In presettlement times, because of extensive dense forest throughout most of the state, Clay-colored Sparrows may not have existed in Michigan, though some habitat, created by periodic fires, probably was present.

Clay-colored Sparrows have a brown crown with black streaks and a distinct buffy or whitish central stripe. It has a broad, whitish eyebrow and a brown cheek outlined by dark postocular and submustachial stripes. It has a gray/clayish colored breast and a more light grey to whitish belly. It has a gray nape and buffy brown back and scapulars with dark streaks. The rump does not contrast with the rest of the back as is the case in many other sparrows.

A hundred years ago this species was viewed by many Michigan birding aficionados as an anomaly, a vagrant, or transient. By the 1950s, likely as a result of lumbering activities, it was viewed as a regular summer resident in select parts of northern Michigan. This population increase and broader distribution trend continues into the present.

Reversion of marginal farm lands to brushy habitat, planting of Christmas tree farms, intensive forest management, and more drought may change the present relatively uncommon status of this species in Michigan.

The first time I encountered the Clay-colored Sparrow, initially, I thought I was hearing a Golden-winged Warbler. I was somewhat dumbfounded because I was biking through a very dry, sandy portion of the Fife Lake Forest in Grand Traverse County that had been lumbered and then replanted with scotch and red pines about 5-7 years previous instead of a more brush/scrub riverine or creek/stream like environment which I was wont to associate with Golden-winged Warblers. The song of this sparrow is a very pronounced and distinctive Bzzzz, bzzz bzzzz bzzz. The tone quality of this bzzz tends to be very consistent however the rhythm and number of bzzzes in succession is not, which distinguishes it from the Golden-winged Warbler.

Leonard Graf, in BIRDS OF LEELANAU COUNTY AND SLEEPEING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE indicates that Clay-colored Sparrows, though confirmed breeders in Leelanau County, are rare summer residents, and very uncommon transients. “This species is primarily a bird of prairie states and provinces however its breeding range has expanded eastward. In our area, they are seen in shrub-scrub habitats and young conifer plantations. Early arrival date is 4/14. late departure is 10/2 “

The last publication of The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Michigan shows observation of this species at just one location in Leelanau County just east of Good Harbor Bay.

A Clay-colored Sparrow was observed in Leelanau County this summer, singing in a shrub/scrub area in Section 23 of Centerville Township, along the east side of Sharnowski Rd.

This sparrow is found from across the Great Plains eastward into Minnesota, Michigan, Ontario, and rarely, New York. In Michigan it is found mostly in the UP and in the dry, sandy barrens of the Northern LP. In the LP they occur particularly in Kirtland’s Warbler habitat.

It is a ground gleaner, feeding on insects and seeds. It also feeds on catkins and deciduous tree buds in the spring..

They arrive in Michigan in late April or early May with numbers peaking in the second and third weeks of May.

Males arrive on breeding grounds shortly before females staking out territories that are less than an acre. These territories are vigorously defended by the males which reportedly exclude also song sparrows and chipping sparrows.

The breeding season for this species commences in late May and often lasts into August with second broods. Nests with eggs have been found as early as June 1 and as late as August 1.

This species tends to select one type of nest site within a local population. Its nest, a compact grass cup with a lining of fine materials, is placed above the ground in a grass tuft or at the base of a shrub, or in a low shrub or small tree where it is well hidden. Nests in dense, tall vegetation and those made later in the season tend to be higher above the ground.

Usually there are 3-4 eggs… occassionally as many as five. Both sexes incubate the eggs from10-12 days. The female, however, does most of the brooding with the male occasionally feeding the female. Both sexes tend the young for 8-9 days,

This species is a common cowbird host; parasitized nests are occasionally deserted.

Immature Clay-colored Sparrow resemble Chipping Sparrows. In the fall they often flock together.

Departure from the state occurs in September and the first part of October.

This species forms small post breeding migration flocks. It sometimes joins winter flocks of Brewer’s Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrows in open weedy or brushy habitats.

It winters in the southern tip of Texas, Mexico, and further south.

~bob c.

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Posted by Publius at 10:15 PM | Permalink

The Field Sparrow's most distinctive feature may be its song, which always starts with clear, somewhat plaintive notes that gradually become compressed into a trill. An apt analogy often given is that of a bouncing ping-pong ball. Its second distinctive feature is its bright orange bill. The literature reveals its size as varying from 5 to 5 3/4 inches.

Sexes are similarly adorned with a white eye ring; a rusty crown, ear patch, and eyeline; dark eyes; a face that is buff in the winter and gray in the summer; a buffy breast; a somewhat white belly and undertail coverts; brownish wings with two, white wing bars; pink legs; a slim, forked tail; and a rusty, darkly streaked back.

It is not found in freshly tilled or mown fields but rather in old fields overgrown with weeds and brush, open, bushy woodlands, young evergreen tree plantations, deciduous forest edges, and recently cut forest lands. It is not found in the immediate vicinity of human homes.

It breeds in habitat also sought by Song Sparrows, Brown Thrashers, and/or Eastern Towhees. It is described by Graf as a confirmed breeder but an uncommon summer resident and very uncommon transient of Leelanau County.

Males of this species tend to return to the same breeding territory each year. The male sings until it finds a mate, after which it sings just occasionally,

The female selects the nesting site, often locating the first nest on or very close to the ground. The 2nd nest is usually built higher. Over a period of 4-5 days, she carefully fashions a cup shaped nest of grass and forbes which is then lined with fine materials. She lays 3-5 eggs.

Incubation takes 10-17 days. The female does most of the brooding with the male occasionally feeding the incubating female. Once hatched, the young fledge in 7-8 days. Both parents feed the young although the male may do most of the feeding while the female builds the second nest. Usually there are 2 broods but occasionally three.

This species is frequently a cowbird host. If a cowbird is a observed by the nest-building female, work on the nest ceases until the cowbird leaves. Nests parasitized by cowbirds are often abandoned.

The diet of this species is made up of seeds and invertebrates gleaned from the ground and near the ground foliage. Nestlings are fed almost 100 % macro-invertebrates.

Young from the first broods gather in small flocks of 10-12 individuals tolerated by the territorial males. Larger postbreeding flocks roost in small trees and shrubs prior to migration.

In Michigan, Field Sparrow presence decreases the more northerly the location. There seems to be a gradual increase in numbers in the northern lower peninsula counties and in the UP as population density and concurrent deforestation in those areas increases. In recent years, though its summer range in the state is growing, its overall numbers seem to be in decline. The appearance of this species on Christmas Bird Counts in Michigan is rare.

The literature indicates that Field Sparrows breed from eastern Montana eastward to southern Quebec and southern Maine, and southward to central Texas and northwestern Florida. They winter from Kansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts southward to very northeastern Mexico and northern Florida.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 06:54 PM | Permalink

The literature on the Fox Sparrow reveals a lack of consensus concerning the number of subspecies of Fox Sparrows. The range of possible subspecies varies from 4 to 18 subspecies. There seems to be substantial agreement that Michigan migrants tend to be from a single eastern subspecies labeled by many as the Red Fox Sparrow.

This 6.25” –7” sparrow (one of the largest) has plumage characterized by reddish-brown streaks on its wings, and back, with splotches or spots on its breast, flanks , and underparts. Moreover it has a central breast spot in the same fashion, except for color, of the Song Sparrow. Its crown, nape, and upper back are grey. Its tail and rump are a bright rusty color.

The considerable literature I have reviewed for the Fox Sparrow indicates that ordinarily the Fox Sparrow does not breed in Michigan. They are a frequent yet inconsistent migrant. Inconsistency in presence of this species in migration season tends to be attributed to the weather.

The literature does not provide consensus on the perspective that Michigan spring migrants for the most part are a significant eastern subspecies headed for breeding grounds in Northeastern Canada in the area of northern New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Some of the literature expresses the view that some of the Michigan migrants may end up breeding in Alaska.

Fox Sparrows begin to pass through Michigan in late March. The literature indicates that in the 70’s, late March to mid-April was the expected time of migration for this species in the southern portion of the state. The last 2 weeks of April is supposedly migration time in the north. Increasingly there is evidence that significant numbers of these birds embark on their migration voyage at an earlier date than in years past.

