Talks:
Unless otherwise noted, all talks are hosted at Michigan Nature Association, 2310 Science Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864
Michigan State Bird Observatory Fundraiser
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!
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
- 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. 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.
2. Friday, May 9 from 9am – 10:30am. Eastgate Park, 4203 S. Meridian Rd, Okemos, MI
3. Friday, May 16 from 9am – 10:30am. Eastgate Park, 4203 S. Meridian Rd, Okemos, MI
4. Friday, May 30 from 9am – 10:30am. Eastgate Park, 4203 S. Meridian Rd, Okemos, MI
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.