Spend a week in the field experiencing the excitement and wonder of spring birding in northern Door County. In early May the woods, wetlands, and meadows begin to fill with song as resident birds and returning migrants establish territories for another nesting season. Adding to the interest are birds of passage that stop to rest and refuel before continuing north. The focus of this class is on noticing and appreciating the birds around us; their colors and song, behaviors and diversity. Discussions will deal with aids to field identification, behavioral observations, and migration.

On early, before breakfast walks, we’ll explore the grounds of The Clearing to greet the sun and look for any new birds that may have arrived during the night. Morning and afternoon field trips will be an exploration of a diverse variety of birding locations. We’ll be walking 2-3 miles a day in upland woodlands, boreal forests, wet meadows, and lake shores. While the terrain will vary, we’ll be moving at a leisurely naturalist’s pace with frequent stops to listen and scan for birds.

Spring Birds is an outdoor class so come prepared for a variety of weather conditions which can range from winter coat mornings to cotton shirt afternoons. We’ll be out rain or shine so rain gear and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. AND binoculars! Carpooling is needed for this class.

Gerry Janz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point with degrees in Biology and Outdoor Education. He has a lifelong interest in birds, bird watching, and sharing that passion with others. His interest in birds has led to volunteer activities including conducting a variety of bird surveys for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, contributing to the Breeding Bird Atlas II project for the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, and being part of the Central Wisconsin Kestrel project for many years. As part of sharing his passion he has led field trips for the WSO, central Wisconsin’s Aldo Leopold Audubon Society, and the Natural Resource Foundation.

Maureen Janz has been passionate about birds and natural resources since childhood. This passion led her to earning a degree in Natural Science Education and a master’s degree in environmental education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Her thesis, utilizing birds as a gateway to environmental awareness, was an important part of her 19 years as a middle school science educator. She is currently a volunteer for the Central Wisconsin Kestrel Research program and a former 20-year board member and field trip chairperson of the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society. She has contributed to breeding bird surveys for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology’s Breeding Bird ATLAS II project and co-led field trips for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.

Level: All Levels