UPCOMING EVENTS
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Spring Bluebird festival
The Michigan Bluebird Society is excited to announce its 21st Spring Bluebird Festival to be held March 15, 2025, in Grand Rapids at the Prince Conference Center and Hotel at Calvin University. This year’s event will offer an incredible slate of speakers and Nature Expo with lots of educational exhibits, resources, and items for sale.
The purpose of the Spring Bluebird Festival is to educate people about how to help bluebirds improve their nesting success and survival long term in the state. Representatives of the Michigan Bluebird Society will be there to answer questions on bluebirds and help people interested in attracting them with nesting boxes and feeders. In addition, there will be a Nature Expo featuring products for sale and other conservation group informational displays. A supervised Kids’ Activity Area will be set up with educational projects and games for children.
Visit the Michigan Bluebird Societies website for more information.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Bluebird Box Cleaning At The Muskegon Wastewater
Led By: Steve Minard and Ruth Fridsma
One way we can help our local nesting birds is by providing places for them to nest. Jim Ponshair aided the birds for many years with a number of bluebird box trails at the Muskegon Wastewater. This does add up to a large number of boxes to clean every year and we need a good size group to do the job. The annual bluebird box cleaning is a great way to learn your way around the Muskegon Wastewater. It’s also a good way to learn about bluebird boxes, how to clean them, and see how the type of box and habitat affects who uses the box. Since we’re at the Wastewater, we usually see some good birds while we work. You may even get to meet mice or Flying Squirrels up close and personal. And you get to help the bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, wrens and other birds that use the boxes. This year you can meet the group, or head directly to clean your group of boxes. Send Steve an email at sdminard@gmail.com to get a group of boxes to clean. If you want, we will meet at the Maple Island Road entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater System at 9:00 am. Lunch is one your own this year. Following lunch, some participants may bird the nearby Muskegon State Game Area to look for early migrants. This can be an all day trip, or you can head out before or after lunch. For all the carpenters and builders out there, we always need more bluebird boxes. Boxes suffer damage over the years and new boxes are always needed. Send Steve an email at sdminard@gmail.com if you have new boxes to donate.
Essentials: Meet at the Maple Island Road entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater System at 9:00 am. This is a bit north of White Road. If you have an area, you can head there directly. Come dressed for the weather. Bring some tools (screwdrivers, pliers, scrapper, hammer and nails) and gloves for cleaning out the bluebird houses.
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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Spring Marsh Birds and Hawks
Led By: Steve Minard
Join us to look for marsh birds at Lane’s Landing in the Muskegon State Game Area. Rails should be in the marsh by this date and Swamp Sparrows should be on territory. After checking out the marsh, we’ll see how the winds blow and either head over to the Muskegon Wastewater to check out the waterfowl or head to Grand Haven to check out Harbor Island and hawk watch locations to look for migrating hawks. At the Wastewater, Northern Shoveled and Ruddy Duck are likely; in Grand Haven, we could see Caspian Tern on Lake Michigan or rails in the Harbor Island marshes. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the Boy Scout Headquarters west off Walker Road just north of I-96 at 7:00 AM. We plan to bird until noon, you may want to bring 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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
Tuesday Evening At Reeds Lake
Led By: Steve Minard
This trip is an evening walk to the Hodenpyl Woods area at the west end of Reeds Lake. Varied woodland, marsh, and lake habitat provides a variety of birds right in town. On this trip, we will concentrate on waterbirds, and early warblers. The boardwalk provides good views of the lake and marsh areas so we will visit it. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the East Grand Rapids Utility Building parking lot on Reeds Lake Blvd north of Gaslight Village at 6:00 PM. Waterproof footwear and insect repellent may be useful. Poison Ivy is thick in places.
Safety Hazards: Drive safely to meet the group. Watch for traffic when crossing the road and bicycles on the pathway.
Tuesday Evening At Reeds Lake
Led By: Steve Minard
This trip is an evening walk to the Hodenpyl Woods area at the west end of Reeds Lake. Varied woodland, marsh, and lake habitat provides a variety of birds right in town. We hope to find some warblers ducks, and with luck terns on the lake. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the East Grand Rapids Utility Building parking lot on Reeds Lake Blvd north of Gaslight Village at 6:00 PM. Waterproof footwear and insect repellent may be useful. Poison Ivy is thick in places.
Safety Hazards: Drive safely to meet the group. Watch for traffic when crossing the road and bicycles on the pathway.
