Kirtland's Warbler Field Trip

1215 Indiana 49,Porter IN 46304

14 May, 2023

Description

Take part in a special work week birding tour to visit the rarest of North American warblers, the Kirtland's Warbler! This trip is also being offered as a special extension for Indiana Dunes Birding Festival participants. Guides, Matt Igleski and Steve Huggins will highlight the amazing northern Michigan landscape and late spring birding. This two-night tour will travel into the heart of the jack pines and the Kirtland’s breeding population. Other targets include Black Tern, Osprey, Evening Grosbeak, Upland Sandpiper, and more. This post-festival trip includes two nights lodging, transportation, all guiding, two days breakfast, Monday’s lunch and dinner, and entrance fees. Single supplements available for those traveling without a roommate. This tour leaves at 2pm on Sunday from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and returns at approximately 5pm on Tuesday. Those wishing to drive themselves to Grayling may do so if more convenient. IAS Trip Ratings: Kirtland's Warbler Field Trip 2023 Birding Pace: Extended Tour. Multiple days with early starts near sunrise, and long days birding with only small breaks. This trip will involve higher intensity levels than typical IAS field trips, because there are so many special birds to see. Expect breakfasts at the hotel and/or on the road. One or two after dinner trips for nocturnal birds will be optional. Physical Requirements: Moderate. Participants can expect up to 3-5 miles of trail hiking per day at a birding pace. While it is mostly flat terrain, unpredictable spring weather adds to this rating. Birding pace will vary depending on conditions and birds sought. It will usually be possible to take occasional short breaks on park benches or on a packable 3-legged hiking stool. Bathroom breaks are sometimes infrequent (4-5 hours in between breaks), and some destinations do not have bathroom facilities available (“all natural” “in the bush” option is available). Birding Skill Level: Mid-Level. This trip will have new opportunities for the experienced birder, with support for newer birders, too. Guides will share spotting scopes, although participants are invited to bring their own scope along if they want to (we will have plenty of room for your gear). New birders should be able to use their binoculars without help from the guides, and will get more out of the trip if they study their field guide before the trip. Trip is limited to 10 participants. $470 per person IAS Member. $530 per person non-IAS Member. Single Supplement: $110 The full payment is required to reserve your spot, paid via credit card on Eventbrite. Cover Photo: Kirtland's Warbler by Ryan Sanderson