This is an annual series of Thursday morning walks at Nichols Arboretum to observe migrants as they pass through on the way north to their breeding grounds. These leaderless walks are a great opportunity to join with other birders of all skill levels. In addition to the birds, the Arboretum's flora in spring are marvelous to behold. For example, in late April and early May, trillium blooms abundantly on the wooded hillsides.

This season's walks will start on April 5 and go through May 24. Park and meet at the Riverview Court cul-de-sac off Geddes Road at 8:00 a.m. Click here to map the location and get directions to the meeting spot.

For a few years now, Washtenaw Audubon has sponsored leaderless walks on Thursday mornings at Nichols Arboretum throughout the main weeks of both spring and fall migration. These events are the birding equivalent of pick-up basketball or soccer--people show up and pursue their common interest with whoever else is on hand.

Because of work and school schedules, many people can't attend the Thursday morning events, however. Most of our field trips are on weekend dates, and spring migration is always our busiest time, so we haven't worried too much in the past about the conflict so many of us have on weekday mornings. But since some WAS members have expressed an interest in Arb walks on weekends in addition to our other outings, we are going to experiment this spring with three weekend dates at the Arb: Sun 5/6, Sat 5/19, and Sat 5/26. In one or more of these we may end up having a leader for these trips, but the premise is that what is more important is to get a critical mass of people, then we won't need a leader, just as we don't for the Thursday sessions. If these weekend outings do well, we will follow up in the fall, possibly with a fuller list of dates. 

Park and meet at the Riverview Court cul-de-sac off Geddes Road at 8:00 a.m. Click here to map the location and get directions to the meeting spot.

Leader: Karen Markey

Magee Marsh is an internationally renowned migrant trap where birds stop to refuel before their long flight across Lake Erie. Warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, and thrushes are just some of the many types of birds you can see there during spring migration. On a good spring day there its not unusual for birders at Magee Marsh to see more than 100 species.

Meet at the park-and-ride lot at Plymouth Road and US 23 in northeast Ann Arbor at 6:00 a.m. to arrange carpools for a 6:15 sharp departure. Alternatively, you can meet Karen and the rest of the group at the warbler sign on the boardwalk at Magee Marsh at 8:00 a.m. The trip usually goes until mid-afternoon. Bring a hat, insect repellent, lunch, and plenty of water or fluids for hydration.

Leaders: Dea Armstrong; Lathe Claflin, and Mike Sefton

Dea, Lathe, and Mike will take turns leading these outings. They will scout locations and scan bird reports during the day, and then in the evening take the group to where the action is. This is a carpool event, typically with multiple stops. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Miller Road/M-14 park-and-ride lot, where everyone will consolidate into fewer vehicles and prepare for a 6:15 sharp departure. Over the years, participants have seen some great birds (e.g., Red-necked Phalarope) and memorable sights.

Click here for Google map of location and to get directions. These outings will end at dusk.

PLEASE NOTE: This will be a carpool event, and anyone under 18 who is not accompanied by an adult relative or legal guardian will need to have a completed parental consent form to participate. If this applies to you or your child, please either write to fieldtripsATwashtenawaudubon.org to request the form in advance OR a parent will need to sign the form when the child is dropped off.

This is an annual series of Thursday morning walks at Nichols Arboretum to observe migrants as they pass through on the way north to their breeding grounds. These leaderless walks are a great opportunity to join with other birders of all skill levels. In addition to the birds, the Arboretum's flora in spring are marvelous to behold. For example, in late April and early May, trillium blooms abundantly on the wooded hillsides.

This season's walks will start on April 5 and go through May 24. Park and meet at the Riverview Court cul-de-sac off Geddes Road at 8:00 a.m. Click here to map the location and get directions to the meeting spot.

For a few years now, Washtenaw Audubon has sponsored leaderless walks on Thursday mornings at Nichols Arboretum throughout the main weeks of both spring and fall migration. These events are the birding equivalent of pick-up basketball or soccer--people show up and pursue their common interest with whoever else is on hand.

Because of work and school schedules, many people can't attend the Thursday morning events, however. Most of our field trips are on weekend dates, and spring migration is always our busiest time, so we haven't worried too much in the past about the conflict so many of us have on weekday mornings. But since some WAS members have expressed an interest in Arb walks on weekends in addition to our other outings, we are going to experiment this spring with three weekend dates at the Arb: Sun 5/6, Sat 5/19, and Sat 5/26. In one or more of these we may end up having a leader for these trips, but the premise is that what is more important is to get a critical mass of people, then we won't need a leader, just as we don't for the Thursday sessions. If these weekend outings do well, we will follow up in the fall, possibly with a fuller list of dates. 

Park and meet at the Riverview Court cul-de-sac off Geddes Road at 8:00 a.m. Click here to map the location and get directions to the meeting spot.

Leaders: Dea Armstrong; Lathe Claflin, and Mike Sefton

Dea, Lathe, and Mike will take turns leading these outings. They will scout locations and scan bird reports during the day, and then in the evening take the group to where the action is. This is a carpool event, typically with multiple stops. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Miller Road/M-14 park-and-ride lot, where everyone will consolidate into fewer vehicles and prepare for a 6:15 sharp departure. Over the years, participants have seen some great birds (e.g., Red-necked Phalarope) and memorable sights.

Click here for Google map of location and to get directions. These outings will end at dusk.

PLEASE NOTE: This will be a carpool event, and anyone under 18 who is not accompanied by an adult relative or legal guardian will need to have a completed parental consent form to participate. If this applies to you or your child, please either write to fieldtripsATwashtenawaudubon.org to request the form in advance OR a parent will need to sign the form when the child is dropped off.

Leader: Karen Markey

Stinchfield Woods is 777 acres of conifer plantations and stands of native hardwoods--mostly oaks and hickories. This census on this property typically yields species such as Pine and Black-throated Green Warblers, Solitary Vireos, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Also heard or seen are Wild Turkeys, Hooded Warblers, Ovenbirds, and Acadian Flycatchers. Taking part in this bird count is a great way to observe migration into June, when many other sites in the county have already seen most of their migrants come and go.

The count starts at 7:00 a.m. Participants will assemble at the top of the hill near the caretaker's house and the observatory, and divide into groups. After hiking the trails and recording observations, everyone will reassemble late in the morning to compile a list of all birds seen or heard. NOTE: If you are interested in participating, please contact Karen at ylimeATumich.edu to sign up.

Stinchfield Woods is north of Dexter. Go north on Dexter-Pinckney Road, and about 1.5 miles north of North Territorial Road, you will come to Stinchfield Woods Road. Turn left (west) onto Stinchfield Woods Road and drive about 1 mile to the north entrance of Stinchfield Woods. Turn left (south) into Stinchfield Woods and drive up the hill and bear to your right toward the top of the hill. Bring insect repellant and dress appropriately.

Leader: Jim Fowler

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.

PLEASE NOTE: This trip has limited space, and registration is mandatory. To register, send your name(s) and a contact phone number to fieldtripsATwashtenawaudubon.org. Registered participants will meet at the Pointe Mouillee SGA parking lot on Sigler Road at 8:00 a.m., and from there will consolidate into four vehicles. Bring insect repellent, wear a hat, and dress for warm weather--there is no shade or shelter at Pointe Mouillee. Bring all the food and fluids you think you will need to sustain you for approximately five hours of birding.