BY ANDREA ROSE MELDRUM
While many turned their eyes to the groundhog earlier this month for a hint of spring, birdwatchers turn their eyes to the skies, hoping to catch a glimpse of certain species of our winged-friends that truly mark the season.
This time of year, avian visitors may appear from thousands of miles away; like Snowy Owls, those arctic ghosts who take watch from telephone poles, rooftops and fields.
On the lakes sit hundreds and thousands of ducks and geese, gathering in mixed flocks or “rafts.” These rafts feed the Snowy Owls, as well as providing food for nesting Bald Eagles.
In the woods sing mixed flocks of songbirds, including wrens, Brown Creepers, nuthatches and chickadees. Woodpeckers join in with their calls and drums, hammering their beaks in a particular rhythm, hoping to attract a mate.
Bird watching, known to many as “birding,” is one of the nation’s fastest growing hobbies.
One thing that makes it so attractive is how birds can be found year-round, and just about anywhere.
From stunning red Cardinals contrasting against stark white snow; to Blue Jays gathering in groups, scolding incoming threats; to hummingbirds hovering near floral fill-up stations – the joy of watching birds extends throughout all seasons.
Observing birds leads to a sense of familiarity with common local species.
Feeding birds can accomplish this same thing. Other times, birders are dazzled by the novelty of a rare or vagrant bird, which may appear out of its usual range due to weather, food shortages or simply losing its way. Birding is unpredictable and full of surprises.
Birding can be done in silence and solitude, slowing down to disconnect and reconnect and returning to the simplicity of nature. That sense of stillness then carries over to the rest of our lives. As the poet Rumi says, “We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us.” On the other hand, birding does not have to be a solitary endeavor. It can bring together like-minded individuals, who teach, learn, and share a mutual love of birds.
If you’d like to explore birding in a group setting, join Ruth Glass, Stony Creek Nature Center Volunteer, on an upcoming Stony Creek Bird Walk. Don your binoculars, waterproof shoes, and layered clothing, and be open to whatever nature brings as winter leaves and spring arrives.
Saturday, March 23 at 8:30 a.m.
Early Spring Waterfowl and …
Meet in the Lakeview Picnic Area parking lot at Stony Creek Metropark. The group will scan the lake for waterfowl, then possibly visit other sections of the park.
Saturday, April 27 at 8:30 a.m.
Wolcott Mill Birding Hot Spots
Meet in the North Branch Trail lot of Wolcott Mill Metropark, located off Ray Center Road, south of 27 Mile. The most direct access is from 26 Mile Road, then north on Ray Center Road. The group will walk a portion of these North Branch Trails then visit other hotspots. A map will be provided to help with navigation and field notes.
Sunday, May 11, from 7 a.m. to noon
Lake St. Clair Metropark’s Annual Big Day Count
This annual count demonstrates the importance of Lake St. Clair Metropark’s various habitats as a vital migration stop. Birders of all levels are needed to help, so volunteer your time this year. Call Julie Champion at 586-463-4332 for information. Coffee and donuts will be provided; bring a lunch. Meet at the Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center.
Saturday May 25 and 8:30 a.m.
Not-so-common Grasslands Birds
Meet in Stony Creek Metropark’s Inwood Trails Parking Lot (off Inwood Road) for this walk which was the most well-attended walk of last year. Thanks to grassland rehabilitation efforts by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the northern section of the Habitat Trail is now attracting some of the most sought-after open country birds such as Grasshopper and Henslow’s Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and the elusive Yellow-breasted Chat. We will bird this general vicinity, relying heavily on hearing, so brush up on grassland bird calls to give yourself an edge on this trip.
Visit macombaudubon.net to learn more about these and other community birding events.
See more of Andrea Rose Meldrum’s content at facebook.com/littlebirdnerd or littlebirdnerd.blogspot.com.
