Grand Rapids Audubon Club trip

One way we can help our local nesting birds is by providing places for them to nest. Jim Ponshair has aided the birds for many years with a number of bluebird box trails at the Muskegon Wastewater. This adds up to a large number of boxes, and we need a good sized group to clean out all of these boxes every year. The annual bluebird box cleaning is a great way to learn your way around the Muskegon Wastewater. It’s also a good way to learn about bluebird boxes, how to clean them and see how the type of box and habitat affects who uses the box. Since we’re at the Wastewater, we usually see some good birds while we work. You may even get to meet mice or flying squirrels up close and personal. And you get to help the bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, wrens and other birds that use the boxes. Meet at the Maple Island Road entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater System. There, the group will split up to clean out boxes in different areas. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Following lunch, a birding extension is planned to the nearby Muskegon State Game Area to look for early migrants. This can be an all day trip, or you can head out before or after lunch. For all the carpenters and builders out there, Jim needs more bluebird boxes. Boxes suffer damage over the year and new boxes are always needed. Call Jim Ponshair if you have new boxes to donate.

Meet at the Maple Island Road entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater System at 9:00 AM. This is a bit north of White Road. Come dressed for the weather. Bring your spotting scope if you have one, and bring some tools (screwdrivers, pliers, hammer and nails) and gloves for cleaning out the bluebird houses.

Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from the leader for travel to the next stop. Please exercise caution on the roads at all times, and watch the car ahead of you when driving in a caravan. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.