tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62987851071509798872024-03-21T09:21:03.446-04:00Brigham Audubon - Battle Creek, MIA Chapter of Michigan AudubonMike Boycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17687424896445666316noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-64688801265908691392009-11-30T12:28:00.001-05:002009-11-30T12:35:08.801-05:00Bird Expert to Speak at Binder Park Zoo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwkkzO28ftsu0twuKA9Mi4iPBUgZpX13eQ_qmEXXoOFHPm7e8ehL16t5FdSK8Dt8-7fmtuKrxFUspeT7ToLVyIFB1VkJprrlHP63TD_ulMVVf_-1FpmNb5WfClsWdlOn6CoDyDuUTtFlu/s1600/birdersworld.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409951521473455058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwkkzO28ftsu0twuKA9Mi4iPBUgZpX13eQ_qmEXXoOFHPm7e8ehL16t5FdSK8Dt8-7fmtuKrxFUspeT7ToLVyIFB1VkJprrlHP63TD_ulMVVf_-1FpmNb5WfClsWdlOn6CoDyDuUTtFlu/s320/birdersworld.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Battle Creek, MI</strong> November 25, 2009 – Binder Park Zoo and Brigham Audubon are welcoming special guest speaker Eldon Griej, on <strong>Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m</strong>. for a presentation titled "Those Amazing Birds: A Look at Some Intriguing Behaviors." This is the third lecture of Binder Park Zoo and the Brigham Audubon Chapter of Michigan Audubon Fall Speaker Series.<br /><br />Eldon was born and raised in North Dakota, attending college at Valley City State. He earned an M.S. from North Dakota State University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 1969. Griej taught at Hope College for 26 years, leaving in 1988 to launch Birder's World magazine. He sold the magazine in 1995, edited it through 1998, and served as a consultant through 1999. He continues to write a column for the magazine entitled, "Those Amazing Birds." Since leaving the magazine, Eldon has functioned as a free-lance writer, and has led birding tours on the Peruvian Amazon as well as in Kenya and Tanzania. He frequently gives programs on birds and birding to various groups and participates in numerous birding festivals.<br /><br />A short Brigham Audubon business meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, with the lecture beginning immediately afterwards at 7:15 pm. The lecture will take place in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). The event is free to the public. For more information, please contact Binder Park Zoo: 269-979-1351.</div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-56666605397057094582009-11-10T14:41:00.002-05:002009-11-10T15:04:41.885-05:00Central Region chapter leaders to meet November 14Representatives of Brigham Audubon will be attending a special session held by <a href="http://michiganaudubon.org/">Michigan Audubon</a> on Saturday, November 14, at the <a href="http://dahlemcenter.org/">Dahlem Center </a>in Jackson. The meeting will include updates from each Central Region chapter of <a href="http://michiganaudubon.org/">Michigan Audubon</a>, as well as presentations on topics pertaining to chapter activities. <br /><br />For more information, contact <a href="http://michiganaudubon.org/">Michigan Audubon </a>at 517-886-9144.Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-42917761239828143552009-07-01T10:19:00.003-04:002009-07-01T10:35:34.866-04:00Paddling excusion planned<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfzdsNPDmaA44X7adpPp2B1l58ioM3CKsVQpgdjv3rBlPF9FE2RFazl_taUQr1AHZnMmOFtnj_ZTq8uF4L8XTv2Xl4Ueok-mUdHmYsYaLNlNPAKczhBcIFq_6lCdctNmVY58B1kV2KU41/s1600-h/MAS_Logo_Email.jpg"></a>Michigan Audubon will lead a canoe/kayak float on Barry County's Fish Lake, July 11th. Participants should meet at the Fish Lake Public Access on Guernsey Lake Road at 7:45 am. The paddle distance is approximately 2 miles. We expect to see herons and various waterfowl species, along with Osprey, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, as well as many species of turtles, frogs, snakes, and mammals. Paddlers need to provide your own canoe or kayak and associated gear. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are mandatory. Registration is required and costs $15/members, $25/non-members. Contact Wendy Tatar at <a href="mailto:wendy@michiganaudubon.org">wendy@michiganaudubon.org</a> or 517-886-9144. The trip is limited to 10 vessels. See you on the water!Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-64127879760310193542009-05-18T12:55:00.004-04:002009-05-18T12:58:08.343-04:00Cerulean Warbler Weekend, June 5 - 7 in Hastings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboJUxP2W75ZHJa2TXFPhs25EZ7hQJFooik7bmNCxFiiTA7Ss8mAgir-Glu2CcX6wcAMtfMN5GKL44zjhMxUVbLR616IEIsLNZyREuGT-IelwHNoavy9U6L7qJ_YwQnGnivmBS2u2D5f6P/s1600-h/CERW+Online+Media.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337209097783049154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboJUxP2W75ZHJa2TXFPhs25EZ7hQJFooik7bmNCxFiiTA7Ss8mAgir-Glu2CcX6wcAMtfMN5GKL44zjhMxUVbLR616IEIsLNZyREuGT-IelwHNoavy9U6L7qJ_YwQnGnivmBS2u2D5f6P/s320/CERW+Online+Media.jpg" border="0" /></a>Join Michigan Audubon for a weekend of fun and learning about North America's fastest-declining song bird. The weekend will include workshops, hikes through Cerulean Warbler habitat, a pancake breakfast, a "birding by kayak" class, and a "birds and brew" banquet at the Walldorff Brew Pub & Bistro in downtown Hastings, MI.<br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.michiganaudubon.org/">Click Here for More Information</a></div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-14595411692775742472009-02-23T09:51:00.005-05:002009-03-03T09:48:30.078-05:00Baker Sanctuary - 2009 Program Schedule<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5faRjYNaXTePES29A9eq9aearoEps20mGqBl3nbrrACZ1aApi3pDX4f3BnLoSGRvgtB_Yi3UtPM2vSDD5g4b9-DuaasPHHXmNn7APQDonE21pg6t2a8-C-kOHpIoihb5U_m0IROdOleEF/s1600-h/baker+cropped(MB).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306008054490680418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5faRjYNaXTePES29A9eq9aearoEps20mGqBl3nbrrACZ1aApi3pDX4f3BnLoSGRvgtB_Yi3UtPM2vSDD5g4b9-DuaasPHHXmNn7APQDonE21pg6t2a8-C-kOHpIoihb5U_m0IROdOleEF/s320/baker+cropped(MB).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Michigan Audubon is proud to announce the 2009 line-up of programs at the Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary. </div><div> </div><div align="center"><strong>Detailed information about program times, costs, etc. is now posted at</strong> <a href="http://www.bakersanctuary.org/">http://www.bakersanctuary.org/</a>. </div><div> </div><div>See you at the sanctuary!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Birdwatching at Baker Sanctuary</strong><br />Saturday, March 21<br /><br /><strong>Baker Lodge Spring Cleaning<br /></strong>Saturday, April 18<br /><br /><strong>Birdwatching at Baker Sanctuary</strong><br />Saturday, May 30<br /><br /><strong>Seasonal Wildflower Identification</strong><br />Saturday, June 6<br /><br /><strong>Night Walk on the Meadow & Marshlands Trail<br /></strong>Saturday, June 6<br /><br /><strong>Building & Maintaining Nest Boxes for Wildlife</strong><br />Saturday, July 18<br /><br /><strong>Prairie Wildflower Identification<br /></strong>Saturday, August 15<br /><br /><strong>Birdwatching & Prairie Wildflower Identification</strong><br />Saturday, September 12<br /><br /><strong>Harvest Moon Hike<br /></strong>Sunday, October 4<br /><br /><strong>Sandhill Crane Viewing Program<br /></strong>Weekends TBA (October)<br /><br /><strong>Basics of GPS & Geocaching</strong><br />Saturday, November 7<br /><br /><strong>Fundamentals of Nature Photography<br /></strong>Saturday, December 5</div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-2399081991234188012009-01-21T08:34:00.003-05:002009-01-21T08:51:54.156-05:00Winter Bird Programs - SW MichiganHere's a sample of programs happening in our area. Enjoy!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Young Birders' Bird-a-rrific Bonanza!</strong>:<br />Kalamazoo Junior Audubon - Saturday, January 24, 2008, 10:00am - 1:00pm<br />Meet: Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009<br /><a href="http://www.kalamazooaudubon.org/junioraudubon.html">http://www.kalamazooaudubon.org/junioraudubon.html</a><br /><br /><em>Shake the snow from your feathers and join us as we play bird-games, learn interesting bird-facts and eat yummy bird-food snacks and pizza. Fun, hands-on stations will be set up for you and your family to explore the fascinating world of birds and we'll end the day with Bird Jeopardy where you can win exciting prizes.</em> <br /><br /><strong>Winter Bird Walk</strong><br />Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor's Center - February 14, 10:00 am<br /><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/WolfLake_204175_7.pdf">http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/WolfLake_204175_7.pdf</a><br /><br /><em>Join the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo to discover the many birds that stay in Michigan throughout the winter. We will be taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count by keeping track of what we see and submitting the information to a national database. The program lasts approximately 90 minutes.