Discovery Bird Walk at Kohler-Andrae State Park (Wednesday Morning)
When: Wednesday, Sept. 24 • 8:00–10:00 AM
Where: Meet at the Nature Center/Visitor Center, Kohler-Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan
Cost: Free program; Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission required
Stretch your legs and your curiosity on a guided Discovery Bird Walk at Kohler-Andrae. Volunteer naturalists Janet and Andy Raddatz lead a relaxed two-hour walk through dunes, woodlands, and lakeshore habitats—prime territory for fall migration. Expect a mix of warblers and sparrows moving south, raptors riding thermals, and waterfowl along Lake Michigan.
What to expect
- Friendly, beginner-welcoming pace with frequent stops to observe and ID birds
- Tips on spotting, listening for calls, and using field marks in the field
- A bit of natural history about the park’s unique dune and swale ecosystem
- Binoculars available to borrow (first-come) if you don’t have your own
What to bring
- Weather-appropriate layers (lakeshore mornings can be cool)
- Sturdy shoes for sandy/uneven trails
- Water, hat/sunscreen, and your binoculars if you have them
- A field guide app (Merlin, eBird) if you like to log sightings
Good to know
- No registration needed; arrive a few minutes early to check in with the leaders
- Heavy rain or thunderstorms cancel; light mist/drizzle usually OK
- Restrooms and parking are available at the Visitor Center
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just bird-curious, this is an easy way to enjoy a quiet weekday morning and see Sheboygan County’s migration show up close. If you go, tell us what you spotted in the comments—we’ll feature notable sightings in next week’s roundup!