March 18 Field Trip
Our scheduled field trip to the Upper Macatawa Natural Area was canceled due to the bad weather.
March 21 Program
Fostering Backyard Habitats to Attract Birds
Curtis Dykstra
Learn to maximize your yard's maximum potential as bird habitat. Go beyond just the use of bird feeders and look at how you can create an intentional habitat structure in your own yard that will attract birds for their benefit and your viewing pleasure. The three main ingredients that work in concert with each other to achieve this goal will be discussed and you’ll learn what unique birds your yard could attract. Additionally, speaker Curtis Dykstra will describe the motivation behind and implementation of Hemlock Crossing’s bird feeder observation area and what opportunities Ottawa County Parks has for you to learn and enjoy birds even more!
Curtis graduated in 1999 from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, with a degree in Environmental Studies. Since then, his experience as an educator and naturalist includes being a teacher, State Park Ranger in eastern North Carolina, and Assistant Director of Outdoor Education at Camp Roger in Rockford. Since 2013, Curtis has served as a Parks Naturalist for Ottawa County. He is an avid birder and delights in sharing this passion with others.
(Our programs are in conjunction with the Owashtanog Islands Audubon Society. Social Time: 6:00-6:30, Program: 6:30-8:00, at the Covenant Life Church, 101 Columbus Ave. in Grand Haven.)
March 25
Bluebird Box Cleaning at M.C.R.R.C.
Grand Rapids Audubon Club
Bluebird Box Cleaning At The Muskegon Wastewater (Resource Recovery Centerj
One way we can help our local nesting birds is by providing places for them to nest. Jim Ponshair started several bluebird box trails at the Muskegon Wastewater. This Has helped the Wastewater win environmental awards. This does add up to a large number of boxes to clean every year and we need a good size group to do the job. The annual bluebird box cleaning is a great way to learn your way around the Muskegon Wastewater. It’s also a good way to learn about bluebird boxes, how to clean them, and see how the type of box and habitat affects who uses the box. Since we’re at the Wastewater, we usually see some good birds while we work. You may even get to meet mice or Flying Squirrels up close and personal. And you get to helpthe bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, wrens and other birds that use the boxes. This year you can meet the group, or head directly to clean your group of boxes. Send Steve an email at sdminard@gmail.com to get a group of boxes to clean. If you want, we will meet at the Maple Island Road entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater System at 9:00 am. From there, we will split up to clean out boxes in different areas. Lunch is one your own this year. Following lunch you can meet at 1:00 pm for some birding at the nearby Muskegon State Game Area Headquarters off Maple Island Rd to look for early migrants. This can be an all day trip, or you can head out before or after lunch. For all the carpenters and box builders out there, we always need more bluebird boxes. Please bring any boxes you have available.
Essentials: Meet at the Maple Island Road entrance to the Muskegon Wastewater System at 9:00 am. This is a bit north of White Road. Come dressed for the weather. Bring your spotting scope if you have one and bring some tools (screwdrivers, pliers, scrapper, hammer and nails)and gloves for cleaning out the bluebird houses. Or head directly to your boxes.
Safety Hazards: Driving in a caravan can be hazardous. Get directions from the leader for travel to the next stop. Please exercise caution on the roads at all times, and watch the car ahead of you when driving in a caravan. Please have a passenger handle all radio or phone communications while in a car.
