Field Trip #11: Little Sand Bay

Description

Little Sand Bay and the Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve: This beautiful and varied natural area is managed by the Little Traverse Conservancy. The parking lot is at the edge of a large old field near an abandoned farm house. A two-track leads from the parking lot to a boardwalk trail through a cedar swamp. The trail then continues to a sandy beach that is excellent for swimming, making Little Sand Bay one of the most popular natural areas to visit on the island. Winter Wrens are common in the cedar swamp area, and Indigo Buntings and various sparrow species are found in the old field area.

Brian Allan: 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.