Here is our current field trip line up for the 2007/2008 year. We would like to add your favorite field trip, just let me know where you want to lead it. I think that many of our members are fully able to show other Audubon members an interesting area that they like. That’s more important than being an “expert” birder. Please let me know if you have an idea, but would like a co-leader for a trip. (Call Steve Minard at 942-7165.) On that note, watch the Caller for future trip announcements.
Editor note: All Field Trips through June 2008 have been removed from this list.
This is one of my favorite summer hikes. This will be too late for the orchids I know in the area, but perhaps we’ll find something different. Pine Warblers and Blue-winged Warblers nest here and usually can be found. Some of the other highlights from recent years have been singing Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Vireos and Cooper’s Hawks that follow you around. This trail goes through mixed deciduous forest, pine plantation and a tamarack bog on a boardwalk. Be sure to brush up on your poison sumac identification; there is some near the boardwalk. This is planned as a morning trip.
Essentials: Meet at the Arby’s at M-37 and 44th Street at 8:00 AM. Watch out for heat, bugs and poison sumac. You may want a drink or snack to keep you going until lunch.
Safety Hazards: Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from the trip leader for travel to the next stop. Please exercise caution on the roads at all times.
Join Becky and Jim for an August shorebird trip. Shorebird migration should be at or near its peak. Shorebirds such as Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs are likely. Black-bellied Plover, American Golden-Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Baird’s Sandpiper and Buff-breasted Sandpiper are all possible. Ducks and field birds are also likely to be seen. This year the plan is to bird the Muskegon Wastewater followed by a jaunt over to Grand Haven for local shorebirds. This should cut down on the time and gas commitments.
Essentials: Meet at the main entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater on the east side of Maple Island Rd. at 8:00 AM (this is where we meet for bluebird box cleaning in March). Bring your binoculars. A spotting scope and snacks will be helpful.
Safety Hazards: Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from one of the trip leaders for travel to the next stop. Please exercise caution on the roads at all times.
We’ll plan to check Lake Michigan to see what’s on the beach, and hike the trails from the Snug Harbor Picnic area. Warblers, vireos and thrushes are some of the likely migrants. If there is an east wind, we will head up into the dunes late morning to look for migrating hawks. If we run long, we’ll look for a place to stop for lunch. If the state park is quiet, we will consider a stop at the Muskegon Wastewater.
Essentials: Meet at the Boy Scout Headquarters on Walker (north of I-96) at 7:30 AM. You may want a drink or snack to keep you going until lunch.
Safety Hazards: Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from the trip leader for travel to the next stop. Please exercise caution on the roads at all times.