Door County Birding & Atlasing
Jul 19 - 21, 2019
Accommodations: Stone Harbor Resort, Sturgeon Bay, WI (https://www.stoneharbor-resort.com/), (877) 746-0700; Lodging cost: $406.74 for two-night stay (includes taxes and fees).
Trip Leaders: Stephanie Beilke (stephanie.beilke@gmail.com), Aerin Tedesco (aerintedesco@gmail.com)
This summer, join us for a weekend trip of birding fun in Door County, Wisconsin! Door County is vacationland to many midwesterners, but it also encompasses a variety of beautifully scenic natural areas, from islands, beaches, dune and swale, bluffs, wetlands and boreal forest. This astounding mix of habitats (all within Wisconsin’s “thumb”) make it the perfect place to find a great variety of birds from breeding warblers to shorebirds. You’ll find many species that only stop by in Chicago during migration are here all summer, such as Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blackburnian Warbler, Winter Wren and more.
On this trip, we will first explore hiking trails at Cave Point and Ridges Sanctuary along the eastern shore of Door County, followed by dinner and a night-time owl prowl.
On Day 2, we will find all about the world of atlasing at Newport State Park. Wisconsin is undergoing its second ever Breeding Bird Atlas and we’ll record all the birds we find so we can contribute to this important scientific endeavor! In the afternoon, we’ll take a cruise to Plum Island off the tip of the Door Peninsula. For those that would like to forgo the cruise, you are welcome to continue atlasing at Newport State Park or explore the peninsula on your own.
On Day 3, we’ll set out for another round of Atlas birding at Newport State Park, or you may feel free to explore Door County and its many other attractions (beaches, shopping, dining) on your own.
Be prepared for a moderate amount of standing and hiking on trails (up to 5 miles per day). Conditions on the trails may be wet and we are likely to encounter mosquitos. We recommend hiking boots that are waterproof and plenty of mosquito repellent (bug spray, head net, clothing treated with permethrin). Other necessities you should bring include a rain jacket, daypack, snacks, water, sunscreen, hat, binoculars. You should wear long sleeves and long pants though breathable and quick-drying materials are best since it will be the middle of summer.
Costs and transportation:
There is no sign up fee for this trip, however, you will be expected to cover your own costs for food, lodging and transportation. The boat trip on Day 2 is $44 which will be due at the time of the trip. If you are a driver, you will also need to buy a state park parking permit (more information here: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/admission.html) which can be purchased at the park. Through emails leading up to this trip, we can help make arrangements for those who may be interested in carpooling together from Chicago.
In order to sign-up for this field trip, please contact Aerin Tedesco (aerintedesco@gmail.com). Aerin will place you on a list of attendees and provide you with instructions on how to confirm your attendance. Your last day to reserve a hotel room under our special group rate is June 4th. This field trip has a maximum capacity of 8 parties, meaning 8 individuals or 8 “parties” of 2 or 3 people that are willing to share a single hotel room.
Itinerary
A more detailed itinerary will be confirmed with attendees at least one month prior to the trip.
Fri Jul. 19
1:00 PM Meet at Cave Point County Park. Casual afternoon birding at Cave Point
and Ridges Sanctuary.4:00 PM Check-in at Hotel in Sturgeon Bay
6:00 PM Dinner in Sturgeon Bay (TBA)
8:00 PM Owling/nocturnal atlasing (TBA)
Sat Jul. 20
7:00 AM Meet at Newport State Park for Atlas birding
11:45 AM Boat trip to Plum Island (Please pack your own lunch for a picnic on the
island!)6:00 PM Dinner in Fish Creek (TBA)
Sun Jul. 21
7:00 AM Round 2 of Atlasing at Newport State Park
11:00 AM Lunch in Bailey’s Harbor
12:00 PM Optional birding on your own/Depart
Additional Resources:
Stone Harbor Resort Phone: (920) 746-0700