UPCOMING EVENTS
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Allegan State Game Area Field Trip
Led By: Steve Minard
Explore the Allegan State Game Area, including the Swan Creek Highbanks and the Todd Farm Unit, for winter birds with Steve Minard! Bald Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk are likely to be near the flocks of Canada Goose at the Todd Farm Unit. Wild Turkey, Northern Shrike, and Ross’ Goose have been found here in past winters. With luck, winter finches will make an appearance. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the McDonald’s in Hudsonville, and car pool from there. A spotting scope will come in handy on this trip. A bit of food and a warm beverage will take care of any hunger pains. We plan to bird until noon, lunch afterwards is an option.
Safety Hazards: Cold weather and slippery winter driving are the main hazards. As with winter trips in particular, bad weather may cancel the trip. 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.
*CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER* Winter Field Birding
Led By: Steve Minard
PLEASE ADVISE: This field trip has been canceled due to the inclement weather expected for Saturday. With frigid temperatures and unsafe driving conditions, we suggest you spend the day snuggled indoors watching the birds that visit your backyard instead.
This is planned a winter trip to search for winter birds such as Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, and Snow Bunting. These can be quite nomadic and hard to find, so we’ll try to cover lots of territory to look for them. We’ll search fields in northern Ottawa County and Muskegon County northwest of Grand Rapids. We’ll probably check some of the Crockery Creek bottom lands looking for Red-shouldered Hawk. If conditions permit, we'll try to include the Muskegon Wastewater in our search. Expect to spend most of the time in the car searching the fields for anything different. Birders of all skills are welcome.
Essentials: Meet at the Boy Scout Headquarters west off Walker Road just north of I-96 at 8:00 AM. We plan to bird until noon, you may want to bring a snack to hold you over until lunch.
Safety Hazards: Cold weather and slippery winter driving are the main hazards. As with winter trips in particular, bad weather may cancel the trip. 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.
New Years Day in Kent County
Led By: Steve Minard
Get your bird list for 2026 started in Kent County. We'll try to track down some of the birds seen on the Christmas Count, and just look for whatever sounds good. We will start at 6:00 am to look for owls in the Cannonsburg State Game Area and vicinity. At dawn, we will shift to looking for winter passerines, waterfowl and hawks. Birders of all skills are welcome to join us and start their bird list for 2026.
Essentials: Meet at the Ada McDonald’s on M21 at the Citgo Gas Station by 6:00 AM. This is across M21 from Amway and near the Post Office. We plan to be back at McDonald's at 8:00 am for a break and in case anyone wants to join us. We plan to finish around 11:30 AM. Dress for cold weather and bring a snack or warm beverage to keep you fueled up.
Safety Hazards: Cold weather and slippery winter driving are the main hazards. As with winter trips in particular, bad weather may cancel the trip. 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.
2025 Christmas Bird Count
Help the Grand Rapids Audubon Club Survey Early-Winter Birds in West Michigan!
This is our club’s 65th year of the Annual Christmas Bird Count, and we look forward to having you help us survey our local birds.
To learn more about the Christmas Bird Count, where our survey region is, and what to expect from your participation in community science, visit the Christmas Bird Count page on our website.
To register to participate in our count, email our Count Compiler, Tom Leggett today!
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.
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.