A
new book, Birds of Ottawa County,
Michigan: An Annotated Checklist, includes
the most up-to-date information on the 328 species of birds that have
been observed in Ottawa County over the years. Each species account
includes current breeding status and describes when the bird is
present in the county and how likely you are to see each species at
the appropriate time of the year. There is additional information on
range, natural history and locations for many species. There are
also seasonal bar graphs for each species that quickly show when each
bird is present and how common it is when it is present. In addition
to the species accounts and graphs, the book lists over 20 of the
best birding locations and provides valuable information about
birding in Ottawa County.
The
book is coauthored by Chip Francke, Carl Manning, and Judi Manning.
The authors volunteered all their time writing and researching this
publication. Ottawa County Parks funded the project and all proceeds
from book sales will go to the Ottawa County Parks Nature Education
Center.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Michigan artist
Amelia Hansen including an original color painting of Pileated
Woodpeckers for the front cover. Over 25 of her excellent black and
white bird illustrations are found throughout this publication.
Amelia was chosen to be the 2015 International Migratory Bird Day
artist. You can see more of her work at the Ottawa County Parks
Nature Education Center. Local Muskegon graphic designer Amy Gustin
completed the layout of the book and created the seasonal bar graphs.
The
156 page book costs $14.95 and can be purchased at the Ottawa County
Parks Nature Education Center located at Hemlock Crossing County Park
in Port Sheldon Township (closed Monday). For more information,
please call 616-786-4847.
