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 (August-September)
Whiting Well Fields
Birds and Butterflies
Saturday, June 13 - 10:00AM
Sunday, July 12 - 10:00AM
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Overview: The summer months are a great time to get out and not only look for breeding birds, but there are a number of really cool butterflies in our area! The Whiting Well Fields are a fun complex of trails that host a variety of interesting butterflies, moths, and other insects. Being a hotbed for butterflies, the well fields host a variety of neat plants. The oak scrub also attracts some interesting birds. Eastern Bluebirds, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Indigo Buntings are always quite active and some years there are Blue-winged Warblers. ​​
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Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wsrrRpFmKojweFgn6
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GPS Coordinates: 44.490515, -89.538364
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Expectations: This hike will last an hour and a half and the distance will be a little under a mile. The trails are flat and consist of either grass, dirt, or gravel. Ticks may be present depending on their cycles, so bug spray and long pants are recommended. The good news is since the well fields are a relatively drier area, mosquito activity tends to be minimal. There is a lot of poison ivy in this area, but it will be pointed out so everyone knows what to look out for. ​If thunderstorms or some other kind of inclement weather is predicted for either date, the outing will be rescheduled. Additionally, summer weather can be hot, so bringing water, sunscreen, and sunglasses is also recommended.
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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