Nature Walks in May Celebrate World Migratory Birds

​This May, Bayfield Area Trails and Chequamegon Audubon Society are co-sponsoring a series of free nature/bird walks to highlight the importance of the Bayfield area as resting habitat for migratory birds. The series of guided walks will help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day.

Early May is the time when the pace of migration in northern Wisconsin begins to accelerate. A variety of kinglets, sparrows, thrushes, flycatchers, waterfowl, and warblers reappear in forests and along waterways in the area. The trails will also feature spring wildflowers bursting into bloom.

The walks will begin at 7:30 am. They will cover one to two miles and last about one-and-a-half to two hours. Participants should bring binoculars, wear stout waterproof boots, and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Trails may be muddy. The Gil Larsen trail includes four creek crossings.

Let's go birding on the Brownstone Trail!

The theme of this year’s event is “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities.” Chequamegon Audubon members and local birders Neil Howk and Ted May will take turns leading the following walks:

May 2025 Scheduled Walks

May 3 – Meet at the parking lot of the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery to hike along Pikes Creek on the Salmo Trail and the Angler Access Trail.

May 10 (the official World Migratory Bird Day) – Meet at the Big Ravine Trailhead on Washington Avenue in Bayfield to hike the Gil Larsen Trail. Bayfield has participated in Wisconsin’s Bird City program since 2012. The Bird City designation is a conservation program that recognizes communities that support birds and their habitats. 

May 11 – Meet at Frog Bay Tribal National Park in Red Cliff.

May 17 - Meet at the parking lot of the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery to hike along Pikes Creek on the Salmo Trail and the Angler Access Trail.

May 18 – Meet at the Jerry Jolly trailhead parking lot on Star Route.
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World Migratory Bird Day 2025 promotes the importance of a healthy coexistence between humans and birds by focusing on creating bird-friendly communities and cities. The campaign will raise awareness about the challenges migratory birds face due to human activities and urban development, promoting conservation and the creation of bird-friendly environments within our made-made communities. It advocates for various actions from citizens, such as planting native flowers and gardens and transforming urban areas into sanctuaries for migratory birds.

It's always fun at the Fish Hatchery!

The public is invited to explore several beautiful area trails on these free guided walks!

Lots to see at Frog Bay!