Oakland Audubon Society

Field Trips

OAS Field Trips are free and open to the general public. Depending on the destination, entry fees may be required. We welcome all levels of birdwatchers including those with disabilities. New birders are especially welcome. Simply contact the person listed for the field trip to obtain details about the trip (times, locations, arrangements, meeting places.) Also, please contact the trip leader or Field Trip Officer (Ed Lewandowski) if you intend to join the trip so we know who to expect.

Remember to dress for the weather. Trips occurring during a winter storm warning are automatically canceled.

2012 Upcoming Field Trips

DateTimePlace

February 18, 2012 8:00 AM - 11:00 AMIndependence Oaks Survey Don Burlett

March 18, 2012 8:00 AM - 12:00 NoonRobert Long/Walled Lake/Novi Wetlands Don Burlett

We will start at Robert Long Park and then visit Walled Lake and Novi Wetlands, looking for early migrants and late winter birds. Ducks and gulls will also be primary targets.

March 31, 2012 8:00 AM - 1:00 PMBelleville to Superior Township Cathy Carroll/Ed Lewandowski

This will be a joint field trip with Washtenaw Audubon. We will be looking for gulls and other late winter-early spring species. Meet at the Lower Huron Metropark Tulip Tree Picnic area, just down the road from Edison Lake. Bring a lunch or snack and be prepared for weather of any sort. A Metropark daily fee or annual pass is required.

April 14, 2012 8:00 AM - 2:00 PMMott Lake and Holloway Reservoir Jeff Buecking/Don Burlett

We are happy to hook up with local birding expert Jeff Buecking to tackle the Flint River Waterways. Genesee County offers birders some spectacular county parks, many of which are under-birded. We hope to catch up with some loons, divers, dabblers and a steady diet of spring migrants. We'll meet at the For Mar Nature Center off N. Genesee Road, north of Davison Road. Bring a lunch or snack.

April 21, 2012 8:00 AM –12:00 Noon Independence Oaks Survey Ed Lewandowski

May 5, 2012 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pinckney and Waterloo Rec. Area Migrant Trip

Don Burlett

This will be day driving and walking in and around the area of these recreation areas. We will likely spend a good portion of the day walking Doyle Road, Embury Road, Stinchfield Woods, Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation areas. We will be looking for migrants and other local birds. Come prepared to walk, have lunch in the field and prepared for any weather conditions. State recreation passes necessary for some locations. We will meet at the Chelsea carpool lot (off I-94 just north of the exit on Rt. 52 – right hand side of the road). I want to compact into as few cars as possible. Be there promptly, the birds are waiting! You can also leave anytime you need during the day.

May 12, 2012 All Day North American Migratory Count - Oakland County

Ed Lewandowski

This is the annual survey of migratory birds conducted within Oakland County. This is an all day event but your participation can be any amount of time you can contribute. If interested in contributing your observations for the day or coordinating with others, please contact Ed Lewandowski for details.

May 12, 2012 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMMagee Marsh Crazy Day Don Burlett

This has become a traditional spring trip to Magee Marsh. Don will begin birding at sunrise and he can be joined at 7 AM or 8 AM at the west entrance to the boardwalk at Magee. Come prepared for a fast-paced day covering Magee Marsh, Ottawa NWR, Metzger Marsh and surroundings, in quest of as many species as possible. (Good practice for upcoming events.) Dress for the weather and bring a lunch or buy food there.

May 19-20, 2012Weekend Trip Tawas Point/Mio/Etc. Ed Lewandowski

This will be a weekend trip to Tawas Point, Mio and other locations in this area. Lots of birds including Kirtland’s Warbler. If interested, please contact Ed Lewandowski for details and timing. Participation for part of the weekend is also possible, just coordinate with Ed.

May 26, 2012 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pt. Huron Band-out Dave Frye

We’ll meet at the small plaza just north of I-69 at the Wadhams Road exit. (This is just west of the intersection of I-69 and I-94. This should be exit 196.) We plan to visit Allen Chartier’s banding station for a demonstration and explanation of the process. We’ll also plan to bird some local spots where a few choice species might be found. Come prepared for weather and with lunch, since we won’t probably be near a restaurant.

June 2, 2012 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Oak Openings (Toledo) Don Burlett

Another trip to Oak Openings in quest of the Blue Grosbeak and other specialties of this park (Lark Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker, Vireos, Warblers, etc.) We will meet in the parking lot of the Buehner Center in the Mallard Lake area. For details on the location and how to get there, go to http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/parksandplaces/index.asp?page_id=510. Bring a lunch to enjoy while we are there. Contact Don for other details and for carpooling.

June 9, 2012 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Lost Nation SGA Don Burlett

This will be an early summer trip to an area with lots of specialty birds. White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Cerulean Warbler, etc. There are nice woods, prairie-like habitat, etc. It’s a fun area to visit and bird. Bring a lunch and be prepared for weather and insects. We’ll meet at the parking spot on Bird Lake Road south of Route 34. Contact Don for details and carpooling.

June 30, 2012 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Independence Oaks Survey Ed Lewandowski

This is part of a continuing series of Oakland County Park surveys for bird populations. Meet in the parking lot at the WINT Nature Center. An Oakland County Parks daily fee or annual pass is required. If you can’t be there at 7:00, let Ed know to coordinate your portion of the survey.

July 7, 2012 7:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Highland and Rose Oaks Ed Lewandowski

This trip is tentative at this point.

Notes:

Beginning field trips are designed especially for any age beginners wishing to learn the art of bird-watching. Children 7 years and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult. We ask that you bring a pair of 8x35 power or better binoculars and a Field Guide.

Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an annual, 112 year-old national bird survey sponsored by the National Audubon Society, conducted on a specific day during the month of December. This survey is conducted in all 50 American States, all Canadian Provinces, Mexico, Samoa, South America, and several other countries. OAS has participated in the CBC for 50 years. Membership is not required.

CBC Results and Field Trip Reports: