Talks:

Unless otherwise noted, all talks are hosted at Michigan Nature Association, 2310 Science Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864 Michigan State Bird Observatory FundraiserMichigan State Bird Observatory Fundraiser Flyer Saturday, May 3rd at 6pm.  136 Chemistry, 578 S Shaw Lane, East Lansing 48824 Sunday, May 4th at 8am.  Capital City Bird Sanctuary, Delta River Drive, Lansing 48906 Presenter:  Dr. Olivia Smith Can you ID all three warblers on the flyer?  If not, would you like to learn how?  Join MSBO’s first ever Warbler ID Class where you’ll learn to ID 30 warbler species commonly found in MI and help support MSBO’s spring banding season! Please RSVP by April 30th Giving – Michigan State Bird Observatory To Donate:
  • Click the “Donate to MSBO” link on the right side of the page
  • Search for Fund “A11130” in the Find Areas To Support page
  •  Select “Add To Cart”
  • You do not need to select a college or program
  • Type in the amount you would like to donate
  • Click on “Proceed to Checkout”
  Thursday, May 1st, 2025 at 7pm. Wild Africa: A Photo Journey through Kenya & Tanzania Presenter:  Jennifer Good, Capital Area Audubon Member This past fall, Jennifer spent nearly three weeks traveling as a member of a small group through some of East Africa’s amazing national parks.  This once-in-a-lifetime trip took her to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti in Tanzania, and Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Nairobi National Park, and the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Kenya.  Along the way she took lots of photos of the amazing variety of wildlife they saw – including 146 life birds.  She would love to share her photos and stories with you if you’re able to join.   Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 7pm. Birding in Northern Colombia, South America Presenter:  Pat Deventer, Capital Area Audubon Board Member Colombia is a birding travel destination that for many years was off limits.  Problems that made it unsafe for travel persisted until a peace treaty was signed in 2016.  Since then, the country has opened to travel and has become one of the top birding destinations – boasting a total of 1873 species of birds.  Information and images from this November 2024 Northern Colombia birding trip – which focused on seeing many of the unique endemic birds from this region – will be shared.   Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 7pm. Which Way Did They Go?  Tagging and Tracking Wood Thrush Presenter:  Rachael Pierce, USFWS Migratory Bird Program Research on migratory land bird species, such as Wood Thrush, is crucial for identifying limiting factors and addressing threats across their entire annual cycle.  Come learn about how the Fish and Wildlife Service, along with 60 partners across 25 states and 7 countries, are working together to implement the largest Motus-tracking project ever attempted to enhance conservation efforts for this declining songbird species.   Thursday, Feb. 6th, 2025 at 7pm. Bird on the Move:  Looking to the Past to Secure the Future of the Kirtland’s Warbler Presenter:  Steve Roels, PhD, American Bird Conservancy   Thursday, Jan. 9th, 2025 at 7pm.   Using Native Plants for Native Birds Presenter:  Carolyn Miller, Arboretum & Invasive Plant Species Coordinator for Michigan State University Have you ever wanted to attract birds to your yard and create a habitat for them?  Most of our yards are inundated with non-native species that the nursery industry sells us.  Those plants have very little use for our birds, as the food pyramid is just not there to support them.  Join Carolyn on an engaging discussion on the connection between native plants and birds and how one goes about doing this.   Thursday, Dec. 5th, 2024 at 7pm Bird Trivia Night Love birds?  Or just love a good challenge?  Test your knowledge of our feathered friends in a fun-filled night of trivia!  From quirky bird facts to famous feathered legends, this is your chance to show off your skills and learn something new.  Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual nature enthusiast, everyone is welcome!   Thursday, Nov. 7th, 2024 at 7pm

Talking Turkey…Vulture, that is (Cathartes aura).

Turkey Vultures are a common sight. We usually see them as they soar and glide over the road or huddle around a dead carcass. They look a little turkey – and a little Count Dracula. But what do we really know about them? Join us as board member Dr. Susan Elbin helps us explore the complicated world of these enigmatic and amazing creatures and shares data from the vulture roost of Grand Ledge.

 

Walks:

Winter 2024 / Spring 2025 Bird Walks  Interested in birding with others, gaining experience identifying birds in the field, or exploring various natural areas in and around the greater Lansing area? If so, please join us for our bird walks!  You need not be a member and are welcome to invite family & friends.  Dates, times, and locations are posted below and will be updated regularly throughout the season.   May 2025 Bird Walks   1. Sunday, May 4 at 8am.  Capital City Bird Sanctuary, Delta River Drive, Lansing, MI 48906 – With Dr. Olivia Smith, Katie Layman, and the MSU Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior Program.  This walk is being held as a fundraiser for the Michigan State University Bird Observatory.  Please RSVP by April 30th  Suggested donation $5.00 via cash/check or online at Giving – Michigan State Bird Observatory   Join Naturalist Dianne Rowse for the following series of walks!  Expect new types of birds each week.  Beginners welcome.  For ages 10 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.  Dress for muddy trails and please bring binoculars if possible.  Please RSVP by emailing [email protected] Dates:  Posted below Location (same for all dates):  Eastgate Park, 4203 S. Meridian Rd, Okemos, MI Construction Detour Notice:  If you are coming to Eastgate Park from the west, please note that Grand River Drive is closed at Meridian Rd. Follow this detour route: Detour: Grand River Drive east, to Van Atta Rd. south (right), to Jolly Rd east (left), to Meridian Rd north (left), to the Eastgate Park entrance. (Google Maps may work better than Apple Maps.) Note that this is a 6 minute drive from Harris Nature Center. 1. Friday, May 9 from 9am – 10:30am 2. Friday, May 16 from 9am – 10:30am 3. Friday, May 30 from 9am – 10:30am     Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 8am Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center, 9422 Herbison Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848 We’ll meet at the far west end of Herbison Rd. where it dead ends near the trails.   Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 8am Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910 Come help us find some early spring migrants!  Mud and rain are likely so please dress appropriately for the weather.  RSVP’ing at [email protected] is recommended but not required.   Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 at 12pm  Legg Park, 3900 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 Join CAAS for one of our final winter bird walks.  Please RSVP at [email protected] in case of cancellations due to weather, etc.   Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at 12pm  Hawk Meadow Park, 6160 Delta River Drive, Lansing, MI.  Meet at the parking lot for Hawk Meadow Park on the north side of Delta River Drive. Join CAAS on a bird walk to see who our winter residents are!  Hand warmers, warm layers, scarves, mittens and boots are highly recommended.   Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 – East Lansing Christmas Bird Count Join us for the 77th annual East Lansing Christmas Bird Count!  We are in need of additional volunteers.  Participation is open to people of all skill levels.  Anyone who wants to help is welcome. You do not have to be a member of the Capital Area Audubon.  Groups will divide and count all the birds in the count circle and join back up for a compilation dinner in the evening.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Barb Hosler at [email protected].   October 26, 2024 at 8:30 AM – Corey Marsh Walk

Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center, 9422 Herbison Road in Laingsburg, Michigan.  Meeting at the far West end of Herbison Rd. where it dead ends near the trails.

Join Capital Area Audubon for a walk around the Corey Marsh trails as we hope to see more of the fall migrants coming through the area. Please dress accordingly as trails may be wet and temperatures will range from 40 – 45 degrees F.   October 3, 2024 at 6:30 PM – Corey Marsh Walk

Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center, 9422 Herbison Road, Laingsburg, Michigan

Join Capital Area Audubon for a walk around the Corey Marsh trails as we hope to see some of the fall migrants coming through the area.