Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Northern Peru: Amazon Foothills to Pacific
2026-12-31 - 2027-01-14
January 16-29, 2026 (Optional Lima pre-tour January 14-15)
Maximum 6 participants
Peru is amongst the most diverse places on earth, second only to Colombia in total bird species, though even this is largely a result of Colombia being much more heavily birded (with more than double the number of eBird checklists). Northern Peru is perhaps the best birding the country has to offer, with almost nowhere else offering such stark and rapid changes in habitat, making for plenty of unique species. We will try to sample from each habitat, with opportunities to see such incredible specialties as Marvelous Spatuletail, Long-whiskered Owlet, Painted Manakin, Gray-bellied Comet, and White-winged Guan, as well as more widespread iconic South American species, including Oilbird, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Paradise Tanager, and more. There will be some long drives, such is the geography of Peru, but the scenery and birding will make this worthwhile. We will begin in the amazonian foothills, in the city of Tarapoto, before slowly making our way West across the breadth of the Andes to Chiclayo on the Pacific Coast. Along the way, we’ll bird tropical rainforest, dry tropical forest, grasslands, thorn scrub, deserts, cloud forests, paramo, and more. An optional pre-tour day in Lima will focus on Humboldt current specialties, such as Humboldt Penguin, Inca Tern, Peruvian Booby, and more. To book Contact Ben Lucking at Benl.falcon@gmail.com for more details.
Pricing

$5650 (total for the main tour).
Lima pre-tour will cost $350.
Includes all lodging, in-country transport, food, and guiding.
Alcoholic beverages, flights, and tips are not included.
Price is based on double accommodation, let us know early if you would prefer single
accommodation, as this may be tricky or impossible at some of the smaller
accommodations.
$500 deposit due September 15, 2025.
Full payment due by December 1, 2025
To book, email Ben Lucking at benl.falcon@gmail.com.

Further Questions

Any inquiries, requests, or further questions are welcome and can be directed to Ben Lucking at benl.falcon@gmail.com

Chimney Swift Conservation in Michigan
2027-02-17 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Detroit) | Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch, 343 South Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
How well do you know this compact, aerial acrobat? Facing steep population declines, the Chimney Swift is one urban bird that we should all get behind. In this presentation you will learn the identification and life history of the Chimney Swift along with issues these birds are grappling with. We will also discuss ways that YOU can help with Chimney Swift conservation and what Michigan Audubon is doing across the state to help this enigmatic bird.
About Chad Machinski
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 enjoys tending to and expanding his native plant garden, birding, and learning more about our natural world.

BIPOC Walk of African American Historical Sites
2027-02-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Wheeler Park, 200 Depot St, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to celebrate Black History Month by joining us on this walk to explore some historical sites around downtown Ann Arbor. Whatever birds we see along our walk will be a bonus!
Directions: We will meet at Wheeler Park in Ann Arbor, 200 Depot St., and make our way through downtown Ann Arbor and Kerrytown.

Conservation Stories: BirdSong Nature Preserve and Sibley Prairie
2027-03-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch, 343 South Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The BirdSong Nature Preserve will soon become the newest addition to the protected lands in Superior Township. Stretching over one mile, the preserve will protect a variety of habitats and consolidate a two-mile corridor of protected land. Sibley Prairie, in Brownstown Township, is the largest and highest-quality lakeplain prairie remaining in the entire state. A coalition of groups is working to save it from development. Learn about Sibley Prairie’s significance and how you can help.
Presenter: Jack Smiley, President, Michigan Land Conservancy
This program will be live streamed on our YouTube channel (click on the “LIVE” link appearing on our channel when the program is in session).

Ecological Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2027-05-01 06:00 - 08:00
Did you know Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance owns a nature preserve? We do! Searles Nature Preserve is a 50 acre natural area that hosts the headwaters of Stony Creek. Did you also know that Ninety-seven percent of North American land birds require animal, primarily insect, protein to raise their young? Most insects require specific, native, host plants for successful reproduction and this is why supporting a biodiverse ecosystem of native plants is so important. More on this here: https://tinyl.io/93Ka
Join us as we work to remove invasive species and improve biodiversity to support the birds we love. Tools and know how will be provided. Please bring leather work gloves, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes or boots.
Directions: Meet at the entrance to the preserve on Bolla Road between Crane and Stony Creek Roads. (map here)

