WHAT TO BRING: If the trip is scheduled to go beyond 11:00 a.m., bring a lunch. Binoculars are essential; scopes, field guides, insect repellant, layered clothing and waterproof footwear are suggested. Notice that even trips which don't have a set leader will still take place - we'll all pitch in and have a good trip anyhow.
WEATHER CONDITIONS: Unless noted, all trips take place regardless of normal rain and snowy weather. However, trips will be canceled in extreme blizzard conditions.
1. Beaudette Park- Leader: Paul Messing February 28th (Saturday) 10:00 AM
Our February field trip will be held at Pontiac's Beaudette Park. The mill pond stays unfrozen even in the coldest winters. This concentrates waterfowl for great views. Join this popular winter field trip, especially to see a variety of ducks for your checklist.
2. Lake St. Clair River - Leader: Wade Leonard March 7th (Saturday) 10:00 AM
You’re invited to our next field trip, on the
Saturday of the weekend where we “spring
forward” for daylight savings. Field trip leader
Wade Leonard will be our guide on this multistop adventure along the shorelines of the St.
Clair River. We’ll start off from Algonac State
Park and meander our way north along the
coast. The plan is to stop at vantage points in
Marine City, East China, St. Clair, and Marysville.
Of course, this itinerary is subject to change
depending on weather and ice conditions.
Birding targets will mostly consist of
overwintering ducks and gulls which may be
concentrating in the river, away from the
Large reflecting pools within serve as a stopover
spot for a variety of waterfowl including
Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks, Scaups,
Buffleheads, and Common Loons (learn more
about Loons at our April presentation this same
night, page 1). During last year’s trip, we logged
sightings of Bonaparte’s Gulls, among others.
The open areas and forest edges draw in Horned
Larks and Northern Yellow Warblers. Raptors are
likely to begin nesting, including Peregrine
Falcons and Red-tailed Hawks.
Sign up for this trip during our March meeting
(details on page 1). Alternatively, contact Paul
via text at (586) 899-2157 or email at
macombaudubon@gmail.com When signing up,
you’ll receive info about remaining available
time slots. Keep in mind - all tours need to be
scheduled in advance.
3. Guided Birding at the GM Tech Center- Leader: Paul Messing April 6th (monday) 10:00 AM
We are fortunate that Macomb Audubon
president, Paul Messing, is our “inside”
connection at the GM Global Tech Center in
Warren. If you’re wondering what the Tech
Center has to do with birding, the site doubles
as an unexpected natural habitat and oasis for
birds, set within the highly urbanized city
surrounds. The sprawling, 710-acre facility is
normally closed to the public, but Paul can get
us in and show us around the grounds.
4. Tomlinson Arboretum- Leader: Paul Messing May 6th (wednesday) 9:30 AM
Tomlinson Arboretum is a 24-acre park which hosts hundreds of native trees, wildflowers, and shrubs along with a wildflower prairie, pollinator garden, and rain garden, all maintained by volunteers. There are also a creek and surrounding woods attracting many species of birds, including migrating warblers. A variety of nesting birds can be seen here too, including Mallard, Blue Jay, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, House Finch, Song Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird, and Common Grackle. For the field trip, meet at the cul-de-sac parking area at the end of 18 Mile Rd., approximately 0.6 miles east of Garfield Rd. Contact Paul Messing by email at macombaudubon@gmail.com to RSVP or if you need additional information.
5. Water Tower Park / Rowden
Park, Lapeer- Leader: Paul Messing July 25th ( Saturday ) 11:00 AM
Macomb Audubon President, Paul Messing, is
leading a trip to Water Tower and Rowden Park
in Lapeer. The last time we visited this site was
back in 2012, and we look forward to revisiting
with you!
In the past, the park’s plentiful wetland habitat
has allowed for both Wood Ducks and Tree
Swallows to nest. Boardwalks and causeways
allow for close up views to the wildlife.
This trip will last approximately two hours. Pack
a lunch for a picnic afterwards. You may alsobring binoculars and/or a camera, water, insect
repellant, and good walking shoes. RSVP to Paul
at macombaudubon@gmail.com or (586) 899-
2157.
6. Columbus County Park- Leader: Paul Messing August 15th (Saturday) 11:00 AM
Located smack dab between Richmond,
Memphis, and Columbus, just outside the
northeast corner of Macomb County sits
Columbus Park, which has been touted for its
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large, old trees and excellent nature viewing
opportunities. As an eBird hotspot, it has a hefty
168 species recorded, with at least five varieties
of flycatcher and six of vireo. Other frequently
seen species include Scarlet Tanager, Bald Eagle,
both oriole species, and Pileated Woodpecker.
Meet at the main parking lot at 1670 Bauman
Road. This field trip should last about two hours.
Come prepared with insect repellant, hiking
shoes or boots, and binoculars and/or camera.
You’re invited to pack a lunch for a picnic after
our hike. If you feel like venturing further at that
point, we may add on a quick stop or two on the
way out, such as Michigan Nature Association
sites Bertha Daubendiek Memorial Plant
Preserve and/or Trillium Trail Nature Sanctuary.
RSVP to Paul at macombaudubon@gmail.com
or (586) 899-2157.
