Winter Walks at CCBS

Winter is a time of year when many of us don’t venture out to find birds — but there are many out there! Several species of birds migrate from boreal forests south for the winter and end up in Michigan — including some species of sparrow and finch, kinglets, and other winter specialties. Other birds we find here year-round, such as Black-capped Chickadee and White-breasted Nuthatch. This is a great time of year to not only observe flocks with several species foraging loosely together but also to brush up on birding basics when there aren’t leaves blocking your view into the treetops and when you don’t need to contend with flocks of fast-moving, hard-to-see warblers. These free bird walks will be led by Conservation Program Coordinator Linnea Rowse.

Dress for the weather — it may be cold! Wear non-cotton layers if possible, a warm hat and gloves, and boots. If there is snow on the ground, please feel free to bring and use your own snowshoes. Bring your binoculars (some will be available to borrow)! Walks are suitable for all ages and any level of birding experience. Capital City Bird Sanctuary trails are either packed dirt or mowed grass (or snow, potentially), and there are a few short inclines to access parts of the sanctuary.

For more information and to RSVP, please email Linnea at lrowse@michiganaudubon.org. If the bird walk will be canceled due to weather, Linnea will send a cancellation notice to those who RSVP, by 5 p.m. the evening prior.

Winter walks take place on the first Sunday of each month, January through March, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. All walks will meet at the parking lot of Hawk Meadow Park located at 6160 Delta River Dr., Lansing, MI 48906.