Birds, Binoculars & a Brave Crowd: A Chilly Morning at Long Lake

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get 25 people out of bed early on a cold April morning… the answer is birds. 🐦

On April 18, our Long Lake Bird Tour brought together a curious, bundled-up crew of community members ready to see what spring migration had in store. Led by Allison McGinnis and George Vania, this guided walk turned a quiet lakeside trail into a living, breathing classroom—one filled with birdsong, shared discoveries, and plenty of “wait, did you see that?!” moments.

The goal was simple: help people connect with the incredible biodiversity right here at Long Lake. And that’s exactly what happened. With binoculars in hand (and a few impressive camera setups in the mix), participants didn’t just observe—they engaged. Questions flowed, conversations sparked, and the group quickly settled into that unique rhythm of birding: part patience, part excitement, and a whole lot of appreciation.

Despite the brisk weather, the birds showed up. And they really showed up. Highlights included:

• Great Egret

• Yellow-rumped Warblers

• Downy & Pileated Woodpeckers

• Blue-winged & Green-winged Teal

• Great Blue Herons

• Wood Ducks

• Tree Swallows

• White-breasted Nuthatch

• Chickadees

• Cooper’s Hawk

• Turkey Vulture

• Mallards, Grackles, and Red-winged Blackbirds

Not bad for a morning stroll.

One of the best parts? People came ready to learn—and stayed fully engaged the entire time. The overall vibe was warm, even if the weather wasn’t. People lingered, asked thoughtful questions, and made it clear they valued the experience. That kind of energy matters—it’s how awareness turns into long-term stewardship.

A big shoutout to Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD) for being such a strong partner in both promotion and collaboration. This event is a great example of what’s possible when organizations align around shared goals: connecting people to place and building a deeper understanding of our local ecosystems.

If there’s one takeaway (besides “bring an extra layer next time”), it’s this: there’s real momentum here. This tour wasn’t just a one-time success—it’s a strong case for growing our Bird City programming into a series of guided, place-based experiences.

Because when people see a Great Egret lift off the water or hear the call of a distant woodpecker, something shifts. It becomes personal. And that’s where stewardship begins.

Thanks to everyone who came out, asked questions, and embraced the cold for a morning well spent. We’ll see you on the trail again soon.