Every spring, millions of birds return to North America after spending winter in the tropics. May is the peak of spring migration and offers the best chance to see some of our most beautiful birds. Woodlands and remnant prairies adjacent to the Mississippi River, including TPE’s Marowski Prairie, provide excellent viewing opportunities. With luck, we’ll see and hear a variety of species including Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee and a variety of rainbow-hued warblers.

After spending time looking and listening for birds, we’ll look down toward the ground for plants. Typical early blooming prairie plants like Pasqueflower, Bird’s-foot violet, Hoary Puccoon, Blue-eyed grass, Violet wood-sorrel and more might be in bloom. We’ll use iNaturalist to add observations to the site list. We’ll also look at the restoration efforts and discuss the management plans for the site.

DIFFICULTY:
We’ll be accessing the site from the top and mostly stay on the flatter top areas. Some hikers may want to venture down the steep slopes to see the full extent of the prairie.

TRIP LEADERS:
Craig Thompson (birding expert) and Jim Rogala

WHAT TO BRING:
Water, sturdy hiking shoes, bug repellent and dress for the weather. Bring binoculars for birding if you have them.

CONTACT:
For more information, contact Jim Rogala (jrogala@theprairieenthusiasts.org).