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, etc.) Also, please contact the trip leader if you intend to join the trip so they know who to expect.
Remember to dress for the weather. Trips occurring during a winter storm warning are automatically canceled.
2009-2010 Upcoming Field Trips
March 27, 2010
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Crosswinds Marsh/Oakwoods Metropark/Grosse Isle
This will be a multi-park trip to see early spring migrants including marsh birds and waterfowl. Meet at Crosswinds Marsh parking lot. Bring a lunch. An annual pass or daily park fee is required for Oakwoods Metropark. Contact Don Burlett for details.
April 24, 2010
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Pt. Mouillee SGA (Shorebirds plus)









Jim Fowler and Don Burlett
This will be a car-drive through Pt. Mouillee for early shorebirds, waterfowl and whatever else is around. Because we will only use 5 cars (about 20 people max), this is a sign-up trip. First come, first served. Contact Don Burlett for further details.
May 5, 2010
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Heritage Park (Woodcocks) Mimi Cramer
This will be a visit to see and hear American Woodcocks doing their display flights at dusk. The entrance to the park is off Farmington Road, south of 11 Mile. Drive due west to the westernmost parking area (visible picnic pavilion and playground). We will stay for about a half hour after sunset. Contact Mimi for details.
May 8, 2010
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Heritage Park (Woodcocks)
Mimi Cramer
This will be a visit to see and hear American Woodcocks doing their display flights at dusk. The entrance to the park is off Farmington Road, south of 11 Mile. Drive due west to the westernmost parking area (visible picnic pavilion and playground). We will stay for about a half hour after sunset. This visit is for those who can’t make the Wednesday night trip. Contact Mimi for details.
May 15, 2010
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Magee Marsh/Ottawa NWR/Metzger Marsh Don Burlett
This will be a frantic day of birding at this internationally-known Ohio birding spot. Meet in the Magee Marsh parking lot near the boardwalk. Come prepared to be on the move all day as we will move around to various spots in search of a maximum number of birds. Our goal will be 100 species. Bring a lunch. Contact Don for details.
May 22, 2010
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tawas Point Don Burlett
We will meet at Great Lakes Mall and drive about two hours to Tawas Point. There, we will bird the area looking for spring migrants until late afternoon or whenever the birds finish showing off. Bring a lunch. Contact Don for details.
May 29, 2010
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Port Huron SGA Don Burlett
We will meet at exit 198 off I-69, west of Port Huron. From there, we will visit a number of spots where nesting warblers (Mourning, Blue-winged and Golden winged) and other birds can be seen. Bring a lunch. Contact Don for details.
August 7, 2010 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Indian Springs Metropark
Doris Applebaum
The weather gods betrayed us in 2009, but we're going to try again. Indian Springs Metropark is usually reliable for a nice variety of butterflies, provided that the weather is sunny and warm. We will meet at the Nature Center. Binoculars that can focus as close as 5 or 6 feet are especially nice for viewing butterflies. Pack a lunch. (Annual pass or daily park fee required).
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 7x35 power or better binoculars and a Field Guide.
Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an annual ,110 year-old, national bird survey sponsored by the National Audubon Society and Leica, 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 nearly 50 years. Membership is not required.
CBC Results and Field Trip Reports:
Trip reports are provided to give results and let you know what birds might be seen on future field trips.
Additional Field Trips:
Seven Ponds Nature Center Field Trips - Click on the link to view a full listing of Seven Ponds Nature Center's 2010 Field Trips. Contact Seven Ponds for details.