Black River Audubon Society

06/15/2026

Weekend Field Trip to Northern Michigan
Jun 25-Jun 28, 2026
$460.00

Black River Audubon is going north again (This time it is going to be warm!). We will be looking for warblers, loons, Evening Grosbeaks, and other birds that nest in the northern parts of the state of Michigan. We will leave at 8:AM on Thursday, June 25th, heading for Grayling, Michigan. Our first official stop will be the visitor center at Hartwick Pines State Park to check the feeders and trails for Evening Grosbeaks and other Local specialties. Then, after checking into our rooms and eating, we will hit the surrounding forests trying to find owls and Whip-poor-wills. After a good night’s sleep, we will return to the visitor center to meet with the Michigan Audubon Society. After a short introductory program, they will lead us out in a search for the local Kirtland’s Warblers. After (hopefully) finding the warblers and other species, we will head across the big bridge toward Sault Ste. Marie, birding along the way. On Saturday, we will hit such places as Seney National Wildlife Area (Seven Mile long Drive tour with nesting Common Loons, Sandhill Cranes and various waterfowl), Tahquamenon Falls (Gray Jays, White-winged and/or red Crossbills), Whitefish Point, and Hulbert Bog. Sunday will be our day to head back to Lorain County. If time permits, we will do the drive tour at Shiawassee State Wildlife Refuge before returning home in the evening.

We will meet at the South lot of the Lorain Impoundment on June 25th at 8:00 AM. If you will be leaving your car in the lot, please provide us with the owner’s name, make and model of the car, and the license plate number of the car so that the lot owners know why the car is parked there.

Cost $460. Price includes travel and lodging, entrance fees, and the Kirtland’s Warbler tour fee. You will be responsible for meals and other incidentals.

This trip will be led by Black River Audubon Field Trip Chairman Paul Sherwood, who spent 8 years working on The Huron National Forest in Northern Michigan (and a lot of his spare time on the Upper Peninsula)

Black River Audubon is going north again (This time it is going to be warm!). We will be looking for warblers, loons, Evening Grosbeaks, and other birds that nest in the northern parts of the state of Michigan. We will leave at 8:AM on Thursday, June 25th, heading for Grayling, Michigan. Our first o

06/11/2026

The Black River Audubon Society’s Purple Martin program (w/LCMP) is off to an outstanding start this spring. Active colonies have been confirmed in Wellington, Lorain, Oberlin, Vermilion, and North Ridgeville, with adults already occupying housing and eggs being laid.

Purple Martins, North America’s largest swallow, depend almost entirely on human-provided housing in the eastern United States. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteer colony stewards, these sites provide safe nesting opportunities for returning martins and contribute to the continued success of this beloved species throughout our region.

(photo Penny Brandau, Mill Hollow, Vermilion)

06/08/2026

BRAS Summer Picnic & Outdoor movie. Sign up below.

Date: June 13, 2026 (rain or shine) Cookout starts at 6:00 p.m.; Movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Event Address: 313 Hamilton Circle, Elyria, OH 44035 Contact: (440) 541-9184 or [email protected] Please join us for a summer gathering at the Swindell’s house on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 6:00 p....

05/31/2026

We recently received a package full of smiles from the R.G. Jones Bird Nerds — including thoughtful thank-you cards from each student, photos, stickers, and even T-shirts!

Earlier this year, Black River Audubon Society donated binoculars to help support these young birders as they explore the natural world around them. Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm for birds is the greatest thank-you we could receive. Looks like they had a great time at The Biggest Week In American Birding

We are proud to support the next generation of birders and conservation leaders.

A huge thank you to the R.G. Jones Bird Nerds for making our day with such a special surprise. Keep birding! 🌿🦉🔭

05/28/2026

We are pleased to share that Black River Audubon Society was recently featured in The Collegian, the student newspaper of Lorain County Community College.

Written by student journalist John Glasure, the article, "Volunteers Needed – A Bird Call to Action," highlights Black River Audubon's mission, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and conservation efforts throughout Lorain County. The story also explores how community members can become involved in protecting birds and wildlife through service, advocacy, and environmental stewardship.

The Collegian is published online and in print by the students of LCCC. College Center Lorain Community College 1005 N. Abbe Road Elyria, Ohio 44035 Phone: 440-366-4037 E-mail: [email protected] Alt: [email protected] The Collegian is a public forum for Lorain County Community College.....

05/27/2026

Summer presentations at the Oberlin Public Library.

05/27/2026

BRAS Summer Picnic & Outdoor Movie
Date: June 13, 2026 (rain or shine)
Cookout starts at 6:00 p.m.; Movie starts at 8:00 p.m.
Event Address: 313 Hamilton Circle, Elyria, OH 44035
Contact: (440) 541-9184 or [email protected]

Please join us for a summer gathering at the Swindell’s house on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme is Celebrate America, in honor of the 250th anniversary year. This event is free for members. We simply ask that, if possible, you bring a dish to share.

We will provide: Sloppy Joes, soda, punch, and water.
Feel free to bring your own beverages (including alcohol).

Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/sh3gAixQXj4ET5Pu6

05/14/2026

Even Gov. Mike DeWine came up to Northern Ohio among out-of-state visitors for the Biggest Week in American Birding!
🐦
https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/05/11/birders-across-country-flock-nw-ohio-biggest-week-american-birding/

05/14/2026

https://youtu.be/-LHnXSgiWNM?si=0OxLxKrnug-iFTZM

The 10-day festival highlights state conservation efforts and also comes with a big boost to the economy, with birders flocking to local businesses.

05/12/2026

BRAS Summer Picnic & Outdoor Movie

Date: June 13, 2026 (rain or shine)
Cookout starts at 6:00 p.m.; Movie starts at 8:00 p.m.
Event Address: 313 Hamilton Circle, Elyria, OH 44035
Contact: (440) 541-9184 or [email protected]
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclNEowQQe7ME-FwNGVvCcCYgC0JNx6AYgM_waPdHgB6581_Q/viewform

Please join us for a summer gathering at the Swindell’s house on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme is Celebrate America, in honor of the 250th anniversary year. This event is free for members. We simply ask that, if possible, you bring a dish to share.

We will provide: Sloppy Joes, soda, punch, and water.
Feel free to bring your own beverages (including alcohol).