</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>Great Backyard Bird Counts</strong>:<br />Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary, Bellevue - February 13 - 15<br />Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary, Hastings - February 13 - 15<br /><a href="http://www.michiganaudubon.org/">www.michiganaudubon.org</a><br /><em></em><br /><em>Visit the sanctuary, meet the manager, and help Michigan Audubon count birds in over 1,000 acres of backyard bird habitat!</em><br /><em></em><br /><strong>All Ages Birds of Prey Program:</strong><br />Pierce Cedar Creek Institute - Friday, February 20, 7:00 - 8:30pm<br />Member Adults $6; Member Children $4; Non-Member Adults $8; Non-Member Children $6)<br /><a href="http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/events.htm">http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/events.htm</a><br /><br /><em>The Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) presents live birds of prey. Guests will come face to face with many of Michigan’s native hawks and falcons. This informative presentation will include such topics as raptor adaptations, hunting tactics and migration. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to be up-close to some of nature’s most efficient winged hunters!</em><br /><em></em>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-21894184115685473972009-01-13T16:09:00.003-05:002009-01-13T16:15:06.760-05:00January 14th Meeting to Feature Piping Plovers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WJg_rWQf3FTXvh36JrecAfao9s92HXLKTnp8uo4tzIYAm6J_TjejsXrDvtPj1wMRyogjBiZ8cyQkj1dGGl4BwAyKtWk5aeXK-4aEdaN2PbyU0zZ-IrEjvcNLojjHzm4ziT6R6115MRuC/s1600-h/ppl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290889356302430322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WJg_rWQf3FTXvh36JrecAfao9s92HXLKTnp8uo4tzIYAm6J_TjejsXrDvtPj1wMRyogjBiZ8cyQkj1dGGl4BwAyKtWk5aeXK-4aEdaN2PbyU0zZ-IrEjvcNLojjHzm4ziT6R6115MRuC/s320/ppl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette_community_extra/2009/01/zoo_to_host_talk_about_piping.html">Zoo to host talk about piping plover preservation</a></div><div></div><div>Kalamazoo Gazette - MLive.com - Kalamazoo,MI,USA</div><div>BATTLE CREEK -- Binder Park Zoo is kicking off the year with a free lecture about one of Michigan's most endangered bird species at 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. ...<a href="http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette_community_extra/2009/01/zoo_to_host_talk_about_piping.html">READ MORE</a></div><br /><div></div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-32461997305743893372009-01-12T10:03:00.003-05:002009-01-12T10:08:47.897-05:00105th Annual Conference - Register Today!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mgxzx5hlXOoWjlUWaAud0T995nBaR7Ne44mzIqnAPtkDNwtYJpYXUWuNfVJCPfj25k6YgGkDMqdlGbJ9qGuDOt-f42UVXlX8fw6jrfMPLG2CHzJRmZCZL0Gkizp_Tm6DJXSR6j9AVnvh/s1600-h/Email+Logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290424292586487298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 92px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mgxzx5hlXOoWjlUWaAud0T995nBaR7Ne44mzIqnAPtkDNwtYJpYXUWuNfVJCPfj25k6YgGkDMqdlGbJ9qGuDOt-f42UVXlX8fw6jrfMPLG2CHzJRmZCZL0Gkizp_Tm6DJXSR6j9AVnvh/s200/Email+Logo.jpg" border="0" /></a>Michigan Audubon will hold its 105th Annual Conference on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, at Michigan State University's Kellogg Center. The conference, titled "Michigan's Magnificent Birds" will provide updates on species such as Piping Plovers, Bald Eagles, Waterfowl. In addition, expert speakers will talk about conservation issues in Michigan that are currently affecting our state's birds.<br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">To learn more about the conference, including registration information, please visit:</div><div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.michiganaudubon.org/annual_meeting/annual_meeting-2009.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Michigan's Magnificent Birds 2009</span></a></strong></div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-80505574641043678712008-12-19T11:49:00.008-05:002008-12-22T10:10:35.606-05:00Snowshoeing with Binoculars<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNj-cfdnVsc-z17RSZAa3q7VOWTOeOYrXAjDJz1rLZ5mJWJIfcVmg2_2_cEs8SPmn29ekVvqHjXK7DJTtxxMhwtgv2JcOZsh4YhSk5sXylTmZsSexIIVy4SexcXdu7vgfWepWnHfCaiu10/s1600-h/BCC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281563273196323650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNj-cfdnVsc-z17RSZAa3q7VOWTOeOYrXAjDJz1rLZ5mJWJIfcVmg2_2_cEs8SPmn29ekVvqHjXK7DJTtxxMhwtgv2JcOZsh4YhSk5sXylTmZsSexIIVy4SexcXdu7vgfWepWnHfCaiu10/s400/BCC.