May Birdy Book Club
In May, we'll discuss “Ten Birds That Changed the World” by Stephen Moss
Tuesday Evening at Roselle Park
Led By: Steve Minard
Roselle Park is a good birding area right here in Kent County. It’s on the Grand River, and has wetlands, wooded edges, and open areas. At this date, warblers should still be moving and many of the sparrows and woodland birds should be present. We will plan to stick to the paved trails and avoid the water if there is flooding.
Essentials: Meet at the Roselle Park parking lot by the visitor center. It’s entrance is across from Michigan Ave and north of the south parking lot entrance. This is west of Ada and south of Knapp along Grand River Dr.
Safety Hazards: Drive safely to meet the group. Watch for traffic on the pathway.
Tuesday Evening at Roselle Park
Led By: Steve Minard
Roselle Park is a good birding area right here in Kent County. It’s on the Grand River, and has wetlands, wooded edges, and open areas. At this date, warblers should still be moving and many of the sparrows and woodland birds should be present. We will plan to stick to the paved trails and avoid the water if there is flooding.
Essentials: Meet at the Roselle Park parking lot by the visitor center. It’s entrance is across from Michigan Ave and north of the south parking lot entrance. This is west of Ada and south of Knapp along Grand River Dr.
Safety Hazards: Drive safely to meet the group. Watch for traffic on the pathway.
Lowell Grand River Riverfront Park
Led By: Steve Minard
Roselle Park is a good birding area right here in Kent County. It’s on the Grand River, and has wetlands, wooded edges, and open areas. At this date, warblers should still be moving and many of the sparrows and woodland birds should be present. We will plan to stick to the paved trails and avoid the water if there is flooding.
Essentials: Meet at the Roselle Park parking lot by the visitor center. It’s entrance is across from Michigan Ave and north of the south parking lot entrance. This is west of Ada and south of Knapp along Grand River Dr.
Safety Hazards: Drive safely to meet the group. Watch for traffic on the pathway.
Summer Marsh Field Trip
Led By: Steve Minard
This is planned as a summer trip to the marsh at Lane’s Landing in the Muskegon State Game Area. Nesting birds have settled in and many of them should be attending to their young. It is one of the better times of year to see Least Bitterns in flight. They are present in this marsh and if you are watching carefully, and you are lucky, you may see one make a brief flight from on spot to another in the marsh. Rails, ducks and cranes are also possible. Depending on time, we may visit other nearby birding areas.
Essentials: Meet at the Boy Scout Headquarters west off Walker Road just north of I-96 at 8:00 AM. We plan to bird until noon, you may want to bring 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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
Muskegon Wastewater Fall Shorebirds
Led By: Steve Minard
Join Steve for an August shorebird trip. The Wastewater is one of the better spots in the area for finding shorebirds. 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 possible. Ducks and field birds are also likely to be seen. This year the plan is to meat at the Muskegon Wastewater and spend the morning looking for shorebirds.
Essentials: Meet at the main entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater, now signed as the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center on the east side of Maple Island Rd. at 9:00 AM. This is where we meet for bluebird box cleaning in March. Bring your binoculars. A spotting scope, a drink and snacks will be helpful. This trip is planned for the morning.
Safety Hazards: Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from the leaders 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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
February Membership Meeting
Seeking Balance: Opportunities at the Intersection of Community and Conservation
Spencer High
Join us as Grand Rapids Audubon Club president, Spencer High, walks us through a brief history of the relationship between human beings and the naturally occurring world. We will learn about several key historical events that have helped shape conservation culture, and learn how our collective cultural perspective on nature has changed over time. Spencer believes that by studying and learning about this relationship, we can become better communicators of the value behind protecting our natural communities - and create a cultural shift towards living in balance with nature. This event is open to the public and free to attend.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Allegan State Game Area Winter Trip
Led By: Steve Minard
Explore the Allegan State Game Area, including the Swan Creek Highbanks and the Todd Farm Unit, for winter birds. Bald Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk are likely to be near the flocks of Canada Goose at the Todd Farm Unit. Wild Turkey, Northern Shrike, and Ross’ Goose have been found here in past winters. With luck, winter finches will make an appearance. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the McDonald’s in Hudsonville, and car pool from there. A spotting scope will come in handy on this trip. A bit of food and a warm beverage will take care of any hunger pains. We plan to bird until noon, lunch afterwards is an option.