If you are reading this during the first week in April, you are likely to have seen your first Fox Sparrow of 2007. The first reported NW Michigan sighting of a Fox Sparrow in 2007 was in Grand Traverse County on March 30. Most Michigan migrant Fox Sparrows should have continued their journey north by the end of the first week in May.

Swamp and woodland thickets, conifer or deciduous undergrowth, woodland edges, and riparian corridors name just a few of the potential habitats sought out by Fox Sparrows for nesting habitat. They are primarily a lower storey and ground dwelling species as they go from spot to spot stirring up the leaf litter and top soil layer in pursuit of edible seeds and insect.

Fox Sparrows rarely place their nests in trees. They usually produce two broods, tending to place the earlier nest somewhat above ground in the branches of a bush or thicket (because of snow/snow melt?). They usually produce 2 broods each breeding season. Clutches contain from 2-5 greenish eggs with reddish brown spots. The female broods. Incubation takes 12-13 days. Male and female feed the young which fledge in 9-11 days. Both adults utilize broken wing tactics in defense of fledglings. Males are occasionally aggressive toward other species that enter the breeding territory.

The song of the Fox Sparrow is distinctive, lyrical, with a lower frequency than the Purple or House Finch but shorter, more varied, and less mellifluous than the songs of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

The eastern Fox Sparrow winters in the U.S. primarily along the east coast and Appalachians and into the southeastern states. Fall migration occurs in October and November. They are frequent associates of juncos and other sparrows and often join these other species at feeders. They are being tallied at CBC’s in Michigan with increasing frequency.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 10:54 PM | Permalink

The color of the male Purple Finch has been described as looking as if it was held by its legs and dipped in a dish of mashed strawberries. The first year male looks like the female which is basically a bird very heavily streaked with brownish-grey and white and a pronounced white eyebrow (supercilium). Its size varies from 5.25 to 6.25 inches. It has a conical grey bill, fashioned for seed eating, the upper ridge (the culmen) of which is straight. It has a clearly notched tail which helps distinguish it from the Housefinch. Its lifespan is approximately 10 years.

Experts divide Purple finches into two subspecies. There is an eastern branch which is found generally east of the Rockies, and a western branch found along the Pacific coast.

The range of this species extends from southern Alaska to Newfoundland in the north to the southerly Appalachians in the east and the southerly Cascades in the west. It extends into northern Mexico in winter in the south.

In Michigan, its breeding range has remained much as described by Barrows in 1912. At that time its range was indicated as extending from the UP throughout Northern Lower Michigan southward to an east west line at the Grand and Saginaw rivers. It is found from time to time in bog-like wet-conifer habitats more southerly.

Purple Finches prefer conifer habitats when breeding. Toward the end of a horizontal branch of a conifer from 12-20 feet above the ground is most often their nesting point of choice. They are often found in bogs, and in stands of conifers or deciduous- conifer mixes associated with wetlands or along coastline of lake and riverine habitats. To a lesser extent they nest in the conifers of hedgerows, ornamental evergreen and pine plantations, parks. suburbia, and agricultural areas.

Some claim that the bird with the longest song is the Winter Wren. Nevertheless, there are times when it seems that songs of Purple Finches are of comparable length. The song of the Purple Finch is not likely confused with that of the winter wren because the song of a winter wren is sung at a pronouncedly higher frequency and is much less melodic.

One must listen closely, however, to distinguish the song of the Purple Finch from the song of the Warbling Vireo and the House Finch. If one is uncertain when hearing a bird song as to the species of origin, a consideration of habitat may prove helpful. Purple Finches in Michigan are not often observed in urbanized areas whereas House Finch are. Warbling Vireos are found primarily in deciduous habitats and rarely, if ever, nest in conifers.

Courting males have been observed to hop about with dangling wings which they then vibrate while vocalizing with a cocked tail and possibly rising 6-12 inches off the ground as they proffer nesting material to a prospective mate.

Nests are constructed of twigs, grasses, moss, fine roots, and hair woven into a shallow cup. Clutch size averages about 4 eggs. Incubation takes 13 days followed by 14 days to fledge. It is an uncommon cowbird host.

The diet of Purple Finches is composed of seeds and buds in winter with blossoms added in spring followed by insects and then fruit in summer. The young eat primarily seeds.

Fall migration for this species occurs from late August through October. Spring migration is from late February into May. Though considered a common breeder and migrant in northern Michigan its appearance in winter is sporadic and inconsistent.

Leonard Graf’s publication entitled “Birds of Leelanau County and Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore” describes this species as an uncommon year round resident and confirmed breeder of Leelanau County with likely observation locales of Lighthouse Point for migrants and Good Harbor Bay for nesting birds.

Though not necessarily in decline in Michigan, Purple Finch numbers have declined noticeably in places in the east of the U.S. This decline is attributed to competition with House Finches and House Sparrows.

~bob c.

Posted by Leelanau at 11:30 AM | Permalink

The American Kestrel, our most common and smallest falcon, is found from the Arctic Circle to the southern reaches of Argentina and Chile.

Michigan breeding bird surveys found this species to be breeding in every county bestowing on it the distinction of raptor having the most even distribution in the state. Throughout Michigan and in Leelanau County it is a common summer resident, common migrant, but less than common, though not necessarily rare, winter resident.

Since the primary sources of food for this kestrel are small mammals, reptiles, and insects, the chances that this species will be encountered in Leelanau County in winter decreases as the presence and depth of snow increases. However, on farms where ample sources of feed are available to sustain sizable flocks of English Sparrows, this falcon, also known as a “sparrow hawk”, under such conditions, can likely sustain itself regardless of snow depth.

Breeding pairs split up in winter with individual birds defending territory. Females tend to lay claim to territory that is more open and less vegetated while males select areas of denser vegetation.

Male, female, and juvenile American Kestrels have prominent mustache marks on both cheeks. All have dark eyes, which is typical of falcons. Kestrel wings are slim and pointed and their tails are long and square-tipped. The primary feature which distinguishes the male American Kestrel from the female is wing coloration. Males have blue-gray wings whereas the female‘s wings are reddish brown with dark barring. Typical of raptors, female kestrels (10 in.) do tend to be larger than males (9 in.). However, the size difference is not pronounced and is much less conspicuous than the difference in plumage.

The literature notes that albinism occurs. Moreover, a kestrel specimen has been recorded in which the sexual parts of the bird were female but the plumage was male.

Breeding season starts in April in southern Michigan and in May in the north. Males perform courtship flights during which they fly in wide circles while bending their wingtips downward as they emit their mating call. Males indulge in promiscuous matings before monogamous bonds are formed. They seek out open or partly open habitats with scattered trees, in meadows, cultivated fields, and to a lesser extent, urban areas. In the north, where forests are extensive, kestrels find places to live in forest openings that afford access to dead trees for nesting sites. In more urban and agricultural areas kestrel pairs accept man-made nesting boxes when natural nesting cavities are not available. Such boxes are typically mounted on poles at a height of 10-15 feet.

Ordinarily, as far north as Leelanau, there is one brood. Three to five eggs are laid at intervals. Nesting material in the cavity is sparse. The male brings food to the incubating female. Reportedly, when the male nears the nest with food he calls the female. She flies to him to receive the food and then returns to the nest. The male continues to supply food until the fledglings become independent.

American kestrels are the only falcons that regularly hunt by hovering (flapping their wings in one place) or by kiting (gliding into the wind at a speed equal to the wind). Most raptors both catch and kill their prey with their talons. Falcons, including kestrels, catch prey with their feet but utilize a kind of “tooth’ on either side of the beak to snap the spinal chord of their prey. They also cache excess kill in clumps of grass.

The literature suggests that biggest threats to this species, besides hard winters, are the use of pesticides in agriculture and the tendency of humans to eliminate most large dead trees which would otherwise afford cavities of sufficient size to accommodate kestrel nesting needs.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 08:35 PM | Permalink

Though the idea of bluebirds in December in Leelanau County warrants some skepticism, once again this year, participants of the Lake Leelanau Christmas Bird Count observed Eastern Bluebirds on the Lake Leelanau Christmas Bird Count held in Leelanau County on Dec. 23, 2006.

