Join Us AT OUR MARCH MEETING! American Kestrels and Ecosystem Services in Michigan's Fruit Growing Regions Presenter : Dr. Catherine Lindell, Associate Professor Department of Integrative Biology Center for Global Change and Earth Observations Michigan State University Dr. Lindell will discuss how to attract kestrels to particular places, how kestrel nesting in orchards deters fruit-eating birds, and related economic benefits for farmers and the state of Michigan. She also will describe consumer responses to bird management techniques and why some techniques are preferred over others
Dedicated to creating a greater awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the interrelatedness of all Michigan’s wild places and wildlife and the need for stewardship.
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT The groundhog would appear to have been right about more winter—at least for the first couple of weeks after its namesake day. But as we enter March, the Vernal Equinox appears on the horizon, and we know that the first wave of migratory birds can’t be too far away. March also brings us St. Patrick’s Day, which led me to ponder green birds. We don’t get too many of them in Michigan. Parrots, green jay, green kingfisher—all birds that occur far south of us. Then, deep in my philosophical reverie, I
thought of the tree swallow, one of our early spring migrants. Now I know some people see more of an iridescent blue or greenish-blue on a male tree swallow, but I have always pictured them squarely in the green category so that I consider it a great stroke of luck to see my first tree swallow of the year on March 17. If you’re wondering about spring arrival dates for other birds—not just the green ones—in our area, you can find that by exploring data in eBird. Good birding, Barb Hosler
SPRING MIGRATION IS ON THE WAY As we say goodbyeof to our sweet Calendar Events winter visitors from the north, the change in weather brings our summer birds back from their long journeys south. Spring opportunities may seem endless, but here are a few options to help you plan your migration, near or far and get out to view some exciting spring migrants!
the spring warbler migration. Up to 30 different warbler species have been spotted during past festivals. The Week offers many different vendors, workshops, fieldtrips and speakers covering topics from youth birding, warbler identification to birding by ear. There are also many free activities and walks in the area during the festival. For more information, visit www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com
CAAS SPRING BIRD WALKS Join Capital Area Audubon Members for a walk right here in our own backyard. Walks are hosted every Saturday morning in April and May. We begin at the Fenner Nature Center Parking Lot and seek out spring visitors to the Lansing area. The meeting will begin with refreshments at 7:00p.m. The program will begin at 7:30p.m. Our meetings are free and open to the public.
BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING - May 4-13, 2018 Just to our south, on the edge of Lake Erie, The Biggest Week in American Birding attracts birders from around the country to view
WPBO SPRING FLING April 28-29, 2018 Whitefish Point Bird Observatory will host the 30th Spring Fling this April in Paradise, MI. This weekend is filled with speakers, presentations, tours and activities that will highlight the uniqueness of the Point, the achievements of the observatory's past and explore exciting new developments in its future. For more information or to register for the event, please visit 1 https://wpbo.org/events/spring-fling/