THIS TRIP IS FULL

Seney NWR 2025 Field Trip with Oakland Bird Alliance

Date: Saturday, August 23 2025

LEADER(s): Jeff Towner, Don Burlett

ATTENDEES: This will be a joint trip for members of the Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance and Oakland Bird Alliance (if you are not a current member of LWBA, you may join the morning of the outing).

MEET LOCATION: 7AM – Meet at the Chocolay fishing access on HQY 28 and carpool to Seney OR 8:30AM – meet us and the folks from Oakland Bird Alliance at the maintenance shop near the new visitor center at the end of the main Refuge access road (Refuge Entrance Rd, off HWY 77) (NOTE – if you google “Seney NWR” it may bring you to the temporary visitor center, not this location. Please double-check your maps.)

MEET-UP TIME: 7:00 am at Chocolay fishing access or 8:30 am at Seney (maintenance shop near new visitor center, Refuge Entrance Rd off HWY 77)

PLAN:  Carpool from Chocolay fishing accessor meet at the maintenance shop near the new visitor center at the end of the main Refuge access road. From there we will carpool to the Fishing Pier and hike the berm separating the F and E Pools and then complete the wildlife drive through the refuge with stops along the way. As time allows, we will then drive to the parking area at the end of Robinson Road south of the town of Germfask and hike the 0.8 mile Goose Pen Bend Trail.

Time permitting, we can then visit the temporary Refuge visitor center, then return to Marquette or head downstate.

Please do not play bird recordings. Please inform your guide if you leave early. IMPORTANT – please review our birding guidelines.

CONDITIONS: The Goose Pen Bend Trail and 1/2 mile access road consists of dirt, some muck if it rains, some uneven footing, some shade, and full sun. The wildlife drive is paved and dirt, easy for any vehicle unless it rains heavily. There are limited bathroom facilities. We can make a comfort stop at the MDOT rest are on M-77 between the wildlife drive and the Goose Pen Bend hike. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug dope. Wear sturdy shoes and rugged (LONG) pants. Please come prepared for the predicted weather.

CANCELATION: If conditions prevent a safe and enjoyable outing, the event will be canceled within ONE HOUR of the starting time via e-mail, text messages, and Facebook announcement.

RAIN DATE – TBD

QUESTIONS RE this outing: e-mail chielenstowner@msn.com or, in case of emergency, call or text 919-225-7323