Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge

7:30 a.m. to ~3:00 p.m.

How many birds can you identify in one day while staying within a 17-foot diameter circle? That’s the challenge of The Big Sit.

–from The Big Sit website

We will carpool to Swan Lake NWR, where the Grand River Audubon Society annually hosts its Big Sit, the first established in Missouri. This Big Sit circle coincides with a viewing platform at the edge of Swan Lake, where wetland, open water, and terrestrial habitats offer a diversity of birding potential, likely featuring a good mix of waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, and more. We may take a short walk beyond the 17’ Big Sit circle, and/or drive and bird a bit in the refuge on our departure.

This day-long event is popular for both the birding and camaraderie. The hosts set up grills and cook brats, etc., for lunch. CAS attendees are asked to bring side items and/or dessert to share. A small voluntary contribution toward the cost of the entrée would be appreciated.

Bring binoculars, and scope if you have one, something to share at lunch, plate, utensils, & cup, AND a bag chair or lawn chair. No seating is provided.

Direct questions to field trip leader Edge Wade, 1edgewade@gmail.com or 573-268-3714. Though not required, it would be much appreciated if you would notify Edge in advance if you plan to attend so we know how many drivers/cars are needed and the cook can plan for the number of mouths to fill.

The carpool will depart at 7:30 a.m. from (LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED). Edge’s car will return to Columbia at ~3 p.m. (This means leaving Swan Lake ~1:30 p.m.) Other carloads may arrange a different return time, but be sure to take into account time for lunch that begins ~11:30, and a 1.5 hour drive.