Join field trip leaders John Cassady and Richard Garrett for a Saturday at Lake Michigan to look for fall migrants. This is an opportunity for anyone curious or interested in how to do a lake watch to learn from two of the state’s most experienced lake watchers. 

For those curious about what a lake watch is, it is an opportunity to witness the southern movement of passerines, shorebirds, gulls, waterfowl, and if lucky, witness the power and aerial maneuvering of a Jaeger. There are three possible Jaegers that have been viewed from Lake Michigan—Long-tailed, Parasitic, and Pomarine Jaeger. In September, our best chance would be to see a Parasitic Jaeger. Pomarine Jaegers are seen in late fall, if at all. 

This field trip will take place on Saturday, September 12, beginning a half hour before dawn and run until 10:00 am Central Time. Participants are welcome to stay longer if desired. 

PREPARATION & ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS: The terrain is sand dunes and difficult to walk on. A scope is necessary for this field trip as many of the birds will be far out into the lake. Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, food, and possibly a folding chair. You can stand or sit and use a scope as well. Plan for many stationary hours in the sun and weather and expect the air temperature to be 10 degrees cooler than inland.

LOCATION: Meet at Marquette Park on the sand dune behind the concession stand, if weather is agreeable. If there is a strong wind, we will meet on the east side of the concession stand. Parking is along the side of the road that parallels the lakefront. This year the parking is quite expensive and requires an app to park there.

To help with the expense, participants can carpool if desired by meeting at the Flying J Travel Center on IN 51 and I 94 in Lake Station. It is about 10 minutes from Marquette Park. 

This address is: 1401 Ripley Street, Lake Station, IN 46405. I would suggest meeting there at 5:30 am CT. Parking here should not be an issue but I would park away from the entrance to the building.

REGISTRATION: There is a maximum of 8 people who can register for this trip. BACI(ABAS) members will have priority until August 15, but don’t hesitate to sign up if you are interested as non-members are first come first serve. To register email Laurie Voss, Field Trip Chair, at laurievoss25@gmail.com. When registering, please provide your phone number in case of last-minute changes.

If you wish to come up on Friday, there are hotels in Porter, Chesterton, and Michigan City. We will cancel for severe weather so check communications. 

What: Lake Watch Experience

When: A half-hour before dawn Central Time (about 5:45 am CT) until 10:00 am but participants may stay as long as they like.

Where: Marquette Park on Lake Michigan behind the Concession Stand on the dunes.

Register: laurievoss25@gmail.com