Oakland Audubon Society

Field Trips

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.

2010 Upcoming Field Trips

DateTimePlace

August 7, 2010 10:00 AM - 3:00 PMIndian Springs MetroparkDoris 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).

August 21, 2010 8:00 AM - 1:00 PMPt. Mouillee SGA Jim Fowler

This is becoming an annual event - heading to Pt. Mouillee for shorebirds. We will meet at the Sigler Road parking lot at 8:00 AM and enter in cars. This will be a sign-up trip, as there is a limit of four cars. Contact Mike McCullough to sign-up. Dress appropriately and bring water and snacks.

September 18, 2010 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Lake Erie Metropark - Hawkfest Joan Tisdale

The annual Hawkfest takes place this weekend at the park. We will meet at the boat launch to view the hawk migration and walk the trails along the water looking for warblers and other migrating songbirds. There will also be demonstrations, displays and live hawks and owls to view around the Marshlands Museum. (Annual pass or daily park fee required.)

October 16, 2010 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Highland SRA Diane Pruden

After our Oct. 12 membership meeting about mushrooms, we will have the opportunity to go out and find a variety of these fascinating fungi with an experienced mushroom hunter. This will be a change from our usual “look, don’t touch” kind of field trip; this time we will be encouraged to be collectors.

Diane suggests that participants take with them a small knife, a compass, and a basket or bag (NOT plastic!) for collecting. We will collect from 9-11 AM and then spend 30 minutes looking at our finds.

December 18, 2010 Dusk - 4:30 PM Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Scott Jennex

This is our annual Christmas Bird Count. If interested in participating, contact Scott Jennex for details. The event starts before sunrise and continues throughout the day until about 4:30 PM. Then we gather at Independence Oaks Metropark for a tallying of results and dinner. We look forward to seeing you at this event.

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.