Two CBC parties observed this species, possibly the same birds, about 1.75 miles apart. Jim Turner and Kate Trainer observed their bluebirds on that day on Honke Rd., not far from Schomberg Rd.. The author of this article observed his bluebirds on Schomberg Rd. about 1.75 miles south of Honke Rd. at the crest of the hill, where the road dips steeply to the south before rising to where Schomberg Rd. meets with Popa Valley Rd. but within 200 yards or so of where he observed about 7 of this species last year

The literature suggests that Christmas Bird Counts began in 1899. Around this time bird observers and scientists became concerned about diminishing bird populations. Accordingly, up until 1900 or so, the tradition was to have a Christmas “Side Hunt”. Outdoor enthusiasts would choose sides and then go into the fields and forests with their guns. Whichever side brought in the most dead birds and mammals “won”.

In 1900, an ornithologist and officer in the recently formed Audubon Society, a man named Frank Chapman, proposed a new Holiday tradition, a “Christmas Bird Census” in which birds would be counted, not killed.

As a result, 25 bird counts involving 27 participants were held that year around Christmas time from Northeastern North America to California. In all, these 27 individuals tallied 90 species and about 18,500 individual birds.

The Christmas Bird Count survey has become the oldest continuous wildlife survey in North America. Single observer counts evolved into a more organized effort wherein groups of people would count birds in a larger area in a single day.

Though the majority of participants still take part in Christmas counts for the fun of it, the sheer scope this Christmas survey has attained has rendered the data collected in this way of some scientific significance. In order to maximize its usefulness in that regard, it is now carried out under specific guidelines.

Each circle, which may not overlap any other circle, is restricted to an area with an exactly 15 mile diameter. Along with recording of the number of birds and bird species, weather variables, the number of counting parties, number and names of participants in each party, the time and distance walking, and the time and distance traveled by auto by each party are all documented.

Counts traditionally end with a convivial gathering at the end of a long birding day at which experiences are compared, field competence is impugned, and old counts recalled while holiday refreshments are consumed.

Lake Leelanau Christmas Bird Count December 23, 2006
Horned Grebe 1
Mute Swan 43
Canada Geese 217
Wood Duck 1
Black Duck 2
Mallard 412
Greater Scaup 1
Lesser Scaup 1
Scaup Species 50
Common Goldeneye 449
Bufflehead 292
Common Merganser 548
Red-breasted Merganser 17
Ruddy Duck CW
Bald Eagle 1
Sharp-shinned hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Rough-legged Hawk CW
American Kestrel 2
Ruffed Grouse 2
Wild Turkey 41
Great Blue Heron 1
Bonaparte’s Gull 2
Ring-billed Gull 115
Herring Gull 51
Gull Species 22
Rock Pigeon 17
Mourning Dove 111
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 7
Downy Woodpecker 19
Hairy Woodpecker 11
Pileated Woodpecker CW
Northern Shrike CW
Blue Jay 115
American Crow 1006
Common Raven 5
Black-capped Chickadee 432
Tufted Titmouse 17
White-breasted Nuthatch 28
Red-breasted Nuthatch 10
Brown Creeper 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 8
European Starling 594
Cedar Waxwing 53
American Tree Sparrow 23
Dark-eyed Junco 48
Northern Cardinal 18
Purple Finch 3
House Finch 43
American Goldfinch 380
House Sparrow 2
48 Species 5239 Individuals Snow Depth few patches

Starting time: 7:45 a.m. Ending time: 4:30 p.m.
Observers Leonard Graf; Barb Graf & Carole Groves; Jo & John Kreag; Jim Turner & Kate Trainer; Norm
Bistodeau; Pat & Ryan O’Connor & Charlie & Kathy Johnson; Bob Carstens.
Weather: A.M: 36-38 degrees Lt. Rain/overcast Wind WSW-W 8-16 mph ..gusts to 20 mph
P.M. 38 degrees Overcast/Lt. rain Wind ….West 14-20 mph gusts to 25 mph
Open Water: West Bay, Good Harbor Bay, 80% Lake Leelanau, 80% Lime Lake, 75% Lttle Traverse Lake
Compiler: Bob Carstens

Posted by Publius at 07:42 PM | Permalink

In Northwest Michigan, this attractive, approximately 7 inch bird with distinctive, red eyes, rusty sides, white belly, black back, head, beak, and a relatively long black tail with white outer feathers is found most often in second growth woodlands, forest edges, and shrubby uplands. Towhees are scarce in urban areas and extensive farmland.

The female Eastern Towhee is almost identical to the male except she is brown where he is black. Female Towhees may sing in the early spring.

Towhees spend much of their time on the ground foraging for food. Their food is comprised primarily of grass and forb seeds but also includes nuts, fruits, and terrestial invertebrates.

Towhees do ascend into a tree to perch and sing. They are easily identified by their very distinctive song which experts characterize by the words “drink your teeee”. I have heard them sing as late as August.
They also emit equally notable calls which experts describe as a slurred “towhee” and “chewink”.

Towhees usually raise two broods. They are for the most part ground nesters, which leaves their nests more susceptible to predators such as raccoon, fox, coyote and domestic cats. They are frequent cowbird hosts and usually accommodate the cowbird young. The female Towhee selects the nest site and broods the eggs. The male does most of the feeding. Occasionally the second nest is placed in a bush instead of on the ground.

In Leelanau County most Towhees would be migratory. Towhees have been known to winter over in NW Lower Michigan, however such occurrences are not the norm and seldom occur when snow cover is extensive and long lasting.

Towhees that migrate usually arrive in Leelanau and Grand Traverse in April and have left the area by the end of October.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 03:39 PM | Permalink

There are five subspecies of this larger, approximately 7 inch sparrow. Most mature Michigan White-crowned Sparrows have a very striking white and black striped crown, gray cheeks and underparts, brownish wings with 2 white wingbars, and a gray-brown back. Immature, first winter White-crowned Sparrows have a chestnut and tan striped crown, buffy colored cheeks, a grayish to buff colored rump , and grayish underparts. The bill of the White-crowned Sparrow, shaped for seed eating, varies in color from pink, to yellowish, to orangish.

This bird is not known to breed in Michigan. It passes through our state from mid-April thru mid-May heading for sub-arctic Canada. It passes through again from mid September thru mid October as it heads south. Its southern winter range extends into central Mexico. Apparently there are winters when some of these birds do winter over in Michigan. Winter observations of this species in Leelanau County, however, are very rare.

White-crowned Sparrows, in all seasons, prefer to feed in areas of short grass to sparse vegetation adjacent to thickets and dense scrub or conifers for nesting and roosting. Their diet includes insects, spiders, forbs, fruit, seeds, blossoms and fresh leaves.

The song of this bird, though distinctive, is suggestive of the White-throated Sparrow’s in pitch but the notes are shorter, then trilled, sounding somewhat raspy and much less clear. During the mating-breeding season, the male White-crowned Sparrow often sings at night.

During courtship, the female flutters her wings and trills. This species nests either on the ground or in dense bushes or conifers close to the ground. It is seldom a cowbird host. The female chooses the nesting site, builds the nest, and incubates the eggs. The male assumes the feeding duties when the female begins the second nest. This species commonly raises 2-3 broods and occasionally as many as four a season.

During winters, White-crowned Sparrows often are found in flocks of 5 to 20 birds. Sometimes these flocks number as many as 100 birds. It is also not that unusual for one of this species to spend the winter in the company of Juncos or White-throated Sparrows.

~bob c.

Posted by Leelanau at 09:58 PM | Permalink

The Great Blue Heron is the largest and most widely distributed wading bird of North America.

Great Blue Herons have variant forms one of which is white. The white morphs are usually found only in marine habitats. Though they tend to be colonial, some Great Blue Herons are solitary. Vagrant Great Blues have been observed in such places as the Arctic, Greenland, the Azores, Spain and the West Indies.

Though varying in size, when standing with head raised, Great Blue Herons average about four feet tall. Their wingspan is about 70 inches. In flight they are easily distinguished from flamingoes and cranes which fly with heads and necks extended whereas the head of the Great Blue Heron, except on takeoff and landing, rests upon a neck which is folded back, not extended. In flight, the legs trail behind and, because of the bird’s very short tail, serve as a rudder.

