Birdwatchers top dunes for glimpses of predators

Next free parks program is Night Hike on Oct. 3 at Huyser Farm.

Caitlyn Strikwerda, naturalist with the Outdoor Discovery Center, explains the different types of birds often seen along the shoreline at Laketown Township Beach, 6710 142nd Ave., on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, as part of the Hawk Watch program. Photo by Mary Jo Bertolino

Participants in the “Hawk Watch” program caught glimpses of lakeshore birds during the free event on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, led by the Outdoor Discovery Center. The event was sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

The event was one of several bird-watching programs this season.

The first event was May 20 at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave.

The second birdwatching outing was June 10 at Sanctuary Woods Park, 4750 66th St.

A third event brought more participants back to Farview Park on Aug. 20.

Participants in the Hawk Watch program led by the Outdoor Discovery Center look for birds on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at Laketown Township Beach, 6710 142nd Ave. Photo by Mary Jo Bertolino

The next free Outdoor Discovery Event in Laketown Township is “Night Hike” on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64th St.

Step into the woods after dark for a night-time adventure. Participants will walk under the stars and use their senses to discover how much they can feel, hear, touch, and even see in the dark. Along the way, hikers will learn how nocturnal animals rely on their heightened senses to navigate the night and survive.

Suggested age range: 6 years old and up. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is required. Click here.