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>On the eve of the Winter Solstice, Michigan is enduring one of its first major snowstorms of the season. Schools are closed, roads are impassable, and the sound of a lone, struggling snowblower echoes through the neighborhood. </div><br /><div>Despite the wintry weather, though, I've just spotted a Junco outside my window. There goes a Cardinal. A Chickadee. I know of a stand of conifers where Long-eared Owls take refuge in conditions like these. The temptation to find winter birds is simply too great, so I begin to don layers of waffle-knit and fleece garments for the trek outdoors.</div><br /><div>Essential for my journey are good pair of snowshoes. Mine are nothing fancy--an aluminum-framed set with vinyl panels and plastic bindings. I bought them at a nearby <a href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8032165">"big box" store</a>. I prefer to use an old pair of cross-country ski poles, salvaged from a local <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=goodwill+loc:+battle+creek,+mi&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=32.335236,56.25&ie=UTF8&z=11">thrift store</a>, for balance. The loops over each handle are essential for quickly accessing my binoculars. </div><br /><div>Today I am glad to have my father's old pair of Bushnells, because I can easily turn the large focus wheel without removing my heavy mitts. I don't use a harness, but you might find one useful for keeping your binocs from swinging to and fro. My layers and oversized winter coat are keeping everything in place today. I snug a beanie hat down to my eyebrows and head outside to begin my adventure, snowshoeing with binoculars.</div><br /><div>If you are interested in learning more about snowshoeing, visit these websites for basic information:</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkygYSZwxl0SqbLpa6YeinTTadV4geq0SZ7Gl9AjuqhDeMCXkEqBaiLjPlWCQdQFyaVKXSSEQ4kLpL2Zzc_VZiDOEU3Qu5xgyxMyrlJLmN7Z2Ue_yXPD2k_mfccRkENt5uG0JyoVfwYGIj/s1600-h/snowshoe.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.llbean.com/outdoorsOnline/outdoorSports/winterSports/tips/">Winter Sports Tips from LL Bean</a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/quick+tips+snowshoeing.html">Quick Tips for Snowshoeing from REI</a></div><br /><div>Enjoy!</div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-67149818391917980632008-12-15T11:40:00.010-05:002008-12-15T11:51:26.881-05:00Baker Sanctuary - Winter Wonderland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUTKVjnIg2e7qO7W-95g4SnbAaAGiOVCRU7YuSTCsD9tto415sp_yfO72cZbiYlSjNR1CWjHqvpwRf2CTx95NaKnG0i3ABa-XNVH1itIobykGLTMGZlm0v3aYUb5zeG1KlmpIUI24wgw7/s1600-h/Winter+Baker.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280058266678692834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUTKVjnIg2e7qO7W-95g4SnbAaAGiOVCRU7YuSTCsD9tto415sp_yfO72cZbiYlSjNR1CWjHqvpwRf2CTx95NaKnG0i3ABa-XNVH1itIobykGLTMGZlm0v3aYUb5zeG1KlmpIUI24wgw7/s200/Winter+Baker.jpg" border="0" /></a>Baker Sanctuary covers 898 acres near Bellevue, Michigan. "Baker" is well-known for being America’s first crane sanctuary, established in 1941. From Spring until late Fall, visitors are treated to the sight of nesting and migrating sandhill cranes. The area is dominated by the 200-acre Big Marsh Lake, a restored wetland flooding. More than 200 species of birds and dozens of species of mammals have been recorded here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Photograph: Baker Sanctuary Resident Manager, Mike Boyce</span></em><br /><br />Winter is an ideal time to explore the two separate trails in the sanctuary: the Meadow and Marshland Trail on the sanctuary’s west side, and the Doty Native Wildflower Trail on the sanctuary’s northeast side. Cross-country skis, snowshoes, or just a good pair of boots are all that are needed for a day of adventure at Baker. Keep a sharp eye out for Pine Siskins, <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-breasted_Nuthatch.html">Red-</a> and <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-breasted_Nuthatch.html">White-Breasted Nuthatches</a>, <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-capped_Chickadee.html">Black-Capped Chickadees</a>, <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Cardinal.html">Northern Cardinals</a>, and more! Photographers--Baker is an ideal place to hone your skills after a snowfall; Families--you will find the sanctuary to be a safe enjoyable experience for nature-lovers of all ages.