A gathering place for those who care about birds, their preservation and the conservation of their habitat in West Michigan.
Bringing people together through our shared love of birds and the natural beauty of West Michigan.
We seek to protect and improve our natural environment and to advance nature education throughout our community by offering opportunities for people to learn, explore, and experience the wonders that call West Michigan home.
Want to try birding, but don’t know where to start?
No worries, we’ve all been there and have some tips to share that’ll help you get out into nature and successfully identify that bird you’ve been seeing. If you want to learn in the field from experienced birders, join us on an upcoming field trip!
Quick Links
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.
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.
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.
"Ovenbird: Teacher of the Woods" by Curtis Dykstra, Ottawa County Parks
The theme for this year's programs for Grand Rapids Audubon Club will center around birds themselves - their behaviors with each other as well as how they relate to us humans in their world. We'll take a more intimate look at the lives of our feathered friends. What better way to start off the season as the school year begins than to look at the little bird who proclaims, "Teacher, Teacher, TEACHER!" While small, hidden and often overlooked, the Ovenbird has a
song that’s part of the symphony of summertime woodlands in Michigan.
While this presentation focuses on the Ovenbird, Curtis will dig much deeper than that. The Ovenbird, as well as all things natural, wild and untamed often deeply impact us and sometimes even teach us important and valuable lessons. Just what did he learn from this little bird? And how did it end up with such a special place in his heart. That’s the story Curtis will share with us. Maybe the little Ovenbird has a lesson for the rest of us, too!
Curtis Dykstra serves as Program Supervisor for Ottawa County Parks where he coordinates educational programming and activities for adults. He has worked in the Outdoor Education field for over 25 years and for Ottawa County Parks since 2013. Curtis is an avid birder and traveler who delights in sharing his passion for birds and nature with others.
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.
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.
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.
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.