Safety Hazards: Cold weather and slippery winter driving are the main hazards. As with winter trips in particular, bad weather may cancel the trip. 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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Winter Birding at Dune Harbor County Park Muskegon County
Led By: Spencer High
Over 200 species of birds have been observed using the habitat at Dune Harbor Park in Muskegon County. With the park located near the migratory pathway along Lake Michigan, you never know what might show up next!
This hike is in partnership with Muskegon County Parks and while we explore the property to see which winter bird species are around, we will also learn a bit about the past, present and future of this newly acquired public park.
We will meet at the Seminole Parking Lot (2161 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441) at 9 a.m. to embark on a guided hike led by Spencer High, president of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club.
As we discover new species, we’ll learn fun facts about these winter visitors and discuss how they utilize this landscape to its fullest potential during the harshest months of the year. Bringing your own binoculars is encouraged, but a few pairs will be available to borrow, along with field guides if needed.
Please remember to dress for the weather, as it can be a bit windy near the lakeshore.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
January Membership Meeting
John Ball Zoo’s Great Lakes Conservation Programs
Speaker: Bill Flanagan
Join us on Monday evening for a night of discussion, socializing, and sharing our love of Michigan nature. Doors open at 7, come meet fellow members, browse the library, and connect with others about birding. Program by Bill Flanagan begins at 7:30.
Bill Flanagan is the Conservation Manager at the John Ball Zoo. He manages the Zoo's field conservation programs which include a strong focus on Great Lakes species. Bill is a recovering herpetologist and has enjoyed the opportunity his current role has provided to learn about butterflies, native plants, and freshwater mussels. He will be talking about the Zoo's programs with rare turtles, the Grand River ecosystem, and the partnership to save the Poweshiek Skipperling from extinction.
This program is open to the general public who may attend as guests of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club. Remember to bring any bird related items you would like to donate to the raffle. Be sure to come early this month to browse the large selection of free books available
Event held in the Donnelly Center, located at 157 Woodward Lane SE between Fulton Street and Robinson Road. Parking is available in Lots "S" and "T" off Woodward Ln. The center entrance is on the north side of the building
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Winter Field Birding
Led By: Steve Minard
This is planned a winter trip to search for winter birds such as Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, and Snow Bunting. These can be quite nomadic and hard to find, so we’ll try to cover lots of territory to look for them. We’ll search fields in northern Ottawa County and Muskegon County northwest of Grand Rapids. We’ll probably check some of the Crockery Creek bottom lands looking for Red-shouldered Hawk. If conditions permit, we'll try to include the Muskegon Wastewater in our search. Expect to spend most of the time in the car searching the fields for anything different. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the Boy Scout Headquarters west off Walker Road just north of I-96 at 8:00 AM. We plan to bird until noon, you may want to bring a snack to hold you over until lunch.
Safety Hazards: Cold weather and slippery winter driving are the main hazards. As with winter trips in particular, bad weather may cancel the trip. 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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Winter Climate Watch Survey
Become a Citizen Scientist and take part in National Audubon’s Climate Watch Survey
Understanding how birds are responding to climate change is essential to protecting them.
We need your help to do just that by counting and documenting how their ranges are shifting. Audubon’s Climate Watch program contributes to scientific analysis by providing vital data on how birds are faring with climate change. The more information we have on birds across the country, the better prepared we will be to advocate for necessary responses to the risks birds are facing.
Save the dates of the winter survey period taking place between January 15 – February 15, 2024 and help us count bluebirds, nuthatches or goldfinches.
Your participation helps to provide experts with important information about species numbers, distribution and habits. It is a fun way to become involved in protecting the environment and helping bird populations.
To learn more about how you can participate locally, please visit the Climate Watch page on our website.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
New Years Day in Kent County
Led By: Steve Minard
Get your bird list for 2025 started in Kent County. We'll try to track down some of the birds seen on the Christmas Count, and just look for whatever sounds good. We will start at 6:00 am to look for owls in the Cannonsburg State Game Area and vicinity. At dawn, we will shift to looking for winter passerines, waterfowl and hawks. Birders of all skills are welcome to join us and start their bird list for 2025.
Essentials: Meet at the Ada McDonald’s on M21 at the Citgo Gas Station by 6:00 AM. This is across M21 from Amway and near the Post Office. We plan to be back at McDonald's at 8:00 am for a break and in case anyone wants to join us. We plan to finish around 11:30 AM. Dress for cold weather and bring a snack or warm beverage to keep you fueled up.
Safety Hazards: Cold weather and slippery winter driving are the main hazards. As with winter trips in particular, bad weather may cancel the trip. 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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
2024 Chirstmas Bird Count
Help the Grand Rapids Audubon Club Survey Early-Winter Birds in West Michigan!
