Monthly Meeting Time & Location
CAAS meets the first Thursday of the month, September through June, at Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing (corner of Mt. Hope Ave. and Aurelius Rd.)
Refreshments at 7:00 p.m. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. with announcements and bird sightings and then the program.
September 6 – Hawk ID
Hone your hawk identification skills with Kevin Arnold. Arnold is the Southern District Interpretive Supervisor for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks overseeing the Lake Erie Marshlands Museum and the Oakwoods Nature Center. He is a naturalist, historian, and avid outdoorsman who uses his experiences to shape and build stories both natural and historical. Kevin will be sharing his “Hawk ID 1” program which he conducts very year at Hawkfest, a celebration focusing on birds of prey and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark.
Presenter: Kevin Arnold, Huron-Clinton Metroparks
October 4 – Enjoying and Attracting Purple Martins
Purple Martins are the only bird species in the eastern half of the US that entirely depend on humans for their nesting cavities. Learn how to attract and care for these amazing aerial insectivores.
Presenter: Richard Wolinski, Author of Enjoying Purple Martins, The Martin Landlord’s Handbook
November 1 – Incorporating Native Plants Into Your Landscape
Have you wondered how to give birds and butterflies more opportunities for success in the urban environment? Esther will discuss incorporating native plants into your current landscape.
Presenter: Esther Durnwald, Michigan Wildflower Farm, Portland, MI
December 6 – Hummingbirds
Our December meeting will feature Hummingbird expert Allen Chartier as he shares his experiences banding hummingbirds for over 18 years.
Presenter: Allen Chartier, The Michigan Hummingbird Guy and co-editor of “A Birder’s Guide to Michigan.”
December – 15 East Lansing Christmas Bird Count
Get out and enjoy some winter birding by participating in National Audubon’s annual Christmas bird count! Groups will survey areas in Greater Lansing and report findings at a dinner following the count. Volunteers needed! Contact Barb Hosler at 517-281-6595 for more info.
December 29 – Eaton Rapids Christmas Bird Count
Annual Christmas bird count in Eaton Rapids area. Volunteers needed! Contact Barb Hosler at 517-281-6595 for more info.
January 3 – Maple River State Game Area Restoration Project
Chad Krumnaue, DNR Wildlife Technician will share the five-year restoration project for the Maple River State Game Area.
February 7 – Grassland Management
Explore the changing and fascinating restoration of native prairie with Linnea Rowse from Michigan Audubon.
March 7 – Hope for Black Terns
Erin Rowan, the Audubon Great Lakes and MI DNR’s new MI Birds Program Associate, will share her experiences monitoring the Black Tern population at Saint Clair Flats and Wigwam Bay.
Spring Field Trips will be announced in the Call Note and on our Facebook Page. To join our email list, contact caascallnote@gmail.com
April 4 –Birds and Soundscapes
Based at Western Michigan University, Dr. Sharon Gill studies behavioral ecology, ornithology and sound ecology. She will speak on the topic of soundscapes and how they affect bird populations.
April 6, 13, 20, 27 (Saturday mornings) Spring Migration Bird Walks
Enjoy spotting the latest spring arrivals at Fenner Nature Center. Walks start at 9:00 a.m.
May 3 – Woodcocks
Based at Western Michigan University, Al Stewart, upland game bird specialist with the DNR will share his expertise on the woodcock with a presentation followed by an outing into the field at Fenner to search for mating woodcocks to witness their display.
May 5, 12, 19 (Saturday mornings) Spring Migration Bird Walks
Enjoy this peak warbler time at Fenner Nature Center. Walks start at 8:00 a.m.
June 6 – Year-end ice cream social & members’ photos