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.
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.
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!
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!
Schedule is below.
Spring Bird Walks (April-May)
Lost Creek Wetland Woodcock Walk
Saturday, April 18 - 6:30PM
Overview: Join in on a fun evening of birding and a sunset serenade at Lost Creek Wetland! We will meet at the south end of Duck Trail near the information sign at 6:30PM. We will spend the remaining hour or so of light walking along the road. The woodlots should have some early migrant passerines like Rusty Blackbird, Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and others. We will also scope the various pools for waterfowl and listen for Virginia Rails and other secretive marsh species. Once the sun begins to set, we will return to the south end of the road where we will listen for American Woodcocks and Wilson’s Snipe doing their evening flight displays.
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uVAdPRULWQGztcN67
GPS coordinates: 44.533104, -89.466700
Expectations: Expect to be out for about an hour and a half and walking distance will be around a mile. The road isn't paved; however, it is flat and easily walkable. This is a popular walking spot, so there may be folks walking their dogs while we are here. April weather is capricious, so check the forecast beforehand and dress accordingly. Fingers crossed we will have ideal weather - heavy winds can be a buzz kill. If there are storms or heavy rains predicted (or hopefully not another blizzard) the walk will be canceled.
Central Wisconsin Environmental Station
Saturday, April 25 - 8:00AM
Overview: Sarah Wood has kindly offered to lead us around CWES property and bird with us! This is a great opportunity for all ages to get outside and learn about our local wildlife! Late April can be a fun time not only to get out and see what resident birds have returned, but more often than not the first waves of passerine migration have started. CWES hosts a variety of habitats including forest, savannah restoration, and Sunset and Minister Lakes. Common Loons are a staple of Sunset Lake summers, fingers crossed we will be lucky enough to see them! The forest and savannah areas host a variety of fun birds like: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Towhee, and Pine Warbler. We should be able to pick up a few migrant birds like Broad-winged Hawk, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler, and Palm Warbler.
Google Maps Pin (Park here): https://maps.app.goo.gl/U1DNbmN9tzVpZA6Y6
GPS Coordinates: 44.542021, -89.275389
Expectations: This hike will be 1.5 - 2 miles and there will be a bit of hiking up and down hills - this area features more moraines than the SP area. The trails can be a bit uneven and rooty in some places, so always watch your step! Expect to be out for around 1.5 - 2 hours. We also will have access to bathrooms and there will be coffee available! Weather in late April is typically a bit nicer, but still unpredictable. Check the forecast beforehand and dress accordingly - could be pants and sweatshirt weather or shorts and sunscreen, let us hope for the latter! Binoculars will also be available if anyone needs to borrow some!
Reminder: Don't forget to RSVP for the Wyalusing State Park overnight field trip May 2-3! Should be a really fun trek! Link to RSVP here: Spring Birds in Wyalusing State Park | Aldo Leopold Audubon
Schmeeckle Reserve
Saturday, May 9 - 8:00AM
Sunday, May 17 - 8:00AM
Overview: Come and enjoy the spectacle of spring migration! Early to mid-May is the zenith of birding to many folks as this is when warblers are passing through! We will meet near the restrooms by the Schmeeckle Reserve visitor center at 8:00AM. Our hike will likely take us around most of the reserve, exploring the various different habitats on the property. Not only will we look for warblers, but other migrant passerines will be passing through; stunners like Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks will have returned. There may be some waterfowl still hanging around on the lake and maybe we will even stumble upon another family of owls. We should also pick up Red-headed Woodpeckers at the Berard Oaks.
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DVng5y2fVK4nWVQP6
GPS Coordinates: 44.540817, -89.563970
Expectations: This hike will likely be around 2 miles and may last up to 3 hours in its entirety, as always, folks are welcome to come and go as they please. Schmeeckle is a well-managed property with boardwalks and trails that consist of either wood chips or gravel. The terrain is flat and easily navigable; the biggest obstacle can be the amount of foot traffic the site gets being so close to campus. Keep an eye on the forecast and keep your fingers crossed for good weather! It should also be said that the first brood of mosquitoes likes to hatch around mid-May. If temps are warm and steady enough and we have plenty of rainfall, it could even happen sooner. Bug spray will be available and wearing long sleeves and pants also helps. This walk will go in light drizzle, but if thunderstorms or heavy rain are called for, it will be canceled.
Reminder: There is also the ALAS What's up on the Bluff field trip on May 9! This is another cool opportunity to get out and enjoy spring in nature! What's Up on the Bluff? | Aldo Leopold Audubon