This field trip has 2 possible dates 10/7/23 or10/14/23 depending on weather conditons. We begin our birding near the lower beach parking area of Harrington Beach State Park, initially checking the trees and lawn area for sparrows, warblers, kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, finches, etc. After an hour or so, the group will take a hike on some of the park’s roads or trails to look for additional species, and check the lake for waterfowl, gulls, loons and grebes. This park lies adjacent to Lake Michigan, which can help serve as a channel for migrants, including raptors, which can fly over in good numbers on days when migration conditions are conducive – usually meaning a cold front with strong northwest or west winds. Please note that there is a state park entrance fee.

Later in the morning the group often ventures a few miles south to Forest Beach Migratory Preserve to check for additional species at that site. Our visit to that site often coincides with the Forest Beach Big Sit event, and we’ll hike down to the hawk watch platform to join their bird count.