Upcoming TNA field trips – April/May 2019

[Kim SmithParticipant]

As always, TNA field trips are free and open to the public unless stated otherwise. Please join us when you can!

Herps of the State Forest
Late April is usually a great time to hear and see some of our local frogs, toads, and salamanders (maybe owls, too). Hope for a balmy night with just a hint of rain and the little beasts should be in full voice. Plan for some wet feet, too. Meet leader Tom Kemp in the Maumee State Forest on Henry County Road 2 south of Neowash Road. There is a small parking area on the west side of the road.
Thursday, 4/25, 7:00-9:00 pm, Maumee State Forest, Swanton

Bird Banding at Springville Marsh
Experience birds up close and assist with understanding bird populations and movements with expert bird bander Tom Bartlett. Contact Tom at home (419-447-0005), cell (567-278-2300), or email (hthomas.bartlett@gmail.com) with questions. Banding may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Stay tuned to TNA’s website and Facebook page for updates.
Saturday, 4/27, 6:00 am to noon, Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve, 12250 Township Rd 24, Carey

Urban Birding
Spring migration has several waves. Late April is a good time for overflight migrants, and we’re hoping we have the right timing with this little excursion. Nate Koszycki has led this successful field trip the last two years. Nate considers Swan Creek Metropark his backyard. It was his go-to park growing up, and it continues to be one of his favorite spots.
Saturday, 4/27, 8:00-11:00 am, Swan Creek Preserve’s Yager Center (Window on Wildlife), 4659 Airport Hwy, Toledo

An Evening at Irwin Prairie
Todd Haggard will lead us as we enjoy the night life at Irwin Prairie. The concert begins with the raking of chorus frogs and guttural ramblings of leopard frogs, the aerial displays and calls of woodcock and perhaps snipe. We will also likely see brown, ribbon and garter snakes, setting up for the night. There’s a chance that parts of the boardwalk may be wet, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. Bring a flashlight and the kids!
Thursday, 5/2, 7:00-9:00 pm, Irwin Prairie parking lot on Bancroft, just west of Irwin Rd, Holland

Wildflowers at Goll Woods
Spring wildflowers will be the focus of the visit, but this ancient forest also has immense trees, and abundant woodpeckers and amphibians. TNA was instrumental in inducing ODNR to protect this primeval forest remnant in 1966. Its ancient, towering oaks shelter a myriad of wildflowers, including miterwort, solomon seal, and dwarf ginseng. Meet leader Eric Durbin at the parking lot on Twp Rd 26, just south of Twp Rd F. The official hike will last about two hours, but there are additional areas to explore if you have more time. You may email questions to Eric Durbin at orchids@toledonaturalist.org.
Saturday, 5/4, 10:00 am to noon, Goll Woods, County Rd 26, Archbold

North Coast Open
Instead of hanging up the binoculars after the Biggest Week and IMBD, join us in our annual, fun birding big day event. The friendly competition is for birders of all skill levels and will again cover Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, Sandusky and Erie Counties. Planning a route is half the fun, and places like the Oak Openings, Magee Marsh, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Pickerel Creek are all part of the geography and are among the very best birding locations in the entire state. Start with two or three of your best birding buddies at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening (or later if you want) and beat the bushes until 7:00 p.m. Saturday. The goal: Finding and identifying (by sight or sound) as many bird species as you can. Those less-competitive birders can still enjoy the fun by entering a team in the Freestyle Division. Find the NCO registration form at http://www.toledonaturalist.org/NCO. All interested parties are welcome to join the teams at the official countdown at Tony Packo’s (1902 Front St) at 7:00 p.m. See your TNA newsletter or the TNA website for further details.
Fri/Sat, 5/17 & 18, Official countdown at 7:00 pm Saturday 5/18, at Tony Packo’s, 1902 Front Street, Toledo

Late Neotropical Migrants
Warblers should still be quite common and some of the later migrants will be targeted. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and cuckoos can be expected, and perhaps an Olive-sided Flycatcher will put in an appearance. A check of the beach should produce Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings, and maybe even a Red Knot. Trip leader: Rick Nirschl.
Sunday, 5/19, 8:00 am, West Entrance to Magee Marsh boardwalk

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