Tag Archives: Birdwatching

Michigan’s Snowy Owl Capital

A small town in the eastern Upper Peninsula has new monkiker, named for the distinctive white Arctic owl that appears in greater numbers there each year than in other parts of Michigan. Rudyard, Michigan, located in Chippewa County, is now … Continue reading

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Invasive Plants and Birds: Research Shows Native Plants Are Better for Nutrition

By Howard Meyerson Kay Charter isn’t shy about letting people know that native plants are preferred when it comes to providing nutrition for birds. She and her husband, Jim, restored 30 acres of prairie on their 44-acre Omena bird preserve, … Continue reading

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River Restoration: Is it Good for Birds?

By Howard Meyerson When Doug Klein goes birdwatching along the Thornapple River near Nashville, he often is pleased about what he finds. Birds are numerous, particularly at the nearby Nashville site where a 155-year-old dam stood until 2009, when it … Continue reading

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Protecting wildlife in Detroit’s urban core

By Howard Meyerson Toiling daily in the urban industrial zone adjacent to the Detroit River, John Hartig’s work is never finished. There are wetlands to restore and invasive plants to control, remnant pollution issues to resolve, and fish and bird … Continue reading

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Birdwatching Hotspots in Grand Rapids Michigan

By Howard Meyerson Once spring arrives and northerly bird migrations begin, Jan Lewis will grab her camera and head out to Reeds Lake. With its marshes, boardwalks and tree-lined shores, the East Grand Rapids resident and prize-winning bird photographer finds … Continue reading

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Trumpeter Swans: A Conservation Success in Michigan

By Howard Meyerson Fifty years ago the plight of Trumpeter Swans was a cause for concern in North America. The majestic birds were perched on the brink of extinction. America’s largest waterfowl species was in need of a helping hand. … Continue reading

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Climate Change: Shifting Climate, Shifting Birds

By Howard Meyerson Adam Byrne had the good fortune last year to observe a nesting pair of Blue Grosbeaks. He wasn’t in Tennessee, Florida or other southern state where they commonly sing their songs. He found them in Kalamazoo County—once … Continue reading

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Birding trails and festivals abound for Michigan bird-watchers

By Howard Meyerson Peggy Ridgway is no laggard when it comes to organizing bird-watching events. The 73-year-old retired Oscoda school teacher founded the Tawas Point Birding Festival that celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The popular Lake Huron shoreline event, … Continue reading

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Bird-friendly Communities Coming of Age

By Howard Meyerson Royce Ragland is proud that her village of Elk Rapids —population 1,642—is working to improve conditions for birds. The Antrim County community has the unique distinction of being the “first community in the world” to be certified … Continue reading

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Nature Nearby: Parks, Trails, Woods and Wildlife Within 10 minutes of downtown Grand Rapids

By Howard Meyerson Though Grand Rapids’ downtown is often bustling, nature is never far away: green havens can be found throughout the city and all along the Grand River corridor. More than two dozen natural environs can be found within … Continue reading

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