Grand Traverse Audubon Club

About

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Official GTA club logo by Tom Ford

Welcome!  The Grand Traverse Audubon Club members enjoy birding together, meeting for nature-oriented programs or field trips, and participating in service projects related to the environment.  We are concerned about the preservation of habitat for wildlife, and natural areas for the enjoyment of all residents.  We are designated a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) and are a chapter of the Michigan Audubon Society .

Our regular programs are usually the second Thursday of the month at the Boardman River Nature Center on Cass Road at 7:00 pm which are open to members and non-members. Everyone is welcome to attend!

September 10 (Thursday) TBD (Stay tuned – your board of directors is busily working on a fall line-up)

May 2 (Saturday) 10am – 12pm Peak Spring Bird Migration – Interlochen Library & GT Audubon collaboration. Western Michigan is a key destination and pathway for some of the hemisphere’s most amazing birds. Shorebirds, yard birds, ducks and geese and swans, and the tiny, beautiful precious warblers all move through our area in May. We’ll discuss bird identification, eBird hotspots, and the use of birding apps for identification and prediction of migration through our area. We’ll discuss life lists and how to find different species in their habitats. Finally, we’ll mosey outside for a look at a nearby feeder. There will be an optional field trip to Riley Woods, with a round-trip hike through various habitats (mulched path, 0.6 miles round-trip). There will be a couple pairs of binoculars to borrow. This workshop is co-sponsored by Grand Traverse Audubon Club.  Contact leader Maryellen Newport (maryellen.newport@gmail.com)

Sunday Bird Walks
Join us at various locations around the area for a birding experience designed for those just getting started or wanting to polish their skills. We’ll focus on identification skills, not just a big list. Outing time for the next Bird Walks will be announced via Bird Alert. Contact Coordinators listed below.
(Stay tuned to the Sunday Bird Walks of 2026; more to be announced in the next coming months.)

May 3 (Sunday) at 8:00 am – YOUNG BIRDER’S WALK at Reffitt Nature Preserve
Reffitt Nature Preserve Directions
It’s never too early to become a birder! This walk will introduce children of all ages and their parents to the wonder and joy of birds and bird watching.  In addition, young birders with birding experience will enjoy this bird walk in the special habitat of Reffitt Nature Preserve. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. Children 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult.  Facilitators: Eli & Jared Gugnitz (231-944-8578)

May 1 (Friday), 7 pm – City Opera House
As part of the Fresh Coast Film Festival, “Listers – A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching” with Special Guests Owen and Quentin Reiser will the featured documentary. The film follows Owen and Quentin as they attempt a Big Year in birdwatching across the United States. GTAC will have an informational table at this event. The film fest runs April 30th to May 3rd; more information about the event and ticket purchase can be found on their website:

Ludus – Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City 2026

**New 4-2-2026**
Fresh Coast TC 2026 Lineup of Outdoor Tours: FCFF Outdoor Tours Ticket Link

To view a list of our 2026 Events:

Join the Grand Traverse Audubon Club…