Beaks and Binoculars

Join us to discover one of the most significant and spectacular natural events in the Americas: bird migration. We will be celebrating International Migratory Bird Day with a full schedule of programs throughout the state on Saturday, May 11. Guests are invited to join the DNR for family-friendly outdoor programs designed to introduce participants to birding. Most sites will have binoculars and guides available.

Bay City Recreation Area, Saginaw Bay Visitor Center

• 12:30 p.m. Banding Birds in the Field Observation Room
  Get a close-up and familiar with some of feathered friends! Naturalist will be conducting a bird banding demonstration at the visitor center's wildlife attraction area. Discover tips on identification, feeding and attracting birds and how migratory bird studies are assisted in the banding of birds across the globe! Also, opportunity to meet Saginaw Valley's very own ornithologist, soon to be UCLA doctoral graduate, Dr. Jennifer Phillips!
  
  
• 2:00 p.m. Bird Watching 101
  Wetlands provide valuable staging and nesting habitat for many of Michigan's birds. Watching and getting to know the birds that visit your yard can be a fun hobby that will help sharpen your outdoor observation skills and awaken your appreciation of the park's marsh and prairie habitats. Naturalist will introduce you to the world of birds through a slide presentation, specimens and models. Program includes a bird ID Bingo and an outdoor naturalist guided birding safari! The program begins in the visitor center auditorium at 2pm and is followed by the birding safari hike at 3 p.m.

Hartwick Pines State Park, Hartwick Pines Visitor Center (Grayling)

• 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Birdhouse Building
  Come and spend some time learning how to house our feathered friends. Learn the basics on birdhouse building for example: why the diameter of the entrance hole is the most important aspect of birdhouse design. There will be plans to take home and we will have the following hand-made birdhouses on display for the following species: black capped-chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, house wren, eastern bluebird and eastern phoebe/American robin/mourning dove. After the program (or before) grab your binoculars and go for a self-guided birding hike along our foot trails.
  

Pre-registration is recommended but not required. (989)-348-2537 or email kasmerc@michigan.gov with the subject Birdhouse Building.

Hoffmaster State Park, Gillette Visitor Center (Muskegon)

• 8:00 a.m. Birds of the Dunes
  
• 11:00 a.m. Native Plantings for Birds
  
• 1:00-3:00 Nature Art for Children
  

Ludington State Park, Ludington State Park
Identify invasive bird species and learn how invasive plants can affect the native bird species. Have a bird feeder at your house? Learn about the importance of managing it to keep the birds happy and healthy. Dress for the weather and bring along a pair of binoculars. Ages 8 and up.

• 10:00 a.m. Bird Migration Along Lake Michigan, meet at the warming shelter for a one-mile walk along Lake Michigan.
  
• 3 p.m. Birds of Ludington State Park, meet at the Hamlin Lake Beach House for a one-mile walk on a fully accessible trail.
  

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Visitor Center (Ontonagon)

• 10:00 a.m. Learn basics of how to begin birding, what equipment is needed and bird identification tips and tricks as we hike about looking for, listening for and identifying some of our northern Michigan birds. The hike will be less than one mile and will be on and off trail. Binoculars and bird guides can be provided.
  

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Upper Tahquamenon Falls (Paradise)

• 8:00 a.m. Join us on a morning walk around the Tahquamenon Rivermouth area in search of warblers, waterfowl and woodpeckers. Spring is an excellent time to learn birding techniques, as the males are in full color and singing their little hearts out! Binoculars provided; total walking distance of one mile. Make it a complete birding day by heading north to Whitefish Point Bird Observatory afterward to learn about hawk identification and owl banding from the experts!

Waterloo Recreation Area, Eddy Discovery Center (Chelsea)

• 9:00 a.m. Birding and Breakfast
  A light breakfast of fruit, bagels and coffee will be served before we head out on the trail. Bring your favorite coffee mug.

William Mitchell State Park, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center (Cadillac)

• 3:00 p.m. Learn to identify birds by their song; all birders are welcome from beginners to expert. We will go over some basic birding techniques and then hit the trial. The hike will be around 2.5 miles on flat terrain. Please dress for the weather and bring a pair of binoculars. Ages 8+. Note: This program will take place on Saturday, May 11 AND Sunday, May 12.
  
  Pre-registration is recommended but not required. (231)-779-1321 or email eshaw@michigan.gov with the subject Birding by Ear.

Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center (Mattawan)

• 11:00 a.m. Birds are a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors. This family-friendly program includes a relaxing stroll on our nature trails and is perfect for all ages. The hatchery grounds are one of the best locations in the area to see ducks and other birds.

Read more about Michigan's spring migrations.