Field Trip #5: Westside birding: Barney’s Lake, Beaver Island Airport and Angeline’s Bluff Observation Platform

Description

In addition to Snipeville, stops include:

Barney’s Lake Preserve: This natural area surrounding Barney’s Lake on all but the south side is managed by the Little Traverse Conservancy (Site 25 on the BIBT Map). There is a parking lot across the road from the lake with a display of a map of the east trail 
system of the preserve. 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.

Microwave tower on Sloptown Road: Ospreys typically nest on the old microwave tower along this road, but eagles have chased them away this year. When they are there, young can be seen peering over the nest in late summer, and the adults often sit on snags on the opposite side of Sloptown Road from the nest. Eastern Bluebirds can also be observed in the area.

Beaver Island Municipal Airport: [TO COME]

Angeline’s Bluff Observation Area: This recently completed observation deck offers spectacular woodlandviews with glimpses of the lake beyond. We’ll look for owls, Common Nighthawks, American Woodcock, and perhaps hear whip-poor-wills.

Board transportation for this trip at the BIC Center. You’ll return there at the conclusion just in time for lunch. Options include the Concession Stand at the BIC Center, the Harbour Bodega and the Shamrock (both nearby) or Dalwhinnie’s Deli (about a 20 minute walk towards the Whiskey Point Lighthouse).

Please note our cancellation policy: Cancellations made by 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2022 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be made for cancellations after that time.