This is our club’s 64th year of the Annual Christmas Bird Count, and we look forward to having you help us survey our local birds.
To learn more about the Christmas Bird Count, where our survey region is, and what to expect from your participation in community science, visit the Christmas Bird Count page on our website.
To register to participate in our count, email our Count Compiler, Tom Leggett today!
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
November Membership Meeting
Speaker: Clay Bowers
Foraging and Wild Edibles in Michigan
Join us on Monday evening for a night of discussion, socializing, and sharing our love of Michigan nature. Doors open at 7, come meet fellow members, browse the library, and connect with others about birding. Program by Clay Bowers begins at 7:30.
Clay Bowers explores how foraging and wild food tending can deepen our connection to the natural world. Bowers will discuss the importance of sustainable harvesting practices, showing how we can gather wild foods while respecting the land. His talk aims to make foraging accessible to everyone, whether they are survival enthusiasts or nature lovers who want to better understand their surroundings. Participants will learn how to locate and sustainably harvest the abundant, healthy, and organic foods growing around them in Northern Michigan. Through this experience, Bowers encourages us to move beyond seeing the forest as a place to visit; instead, we are invited to participate as active members of this thriving ecosystem.
Clay Bowers is a passionate forager and self-described "plant nerd" from Northern Michigan. With a lifelong fascination with plants and fungi, Bowers has spent the last decade honing his skills and knowledge of the natural world. For him, foraging is akin to navigating a complex city; each journey into the woods reveals new insights and connections between plants, fungi, and their habitats. What started as a survival skill has evolved into a way of life, inspiring Bowers to view himself as part of nature rather than a mere visitor. His humor, deep knowledge, and personal stories make his presentations engaging and enlightening for anyone interested in the art and science of wildcrafting.
This program is open to the general public who may attend as guests of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club.
Event held in the Donnelly Center, located at 157 Woodward Lane SE between Fulton Street and Robinson Road. Parking is available in Lots "S" and "T" off Woodward Ln. The center entrance is on the north side of the building.
Bird Trivia at Speciation Cellars
Led By: Spencer High and Alex Field
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - IT’S ROUND 2 OF BIRD TRIVIA!
Join us as we host another evening of Bird Trivia at Speciation Cellars. This time, we will be testing your knowledge on Bird Migration, Winter Bird Residents and a bunch of other topics ranging from Bird Song Identification to Celebrity Birds. More details to come as the event gets closer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Birds & Brews
Hosted By: Audubon Great Lakes and Grand Rapids Audubon Club
In order to address an issue as big as climate change, we need to work together. Join Audubon Great Lakes and Grand Rapids Audubon Club for the 2024 Grand Rapids Birds and Brews, a free happy-hour style event where you’ll learn about opportunities to do just that — work together to address climate change and the biggest threats facing Michigan birds.
Join bird and nature lovers from across Grand Rapids for this birdy event, where you’ll hear from policy experts on the solutions to protect birds and our communities and how you can help advance them — all while enjoying a complimentary drink on us!
Space is limited. RSVP at mobilize.us/audubon-great-lakes/event/700530/ today to save your spot.
November Birdy Book Club
In November, we'll discuss “The Feather Quest: A North American Birder’s Year” by Pete Dunne
Lake Shore Migrants
Led By: Steve Minard
We will plan to look for the best reported late shorebirds, winter ducks, winter gulls, or winter finches along the lake shore. Winter ducks should be in the area, and the other late migrants should still be moving south. This time of year presents an opportunity for birds that can difficult to find in our area, so we'll check the bird alerts and go with the best prospects. We are likely to start on the lake shore with Holland State Park, Oval Beach or Douglas Beach as possible targets. From Lake Michigan, we're likely to work inland with stops possible along Lake Macatawa, the Kalamazoo River, or the Todd Farm Unit of the Allegan State Game Area. If we are lucky, a mega rarity will be chase able and we may travel further afield. This is planned as a morning trip, but we could extend it with a lunch stop.
Essentials: Meet at the McDonald’s in Hudsonville. We can leave any extra cars in the car pool lot just north of the I196 freeway. Be ready to head out at 7:30 AM. You may want a drink or snack to keep you going until lunch. Come prepared for cold weather. A spotting scope could come in handy on this trip.
Safety Hazards: Cold weather and slippery winter driving are the main hazards. As with winter trips in particular, bad weather may cancel the trip. 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. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.