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.bakersanctuary.org/mm_trail.html">See you on the trail! </a></strong></div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-50954454812399862832008-12-01T10:44:00.005-05:002008-12-01T10:53:59.666-05:002009 Christmas Bird Count<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHpEIQM3T7iBu_IzNbV3seEfrFpOHxFkMo9Z3oqekg5V4ys7_CiDo8seUn3XM4fdELBETZQ6K6WpPXPs_FKkJFkshfs9YZDgvXmgj1rPvDtyXMox_m6OcvzMmdf-53AnwUFrTXgWxvlTB/s1600-h/black-capped+chickadee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274849834547912914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHpEIQM3T7iBu_IzNbV3seEfrFpOHxFkMo9Z3oqekg5V4ys7_CiDo8seUn3XM4fdELBETZQ6K6WpPXPs_FKkJFkshfs9YZDgvXmgj1rPvDtyXMox_m6OcvzMmdf-53AnwUFrTXgWxvlTB/s200/black-capped+chickadee.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>From the <a href="http://www.audubon.org/">National Audubon Society</a>:</em> <div><em></em></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>From December 14, 2008 through January 5, 2009, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists will head out on an annual mission - often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house in the middle of winter.</div><br /><div></div><div>Each of the citizen scientists who brave snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count make an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations - and to help guide conservation action.<br /></div><br /><div>From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition -- and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.michiganaudubon.org/cbc.html">Click here to find a Christmas Bird Count in Michigan.</a></strong></div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-50071046572939044922008-11-24T10:45:00.005-05:002008-11-24T10:55:18.931-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjf9EYbqTlU0j826Sm0-QAV6KLvMMJ4x52y6IJzg9u6vDmq5IonoqSJ3CwwhRUyOj9m3Lwnj1YLqnRxDcLrXgnwWZc8xGNjh7v_xIc_Uv0DbEmjwpFShTX5Hzn-pWT-cC3s04AIY0Apxd/s1600-h/turkey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272252857357556594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjf9EYbqTlU0j826Sm0-QAV6KLvMMJ4x52y6IJzg9u6vDmq5IonoqSJ3CwwhRUyOj9m3Lwnj1YLqnRxDcLrXgnwWZc8xGNjh7v_xIc_Uv0DbEmjwpFShTX5Hzn-pWT-cC3s04AIY0Apxd/s320/turkey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Wild Turkey</strong><br /><em>Meleagris gallapavo</em><br /><br /><strong>Did you know?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Wild turkeys are one of only two domesticated species originating in the New World. The Muscovy Duck is the other.<br /><br />Also, European explorers took Wild Turkeys to Europe from Mexico in the early 1500s. They were successfully domesticated in Europe and English colonists brought them back when they settled on the Atlantic Coast. Domestic birds retain the white tail tip of the original Mexican subspecies, and that character can be used to distinguish wandering barnyard birds from wild turkeys which have chestnut-brown tail tips.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">This information comes from the <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Wild_Turkey.html">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a>.</div></div>Michigan Audubonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13340029652315831429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-24222939018558092002008-11-04T11:15:00.004-05:002008-11-04T11:41:00.172-05:00Grassland Birds the Focus of Central Region Meeting<div align="left">On Saturday, November 1, Michigan Audubon Chapter leaders, members, and Michigan Audubon staff gathered at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dahlem</span> Center in Jackson. The agenda for the meeting included two talks on grassland birds and an update on the organizational structure and happenings at Michigan Audubon.