Tawas Point is a unique place and a premier birding location because of its geography. The point extends into the Bay, providing one of the few resting places for exhausted and energy depleted birds during their migration. These little creatures fly as much as a couple thousand miles from breeding to wintering locations. Basically, when they get to Tawas Point, they are hungry and need rest. The gathering of these birds in this consolidated spot brings in birders from all over the world. AuSable Valley Audubon has a celebration, usually the third weekend of May, each year to help introduce the public to birding and help people view these beautiful creatures in safe and ethical ways.
2025
Next year’s event is scheduled for May 16th and 17th. Stay Tuned for more details.
2024
Thank you to everyone that participated in the 2024 Tawas Point Birding Celebration. We were lucky to stay dry, we had a large variety of cooperative feathered friends, and we enjoyed comfortable weather this year.
This year 590 participants signed AuSable Valley Audubon’s (AVA) guestbook. In addition, several groups arrived in busses and some with guides. Overall, a rough estimate is 750 participants in the two days of the celebration is likely. The group was once again international, with representation from at least five countries and 26 states.
This year the species count did not disappoint. Participants counted 87 species on Friday and 106 on Saturday. The most unusual, feathered visitor was a Mississippi Kite that provided a fly over to the amazement of many participants.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO PARTNERS, DONARS AND VOLUNTEERS
As with each year, the warblers drew a crowd because they are like feathered jewels. Birders enjoy finding and identifying as many warblers as possible while these birds rest and eat at Tawas Point. Thankfully, Tropical Birding Tours donates a Spring Warbler Guide that is relied upon by many participants. The guide provides colored photos of each warbler serving as a handy reference. Thank you to Tropical Birding Tours for your support of our Spring Birding Celebration. Your full color, weighted guide is a big hit.
At the beginning of May each year, AVA volunteers start providing bird food for early bird migrants at Tawas Point. The feeding station is conveniently located right next to the parking lot, where it is easily accessible to visitors. This bird food supplements the natural feeding sources found on Tawas Point and offers an opportunity for people to easily find birds without having to hike the point. Birds get familiar with the feeders before the event and birds end up greeting visitors from the parking lot.
AVA has been lucky over the years to have support from Gingrich Feed and Implement, as well as Neiman’s Family Market for bird food donations. This year, Gingrich’s seed supplier, Shafer Seeds began matching bird seed donations with Gingrich. In total, Gingrich and Shafer Seeds donated a whopping 450 pounds of bird food. This supply included black oilers for feeders, mixed seed for ground spread and six cases of high energy suet cakes. As to our partner, Neiman’s, they supplied two boxes, totaling 150 oranges. These succulent oranges brought out some seemingly demanding Baltimore and Orchard Orioles to the feeding station. Whole-hearted thanks to these sponsors because their donations help both the migrating birds as well as park visitors.
AVA would also like to acknowledge the Tawas Point Park staff and management for being full partners each year. Their cooperation with things like setting up the welcome tent, helping get the word out and providing support and assistance up to and during the event is essential to a successful event.
As to natural food sources, participants often note that the festival days are often buggy. Swarms of midges hatch and gather above our heads, as well as all around in the trees and shrubs. In fact, the clouds sound like bee swarms. This year the hatch corresponded with the event, which was perfect timing. From a birding perspective the birds are easy to find while they enjoy their buggy buffet.
BIRD FEEDING TIPS
Considering the birds need food and rest during migration, there are many things you can do to help the birds. Below are some tips:
- Keep your cat indoors.
- Provide a canopy and shrub area to give cover to birds that enjoy your feeder. This will help the birds avoid predation by raptors and other predators.
- Make use of native plants around your bird feeding area to provide natural sources of berries and seeds. Diffuse sources help reduce the spread of avian flu.
- Clean your feeders routinely and stop feeding if avian flu is spreading in your area.
- For hummingbirds, use only white processed granulated sugar (e.g. 1/2 cup sugar to 2 cups water). Keep the feeder clean and replace the nectar routinely to keep it fresh and free from mold which can kill hummingbirds.
- Prevent bird window collisions; if you have a window that confuses birds consider screens, window decals, an awning… anything to stop the illusion from the bird
perspective. - Turn off your outdoor lights during migration season.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I bring to the event?
Binoculars are essential for any birding trip. Spotting scopes are helpful on some trips but are by no means necessary.
Do I need to register?
No registration is necessary, the event is free. However, you will need a Michigan Recreation Passport on your vehicle or you will need to buy a park pass to enter Tawas Point State Park.
How should I dress?
Due to widely variable weather, we suggest you dress in layers to be prepared. At a minimum, a sweater under a windbreaker jacket or waterproof rain jacket is recommended. Warm socks and light gloves are also recommended. Depending on the weather conditions during the event, very warm clothing including winter coats, heavy footwear, winter hats, and winter gloves may be very welcome early morning, especially at Tawas Point State Park which is often 20 to 30 degrees cooler than inland birding. Rising Lake Huron water levels make boots handy for walking near shore and to the tip of the Point. Ticks are often a problem at this time of year. Wearing light colored, long pants tucked into socks can help.
Additional Event Questions?
Contact Amy Kohlhepp, 517-489-7879