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 Trips
May 30 – (Saturday) – Bridge Lake Kayak Birding Adventure (FULL! – as of 5-25-26 – Sorry about that!)
8:00 am BYOK: Explore water-loving warblers from your kayak on lovely Bridge Lake in Interlochen, MI Bridge Lake – Interlochen. You can check out the Bridge Lake hotspot on eBird, including the species list. This is a small, private inland lake with sparse obstructions. We’ll report our findings to Interlochen Center for the Arts as part of their biodiversity survey. Participation is understood to be at one’s own risk. Limited number of spaces (8). Registration required: Bridge Lake Kayaking Birding Registration. We will meet up at 8:00 am. Bring your own kayak! Contact leader Mary Ellen Newport with any questions: (419) 494-6471.
June 6th (Saturday) Mason County Birding Field Trip (down by Ludington).
Meet at the east side of the Chums Corner Menards (44.6704, -85.6575) at 7:00a sharp! We will set up carpooling at that time and make a quick departure for Woods Trail in Mason County. The drive time to our destination from the departure point is just under 1.5 hours so everyone should have time to regale their carmates with their latest birding exploits. Plan to spend the entire morning birding. We will devote considerable time to birding along Woods Trail (starting point: 43.87341, -86.14084), then try our luck along Sippy Rd. which often boasts nesting Golden-winged, Blue-winged, and Mourning Warblers. Be advised, the area is quite rustic; the closest restroom and gas station are approximately five miles from our birding starting point. Bring enough food and drink to get through the morning.
The primary target species for this trip is the Cerulean Warbler. They have been breeding in this area for several years now and have already been reported this year. Other possible gems include Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, and Veery. Fingers crossed!
Address any questions in advance to Curt Hofer: curthofer1@gmail.com. Day of the trip only, text (248) 417-8878.
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 31st – 8:00 am – Port Oneida (meet at the grass parking lot just north of the Kelderhouse Cemetery & Farmhouse on east side of the street)
*Need a Federal Park Pass* : Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ZuQKkVirJSyCgTW8
2 to 3 mile hike on foot path.
Contact Leader: Kevin Breen (kevinthebreen1@charter.net)
Our Next Community Partner Events
May 29 – (Friday) Sportsman’s Park Walk – Petoskey Regional Audubon Society
8:00 am – 9:30 am. Free. Link for more information: Petoskey Audubon Sportsman Park Bird Walk Info
June 13 (Saturday) Summer Birding Field Trip – Benzie Audubon
8:00 am – 10:00 am Join leader, Doug Cook, in Arcadia to search for grassland birds. Meet at the Regional Land Conservancy kiosk on Keillor Road.
Regional Land Conservancy kiosk
Questions / Comments about GT Audubon:
To view a list of our 2026 Events:
Join the Grand Traverse Audubon Club…