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!
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Our Next Program:
September 10 (Thursday) TBD (Stay tuned – your board of directors is busily working on a fall line-up)
Our Next Field Trip
May 9 (Saturday) Elk Rapids Bird Walk by Green ER & G T Audubon Club GLOBAL BIG DAY
Join Kathie Wiley with Grand Traverse Audubon Club on an Elk Rapids Village Bird Walk on Saturday, May 9th at 8:00 am. You’ll be helping be citizen scientists in helping identify the birds and tally them for Cornell University & the National Audubon on Global Big Day 2026. What to bring: Binoculars if you have them. (here is a video of how to focus them: How to focus binoculars ), and good walking shoes.
We will be starting at the Gazebo near Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, looking for any ducks like Mergansers as well as Tree Swallows and Chimney Swifts. Next, we’ll walk toward the library to look for warblers such as Yellow Warblers and possibly Gray Catbirds and Warbling Vireos. We’ll then venture to the south side of the library and cross Library Bridge over the Elk River. We’ll then walk toward E. Rapids Community Housing listening for birds, probably Chipping Sparrows and Pine Warblers. Along the way expect to hear/see American Redstarts and perhaps a Black-throated Green Warbler or Ovenbird. For added enjoyment, if you get a chance, please look up the birds mentioned in this description for both their markings and their calls before the hike. Registration is preferred: GLOBAL BIG DAY Elk Rapids Village Contact Leader and Coordinator: Kathie Wiley (dujour1@gmail.com)
Our Next Sunday Bird Walk
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)
Our Next Community Partner Events:
May 15-16 (Friday & Saturday) Tawas Point Migration Days
http://ausablevalleyaudubon.org
Spend an amazing weekend witnessing a spectacular spring migration in northeastern Michigan along Lake Huron. View a wide variety of migratory birds as they rest and feed at Tawas Point State Park. From waterfowl to songbirds, you’ll see it all! The Tawas Point Migration celebration offers nonstop birding activities and interesting information sure to entertain everyone.
Birding and photography volunteers will be available at Tawas Point (Free to all) 8 a.m. to dusk on Friday & Saturday. Information will be available for birding spots, including Hale, Oscoda, Tawas City, and East Tawas, such as Tuttle Marsh, Largo Springs, Lumberman’s Monument, and the Scenic River Road Byway. A bird sighting list will be on display near the lighthouse trailhead on Friday & Saturday.
http://ausablevalleyaudubon.org
Questions / Comments about GT Audubon:
To view a list of our 2026 Events:
Join the Grand Traverse Audubon Club…