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, 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. Walks may be cancelled due to inclement weather - heavy rain, subzero temperatures, or other forms of severe weather would warrant cancellation. 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 7:30AM. 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
Spring Bird Walks (March-May)
March-April 2026
Iverson Park
Saturday, March 21 - 7:30AM
Sunday, April 5 - 7:30AM
We will meet at the south parking lot near the Boy Scout lodge at 7:30AM. If the weather is nice, we will include the north side of the park and then circle back and explore down to Patch St. If conditions are colder, we will opt for only the section that leads to Patch. The park is well maintained and the trails are either gravel or stone, some areas are flat, open lawn. The park does feather some hills, especially on the north side, the south end is relatively level with a few small rises. If we include the north end, the hike will be about 2 miles and last around 2 hours. If we opt for the shorter route, it will be around a mile and last a little over an hour.
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/54b6UErJg3PmrEpp6?g_st=ic
GPS Coordinates: 44.519905595871975, -89.54061818465615
Description: Early March is a great time to see early spring arrivals like Red-winged Blackbird and Sandhill Crane! If we’re lucky, we may witness some early waterfowl movement as well. Even if migration stalls, Iverson is full of good birds year round. The riparian areas and conifers host an eclectic mix of avian diversity in all seasons.
Don’t forget the ALAS field trip to Green Bay is Sunday, March 29!
April 2026
Lost Creek Wetland Woodcock Walk
Saturday, April 11 - 6:00PM
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 6:00PM. 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.
April 2026
Central Wisconsin Environmental Station
Saturday, April 25 - Time is TBA
Stay tuned for more details! Sarah Wood has kindly offered to show us around the CWES property and spend part of the morning with us. Not only will this be an opportunity to bird around the property, but an excellent opportunity to learn what CWES does and how they bolster our community through education!
Reminder: Don't forget to RSVP for the Wyalusing State Park overnight field trip May2-3! Should be a really fun trek! Link to RSVP here: Spring Birds in Wyalusing State Park | Aldo Leopold Audubon