Field Trips
Kirtland's Warbler Pine River Habitat
Cost: $3, to defray use of bus. No charge for field trip itself.
- Restricted number: Yes, 30 per trip.
- Bus only, US Forest Service Guided.
- Meet the bus in the parking lot of Tawas Bay Beach Resort.
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:15 a.m.
- Target species: Kirtland's Warbler, also: Upland Sandpiper, Clay-colored Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker, Nashville Warbler, Trumpeter Swan. Trip will include views of Trumpeter Swan nest and wildflower walk along AuSable River.
- Restrooms at Trumpeter Nest area.
- Approximately 4 hours.
Tawas Point Guided Birding Trips
Cost: There is a daily motor vehicle permit fee of $6 for Michigan residents or $8 for non-residents at the
State Park. For resident seniors (65 and older) the annual sticker is $6. No charge for field trip itself.
- Restricted number: No.
- Tour guide provided.
- Meet at the Tawas Point Lighthouse.
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 7:00 a.m.
- Target species: see list.
- Restrooms available on Tawas Point.
- Approximately 4 hours.
Clark's Marsh Field Trip
Cost: $3 to defray cost of bus. No charge for field trip itself.
- Restricted number: 30.
- Tour guide provided.
- Meet the bus in the parking lot of Tawas Bay Beach Resort.
- Friday and Sunday: 7:30 a.m.
- Target species: Upland species include Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow; wetland species and warblers are varied.
- Portable restrooms available on trip.
- Approximately 4 hours.
Tuttle Marsh National Wildlife Area Guided Tours
Cost: $3 to defray cost of bus. No charge for field trip itself.
- Restricted number: No.
- Saturday: 7:30 a.m. and Saturday evening 8:00 p.m.
- Meet the bus in the parking lot of Tawas Bay Beach Resort.
- Target species: American and Least Bittern, Black Tern, Virginia Rail, Sora, nesting Osprey, Golden-winged Warbler, Yellow and Black-billed Cuckoo.
- Portable restrooms available on trip.
- Approximately 4 hours.
Self-guided Birding Trips
Cost: Free
- Pick up maps and directions to take self-guided trips. Maps can also be printed or downloaded from AuSable Valley Audubon website. Trips include viewing nesting Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagle overlooks, Tuttle Marsh, Wildflowers along AuSable River in May, Tawas Point, and Clark's Marsh.