Males tend to be slightly larger than females. It is not unusual to see these herons standing on one foot with the other hidden in the lower body plumage. They also, at times, fold the neck so that the head rests on the shoulders.

Adult plumage is attained in their second year. In breeding season, the plumes on the back of the Great Blue are relatively short. However, the plumes of the crest and foreneck tend to be longer and more pronounced.

The diet of Great Blue Herons is largely opportunistic. Besides fish, frogs, small turtles and crustaceans, they also eat mice and other small rodents as well as snakes, nestling birds and possibly insects. Their preferred food is fish. They have been observed swallowing fish having a length of two feet.

Great Blues breed colonially in all the 48 contiguous states. The colonies vary in size some of which include other species. However when this occurs the great Blue Heron nests are usually found higher up. Though they do tend to select the highest point of whatever tree or bush they choose to nest in, on occasion, they have been known to nest on the ground and from time to time numerous nests have been found in a single tree.

Incubation of Great blue eggs takes 28 days. Both parents brood the eggs. Once hatched the young are fed regurgitated food until able to eat small fish. Young Great Blue Herons remain in the nest until they are as large as adults. Mortality rate for nest bound young is quite high.

The literature reveals that Great Blue Herons are at times the victims of a kind of avian “piracy” which is defined as the harrasment of one bird by another to force the victim to give up food. Accordingly, Great Blue Heron nestlings have been observed under harassment by Turkey Vultures as they force the nestlings to regurgitate their most recent meal which is then ingested by the vultures to feed to their own young.

During breeding season Great Blue Herons are known to fly considerable distance (6 miles or so) in search of food for themselves and their young. Presence at a particular place in a county regularly during breeding season may, but does not therefore necessarily, indicate the presence of a rookery. No known rookeries have been found recently in either Grand Traverse or Leelanau Counties. There is however at least one in Benzie County.

Mature Great Blue Herons have few natural enemies. Its large pointed beak is a daunting weapon. Nevertheless, because of its conspicuous size, it is often the target of thoughtless humans looking for something trophy-like to shoot at.

The Great Blue Heron is partially migratory. Generally it withdraws from the northern portions of its breeding range in winter except along the coasts.

Though most Great Blue Herons migrate, a few remain in Michigan through the winter months if there are places with open water and food sources. Migratory herons return to Michigan in mid to late March with courtship and nest building occurring for the most part in April and early May. Most Lower Peninsula young Great Blue Herons are sufficiently mature to leave the nest by the end of July. Migration begins in late summer and continues through October.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 11:58 AM | Permalink

Song Sparrows, as their name implies, are often one of the first species to greet the day and one of the last to end the day’s activity with a song. Almost invariably their song begins with two to four regularly spaced notes, then a trill followed by a jumble of notes. The consensus is that no two individuals sing exactly the same song. The beginning birder tends to confuse the song of the Song Sparrow with that of the Vesper Sparrow.

Song Sparrows have a distinctive, long rounded tail. Streaks on the sides and the upper breast usually surround a brownish spot in the center of the breast. Its grayish eyebrow is pronounced along with a broad , dark malar stripe and whitish throat. Underparts are whitish with streaks on the sides. Feet and legs are pinkish.

That being said, the Song Sparrow is one of the most widespread, diverse, and possibly physically varied, depending on geographical location, of North American birds. The literature reveals that there are about 34 subspecies that range from the Aleutian Islands into the Northwest Territories of Canada, east to the Atlantic, and southward to the plateaus of central Mexico.

Song Sparrows are one of the first species to return in the spring. Earliest arrival date in Leelanau is March 2. Most have gone south by Thanksgiving. Latest recorded departure date from Leelanau County is December 30. Though some Song Sparrows do spend the winter in Leelanau, such occurrences are rare.

Song Sparrows live and nest in dense vegetation, brushy areas, streamside and coastline thickets, on forest edges, in clearings, bogs, marsh edges, and gardens. They live on the edge of but never within forested areas.

Ornithological studies reveal that Song Sparrows, like most other breeding birds, use increasing day length, local temperature, and food abundance as indicators to cue when to come into breeding condition. The male Song Sparrow uses its song to attract mates as well as defend its territory. Males usually are found singing their melodic trill from an elevated perch. Females generally stay hidden.

Courting males will chase females fluttering their wings, often sailing and singing and flying from perch to perch with neck outstretched, head and tail held high, and wings vibrating.

The first nest is usually close to the ground and sometimes used twice. Later nests are usually built higher. Usually this species raises 2-3 broods ….sometimes as many as 4. The female broods the young. The male often takes charge of offspring when young fly well and female begins the next clutch.

Some pairs stay together in successive years.

Unfortunately, along with the Vesper Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, and Indigo Bunting, the Song Sparrow is one of the most frequent Cowbird hosts. Its abundance is a function of the fact that the cowbird usually parasitizes only the first brood.

Probably the most widespread sparrow, Song Sparrows commonly visit feeders and are responsive to pishing. Their diet is primarily seeds, insects, and some berries.

~ bob c.

Posted by Publius at 12:59 PM | Permalink

Early settlers to the Leelanau county region were drawn by the abundance of natural resources. Thick forests greeted those brave pioneers, consisting of many species including oak, maple, birch, pine, and cedar. The trees were harvested for both fire wood and building materials. Cedar is naturally decay resistant wood and in housing applications, it is used for roofing and siding. In the middle of the nineteenth century, a sawmill was constructed in “Cedar city” (called Cedar today), named for the tree abundant in the area. The sawmill made shingles until 1895 when it was destroyed by fire.

Description

A member of the cypress family, white cedar is a native shrub or tree growing to about 45 feet tall. In dense stands its crown is narrowly conic. In more open areas, the crown becomes more broadly pyramidal, with spreading, densely crowded branches. The bark is gray to reddish-brown, 6-9 mm thick, fibrous, separated into flat, connected ridges. Leaves are evergreen, scale-like and abruptly pointed, 2 mm long, opposite in alternating pairs (in 4 rows), bright green above and pale green below, sometimes becoming yellow-brown in winter, with a spicy fragrance when crushed. Seed cones are ellipsoid, (6-)9-14 mm long, brown; seeds ca. 8 per cone, 4-7 mm long, with lateral wings about as wide as the body. The common name pertains to its northern distribution, cedar-like appearance, and white wood.

Northern white cedar differs from western red-cedar (Thuja plicata) in leaf color (dull yellowish-green on both surfaces), minutely mucronate scales of the seed cones, and geography.

The primary range of northern white-cedar is in eastern-southeastern Canada (west to Manitoba) and adjacent states of New England and the Great Lakes region (west to Minnesota); south of the main range, it occurs in scattered stands and southward along the Appalachians into North Carolina and Tennessee, where it is generally rare or extirpated

It is common in Leelanau County because it grows in cool, moist, nutrient-rich sites, on mostly calcareous soils that are neutral or nearly so, lakes and river shores, uplands, and cliffs. They even grow on the face of bluffs in the erosion prone environment, although it grows best on well-drained sites, it may be dominant in swamps. In cultivation, it grows in a wide variety of soils.

Establishment

Cones may be produced by northern white cedars as young as 6 years old, but seed production in large quantities begins when the trees are about 30 years old and is best after 75 years. Good seed crops are produced at intervals of 2 to 5 years, or more frequently in local areas.

Seedbeds of moss-covered, decaying logs and stumps account for more than 70 percent of the northern white-cedar seedlings in undisturbed areas. Seedlings can be established on burns, if the burn was severe enough to expose favorable, mineral soil seedbeds on uplands or to improve moss seedbeds in swamps. Best root and shoot development occur in full light, but drought-caused mortality of northern white cedar seedlings may be extremely high under any light condition.

Layering may account for a significant portion of northern white-cedar reproduction in swamps, because adventitious roots can be produced from any branch or stem. It is most common in young stands and those with leaning trees, where the lower branches become covered by moss. New trees also develop vegetatively from uprooted trees where roots are formed from vertical branches.

Northern white cedar grows relatively slowly in swamps or on other saturated lowland sites, but it can reach ages of 400 years and greater in these habitats. An individual from Ontario has been dated at more than 1650 years old. Our cedar trees in Leelanau rarely get this old. Most are prone to “hollow” interiors when they reach a diameter of 14” or more. Many suggest the high water table where they thrive is responsible for this.

