Local Bird Walks
Come Walk with Us! - Join other nature and bird nerds on a local bird walk to see if we can find birds around natural areas in Stevens Point. Please note: During the summer, the schedule is not every week. Scroll down for dates and times.
Details:
Arrive at 7:30AM. Walk begins at 7:35. Duration of walk is weather dependent. With milder temperatures walks average one mile and last about 2 hours at your average birder’s leisurely pace. Walks alternate between Saturdays and Sundays and sample the same location for 2 weeks. Expect walk duration to increase with the warmer temps and increased bird diversity in the spring. Walks take place in most weather conditions. In below zero temperatures we may opt for a different activity other than the walk.
Walks are free and open to anyone interested. No pre-registration required to attend, just simply show up to the rendezvous point listed for each week at 7:30AM. Hope to see you there!
What to bring:
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Binoculars
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Camera if you have one
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Weather appropriate garb
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Good hiking shoes/boots
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Good vibes
Weekly announcements and reports are made on the Portage Co Birding and SP Nature Wanderings Facebook groups. For questions contact Rob Pendergast at acadiantigerheron@gmail.com or call/text (715) 498-4885 - email is preferred.
Schedule is below.
Spring Bird Walks
Spring Bird Walks (March - May)
March 2025
Mead Dike Trail
Sat, Mar 22 - 7:30AM
Sun, Mar 30 - 7:30AM
Meet at the parking area near the dog beach at Mead Park off of W River Dr. We will hike around 2 miles looking for early passerines at the forest edge and migratory waterfowl on the Wi River Flowage. Duration of the hike will likely be around 2 hours.
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dva7pNbKdBFwAKVq7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
GPS Coordinates: 44.5246066, -89.5973107
Description: The trail here is flat and consists of gravel, dirt, and grass. Some areas may be muddy if there has been recent precipitation. If the weather calls for thunderstorms or heavy rains, expect the walk to be canceled.
April 2025
Iverson Park
Sat, Apr 5 - 7:30AM
Sun, Apr 13 - 7:30AM
Meet at the north parking lot off of Main St. We will bird most of the park, starting by looking for early passerines like Pine Warbler and kinglets on the hill. After that we will meander downriver checking the marshy areas for waterfowl, herons, and blackbirds. Last we will scan McDill from Patch St checking for waterfowl and grebes. Expect the entire hike to be about 3.5 miles and be out for a few hours.
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FBr5SAymprEkhnx68?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
GPS Coordinates: 44.5220860, -89.5389637
Description: This hike will traverse various terrain, including several small hills. The trail complex is a mix of gravel, dirt or mud depending on precipitation, pavement, and grassy areas. If the weather calls for thunderstorms or heavy rains, expect the walk to be canceled.
No walk April 19/20
Self-guided Bird Walk Tips
Buena Vista can be good this time of year - Meadowlarks, Brewer’s Blackbirds, and some early sparrows (Field, Vesper, Savannah) will have returned. Waterfowl will still be congregating around the ponds and corn fields, shorebirds will also be returning and checking any flooded fields can be productive. American Pipits and Lapland Longspurs will be moving through as well. Arriving in the early hours will up the odds of encountering lekking Prairie-Chickens.
Lost Creek is another good option, American Bitterns will have returned and perhaps early Sora and Virginia Rail. Waterfowl will still be around and checking the southeast marsh may yield pelicans. Tree and Barn Swallows should also be around.
April - May 2025
Schmeeckle Reserve
Sat, Apr 26 - 7:30AM
Sun, May 4 - 7:30AM
Meet at the visitor center parking lot off of North Point Dr. We will explore the various habitats of the reserve looking for migrant warblers and other passerines. We will also hike along Lake Joanis and the Moses Creek wetlands to diversify habitat. Expect to hike 3 miles or more and be out for a few hours.
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eestm8fEkGQwJT368?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
GPS Coordinates: 44.5408157, -89.5632209
Description: The trails and boardwalks at the reserve are relatively flat and are well maintained. We will begin the hike on sections that are accessible for all after checking the feeders at the visitor center. If the weather calls for thunderstorms or heavy rains, expect the walk to be canceled.