ESCANABA — On the shores of Lake Michigan near Escanaba, Portage Marsh is an Audubon Important Bird Area and one of Michigan’s premier Wetland Wonders. Join Michigan DNR and partners from Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance and Common Coast Research and Conservation Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. – noon for a guided birding tour and your chance to see the wonders of spring bird migration.

The tour will begin at Portage Marsh Wildlife Management Area, at the dead end of Portage Point 11.4 Lane, in Escanaba. The event is free, no RSVP is required and all ages are encouraged to attend.

DNR experts will lead the tour along the 1-mile loop trail, which includes 0.6 miles of unpaved trails along a historic dike system, and a 0.4-mile beach walk along Lake Michigan.

Portable restrooms, picnic tables, and trash receptacles will be available. Please bring your own binoculars or a scope if you have them. Some binoculars will be available to borrow.

We highly encourage participants to download one or more of the following smartphone apps: eBird, iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID, Audubon Bird Guide. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as we will be walking along unpaved trails with uneven ground. Please be aware that the trail system is not fully accessible according to Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

This birding tour is presented in partnership with MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.