Northern white-cedar forests are stable without major disturbance such as fire, because the trees are long-lived and balsam fir is the only important associate sufficiently shade tolerant to grow in competition. In stands that have been opened by timber harvesting or severely browsed by white-tailed deer, succession is often to balsam fir or swamp hardwoods, especially black ash. Northern white cedar responds well to thinning-release after successful establishment, although it is shade tolerant and can withstand severe suppression for several years.

Even-aged management, through shelter woodcutting or clear cutting is recommended for maximum benefit to deer. Satisfactory reestablishment after clear cutting often requires some kind of site preparation, particularly broadcast burning of slash. In some areas, however, heavy winter browsing of seedlings and saplings by deer greatly reduces reproductive success.

Uses

Stands of northern white cedar are valuable for wildlife habitat, particularly in severe winters for white-tailed deer, which use it for both shelter and browse. These trees also provide habitats for many species of birds. To understand why cedar stands are important, visit a cedar swamp in the winter. The only wind you hear is rustling above. The forest floor is calm and warmer than surrounding areas.

There are practical reasons to get reacquainted with cedar as a building material. In January 2004, the regulations governing treated lumber were changed because the toxins used to preserve the wood were found to be accumulating in the environment. The “new” treated lumber products still contain toxins but they are less effective (resisting decay), than the old product. A better alternative is to use cedar, a natural decay resistant wood. Available in either eastern white or western red cedar, it is a soft and beautiful wood to work with. A natural and renewable material for siding, fencing, landscaping applications, and more.

The principal commercial uses of northern white cedar are for rustic fencing and posts; other important products include cabin logs, lumber, poles, and shingles. Smaller amounts are used for paneling, piling, lagging, pails, potato barrels, tubs, ties, boats (especially canoes), tanks, novelties, and woodenware. The timbers were used to make the ribs in birch bark canoes. "Cedar leaf oil" is distilled from boughs and used in medicines and perfumes. Boughs are also used in floral arrangements.

References

Chambers, K.L. 1993. Thuja. Pp. 410-411, IN: Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Vol. 2, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Oxford Univ. Press, New York.

Johnston, W.F. 1990. Thuja occidentalis. Pp. 580-589, IN: R.M. Burns and B.H. Honkala. Silvics of North America. Volume 1. Conifers. USDA Forest Service Agric. Handbook 654, Washington, D.C.

Posted by Publius at 07:59 AM | Permalink

There seems to be consensus among the experts that what is most notable about the Warbling Vireo is its song and its unremarkable appearance.

Described by one author as “drab”, the 5.5 inch Warbling Vireo distinguishes itself from other vireos by a plain face broken only by a white eyebrow or “supercilium”, a lack of wing bars, a gray-green cap and back, and whitish underparts.

More than just one of the experts claims that the Warbling Vireo’s song seems to be aptly described by the phrase, “if I see you out of season I will seize you then I’ll squeeze you till you squirt”. This may, in some degree, convey a rapid warbling song with an accented, high pitched, last note. Noted for the length of its song, which has been likened to the House Finch in musicality and the Winter Wren in length, it also distinguishes itself by the number of hours it spends each day singing. Accordingly, many Warbling Vireos even sing while incubating eggs. Interestingly, its nest is often found in close proximity to that of the Least Flycatcher, noted for having possibly one of the shortest of territorial-mating bird songs. (The Least flycatcher song is characterized by the phrase “chi-beck”.)

The Warbling Vireo breeds in both peninsulas of Michigan but is most numerous in the lower peninsula. It is deemed a common transient but an uncommon resident of Leelanau County. Its winter range extends into southern Mexico and Central America.

This vireo prefers more open, mature, deciduous woodlands that border riparian corridors, roads, railroad tracks, and more rural residential areas. It usually arrives in Leelanau during the 2nd week in May and leaves at least by early August.

It builds a hanging, cup shaped nest that hangs from the fork of a horizontal branch extending from the trunk about 10-15 meters from the ground. Both parents incubate the eggs with the whole process from egg to fledging taking about four weeks. The literature indicates , more than not, just one brood a season.

Experts conclude that human changes to the landscape of Michigan in the first half of the 20th century created more open woodlands which resulted in expansion of the range and population of this species. However, since 1966, urban and suburban development, which often eliminated mature trees, coupled with regrowth of forests (younger trees) in other areas brought a net decrease in Warbling Vireo habitat. This, plus heavy pesticide use to control insects and insect-borne diseases, resulted in a substantial decline in Warbling Vireo numbers since 1970.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 09:51 PM | Permalink

Because of their beautiful plumage, gentle song, and propensity to seek out man-made habitats, bluebirds are among our most popular songbirds.

Breeding male bluebirds sport a strikingly blue cap and back, a reddish-orange breast, and faded white belly and underbody. The female bluebird’s plumage appears as a pronouncedly faded or weathered version of the male’s.

At one time, a bluebird’s natural inclination was to seek out natural tree cavities and old woodpecker holes for nesting sites. However, as such places have become scarce, bluebirds have increasingly come to utilize man-made nesting boxes.

An important concern is that these man-made bluebird sites are often used or taken over by House Sparrows or European Starlings. A serious decline in bluebird numbers in eastern sections of the United States can be attributed to the encroachment and depredations of these introduced species.

Another cause for periodic decline in the population of this species has been very severe winters.

Modern agricultural practices have also adversely impacted bluebirds by reducing nesting sites and foraging opportunities as well as by the use of pesticides.

Bluebirds tend to seek out rather open, though not totally treeless, areas for nesting and foraging sites such as suburban lawns, golf courses, pastures, old fields, farm yards, and forest edges.

Though some bluebirds do remain in northern Michigan in winter, most spend winters in more southerly areas. They usually return to Leelanau nesting spots from March through early June. Bluebirds usually raise at least one, if not two, broods. The literature makes note of occasional assistance with the second brood by the first. Nesting season often continues into August. Most bluebirds have usually left the area by late October.

~ bob c.

Posted by Publius at 05:25 AM | Permalink

The most salient feature of this bird, the male’s brilliant blue feathers, results from the diffraction of light through the feathers, not from pigmentation. “It is surprising how abundant the bird can be without attracting the attention of the average resident,” said Barrows in 1912. This is largely true today. Females, which are primarily a grayish brown, tend to remain concealed in dense brush and so are seldom seen. The male’s small size, its finch-like song, and its tendency to sing from the tops of trees renders it not easily definitively identifiable by ear, and not clearly visible except with binoculars.

The second salient feature about this bird is that it is a creature of edges. Indigo Buntings are birds of deciduous forest edges and clearings. They are also found in open woodland, shrublands, and on the edges of orchards, old fields where farming has been abandoned, along cultivated weedy fields, railway and power line rights of way, and swamps. According to the Breeding Bird Atlas, buntings are seldom present in heavily wooded areas, urban areas, and in intensely cultivated lands.

Indigo Buntings return to Michigan in May. This year’s migratory count in Grand Traverse County on May 13 tallied just one Indigo Bunting. By mid June it is abundant along many edges throughout the region. Although males return about 10 days before females, the female selects the nest site. Buntings construct well-woven nests of a wide variety of materials from snakeskin to bark to Spanish moss. They are always well concealed and usually within a meter of the ground.

Research indicates that male Indigo Buntings often create territories within hearing of other males--thereby establishing bunting “neighborhoods”.

Courtship involves mating flights as well as a ground dance in which the male spreads his wings and dances around the female. Males tend to spend most of their time singing and guarding the territory. Females tend to the nest building and rearing of the young.

Nesting season extends from mid-May through August and sometimes into September. Buntings are a common cowbird host. However they have been known to bury cowbird eggs by building a new nest floor over the cowbird egg.

Males quit singing in August and leave quietly in September. At this time of year, buntings gather in flocks. Post-breeding molts result in males sporting patches of brown on that once unmarred blue.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 07:34 AM | Permalink

Its white and black-striped crown, pronounced bright yellow in front of the eyes, gray breast, and conspicuously outlined white throat make this bird easy to identify in the field or at your feeder.

They are primarily ground feeders, their diet consisting primarily of spiders, insects, and seeds.

For breeding they tend to seek out the edges, lowlands, and shrubby sections of conifer or mixed conifer-deciduous forests that are often within a riparian setting.

