Winter Birding in the Eastern U.P. Tour

January 16-17 & February 6-7, 2027

Are you eager to catch sight of winter finches? Dreaming of spotting Snowy Owls in their element? This winter, immerse yourself in the magic of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula with Michigan Audubon’s Winter Birding Tour.

This two-day birding adventure takes you on a scenic journey through Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties. Led by experienced guides, you’ll travel in a car caravan through diverse winter habitats, where the beauty of the season sets the stage for unforgettable birding moments.

The fees for the U.P. birding tour are $175 for Michigan Audubon members and $200 for non-members. Please note that the trip fee does not include meals or lodging. More trip details will be provided to participants upon registration, and spots are limited.

This tour is designed for birders of all levels and rated EASY. You’ll spend most of the time in a car caravan, with light walking on snow-covered, gravel, or paved roads. Be prepared to brave the cold with short stints of walking and wildlife viewing while experiencing wintry elements. Conditions may be icy.

• Cost: $175 for members | $200 for non-members (meals and lodging not included)
• Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
• Activity Level: Easy (up to 2 miles of walking over the weekend), travel by car caravan. Winter conditions.
• Registration: Opens at 9 a.m. October 21 for Members, October 23 at 9 a.m. to the public

Registration for the winter tours will be available to the public October 23, 2026.

Tawas Beginning Birding Tour

May 22-23, 2027 

Are you interested in learning the basics of birding and bird identification in an action-packed weekend at a premier birding spot? Then join Michigan Audubon on a beginning birder tour in Iosco County. This adventure will travel by caravan around the Tawas area to see the many migrating birds, specifically the vibrant array of warblers, shorebirds, and waterfowl. The weekend will include visiting Kirtland’s Warblers on their breeding grounds. Enjoy the many wonders the area has to offer while learning birding skills.

The Beginning Birding trip is limited to 12 participants, and we anticipate it filling fast.

This trip is rated MODERATE. Travel is by car caravan with foot travel at a variety of sites. Some sites are paved, others are grass or gravel paths. Terrain ranges from flat to hilly and mud may be a factor. Participants should be able to withstand a variety of weather possibilities including rain, wind, and sun.

• Cost: $175 for members | $200 for non-members (meals and lodging not included)
• Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
• Activity Level: Moderate (Mix of car travel and walking on varied terrain.)
• Registration: Opens February 19 at 9 a.m.

Registration opens on February 19, 2027 at 9 a.m. Links will go live at that time.

Birding Photography Tour

June dates will be announced in early 2027!

Capture Michigan’s avian beauty with renowned photographer Jocelyn Anderson at Kensington Metropark in Milford. Learn photography tips and techniques while photographing Great Blue Herons, Sandhill Crane colts, and a variety of songbirds and woodpeckers. Prepare for an immersive experience filled with nature and creativity.

• Cost: $175 for members | $200 for non-members (meals and lodging not included)
• Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
• Activity Level: Moderate (8–10 miles of walking over the weekend)
• Registration: Opens March 12 at 9 a.m.

Registration opens on March 12, 2027 at 9 a.m. Registration link will go live at that time.

Fall WPBO Birding Tours

Two tours to choose from! September 11-12 & October 2-3, 2027

Join Michigan Audubon for a two-day birding adventure at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Led by an expert guide, this tour offers the chance to witness migrating waterbirds, fall warblers, and even rare vagrants. Immerse yourself in autumn’s beauty while sharpening your birding skills at one of the Midwest’s top migration hotspots. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey into fall birding!

• Cost: $175 for members | $200 for non-members (meals and lodging not included)
• Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
• Activity Level: Moderate – Travel is by car caravan with foot travel at a variety of sites. Some sites are paved, others are grass or gravel paths. Terrain ranges from flat to hilly, and mud may be a factor. Participants should be able to withstand a variety of weather possibilities, including rain, wind, and sun.
• Registration: Opens June 4, 2027 at 9 a.m.

Registration will open in June 2027!

Refund Policy: If you must cancel your participation in a Michigan Audubon event, fees are refundable (minus a $25 processing fee) up until one month prior to the tour. If the cancellation occurs less than a month before but more than two weeks before the tour, a 50% refund will apply. Cancellations occurring less than two weeks prior to the tour will forfeit the entire fee. Membership fees are not refundable.

Refund policies may be different depending on the tour. Please reach out with any questions about our policies prior to purchase.

All refund requests must be made in writing and sent via email or mail to:

[email protected]
Events
Michigan Audubon
2310 Science Parkway, Suite 200
Okemos, MI 48864

For questions about travel and tour cancellation policies, email [email protected].