Searches for migrating ducks will take place Saturday Nov. 10 and again Saturday Nov. 24 at Wind Point. The gathering is free, open to the public and for birders of all abilities.
The Hoy Audubon Society of Kenosha and Racine Counties will host the 9 a.m. events, which begin at the Shoop Park parking lot. The group will walk north along the lake shore trail to the Wind Point Lighthouse and return to the parking lot. The trek is 0.6 miles one way. Shoop Park is located on Lighthouse Drive between Three and Four mile roads, with parking on the east side of the drive.
Male migrating ducks, including grebes, mergansers and scoters, will be in breeding plumage, meaning they’ll be attractive and enjoyable to watch. The males might put on courting shows too. There might be late fall migrants such as Yellow-rumped warblers and kinglets in wooded areas. This is a great chance for new birders to learn from veteran birders.
Bring a field guide, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have them. Dress warm; the Lake Michigan shore at that time of year can be quite cold. Wear sturdy shoes; the trail might be overgrown in sections.
Birds typically seen in the area in November include Greater and Lesser scaup, Redhead, American Black Duck, Bufflehead and Common Goldeneye.
Prowl for owls
The Hoy Audubon group also has scheduled an “owl prowl” — a search — at Bong State Recreational Area for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. The prowl is free and open to the public. Everyone from beginner to advanced birders is welcome. The group will meet at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources parking lot on the north side of Seventh Street, also known as Highway BB, about 0.7 miles west of Highway 75. The “prowlers” then will drive to various locations near and within the park to listen for owls.
A Wisconsin State Parks vehicle sticker is required to park within Bong. The sticker allows free entry at other state parks.
Owls often heard and/or seen during these events include Short-eared, Barred, Eastern Screech and Great Horned.
Chilly birds also sought at Kenosha’s Southport Park
A free bird walk at Southport Park also has been arranged by Hoy Audubon for 9 a.m. Saturdays Nov. 17 and Dec. 1. The gathering is open to the public and birders of all levels. Meet at the parking area, 7825 First Ave. The walks might yield late migrating birds such as Yellow-rumped warblers, kinglets and an assortment of ducks, including scoters, mergansers and grebes, all in attractive breeding plumage. Dress warm. Bring a field guide, binoculars and spotting scope if you have them.
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