Special Election of Officers in February 2022

Nominate another club member or volunteer yourself from now until January 31, 2022, to be president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer of the Muskegon County Nature Club next season (Sept. 16, 2022 - Sept. 21, 2023).  Members will vote anonymously at our meeting on February 17, 2022, or non-anonymously by mail or email from February 18 until February 28, 2022.

(Ric will not be the club’s president after September 16, 2022, but will remain an active member and help whoever succeeds him in every way he can.)

October 23 Field Trip Report

The forecasted weather (cloudy with a 15% chance of rain) didn't hold true for yesterday's conditions at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area.  Instead the day began with ground fog and mostly clear skies.  The sun burned off the fog fairly quickly.  Then clouds hurried in from the northwest and rain sprinkled us for much of the rest of the morning.  Nonetheless, on our walk along the trails six-and-three-halves of us found many individual birds of 34 different species.

Notable were seven waterbirds (Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal) plus Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, White-crowned Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warbler. 

Carol Cooper took these pictures:

Watching the Red-tailed Hawk on the pole.

Surveying the ponds from the look-out platform.

Bird Calendars Available

October 20 Email:

    In case you or anyone you know is interested…. If you like the photography I produce, there are 2022 calendars for sale at the Bird House on Lake Street in North Muskegon that highlight photography of various sorts.  

    There is a calendar that has been created of Richard’s Park …the park that now can only be entered when heading away from North Muskegon on the Causeway …formerly could be entered also from Ottawa Street.  The calendar was created as a fundraiser to create awareness/ appreciation for that little park…  The money gained from the purchase of calendars has allowed for the purchase of a number of bird houses and one bat house that have been installed around the park in various trees.  

    There is a second calendar that features wildlife from around the State of Michigan…and one from Minnesota (Great Gray Owl…that can also be seen occasionally in Michigan)

    The third calendar is one that features views of our Muskegon lakeshores….beauty abounds!

    Just thought I’d mention that to you as we’re nearing the end of 2021 already….2022 will be here in a FLASH of time!

- Ruth Achterhoff Aust