The National Park Service is turning birding into a social hobby in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Birders — neophytes and veterans — have been gathering at various locations in the Lakeshore on Thursday mornings to take in the fall migration of song birds, raptors and waterfowl. The last “Fall Bird Migration Walk” of 2026 will step off at 8:30 a.m. today, Sept. 24, at the Otter Creek Trailhead off of Esch Road, just east of Esch Beach.
Emily Sunblade, supervisory interpretation park ranger, expects a quiet morning.
“This time of the year most birds are located by sight. They are much more apt to be signal calling during mating season in the spring. That’s when their need to vocalize is predominant,” Sunblade said.
Binoculars will be available to borrow, or bring your own. All skill levels welcome.
The walks began on Aug. 28 after a birder on the Lakeshore staff — “Ranger Tim” — offered up his skillset. Attendance has varied from small — inclement weather resulted in only two followers one week — to a handful. So questions are welcome and receive immediate attention.
Walks have also been held at North Bar Lake.
Piping plovers are a natural attraction in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which hosts the largest population of the endangered species in the Great Lakes. But pipers only use the lakeshore to honeymoon and start families. They headed toward warmer climes — mostly in the Gulf states in the USA — starting in late July and through August. Females depart first, followed by males and then fully grown fledglings.
Plover fans needn’t worry. “On the beach, folks might see some other plovers, You might see the black-bellied plover and the semipalmated plover. That looks similar to a piping plover,” Sunblade said.
While many migrating songbirds have left, other warm-winter birds will be checked off by walkers.
“It’s a great time for late-leaving raptors as well as graycheeked thrush and the Swainson’s thrush. We’ll often see red-tailed hawks and ospreys. The bald eagles we have year-round. But we have other species such as the broadwinged and red-shouldered hawk,” Sunblade said.
It’s been several years since bird walks were offered by the NPS. Their future in the Lakeshore to a large extent depends upon public response. Sunblade encourages park visitors to make their preferences known by making requests on the Lakeshore website or Facebook page.
“Birding is having a resurgence for younger demographics. We are working on our (interpretation) plans for 2027, and set our schedule in March and April. We look for our audience to tell us what to schedule,” she added.
Already have plans for Thursday morning? Other Lakeshore interpretive programs have recently been finalized. The updated schedule includes:
• Rolling Through Time bike program on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 1 p.m. Meet at the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail parking lot on Port Oneida Road.
• National Public Lands Day celebration on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities held at the Dune Climb.
• Dune Plateau Geology Hike on Saturday at 10 a.m. Meet at the Cottonwood Trail trailhead.
All programs are free with a valid park pass.
