Field Trip #6: McCauley’s Point, Kuebler Trail to Protar’s Tomb

Description

Kuebler’s Trail: Our excursion begins at McCauley’s Point where waterfowl and shorebirds may be observed foraging in the sandy, rolling dunes at the south end of Donegal Bay on Lake Michigan. Head inland on the trail as it winds through several habitats, including an old dune system on the west side of Barney’s Lake (Site 22 on the BIBT Map). Common Loons have nested on the lake, and Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Caspian Terns are often seen flying over the lake. Various sandpipers, Soras, and American Bitterns have been observed along the marshy areas of the shoreline. American Woodcocks can be found along the trails above the lake, and the combination of shrubby and woodland habitats above the lake attracts many species of songbirds. Continue on the trail as it heads upland to the burial site of one of the island’s most revered inhabitants (Site 23 on the BIBT Map). This site is in the middle of the northern hardwoods habitat that is prevalent on the west side of the island. Wood warblers are especially common here along with thrush species, various woodpecker species, and Red-eyed Vireos.

Brian Allen: Brian is a recently retired Optometrist living in Manistee. He has been birding for fifty-three years and was fortunate to both be on the crest of the new field birding in the 1970’s and the now technical/digital media birding revolution of the 2020’s. He is a former member of the Michigan Bird Records Committee, one of the editors of the ABA Birder’s Guide to Michigan, the current eBird reviewer for Northwest Michigan, and bird trip leader for several conservation organizations in Michigan. He enjoys birding in the tropics and has recently returned from birding trips to Brazil and Ecuador. His favorite activity is getting anyone of any age interested in birding by getting them on their “spark” bird.

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.