Seney National Wildlife
Refuge, located between the towns of Germfask and
Seney in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, provides
wonderful wildlife watching opportunities. The 7,000+
acre refuge is home to over 200 species of birds,
including breeding populations of Common Loons,
Sandhill Cranes, Trumpeter Swans, Ospreys and Bald
Eagles. It is also an easy refuge to access, with
several miles of roads and dikes that can be walked,
bicycled or driven. In this two-day field trip, led by
Senior Naturalist Janea Little and Educator Jeanne
Henderson, we'll explore these easily-accessible parts
of the refuge, including a 1-1/2-mile walking trail
near the Visitor Center. Our time will be split
between driving the roads of the refuge and walking
various trails and roads to look and listen for
wildlife.
Late June is a wonderful time of year to visit the
refuge, as we are likely to see families (with young)
of loons, cranes and swans, eagles and ospreys on
nests, and dozens (likely nearing 100) of species of
other birds. Mammals are often more shy and difficult
to spot, but we'll keep our eyes open for otter,
moose, beaver, black bear and fox (gray and red). In
addition, we'll take note of the butterflies, flowers,
frogs and other fauna and flora of this special place.
Of course, the reality of June in the Upper Peninsula
is that we will also encounter a truly dazzling
display of mosquitoes, deer flies, horse flies, black
flies and even ticks, so participants are encouraged
to bring appropriate protection (head nets, insect and
tick repellents). June also provides long, long days,
and since the best time for viewing wildlife is at
dusk and at dawn, be prepared to stay up late Saturday
night (10 p.m. at least) and get up EARLY on Sunday
(we'll leave the motel at 6 a.m.).
Transportation for this trip will be provided via
CNC's vans (seating on a first-come basis). Lodging
will be shared rooms at the Jolly Inn in
Germfask. Transportation and lodging are included
in the fee. Meals will be sack meals/snacks for
Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast, plus two meals
out that are NOT included in the fee.
Coffee is not available at the motel, or at local
restaurants until well after we will be in the refuge.
The motel rooms do not have microwaves, or phones, but
they are clean, with two double beds and full baths.
Bring a sack meal for dinner on Saturday, breakfast
items for Sunday morning, and any snacks you'll need
in between. We'll have two meals out (not included in
trip fee) -- lunch on Saturday in Mackinaw City, and
lunch in St. Ignace on the way home.
Because we don't want to miss any wildlife watching
opportunities at the refuge, we need to CHECK OUT of
the motel by 6 a.m. Sunday morning.
CNC will provide spotting scopes, but you are welcome
to bring your own if you like. Loaner binoculars are
available, but let us know ahead of time so we'll have
them ready for departure.
Cameras are welcome, though we'll generally be on the
move and won't have time for serious tripod shots.
Itinerary
SATURDAY
9:00 a.m. Depart CNC
Noon Stop for lunch at a restaurant in Mackinaw City
1:30 p.m. Depart for Germfask
3:00 p.m. Check-in at Jolly Motel
4:00 p.m. Depart for Seney refuge (5-minute drive).
Explore Visitor Center exhibits, nature store, and
sightings updates.
DINNER IS SACK-LUNCH STYLE, NO FORMAL TIME (to
maximize wildlife viewing time)
5:00 p.m. Walk 1.4-mile nature trail (begins and ends
at Visitor Center)
7:00 p.m. Drive Marshland Wildlife Drive, with some
short walks from van.
10:00 p.m. Return to motel
SUNDAY
6:00 a.m. Depart for Seney. Depending on previous
day's sightings, explore new areas ("fishing
loop" road, Driggs River Road, etc.) or repeat
Marshland Drive.
NO FORMAL BREAKFAST -- bring snacks, breakfast bars,
etc.
10:00 a.m. Return to Visitor Center (bathroom, report
sightings, final questions for staff)
11:00 a.m. Depart for St. Ignace
12:30 p.m. Lunch at restaurant in St. Ignace
2:00 p.m. Depart for CNC (arrive approximately 5 p.m.)
RECOMMENDED
EQUIPMENT LIST
- Insect repellent
with DEET (for ticks) and/or mosquito netting for
head/body
- Thermos for coffee
addicts -- fill 'er up at restaurant the day
before and hope for the best come Sunday morning!
- Raingear
- Binoculars/field
guides
- Spotting scope
- Food/beverage for
Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast, plus snacks
if meals out come later than desired
- Comfortable footwear
for walking -- no serious hiking
- Earplugs (the motel
is very close to the highway)
- Back-up alarm clock
- Hat or other head
covering to keep deer flies at bayc
- Plan to dress in
long sleeves/long pants due to insects.
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