The clear, pleasing, and memorable song of the White-throated Sparrow is as vivid and distinctive as its rather striking coloration.

Michiganians would characterize its song as saying “Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody”. Our neighbors to the east, however, claim to hear the song saying, “Oh Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada”. They have been known to sing at night (both the birds and Canadians)

Though the clear euphonious quality of this bird’s singing is unmistakable, it is complicated a bit by the fact that it sings two variations of its mating-territorial song. One has a rising intonation and the other’s intonation is descending.

If, perchance, in June, you hear either variation, you know you are in the northern half of the lower peninsula.

The Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas indicates very few observations of this species breeding south of a line that extends from Pinconning in the east to Ludington in the west.

During migration they may be found almost anywhere throughout the state. Occasionally a few of this species do spend the winter in Leelanau County and other parts of Northern Michigan.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 09:06 AM | Permalink

Turkey vultures obtained their name because of the similarity of their head to that of the turkey.

Though classified for many years as a raptor, the turkey vulture is now considered to be more closely related to storks and should therefore be classified in the order ciconiiformes instead of falconiformes. Nevertheless, it is still usually placed in bird books with the falcons and hawks.

The DNA of the turkey vulture points to a common ancestor with storks. Contrary to raptors and vultures of Eurasia and Africa, turkey vultures are less aggressive and have weak, turkeylike feet more suitable to running than grasping prey. Moreover, their beaks are thinner and weaker than their old world relatives.

Generally they appear in Leelanau in late March and have left for warmer climes by the end of October.

Their diet, besides carrion, includes plants such as pumpkin and bits of other crops as well as shoreline vegetation. Turkey vultures will not feed on live prey. To find food they depend on very keen eyesight and sense of smell. (It may be the only bird in North America that has a sense of smell.)

According to the Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas published in 1991, the turkey vulture is not a confirmed breeder in Leelanau County. However, according to data acquired after 1987, it has been confirmed as a breeding species there. All nesting sites were found to be in abandoned buildings. Other potential nesting sites are on the ground in dense thickets, in caves, hollow logs and stumps, brush piles, and abandoned hawk nests.

Turkey vultures often return to the same nesting site year after year. Though they are commonly found soaring over open fields, in Michigan, their nesting places are often in or on the edge of woodlands. This bird does not “build” a nest but rather digs a sort of depression in the soil or debris surrounding it. Their clutch usually consists of 2 eggs which must be incubated for 38 to 41 days. Both parents incubate. Egg dates in Leelanau are likely from late April through May. Eggs hatch in June through mid July. The young fledge 70-80 days after hatching. This is an extensive period of vulnerability, hence their secretive, isolated, nesting sites. Juvenile turkey vultures have black heads.

The Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas indicates that only 27 of 1,850 blocks had confirmation of nesting. One breeding bird block is 9 square miles. Research indicates also that the home range of a breeding pair is equal to about 12 Atlas blocks, or 3 townships. Interpretation of data is further complicated by the tendency of not just two birds but a sizable group to gather at a food source. Additionally they are commonly found to roost regularly at local sites where the number of roosting birds has been found, at times, to exceed 50 birds.

Turkey vultures are often seen standing or perched with their wings extended. Suggested reasons for this are drying the wings, warming the body, and baking off bacteria.

Turkey vultures have been claimed by some to spit or vomit on potential predators with the claim that the “smell” of the vomit or its acidic content is a deterrent. If most birds are unable to smell, this suggestion is untenable except in the case of non-avian predators. Others suggest that the vulture vomits to reduce its weight to enable a quick escape and that the vomited material will induce its attacker to give up pursuit and instead slake its hunger by consuming this free meal.

Turkey vultures are skilled, graceful gliders. The ratio of bird weight to wing area is low which enables them to remain aloft for long periods of time without flapping their wings. They consistently fly with their wings in a pronounced dihedral (v-shape). This along with their tippiness in flight renders them quickly identifiable by birders. Their dependence on thermals for flight ensures that they do not remain in Leelanau County during the winter.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 09:17 PM | Permalink

In North America there are 21 subspecies of Horned Lark all of which seem to display black bib, cheek, and forehead, but not all of which have the black “horns”. Some of these subspecies also present throats that are more white than yellow.

Though a possible year round resident in parts of southern lower Michigan, Horned Larks tend to disappear from the landscape of Leelanau County by mid-November and reappear in mid-February.

The breeding range of this species extends from northern South America to the Arctic tundra. Their breeding habitat is most often described as sparsely vegetated, open country, tundra, dunes, croplands, grasslands, and barren fields.

Males begin establishing territories in February with courtship occurring in March. Courtship includes males strutting before the female with erect horns and drooping wings as well as performing impressive song flights to heights of 800 feet, then plummeting ground-ward with wings folded.

The song of Horned Larks during flight display tends to be more extended. On the ground, however, it is brief, sounding somewhat disjointed and metallic. It might be likened unto the sound of brads being dropped into a glass jar.

Horned Larks are ground nesters. Though males select the territory, females select the nest site. Fledglings from the first nest can be seen as early as April. This early nesting increases the likelihood of a second brood. Though some speculate that early nesting increases survival rate of the young of this species, since most breeding count activities do not begin until June, it also decreases the accuracy of breeding records.

In autumn, juvenile Horned Larks form post breeding flocks. In fall and winter, Horned Larks have been observed in huge flocks, occasionally with Snow buntings.

Posted by Publius at 08:16 AM | Permalink

The Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is offering ranger-led hikes, with or without shoeshoes. They say:

National Park Service (NPS) Rangers at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will continue offering the popular winter hikes every Saturday throughout the month of March. The longer daylight and often warm, sunny afternoons make March a great time to get out of the house and into an outdoor adventure. The hikes will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center at Empire, and we will use snowshoes when Mother Nature cooperates and hiking boots if there is insufficient snow. At the Visitor Center, Park Rangers will provide information about the day’s hike and basic snowshoeing instructions. Then, everyone will travel by car to a specific trailhead. Along the trail, the ranger will challenge the group to look for signs of animals and seasonal changes, while sharing fun facts about the park. Hikers should come prepared for any weather and plan to be outside until about 3:00 p.m. The hikes traverse approximately one and a half miles of mildly strenuous terrain, but we will travel at a leisurely pace. This allows visitors an opportunity to look for signs of wildlife or evidence of ancient glaciers or to simply experience the Lakeshore during a quieter season.
One visitor who participated in a hike in February wrote, “I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience we had when we came to try snowshoeing for the first time. Our ranger was funny, interesting, and patient. I had never been on snowshoes and really enjoyed it. Because of the great time we had, we plan to buy snowshoes and explore all of Sleeping Bear Dunes in the winter!”

The National Lakeshore has a limited supply of snowshoes and will provide them free of charge. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass to join in the fun. Space is limited, so please call 231-326-5134, extension 328, for more details and to make reservations. For more information about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, go to www.nps.gov/slbe.

Posted by Publius at 04:28 PM | Permalink

A knowledge of this bird’s preferred habitat of thickets, the edges of marshes, and weedy open areas with scattered trees begs the question of its name. In fact, it was given its name because of its likeness to the European Tree Sparrow.

It is a common migrant in Michigan, while in winter in Leelanau County it is a less common but not unusual visitor to feeders that border its preferred habitats. Bird banding verifies that this bird often visits the same feeders year after year. It breeds along the edge of the tundra where it nests, for the most part, on the ground.

The identification of this bird in the field is complicated by its resemblance to the field sparrow, chipping sparrow, and swamp sparrow. All of these and the tree sparrow have chestnut caps. All except the swamp sparrow have white wing bars. All have light colored breasts.

It distinguishes itself from the other three by the fact that it is the only one of these that has a black dot in the center of its breast and that has mandibles of dissimilar color. Its lower mandible is yellowish and the upper is blackish.

Its song is a pleasing, somewhat high frequency, lyrical lilt. Its other vocalization is a much quieter, brief, high frequency tsee which it emits while feeding and possibly to indicate potential danger.

It is usually not seen in the fall in Leelanau until October and is rarely seen in the spring after May 10.

~bob c.

