January 24, 2026 @ 8:00am – 2:00pm Central

Join experienced hike leader Richard Garrett for an exciting day exploring the winter birding hotspots along Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The day’s stops may vary depending on recent sightings. We will most likely begin in Michigan City looking for Snowy Owls, Purple Sandpipers, and any waterfowl present. Our next stop will likely be Beverly Shores to search for the Northern Shrike that has been frequently reported there. We will then visit Ogden Dunes to look for winter finches and the Townsend’s Solitaire. The group will also check the Port of Indiana and Portage Lakefront, where Purple Sandpipers and Western Grebes have been seen in past years. If time allows, we may also visit Whiting Lakefront Park and Whihala Beach County Park.

Along the route we will watch for winter gulls—especially Glaucous and Iceland Gulls—as well as any waterfowl. It should be a fun day, and who knows what rarity might show up!

The field trip will take place on Saturday, January 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will meet at the Michigan City Washington Park Beach parking lot. Please bring binoculars and spotting scopes if you have them. Dress very warmly, and bring food and water, as we may not officially stop for lunch.

The trip is limited to 10 participants, and pre-registration is required. ABAS members have priority until January 5; non-members will be placed on a waiting list in the order their requests are received.

To sign up, please email Laurie Voss at laurievoss25@gmail.com. When registering, include your phone number in case last-minute changes are necessary.

What: Lake Michigan Winter Field Trip

When: Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Central

Where: Meet at Michigan City Washington Park Beach Parking lot.

Register: laurievoss25@gmail.com