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.
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.
Birding Allegan State Game Area with Audubon Society of Kalamazoo
Join the Grand Rapids Audubon Club and Kalamazoo Audubon Club for our second collaboration this season for a morning of birding within the Allegan State Game Area! We will have coffee and pastries to share.
Join our organizations as we sample a variety of habitats within Allegan State Game Area, starting with some woodland birding along Swan Creek. We will hike 1-1.5 miles along Swan Creek, looking for warblers, flycatchers, and other woodland species in their breeding territories. After this, we will check the farm unit, hoping to find grassland species such as Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrow.
Hiking will be on fairly level dirt trails, with the remainder being roadside birding along both gravel and paved country roads. Mosquito repellent is advised, and sunscreen may be required.
Leaders: Kent Martin (256) 751-3358, Susan Creager
All levels welcome.
GR Participants: Meet the group in the Family Farm & Home parking lot, 1596 Lincoln Rd, Allegan, MI 49010.
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.
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.
NOTE: While we love dogs, we ask you to please NOT bring your pup(s) on club field trips, as it can stress/frighten away the birds. Thank you!
May Membership Meeting
Join us for our May Membership Meeting and celebrate the 2025-2026 season with us! We will be meeting at Roselle Park to gather as a community, bird together, share some laughs over a meal and learn about our upcoming project, Bird City. We will also vote to appoint our 2026-2027 budget and board officers.
Schedule of Events:
5:00 - 6:30pm: Optional
Birding with fellow Grand Rapids Audubon Club Members. We will be wandering, come anytime and join the fun!
6:30 - 7:00pm: Optional
Picnic Dinner and Social Hour - We will supply sandwiches and drinks. Bring a dish or dessert (or, your own meal) to share if you'd like, no pressure!
7:00 - 7:15pm: Annual Meeting - Club Membership votes on 2026-2027 GRAUD Budget and Board Officers
7:15 - 7:45pm: Bird City Presentation
Bird Watching at Ken-0-Sha Park
Explore the beauty of Ken-O-Sha Park and the bird life it supports alongside local nonprofit Friends of Grand Rapids Parks! Guided by Cynthia Maas, Dr. Daniel Goldberg, and Cliff Hodge of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club, participants will hike the Ken-O-Sha Park trails along Plaster Creek, observe and record the bird population in the park, and learn about their unique ecology. This event is kid friendly and will include a special pine cone bird feeder craft! Light refreshments will be provided.
We ask that attendees follow the link to register for this free event. Thank you!
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.
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.
NOTE: While we love dogs, we ask you to please NOT bring your pup(s) on club field trips, as it can stress/frighten away the birds. Thank you!
May Birdy Book Club
On Monday, May 11, 2026, we’ll discuss “Birding Without Borders,” by Noah Strycker
Birding Blandford with Audubon Society of Kalamazoo
Join the Grand Rapids Audubon Club and Kalamazoo Audubon Club on May 9 for a morning of birding at Blandford Nature Center. With over 260 acres of preserved land and nearly eight miles of trails, Blandford offers a landscape shaped by glacial terrain.
Blandford Nature Center includes mature hardwood forest, pine stands, wetlands, ponds, and streams, along with historic buildings and a working farm that reflect the area’s connection to the land. The trail system moves between these habitats and there is plenty to discover ebird hotspot. Early May is one of the most active times to visit because the diversity of habitats supports a wide range of species. Warblers, vireos, orioles, grosbeaks, thrushes, and flycatchers are all commonly reported this time of year, often moving through in mixed flocks.
As we make our way toward the Highlands, the landscape opens into meadow and grassland. The Highlands, once a golf course and now restored into a natural area, offers excellent habitat for species like Eastern Bluebird and Field Sparrow. There is a fully paved ADA-accessible trail that connects the Highlands parking area and the main Visitor Center at Blandford. Whether you’re joining for the birds, the scenery, or the community, this outing is open to all! Beyond birding, Blandford has plenty to explore.
Visitors can stop into the Visitor Center to see live animal ambassadors such as birds of prey and reptiles, walk through the heritage village area, or visit the working farm with seasonal animals and gardens. Daily admission and more information can be found on their website. The trails themselves are free and open to the public.
Meet at the main parking lot by the Visitor Center at Blandford Nature Center. We’ll start near the pond loop before heading out on the trails.
NOTE: While we love dogs, we ask you to please NOT bring your pup(s) on club field trips, as it can stress/frighten away the birds. Thank you!
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.
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.
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.
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.
NOTE: While we love dogs, we ask you to please NOT bring your pup(s) on club field trips, as it can stress/frighten away the birds. Thank you!
Habitat Restoration and Creation on Michigan Audubon Sanctuaries
Chad Machinski, Conservation Manager for Michigan Audubon, will talk with us about his efforts at properties managed by his organization.
Across many of Michigan Audubon’s Sanctuaries, active habitat restoration and creation is an ongoing project. Chad will discuss where this work is going on, why the work is going on, and how the work is happening. Chad’s presentation will focus on three Michigan Audubon Sanctuaries as examples of specific work: The Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary, the Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary, and the Martha Mott Bird Sanctuary. Attendees will also learn about ways they can get involved with Michigan Audubon work.
While Chad’s first love is botany, he doesn’t deny the intertwining nature of birds, plants, insects, and all other organisms we share the world with. As Michigan Audubon’s Conservation Manager, Chad is responsible for the management and care for all 20 of Michigan Audubon’s Sanctuaries around the state and bird specific programs such as Chimney Swift and Purple Martin conservation. In his spare time, Chad tends to think about many of the same things he does at work: plants, birds, and insects.
This program is open to the public, who may attend as guests of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club. Doors of the Donnelly Center open at 7:00pm; come early to meet fellow members, browse the large selection of library items, and connect with others about birding. The program begins at 7:30 pm.
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.
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.
Maher Audubon Sanctuary Workday
Join Chris Baer for a morning of land stewardship at Maher Audubon Sanctuary! Please come dressed for the weather and bring work gloves and tools for trail maintenance (garden rake, loppers, clippers, etc.). The spring flowers should be blooming and our feathered friends will be arriving with the good weather. Bring your binoculars and a camera.
In the case of rain, this workday will be rescheduled to take place the following Saturday, April 18.
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.
The Great Lakes Piping Plover with Sarah Saunders, National Audubon Society
Join us for our March Monthly Membership Meeting!
Monthly membership meetings are FREE and open to the public.
We continue our theme of conservation spaces and wildlife by examining another Michigan wildlife recovery success story. The Great Lakes Piping Plover, a federally endangered shorebird, has made a remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts. Join us on March 30th as Sarah Saunders tells us about the amazing comeback of this favorite Michigan species. Once reduced to just 12 breeding pairs in the 1980s, this population now exceeds 80 pairs, with record-breaking breeding seasons in recent years. This success is a testament to the power of science-driven conservation and the collaboration of researchers, land managers, and community volunteers on the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team. In this talk, Sarah will highlight the key strategies that have fueled this recovery, including nest monitoring and protection, predator management, annual banding, captive-rearing, and education and outreach. Sarah will also showcase how long-term banding data have further strengthened these strategies, contributing to population growth. Despite these gains, challenges remain, including increasing threats from climate change and human disturbance. Yet the resilience of the population and the dedication of the Conservation Team offer hope for continued success. The recovery of the Great Lakes Piping Plover serves as an inspiring example of how rigorous science, partnerships, and community engagement can drive meaningful conservation outcomes.
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.