Field Trip #3: Warblers & Shorebirds of Gull Harbor

Description

Gull Harbor: This protected area is along Gull Harbor Drive east of the Whiskey Point Lighthouse. Most of the habitat is shoreline, cedar shrub, and marshy ponds, but there are a few wooded areas behind the open areas. This is an excellent site to observe waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and raptors. The area is used extensively by migrating songbirds in the spring and fall. During the summer months northern water snakes are active in and around the ponds. These snakes are nonvenomous and should not be disturbed.

Terry and Andrea Grabill: Terry is a recently retired middle school teacher and West Michigan birder who made a Michigan Big Year run in 2021. On his way to recording a whopping 323 species for the year, he logged an obscene number of miles, had some great adventures, and met many amazing people along the way. His wife Andrea and Terry have dedicated countless hours to developing beginning birders with their “Beaver Island Group” program through Fremont Middle School. Most of Terry’s introductory birding experiences happened on Beaver Island while he was a Central Michigan University student studying at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver in 1989. He then discovered that there were other individuals, groups even, interested in birding. He has maintained life-long relationships with these people. He and Andrea have developed young birders for 20 years with the groups they’ve brought to CMU’s Biological Station and birding events down-state.

Board transportation for this trip at the BIC Center. You’ll return there at the conclusion with time for some shopping, strolling  and lunch. Lunch options include the Concession Stand at the BIC Center and the Shamrock (both nearby) or the Wild Strawberry Café (about a 20-minute walk towards the Whiskey Point Lighthouse). The BIC Center has Island souvenirs. You’ll also find them nearby at the Gift Shop at Power’s Hardware, Shipwreck Shirts, and Deb’s Creations. If you head to the Wild Strawberry Café for lunch, you’ll find souvenirs next door at McDonough’s Market.

WoW 2026 T-shirts: After your registration(s) are processed you will receive a discount code good for one free Warblers on the Water T-shirt. You must complete your t-shirt order by May 5. T-shirts will be delivered at the Meet & Greet Kickoff Event Friday evening. One free shirt per participant. Additional T-shirts may be ordered at the BIC Center online store for $20. All orders after May 1 are subject to stock on hand.

Please note our cancellation policy: Cancellations made by 5:00 p.m. on April 17, 2026 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be made for cancellations after that time.