Posted by Publius at 04:50 PM | Permalink

Let others have their steak and lobster tails--my idea of a ideal surf-and-turf meal is a burger from the Friendly Tavern in Empire surrounded by a mess of smelt. This article from MLive.com describes a group who gathers on winter mornings to pull the little fish out of Cedar Lake.

Posted by Publius at 10:39 AM | Permalink

There is less ice on the Great Lakes this year than there has been for many years. And that's changing the way people who live on the Lakes' islands live.

Many traditional features of winter for residents of small island and coastal communities are absent this year, according to this interesting article in the New York Times. Ice fishing and driving across the ice to visit other communities are just a few of the activities that are not possible this year. Global warming or weather cycles? Different people disagree, but no one argues that things are different this year.

Posted by Publius at 09:48 AM | Permalink

According to Project Feeder Watch, one of the most common feeder birds at bird feeders in winter in the northern states is the Dark-eyed Junco, a sparrow type species that includes at least five forms that were once considered separate species. Of these, the form most commonly found in Michigan is the slate-colored junco. For many, the presence of this bird signals the beginning of winter.

Juncos are primarily ground feeders and are seen eating seeds considered spillage below feeders more often than on or in the feeders. At feeder areas they are often accompanied by American Tree Sparrows.

Fall migration occurs primarily in October while spring migration occurs for the most part from mid-March through April.

Juncos are from 5-6.5 inches in length. Both males and females have a light colored whitish-pinkish beak with dark feet but lighter pinkish legs. Juncos are primarily varying shades of gray above with varying shades of white on the undersides. Males tend to be slightly larger with their grayish upper plumage on their head, upper breast, and back, a darker gray sometimes to the point of appearing black.

Juncos signature identification feature beyond their simple almost drab plumage is their very pronounced white outer tail feathers that are almost always evident as they head for cover when alarmed or just taking precaution.

By ear, juncos are easily recognizable by a very distinctive abbreviated vocalization that is neither a click or a chip but similar to both. They emit the sound to warn their companions of potential danger. Their mating song, though somewhat like that of the chipping sparrow and/or the pine warbler, has a slight metallic quality like rustling tinsel that is reminiscent of the sound of the flow of water in a small streamlet or the rush of snowmelt down a hillside on a warm day in late winter or early spring.

Juncos are, for the most part, ground nesters rarely seen in Leelanu County in June, July, and August. There is no record of confirmed breeding pairs in the county so far. They are common breeders in the Upper Peninsula and in the north central counties of the lower peninsula. Singing males have been observed during the breeding season in Grand Traverse County in two of the past 9 years on the edges of stands of mixed oak and jack pine.

~Bob Carstens

Posted by Publius at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Walleye, whitefish, lake trout and yellow perch are biting, according to the DNR. Other highlights:

Traverse City: Both the East and West Bay have open water. Lake trout and whitefish have been caught in 200 to 230 feet of water in the East Bay. Anglers are reminded that the current lake trout regulations remain in effect until March 31.

Boardman River: Anglers are catching steelhead when floating spawn sacks. Those willing to put in the time have caught fish, but many of them are only running 3 to 4 pounds.

Lake Leelanau: Use caution and avoid the middle of the lake because of open water. Walleye and yellow perch have been caught on minnows and wigglers.

Read the complete story here.

Posted by Publius at 11:31 AM | Permalink

The Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council (NMEAC) has announced a series of talks, the Forum for Tomorrow.

The first Forum for Tomorrow will be on the subject of the Public Trust Doctrine. It will be held on Friday, February 17 at Horizon Books basement in the early evening from 6 to 8 pm. Jim Olson, of Olson, Bzdoc and Howard P.C., a Traverse City expert attorney in environmental law, will review this concept and show how its elaboration can radically restructure our environmental law.

It will be followed in May by the Precautionary Principle, with Ted Schettler, Science Director of the Science and Environmental Health Network (SEHN).

Ann Rogers will host a series of Wednesday programs on Peak Oil on TCTV2 sponsored by the NMEAC EdComm and Community Solutions Inc. This will begin February 8 at 7:00. The series will describe Peak Oil, the idea that our supply of oil has reached a maximum and will now decline. Advocates of this idea claim that peak oil will radically impact our entire way of life just as transportation affects where we live, what we eat, what it costs and how we build our cities.

Posted by Publius at 10:15 AM | Permalink

Snowy Owls are large white raptors that nest in the Arctic tundra. Females tend to be more mottled with brown with immature birds distinctively so marked. Snowies are strong and swift in flight and are known to feed on other birds as well as rodents. When found in Michigan it is ordinarily from October through April. Occasionally they may be found in September or May but these sightings are usually rare. Snowy Owls have been reported in Michigan in the summer but when here at that time they are thought to be ill or injured.

There seems to be consensus that the number of snowy owls observed each winter in Michigan depends on availability of food further north.

Experts report that they are about 23-24 inches long with a wingspan of from 52-60 inches. If you are wondering about variation in size, as is the case with most raptors, the female snowy is usually larger than the male.

The first reporting of the sighting of a snowy owl in Leelanu county this year came in early December, from North Shore Drive in Northport, reported by Leelanua resident, Pauline McClure on December 7. Pauline reports that she has observed snowy owls in past years in the area of Peterson Park and Scott Rds.

No Snowy owls were seen during the Leelanau Christmas Bird Count this year.

A second reporting of a snowy owl came in early January by Leelanau resident Bob Houdek who reports seeing snowy owls for an extended period of time in the area around Lavassar Rd.

On January 21 a third sighting was reported by Jerry Brow, a Kasson Twp resident, who observed a snowy owl while x-country skiing near Sleeping Bear Point. Jerry states that though many years he has observed snowy owls along M-72 he has seen none there this year.

Pat O’Connor, who resides on Shady Lane in Bingham Twp., reports that most years there are snowy owls in the vicinity of Fort Rd. but he has not seen any there so far this year.

I have observed snowy owls in Leelanau during past Christmas Bird Counts sitting on the ice on Lake Leelanau and atop a telephone pole on Bodus Rd.

Update 26 Jan 06: In a birdalert on January 24, Kay Charter states that Marlin Bussey, president of Saving Birds Thru Habitat and a resident of Omena, reported observing a snowy owl perched on the roof of the Discovery Center at the Charter Bird sanctuary. This is the first time they have seen that species on sanctuary property.

-- Bob Carstens

Photo credit: John Ester, Benzie Audubon club

Posted by Bob Carstens at 11:34 AM | Permalink

The Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), also called Canada hemlock, hemlock spruce, or tanbark, is a component of the climax forest of our region. It is a slow-growing, long-lived tree which unlike many trees grows well in shade. It may take 250 to 300 years to reach maturity and may live for 800 years or more. Because early growth of eastern hemlock is so slow, trees less than 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter may be as old as 100 years and 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) saplings may be 200 years old. Mature eastern hemlock trees may be 110 ft tall and have trunks diameters of 4 ft. The record age is reported to be 988 years, the largest diameter 213 cm (84 in), and maximum height 49 m (160 ft). Eastern hemlock is the most shade tolerant of all tree species, surviving with as little as 5 percent of full sunlight.

Its lower branches are somewhat drooping, and the dense, rather delicate foliage is deep green above and silvery beneath. The flat, narrow leaves are from one-half to three-fourths of an inch long and less than one-twelfth of an inch wide. The hanging cones are as long as or slightly longer than the leaves.

The German name for the hemlock, Tannenbaum, is familiar to us from the Christmas song O Tannenbaum. The German name literally means "tannin tree;" for the bark of the hemlock is rich in tannin, used in curing leathers.

Here is the original German version of the song, along with a translation by Longfellow:

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blatter.
Du grunst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein, auch im Winter wenn es schneit,
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blatter.

O hemlock-tree! O hemlock-tree! how faithful are thy branches!
Green not alone in summer time,
But in the winter's frost and rime!
O hemlock-tree! O hemlock-tree! how faithful are thy branches!

By the way, the poison hemlock that Socrates drank was not derived from our tree, but from another plant altogether, an herb related to the wild carrot. The tree's scientific name comes from the Japanese name for the hemlock, tsuga.

