Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition: Land Trust Preserves Field Trip
Tour three of the amazing Restoring Lands (formerly OWLT) preserves. Start at Kurtz Woods, then visit Bratt Woods and finish at Donges Bay Gorge Natural Area.
Led by members of the Noel J. Cutright Bird Club, this field trip concentrates on the Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, which offers a variety of habitats in a major migration corridor. The bird club was one of the first organizations to donate towards the preservation of this 73-acre public park located adjacent to Lake Michigan south of Port Washington.
6:30 am – 1:00 pm | Birdathon: meet at 6:30 am | Bandathon: stop by anytime Open to everyone ages 5+ | Children must be accompanied by an adult See below for details | No registration necessary
Birdathon – How many species will be singing and displaying on the Riveredge Nature Center property during the peak of spring migration? The Noel J. Cutright Bird Club invites new and veteran birders to spend the day searching for as many birds as possible. We’ll multiply those results (averaging about 100 species) by collecting donations to support bird related causes. If you want to join one of our birding teams, show up by 6:30 a.m. in the visitor center parking lot where the property will be divvied up and teams will set off. Want to show up at 4 a.m. for owling and the dawn chorus? Email Carl Schwartz at cschwartz3@wi.rr.com to get details.
The Riveredge Bandathon will be held on the same day. It starts at the Riveredge west parking lot. Working out of Connie’s Classroom, licensed Master Bander Jana Gedymin, along with a team of skilled volunteers, will be banding as many birds as possible from sunrise into the afternoon, weather permitting . Last year, 35 birds were banded representing 13 different species. Highlights included a Blackburnian Warbler in stunning spring plumage and a Baltimore Oriole that sang in-hand. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe songbird capture and banding techniques up close and learn more about the fascinating science behind bird banding. Feel free to stop by anytime —but remember, “early birds get the worms!” If you have questions, contact Jana Gedymin at jgedymin@riveredge.us.
questions?
If you have questions or need more information about the Birdathon & Bandathon, please contact Jana Gedymin at jgedymin@riveredge.us.
Birding in the Cedarburg Bog by Canoe or Kayak – co-sponsored by OWBC & Friends of the Cedarburg Bog
Mud Lake in the Cedarburg Bog is the largest and least visited lake in Ozaukee County. Furthermore it is one of the top birding areas in the county and a true wilderness experience only 20 miles north of a major metropolis. We will be looking for two bittern species, alder and yellow-bellied flycatchers, rails, and waterbirds of every ilk. We will do about 1.5 miles of paddling. Canoes will be provided. A limited number of additional canoes or kayaks will be allowed with permission.
Park and meet at 6:30 am at the UWM Field Station in Saukville (address below).
Ages 18+ | Rain Date: May 1st Please register on the Friends of the Cedarburg Bog event page.
Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition Meeting: Woodcock Wander
Join local bird expert Dan Panetti from Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon on a stroll in search of the American Woodcock. It’s a secretive species most easily found when engaged in wild aerial courtship displays. Although woodcock technically are a “shorebird,” they typically are found in woodlands, forest openings, and ephemeral ponds. The diverse habitats of the Mequon Nature Preserve make this an ideal location for observing them. The outing will start around dusk at 7p.m. with an informational talk followed by a hike in and around the preserve listening for the peent call of the male as he corkscrews from on high to the ground in his distinctive courtship display.
This program is offered in-person at Mequon Nature Preserve (address below).
Free for everyone! | Designed for ages 18+ | Rain date is April 23rd
Please register through Mequon Nature Preserve using the button below.
NJC Bird Club: Washington County Field Trip to the Pike Lake & Hartford Area
Check out Big Cedar Lake, Wildlife Drive and some flooded fields before exploring the northeast corner of Pike Lake. Led by members of the Noel J. Cutright Bird Club.
Park and meet at 7:00 am at the Jackson Park & Ride Lot, on CR-P, just north of Hwy 60 (address below).
Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition Meeting: Lake Michigan Bird Observatory
Lake Michigan Bird Observatory with leaders Joanna Demas and Medhavi Ambardar
Join LMBO staff to learn about their Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Program (NHIP). NHIP is an innovative, community-focused program aimed at reducing barriers that residents face in adopting bird-friendly actions. Based on foundational research in ornithology, habitat restoration, and behavior change science, NHIP makes it easier for residents to plant native plants in their yards, take part in community science and support birds. Joanna Demas, director of conservation and partnerships, will give an overview of NHIP and its goals, and discuss the vital role that volunteer community scientists play in the success of the program. Chief scientist, Medhavi Ambardar will discuss scientific research taking place within NHIP to understand relationships between native vegetation and bird reproductive success, and preliminary findings using data collected by community scientists.
Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition: Columbia & Dane Counties Field Trip
OWBC Columbia & Dane Counties Field Trip in search of spring migrants
Tour ponds and flooded fields in this very productive area. A wide variety of water birds,shorebirds, migrant passerines and others are possible (i.e.: swans, Greater White-fronted & Ross’s Geese, pipits, longspurs, sparrows, etc.
Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition Meeting: Opening the Door to a New Chapter with Dan Scheiman
In 2023, Dan and Samantha Scheiman moved from Arkansas to Door County, renowned for its nature and outdoor opportunities. Dan works at The Ridges Sanctuary, a land trust that focuses on preservation, education, and research. The Ridges protects some 2,000 acres that harbor a rare ridge-and-swale system, 29 native orchids, and federally threatened and endangered species. Dan will talk about the county, The Ridges, and his ongoing pursuit of birds, butterflies, orchids, and more. Dr. Scheiman is the Visitor Engagement Specialist at The Ridges Sanctuary. Previously, he worked for the National Audubon Society at the Little Rock (Arkansas) Audubon Center. He was vice president of his Audubon chapter and an eBird reviewer. Dan has a B.S. from Cornell University, an M.S. from Eastern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.
This program is offered in-person at Mequon Nature Preserve (address below) and virtually on Zoom.
Free for everyone! | Designed for ages 18+
Please register using the button below if you plan to attend in-person. No registration necessary to join virtually.
Carpool caravan field trip in search of overwintering birds and rarities in Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington Counties. We’ll begin at 7:30 a.m. at Coal Dock Park in Port Washington.
