Sunday, April 23, 2017

April 22 Field Trip Report


Twenty people participated in this morning's field trip to Grand River Park in eastern Ottawa County.  Ric's sincere apologies to those who got wet feet after we promised no such thing.

The Young ...

... and the Not-As-Young

We were amazed to see the Grand River within its banks this morning.  On our "dry run" for this trip on April 11 the water was approximately at this yellow line:


After birding along the river, we might have been wiser to head to Grand Ravines Park North.  Our feet were dry until we walked the trails south and away from the river.  Go figure.

On the brighter side, we did find 42 species of birds this lovely cool day including black-billed swans (3 Tundra/Trumpeters flew over us at the boat launch ramp), Double-crested Cormorant, Red-tailed Hawk (4 presumably migrating overhead), Virginia Rail (calling north of the parking lot), Sandhill Crane, Belted Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee and Eastern Meadowlark.

Heading southwest we came upon a Garter Snake, perhaps a sign that we should turn around?  


Hopefully everyone enjoyed the morning.  The park had lots of birds today; imagine what it will have in May!

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Two Upcoming Events


May 5-7 Bonus Field Trip
Berrien County
Ken Sapkowski

Many of us will be watching for spring migrants at several Berrien County locations this first weekend in May.  Those of you who have received Ken's emails regarding this trip will get another no later than Thursday, April 13, or contact Ken.  Anyone not on Ken's email list who would like to be added should contact Ken or Ric.


Still Want to Count Birds on May 13?

Although the North American Migration Count no longer exists, Brian Johnson is still interested in collecting Muskegon County bird information on the second Saturday of May.  Some people who used to census birds for the N.A.M.C. will continue birding their same locations and sending their numbers to Brian.  If you would like to be part of this, please contact Brian or Ric.