Birding in Michigan during spring migration is a big deal, with hundreds of species to search for, endless opportunities to catch sight of them and plenty of people who enjoy the chance to talk all things birds! Mark your calendar for two events coming up Thursday, April 18.
Birds & Brews in Marquette
If you’re up for a special evening of bird trivia, conversation about how public lands support birds and the chance to win a door prize – all while enjoying a complimentary (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) drink – join the Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance and MI Birds at Birds & Brews, 7 p.m. at Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. in Marquette.
This is a family-friendly event, with coloring sheets and crayons provided. Door prizes include binoculars, a book on gardening for birds, and coffee and chocolate donated by local businesses. Registration is not required. We hope to see you there! (More than a hundred people attended the 2023 event, pictured above).
Woodcock Walk near Gladwin
If an outdoor adventure is more your speed, head to the Lame Duck Foot Access Area near Gladwin, one of the DNR’s Grouse Enhancement Management Sites, for a guided Woodcock Walk led by DNR staff and partners from the Ruffed Grouse Society. This GEMS location is one of the best places to view male American woodcock doing their quirky spring mating dance.
About 15 miles northeast of Gladwin, the 11,000-acre Lame Duck Foot Access Area is the largest GEMS location in the state, providing a great mix of habitat in both Gladwin and Arenac counties. All ages are welcome to attend. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Bowmanville Road and Lame Duck Truck Trail (44.098025, -84.236925).
Bring your own binoculars, if you have them, and a headlamp or flashlight. You also may want to download one or more of the following smartphone apps: eBird, iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes; we will walk along uneven ground that can sometimes be muddy. Be aware, too, that the trail system is not fully accessible according to Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
RSVP is required. Call 989-426-9205, ext. 2267630 for more information and to RSVP. If weather is poor, the rain date for this event is Thursday, April 25.
Both of these events are presented in partnership with MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.
