If you’ve ever paused to admire a cardinal’s crimson plumage or been mesmerized by a murmuration of starlings, you’re not alone. Grand Valley State University’s new Ornithology Club aims to turn fleeting curiosity into a full-fledged passion for birding.
Founded by AJ Dykema, a wildlife biology student at GVSU, the group is taking off with a mission to deepen appreciation for birds and their ecological importance. Ornithology Club held their first birding trip on Friday, Feb. 7, which allowed club members to hike the University’s trails and observe varying bird species.
For Dykema, their birding journey began in the Winter 2024 semester when they took an ornithology class with Professors Joe Jacquot and Nick Preville. What started as a class quickly became an obsession. Armed with a new pair of binoculars and employed at a public park, Dykema began birding almost daily, spotting diverse species. Their growing love for birds soon led them to search for a campus organization where fellow enthusiasts could connect, only to find that none existed.
“I was surprised when I found out we (the University) didn’t have one (a birding club), so I took it upon myself to remedy that,” Dykema said.
Ornithology Club became official with the support of additional E-board members, Ambrose Hillman, Kira Belcher and Lyn Andrews, along with the group’s faculty advisor, Professor Daniel Goldberg. Now, the club is eager to welcome both seasoned birders and complete beginners into the flock.
However, the group isn’t just about watching birds, it’s also about advocacy, education and conservation.
“Much like there is ‘plant blindness,’ where humans tend to overlook plant species, we believe there is something similar with birds,” Dykema said.
While it might go over most people’s heads, birds play an essential role in ecosystems by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds and controlling pest populations. The club hopes to raise awareness of these vital contributions while also advocating for avian conservation and research. Through birding expeditions, the club leaders hope members will not only sharpen their bird identification skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for birds’ beauty.
The club’s first official birding trip was just the beginning. Future outings will take members to some of the region’s best birding spots, including the Muskegon Wastewater Treatment Plant, a prime location for spotting waterfowl and shorebirds. They will also visit Grand Ravines Park, home to a diverse range of songbirds and raptors, as well as Lake Michigan’s shoreline, a haven for gulls, terns and other coastal species. With each trip, members will have the chance to sharpen their birding skills and explore the natural biotope of West Michigan.
“Observing birds in the wild is stimulating and fascinating,” Dykema said. “Even if you aren’t particularly interested in their biology, birds boast some of the most vibrant colors found in the animal kingdom. (Birding) is a wonderful opportunity to engage yourself with the outdoors.”
Beyond birding trips, the club aims to collaborate with local avian rescues by helping injured birds and supporting conservation efforts. Additionally, they plan to advocate for bird-friendly initiatives on campus, such as installing anti-collision decals to reduce bird strikes on dorm and classroom windows.
For Dykema, birding is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifelong passion that offers intellectual stimulation, outdoor adventure and a sense of connection with nature. They hope others will discover the same joy.
“Birds are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems and (they) contribute to our planet’s awe-inspiring faunal and floral biodiversity,” Dykema said. “Birds made their earthly debut (having) evolved from Theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic times, making them a species with an incredibly rich and interesting evolutionary history.”
Andrews, the club’s membership officer, is especially excited to build a community of people who share a passion for nature and discovery.
“During the summer, I was able to go birding very frequently, but since the school year started, I’ve had very few opportunities,” Andrews said. “While I would still consider myself new to birding, and have only gone on trips alone, I am thrilled to start again and meet others who have the same interest in ornithology.”
Andrews’ journey with birding began in high school when her psychology teacher, who also ran Nature Club, introduced her to the “hidden magic” of wooded ecosystems.
“There’s a quiet focus and anticipation in birding that requires you to be fully present, and after a while, you can notice that magic in your daily life,” Andrews said.
Her passion for ornithology inspired her to join the club’s E-board. She jumped at the chance to be involved, and encourages other students to do the same.
With members eager to band together for birding, Ornithology Club’s future events and meeting times are to be determined.