Posted by Publius at 09:40 PM | Permalink

The White Pine, Michigan's state tree, was the impetus for the exploration and settlement of much of Northern Michigan by settlers of European descent. The White Pine's unmatched qualities as a building material--its wood is easy to work, and the trees grow tall and straight--made it desirable for the lumbermen who first exploited the primeval forests that blanketed Michigan in the first part of the 19th century.

White pine was relatively rare in the Great North Woods which, as a climax forest, consisted chiefly of hardwoods like Maple. Indeed, the lumbering companies employed special scouts to search out new stands of White Pine amid the sea of hardwoods for the ever-encroaching lumber camps. According to Bruce Catton (in his wonderful history Michigan), these scouts were adept at distinguishing the particular sound that White Pine make in the wind. They would climb to the top of a tall tree and listen until they heard the White Pine's distinctive--and fatal--sound.

Today most of the region's ancestral trees have long ago gone for ship's masts, telephone poles, or the 2x4s that rebuilt Chicago after its great fire. Only the Hartwick Pines remain as an example of the virgin stands of White Pine.

The White Pine has soft, flexible, 3-sided evergreen needles in clusters of 5, 2½"-5" long, and bluish green. Its twigs are slender and flexible, with rusty hairs when young, later smooth. Buds are egg-shaped, usually less than ½" long and gray-brown. The cones are 5"-8" long, without prickles, slightly curved, and resinous; each scale usually bears 2 winged seeds. At present they usually reach 50'-90' high but the original forest saw white pines reaching 150' and more.

Posted by Publius at 09:28 PM | Permalink

Deer hunters reacted angrily Thursday to a DNR proposal to cut populations of white-tail deer in half. According to this story in the Bay City Times, hunters and business people from northern Michigan travelled to Roscommon to speak out against the DNR proposal, which is intended to reduce the risk of bovine tuberculosis in the deer herd. The critics claim that the DNR's policy has already so greatly reduced the deer population that the tradition of hunting and the local businesses that serve hunters have been put at risk, and that the new plan may destroy them altogether.

Posted by Publius at 10:41 AM | Permalink

According to the DNR, the January thaws are hampering ice conditions around the state.

Traverse City - Both the East Bay and the West Bay have open water. Boat anglers fishing the East Bay have caught whitefish just off the bottom in 200 to 250 feet of water with a jig and wax worm.

Lake Leelanau - Anglers are fishing, but extreme caution needs to be used when traveling on the ice. Walleye, northern pike and yellow perch have been caught.

Remember to use extreme caution when venturing out on any ice during the current warm spell.

Posted by Publius at 04:20 PM | Permalink

"The little Blacked-capped Chickadee is the embodiment of cheerfulness, verve and courage. It can boast no elegant plumes, and it makes no claims as a songster, yet this blithe woodland sprite is a distinctive character, and is a bird masterpiece beyond all praise. It is spruce and smart in its plain black, gray and white livery; and its cheery, cordial notes are the 'open sesame' to woodland secrets. Follow the call of the Chickadee and it will introduce you to its brethren and to a sociable gathering of kinglets, nuthatches, a Downy Woodpecker or two, and possibably a Brown Creeper......"
-Edward Howe Forbush-
(Natural History of the Birds of Eastern and Central N.America, 1939)

Posted by Publius at 10:23 PM | Permalink

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Rangers are leading free snowshoe hikes every Saturday and Sunday in January and February. Snowshoes are provided, so this is a great way to try a great winter activity. Click here for complete information.

Posted by Publius at 09:21 PM | Permalink

Rebecca Lessard has been rehabilitating hawks, eagles, and other raptors on her place out near Empire for years. Now her organization, Wings of Wonder is planning to release three immature bald eagles Rebecca has been nursing back to health. This Record-Eagle story tells how three of the seven eagles the organization took in during 2005 managed to survive their injuries and are now ready to be released, probably on Jan 29 at the Tippy Dam in Manistee County.

Posted by Publius at 11:25 AM | Permalink

The Audubon Society concluded their 2005 Christmas bird count for Leelanau County event on December 29. The team consisted of Leelanau residents Norman Bistodeau, Pat O'Connor, Charles & Kathy Johnson, Leonard & Barb Graf, and Alice Van Zoeren, as well as Nate Crane, Steffi Podolan, Ed Moehle, Mike Jorae and Tom Pierson. Robert Carstens, of the Grand Traverse Audubon Club, was the compiler and coordinator.

Unusual sightings recorded include the Winter Wren by Norm Bistodeau and Mike Jorae, shown in this fine photo. Winter wrens, like some other species, will remain in Michigan during the winter if they have a dependable food source .... however, locating them in the winter when they are not singing takes determination and special knowledge and skills.

Bistodeau and Jorae also observed the only Bohemian Waxwings in all four counties - Benzie, G.T., Leelanau, and Antrim. Bohemian Waxwings are birds of ice and frost as this photo (taken in England on a cold wintry day in February) shows -- ice clinging to the bare twigs, contrasting with the soft gray textures of the bird. The shot also shows the odd wax-like droplets on the wings for which the birds are named.

12 Northern Bobwhite were spotted at Leonard Graf's feeding area on Fouch Road in Leelanau County. They were thought to have escaped or released birds raised to train hunting dogs. Others like a Brown-headed Cowbird which usually migrate and was seen at least five years ago.

One species that has not been seen in the Leelanau County for the past 3 years is the Red-headed Woodpeckers, a distinctive and elegant species that are birds of semi-open country, and can often be found in and around isolated shelterbelts and groves. Over 30 were observed at one time during a Christmas count a few years past at a large grove of majestic beech trees near the corner of Townline and Bodus Rd. The grove was logged off. None has been sighted since.

Leonard Graf who lives in Leelanua County is the Compiler for the Grand traverse Christmas Bird Count. He has written an informative book Birds of Leelanau County.

A complete list of bird seen arranged alphabetically follows below.

American Crow 694
American Goldfinch 222
American Robin 7
American Tree Sparrow 5
Bald Eagle 2
Barred Owl 2
Black Duck 8
Black-capped Chickadee 763
Blue Jay 86
Bohemian Waxwing 4
Bonaparte’s Gull 1
Brown Creeper 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Bufflehead 197
Canada Geese 89
Cedar Waxwing 203
Common Goldeneye 235
Common Merganser 93
Common Raven 8
Common Redpoll 9
Cooper’s Hawk 1
Dark-eyed Junco 59
Downy Woodpecker 26
Eastern Bluebird 37
European Starling 1159
Golden-crowned Kinglet 9
Gull Species 66
Hairy Woodpecker 14
Herring Gull 19
Horned Grebe 8
House Finch 102
House Sparrow 85
Lesser Scaup 36
Mallard 240
Mourning Dove 306
Mute Swan 33
Northern Bobwhite 12
Northern Cardinal 44
Northern Shrike 2
Pileated Woodpecker 7
Pine Siskin 19
Purple Finch 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 18
Red-breasted Merganser 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 33
Red-tailed Hawk 5
Ring-billed Gull 78
Rock Dove 81
Rough-legged Hawk 1
Ruffed Grouse 1
Scaup Species 400
Tufted Titmouse 23
White-breasted Nuthatch 55
White-throated Sparrow 1
Wild Turkey 84
Winter Wren 1

Posted by Publius at 10:39 PM | Permalink

It's been a funny winter. After a start that set us on a pace for record snowfalls, we're down to zero snow in much of Leelanau County. And for the forseeable future, that's how it will stay.
A good article in the Soo Evening News describes the dynamics at work. Ordinarily, the relatively warm, open water on the lakes would generate lake effect snows when subjected to cold northwest winds. But for the past several weeks, and for the immediate forseeable future, we have been getting a "zonal flow" of mild winter air from the Pacific northwest, occasionally alternating with air masses moving north from the southwest.

As a result, shipping channels that are usually icing up by this time of year are ice free, and we are without snow.

Posted by Publius at 04:51 PM | Permalink

We often worry--and rightly so!--about Traverse City encroaching on and taking over Leelanau County.

But sometimes, the country returns to naturalize a bit of the city. Read how this Cooper's hawk has made a little bit of front street his own:
Hawk hunts, and feathers fly

Posted by Publius at 04:55 PM | Permalink

The Leelanau Ski Club has been teaching young people to ski since 1989. Check out this family-friendly organization.

Posted by Publius at 05:02 PM | Permalink