Moth Night at The Arb
2027-05-08 05:00 - 19:30
It’s time for our first Moth Night of the year!
This event will be a special one—we’re hosting it for the first time on University of Michigan property. In partnership with the University of Michigan Entomology Club and with support from the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, we’ll hold this year’s first installment at Dow Prairie in Nichols Arboretum.
Most moths are nocturnal and only seen after dark. While some fly during the day like butterflies, most are drawn in at night by light. We’ll hang sheets lit with UV lights to attract them, giving us a chance to observe and photograph these diverse insects up close.
Moths play a vital role in the food web—there are an estimated 160,000 described species (possibly up to 500,000), compared to just 17,500 butterflies. They’re especially important for birds: 96% of terrestrial bird species feed their young insects, and most rely heavily on caterpillars, which are soft, abundant, and protein-rich.
This year, we’ll also have UV flashlights on hand to help spot caterpillars and other organisms that fluoresce under ultraviolet light—another way to explore what comes alive after dark.
Check out our Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project to view hundreds of observations with photos, species details, and more from past moth night events. We’ll be encouraging attendees to photograph and post their own observations to iNaturalist during the event to help document the night’s findings and contribute to community science.
Need help using the app? Visit this iNaturalist support page for a quick guide on how to get started.
Suggestions for Attendees:

A headlamp or flashlight would be nice to have.
Ninja night with moths! Wearing black is the best way to keep moths on the sheet and not your shirt.
It might be nice to bring a camp chair if you would like to sit.

Directions: Meet at the east end of the arboretum at the Dow Prairie entrance. From Geddes Ave., turn north onto Riverview Dr. and stay right until it terminates at Riverview Ct. cul-de-sac. (Map)

Warbler Wonderland at Magee Marsh
2027-05-15 07:00 - 14:00
This trip needs no introduction! If you haven’t experienced this North American warbler hotspot, now is the time. Magee Marsh is famous for its up-close views of migrating warblers, and you won’t want to miss the excitement. Visit mageemarsh.org to learn more about this incredible birding destination.
After spending the morning at Magee, many of us continue birding at nearby Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge or Howard Marsh. You can plan to stay into the afternoon or wrap up your visit by late morning if needed. For a comprehensive species list and captivating photos from last year’s trip, please refer to the 2024 Trip Report.
Directions: Meet at 7:00 am at warbler sign at boardwalk here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PXD3EjnfmPWJKXBb7
Trip Leaders: Juliet Berger & Matthew Spoor
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

Tuesday Evening Birders
2027-05-25 18:00 - 22:00
Each Tuesday Evening Birders will feature a new trip leader and location of their choice. These events have produced many memories and stories over the years and often yield interesting birds. Each Tuesday in May, we meet somewhere at 6pm, often at Miller Rd. Park & Ride, Plymouth Rd. Park & Ride, or Meijer on Zeeb Rd., depending upon which direction in the county we are headed, and leave from there.
Please register and we will email you the meeting location at least 24 hours before as details for these walks tend to come together closer to the event than our other walks.
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

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Black Birders Week Extravaganza
2027-05-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch, 343 South Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Come celebrate Black Birders Week as we join members of the Ypsilanti and the greater birding communities in this outdoor event. At this event, we will have activities set up by the following organizations:

Leslie Science and Nature Center
Michigan Audubon Society
Ryan Henyard Creative Photography
Ypsilanti District Library
Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Whether you are a seasoned birder or new to birds, come on out and celebrate with us. We encourage you to bring neighbors and friends.
Location: Erickson Elementary School and Nancy Park
1427 Levona St, Ypsilanti
Parking: Since parking at the school might be limited, please park on surrounding streets and walk to the back area of the school connected to Nancy Park
Time: 5 – 6:30 pm (drop in for some or all of the event)

Black Birders Week Bird Walk - Inkster Park
2027-05-27 12:30 - 14:00
Come celebrate Black Birders Week as we join the Inkster Public Library on a bird walk through Inkster Park.
Leader: Victor Chen
Directions: 1550-1676 John Daly St, Inkster
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Stinchfield Woods Breeding Bird Census
2027-06-05 03:00 - 07:00
The Stinchfield Woods breeding bird census is an annual survey of elusive species breeding within the 777-acre Stinchfield Woods, located at 9401 Stinchfield Woods Rd., Pinckney, MI. Typical birds found there include Pine and Black-throated Green Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Golden- crowned Kinglets, Hooded Warblers, Ovenbirds, and Acadian Flycatchers. This survey is mostly a hearing event so birders with a keen ear are especially needed, although all birders are welcome to participate. Please email Mary Wise at auntyem@umich.edu to RSVP for this event.

