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.
Spring and Summer Bird Walks (May-July)
Schmeeckle Reserve
Saturday, May 9 - 8:00AM
Sunday, May 17 - 8:00AM
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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.​​
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Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DVng5y2fVK4nWVQP6
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GPS Coordinates: 44.540817, -89.563970
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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.
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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
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 8 - 8:00AM
Sunday, August 30 - 8:00AM
Details coming soon!​