Fourteen people birded the Upper Macatawa Natural Area east of Holland this morning. Liz Notman led us through woodland habitat beside the Macatawa River and then marsh, meadow and other woodland areas along the main path east of 48th Ave.
Of the 45 bird species encountered, most were the usual spring suspects. Highlights included 5 Blue-winged Teal landing on one of the ponds, 2 Great Egrets flying overhead, a high-flying Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, Soras and Virginia Rails calling both early and late, Wilson's Snipe, Belted Kingfisher, a Northern Rough-winged Swallow (among the many Tree Swallows), a Brown Creeper, 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Hermit Thrush, and five sparrow species (Chipping, White-throated, Song, Swamp and House).
Eric Gustafson also showed us pictures of a White-eyed Vireo that he had photographed earlier on the property!
Even without the birds it was an enjoyable cool spring walk through some beautiful areas.
