for the Spring Migration Count. Watch the Caller in the spring for details on this count.
Scott is a native of Berrien Springs and wanted to lead a trip there this year. This is a prime date for warblers at Warren Dunes State Park and the trails from Floral Lane entrance will be the major focus. This is a heavily birded area and species such as Worm-eating Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Mourning Warbler and Connecticut Warbler are reported from here over many years. This will be a little early for Mourning and Connecticut, but at least one of the four will be reported for the week. Prairie Warblers nest out in open dune areas here. If you make the effort, they can be found. Other possible stops are the 3 Oaks Sewage Ponds and the South Branch of the Galien River. The Kesling Nature Preserve on Forest Lawn Road and Lakeside Road are both good for Yellow-throated Warblers, Cerulean Warblers and White-eyed Vireos. In recent years, Fish Crows have been reported from the nearby dump. Scott is likely to turn up a stop I don’t know about. Bring your CB or Family Radio if you have one and we’ll try to keep in touch between cars. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the McDonald’s in Hudsonville, north of the freeway, at 6:30 AM. Plan to leave extra cars in the car pool lot on the way back to the freeway. This is a longer trip than most of our trips since it is a two-hour drive from the areas near the state line. Plan on the better part of the day for the trip. Bring snacks and drinks to keep you going. A lunch stop is planned.
Safety Hazards: Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from the leader for travel to the next stop. Please exercise caution on the roads at all times and watch the car ahead of you when driving in a caravan. If using a CB, Family Radio or cell phone to keep in touch between vehicles, designate a passenger to be in charge of the device. Bugs and poison ivy are likely; take appropriate precautions.