Local Bird Walks
Come Walk with Us! - Join other nature and bird nerds on a local bird walk to see if we can find birds around natural areas in Stevens Point.
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Details:
Most walks start at 7:30AM or 8:00AM, but times may vary depending on season or location. We normally wait about 5 extra minutes before beginning the walk before birding for anyone running a little late. Duration and distance of each walk vary depending on season and relevant weather conditions. During spring we may be out for 4-5 hours and walk up to 3 miles, in winter outings may be point counts via car caravan and may only be out for an hour and change. Each walk description will go over what to expect. The pace is very leisurely, as most of the outings we will try to captivate our focus on birds and other fun plants and wildlife we encounter! Walks may be canceled due to inclement weather - heavy rain, subzero temperatures, or other forms of severe weather would warrant cancelation. Check either the Portage County Birding or SP Nature Wander Pages for updates.
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Walks are free and open to anyone interested. No pre-registration required to attend, just simply show up to the rendezvous point listed for each week at the listed time. Hope to see you there!
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What to bring:
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Binoculars
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Camera if you have one
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Weather appropriate garb
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Good hiking shoes/boots
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Good vibes
Announcements and reports are made on the Portage Co Birding and SP Nature Wanderings Facebook groups. For questions contact Rob Pendergast at acadiantigerheron@gmail.com or call/text (715) 498-4885 - email is preferred.
Since the walks began in December 2023, we have recorded over 160 species and had 100 participants!
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Schedule is below.
Fall Bird Walks (September-November)
Woodpile Refuge
Saturday, August 29 - 8:00AM
Sunday, September 13 - 8:00AM
Overview: The time between late August and September is an excellent window for fall migration. Hard to believe fall is already underway! We will meet at the refuge parking area located off of Marsh St on the north side of Waupaca. The ponds and lake on the property should yield wading birds, ducks, and possibly even shorebirds depending on water levels. The forested sections should harbor some early warblers and sparrows as they start making their way south.
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Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Moek9VsPBD9ifegn9
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GPS Coordinates: 44.36660496557607, -89.0772414472756
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Expectations: We will start by scoping some of the ponds on the property for water and wading birds and then circle back through the interior trails for song birds. Most of the complex is flat, but there are a few small hills on the property. We will likely be out for about 2 hours and hike approximately 1 mile. Biting insects could still be present, if conditions favor them. Some of the trails may also be slightly overgrown, long pants may be a good idea in case there are any plants that can cause itching.
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Iverson Park
Saturday, September 26 - 7:30AM
Sunday, October 11 - 7:30AM
Overview: Late September and early October is an interesting time for passerine migration. The last few waves of warblers are coming through and sparrows are just starting to peak in their movement. Additionally, some ducks are on the move and stopping at some of our wetlands as they embark to their wintering grounds. Iverson Park offers a host of different stopover habitats that can facilitate all of these different groups of birds. The forested parcels on the north can have good warblers and some sparrow action in the edge habitat. The southern part of the park is a popular spot for waterfowl and the shrubby vegetation can also yield more sparrows like Fox and White-throated.
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Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9bgJKmFVDjnVfjLD6
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GPS Coordinates: 44.519856270557135, -89.54070802050465
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Expectations: We will meet at the south parking lot. Weather this time of year can be unpredictable. If we have favorable conditions, we will likely explore the entire park, starting on the north side and then heading down the Green Circle to check out the wetlands. If we have less than favorable conditions, we will just hike the southern section. The trails are well maintained and traverse a combination of gravel, grass, and compact soil. Depending on rain totals, portions may be muddy, so either boots or shoes you don’t care about getting dirty are a plus. Expect the hike to be between 1-2 miles at a casual pace. Duration will likely be around 2 hours. Check the forecast beforehand and dress accordingly. It may be shorts weather or you may need to break out those winter clothes already!
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Lake DuBay
Saturday, October 24 - 7:30AM
Sunday, November 1 - 7:30AM
Overview: The weeks around Halloween are the prime time to observe waterfowl migration. Lake DuBay can produce really good numbers of migratory water birds. Sometimes Scoters can even be in the mix. In addition to ducks, loons, grebes, and gulls will be present in their journey south before everything ices over. The forested parcels below the lake can yield late season passerines like kinglets, finches including Red Crossbill some years, and sparrows.
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Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FgFQGU1kikD2THdg8
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GPS Coordinates: 44.66321125242873, -89.65504971523723
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Expectations: Weather this time of year can be tricky. Long pants and layers are recommended. Even if conditions are projected to be milder, the early morning temps and any wind at the lake can make it feel much colder. Check the forecast beforehand and don’t be afraid to pack your winter gear! We will start by scanning the lake near the dam and then walk the dike and search for forest birds along the central trail. There is one steep hill to get up to the lake, but otherwise the hike will be over flat gravel and grass trails. We will likely be out for about 2 hours and hike a mile and a half.
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