Prothonotary Paddle
2027-06-12 04:30 - 10:00 | Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch, 343 South Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
It has not been long since the beautiful Prothonotary Warbler began breeding along this stretch of the Huron River from Hudson Mills through Delhi Metropark and beyond. They sing their cheery song from close to their cavity nests along the river and are best viewed from the water. There are always a large variety of other birds to see on this great float.
The trip is eight miles long, and usually takes about 3 ½ hours to complete, but we’ll stop for good birds, a picnic, etc., and your car will be waiting for you at the other end. We will have a picnic spot picked out that is approximately halfway, for those who wish to stay with the group. Bring your own picnic and beverages.
Book your own boat(s) for the “Hudson Mills to Delhi Metropark Long Trip” directly from Skip’s Canoe Livery at paddlethehuron.com and review the details on their site. Make sure to select the 9am option on June 14th. On the day of the event, if you are renting a canoe/kayak, we recommend arriving at Skip’s by 8:30 to check-in, park, and pick up the required, provided personal flotation device.
Paddlers with their own boats, meet at Hudson Mills, Rapids View area (map here) to launch by 9:00 a.m.
Leaders: Juliet Berger & Matthew Spoor
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending this event and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Annual Meeting and Celebration
2027-06-16 14:00 - 16:00
Join us at the WBNA Annual Meeting to vote-in the new slate of board officers, and most importantly, to celebrate and thank Juliet Berger and Mike Sefton, our longstanding President and Vice President, at their last public program in these roles. We will not have a public speaker at this meeting. We will be providing cake, and encourage attendees to bring a dessert to share. Anyone is welcome to attend the Annual Meeting, but voting for officers is limited to current WBNA members. Voting instructions (in-person and absentee voting) will be emailed to current members in late May.

Meadow Music: Grassland Birds of Washtenaw
2027-06-20 07:00 - 11:00
Join WBNA for a special morning outing focused on the breeding birds of Washtenaw County’s grasslands. This trip will highlight species that depend on these precious habitats, including Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Henslow’s, Grasshopper, and Savannah Sparrow. We’ll also look and listen for the increasingly elusive Dickcissel—a sparrow-like species in noticeable decline in our region.
Meeting Location & Plans:
Final details will be announced on our website and emailed to all registrants the Wednesday before the event.
Please register below to receive this information.
We plan to carpool and likely stop at multiple locations throughout the morning, so carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Leaders: Matt Spoor & James Weir
Bring binoculars, water, and be prepared for walking in open terrain. All experience levels welcome. Those that have scopes are encouraged to bring them. For those that do not, we love to share.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Shorebirds & Waders at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Members Only)
2027-08-14 04:00 - 09:00
Pointe Mouillee, on Lake Erie near the mouth of the Huron River is one of the premier destinations in the Midwest for viewing shorebirds and waders, but access is limited. Jim Fowler knows this territory as well as anyone and leads several field trips each year at this location. Usually, vehicles are restricted, but for this event, we will be allowed to bring in four vehicles. As a result, this trip will be limited to 20-25 attendees depending on the size of the vehicles driven. Preference will be given to current WBNA members. Membership information can be found here.
Past checklists: 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Directions: Registered participants will meet at the Pointe Mouillee SGA parking lot on Sigler Road (map) at 8AM and from there will consolidate into 4 larger vehicles. Bring insect repellent, wear a hat and dress for warm weather—there is no shade or shelter at Pointe Mouillee. Bring all of the food and fluids you think you will need to sustain you for approximately five hours of birding.
We will need four larger vehicles to accommodate the group. If you have one and can drive, please email Matt Spoor at fieldtrips@washtenawbna.org.
Leader: Jim Fowler
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Annual Picnic and the Coveted Wingnut Award Ceremony
2027-08-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Dexter-Huron Metropark, 6535 Huron River Drive, Dexter, MI, 48130, United States
Join us for the Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance Annual Picnic! In addition to connecting with fellow bird and nature enthusiasts, we will present the 2024 Wingnut Award to the individual who identified the most bird species in Washtenaw County last year.
Bring a dish to share and drinks for yourself, and feel free to use the onsite grill. Although there is no electricity, we have our own picnic shelter for the entire group! Nearby, you’ll find restrooms and the Huron River to cool off. We’ll also discuss our community efforts over the past year. Everyone is welcome, so please join us!
There is a $10 per vehicle daily fee to enter. An annual pass is $40 for residents of Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties ($29 for seniors). Free passes can be checked out via the Ann Arbor District Librarythrough the Michigan Activity Pass Program.
Directions: Meet at Dexter-Huron Metropark, Shelter B (map here).