<br /><br />Michigan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DNR's</span> Dan Kennedy presented an over view of Michigan’s grasslands, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">savannas</span> and fens. Dan highlighted the dramatic change of Michigan's landscape, most notably the loss of native grasslands. He described what caused the changes and how Michigan Audubon and its chapters can assist with managing, restoring, or recovering grasslands. </div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264842729499319746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7mvZwd6Y8FXP92rr49YPZRHTGGp4iaU901y_gXCPMANr4BfVUigW60GaWUoezgM8oFetv47MgJLRwirHTlelFAvcSRQFXRuGtGhi2VkPuzXp-4PF20YCJEbCl_HKBGWFm3TQ0M0TML48/s400/Bobolink.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bobolink - Photo by: Corey Gildersleeve</span></p><p align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dea</span> Armstrong made a presentation on two sites in the City of Ann Arbor where grassland management has been successful: the airport and a capped landfill. She spoke of the effect that mowing late in the season had on the success of nesting Bobolinks and other birds. The group learned the importance of convincing landowners and other stakeholders to mow fields after mid-July. Late mowing results in increased success of nesting grassland birds. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dea</span> made available Management guidelines for grassland birds. To receive a copy, contact Mike or Nancy Boyce.<br /><br />Lastly, Jonathan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lutz</span> spoke about the changes taking place in Michigan Audubon. The major change has been moving from a volunteer managed organization to a staff operation with board governance. He spoke of how chapters, regions and the state office can assist each other in achieving a common goal: greater awareness and protection for Michigan's birds. In addition, Michigan Audubon will be publishing an updated list of membership benefits, as well as offering local Chapters financial assistance by offering dual memberships to new Michigan Audubon members. You can view these changes in the January/February 2009 issue of the <em>Jack Pine Warbler</em>.<em> </em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-53174666040381159722008-09-10T10:35:00.002-04:002008-11-04T11:14:15.620-05:00Pre-Festival Dinner with Dr. Lowell M. Schake<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCrVpDOI_JeTzrBLvFUtfL_VVZAn8RdkWcSINP11FErgXo9a0zfac8bY-leCL_WKP7zdbW8PQds6UO8CIlNsoeuZ3EYlm4j2llqXHBFdrDb8s87sHvPhE1M6s1r-uuSpEUNDXrkvti1WI/s1600-h/Lowell.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264835699454008050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCrVpDOI_JeTzrBLvFUtfL_VVZAn8RdkWcSINP11FErgXo9a0zfac8bY-leCL_WKP7zdbW8PQds6UO8CIlNsoeuZ3EYlm4j2llqXHBFdrDb8s87sHvPhE1M6s1r-uuSpEUNDXrkvti1WI/s400/Lowell.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Author Lowell Schake signing books at CraneFest</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UUUSCU0yeRmFKa6JlB5yE5u95IMkUs-MB0t35MJ_-wOHnyJehU_yGXWg4iLBVfFG1H8YSSoZINAeudJi9JMrQX1hoMCUsR4iAW8pcIxUsifDJk8Vj285Q2GHC_uIYYFUN7Xlh1_F8F7W/s1600-h/Publication1.jpg"></a><br /><div align="left">Join us as we explore the life of legendary bird conservationist, Larry Walkinshaw. Lowell M. Schake, PhD, will discuss his new biography of Walkinshaw's contributions to ornithology. The fundraising event will take place near Baker Sanctuary at the Convis Township Hall.</div><div align="left"><br />Tickets are limited and must be reserved through the Michigan Audubon office by October 3rd (517) 886-9144. Tickets are $50 each for the general public, $40 for Michigan Audubon and Kiwanis Members.<br /></div><div align="left">Autographed copies of the book will be available at reduced prices.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298785107150979887.post-17794159053996001232008-09-10T10:16:00.000-04:002008-09-10T10:23:00.256-04:00CraneFest! October 11 & 12Every year thousands of Sandhill Cranes use Big Marsh Lake, which is part of Michigan Audubon’s Baker Sanctuary, as a migration staging area. Together we will watch a gathering the most celebrated gathering of Sandhill Cranes in Michigan at CrameFest 2008. The festival site is located on property owned and operated by the Kiwanis Club, the international service organization founded in Michigan and focused on kids.<br /><br />Visitors who stay until dusk on Saturday October 11 or Sunday October 12 can expect to 2,000 cranes or more as they converge on Big Marsh Lake.<br /><br />The pre-dusk arrival of cranes is the festival center piece, but the county fair flavor of CraneFest has something for every family member.<br /><br />For more information visit: <a href="http://www.cranefest.org/">www.cranefest.org</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com