As winter hangs on for its final few weeks before spring, wildlife viewing opportunities abound for those who know where to look. Here are some tips for escaping cabin fever the next several weeks.
During harsh winters, waterfowl get forced into smaller and smaller pockets of open water, so the trick to finding them is often locating that open water. During milder winters, like this one, birds can be more spread out. Check moving water bodies such as larger deep-water rivers and river outlets, as well as all open water pockets on the Great Lakes shore. These pockets may change location due to winds and underlying currents, so it often pays to search. We are already into March, which means many species that wintered in the south are already arriving, adding to the number of waterfowl present statewide. Ducks, swans and geese often forage in agricultural fields and feed on leftover grains by day, so when you’re within a few miles of large bodies of water be sure to watch local agricultural fields for waterfowl gatherings too.
Bald eagles are one of the most regal birds in Michigan, and one of the most popular species in North America! Bald eagles have recovered so successfully to a record-level population that you can find them statewide, including in more urban habitats. Be sure to look up during this time of year, as eagles often fly long distances over inhospitable habitats. Deer carcasses and any leftover carrion attract large numbers of eagles in midwinter, as do dumps and lakes/beaches where dead fish are available.
An additional treat during March is the presence of the rare golden eagle in Michigan! Seeing one takes patience and learning a few key field marks, but small numbers will be present throughout the state, especially during March and the beginning of April. Golden eagles often hug the Great Lakes shoreline while migrating and are most easily found at hawk watches in Mackinaw City, Port Crescent State Park and Brockway Mountain, as they skirt around the large water bodies on their way north. Wintering birds can be found in larger forested areas such as Vassar State Game Area and Allegan State Game Area. Juvenile golden eagles have two conspicuous white patches in their outer wings and a white tail base, while adults are all dark. Young bald eagles can look very similar to young golden eagles, but have white mottling more evenly distributed throughout their underwing, not just in the two patches. The prepared eagle watcher never forgets the familiar adage: look up!
Many species of birds migrate unpredictably, arriving here some years and not others, in response to unforeseen changes in food supply elsewhere in its range. Finches such as the pine siskin and common redpoll are perfect examples. These species often can be seen at feeding stations, especially those with Nyjer thistle. Red crossbills, Bohemian waxwings, and snowy owls also share these “irruptive” habits. This winter Michigan has seen an uptick in pine siskins and snowy owls, both of which are currently widespread. The best way to find snowy owls is to locate your largest treeless expanse, preferably hundreds of acres or more without trees, and search carefully for a white blob on the ground or on a low perch. Snowy owls occasionally take to telephone poles and trees out in the open. Bohemian waxwings, which have pushed south almost to the southern Lower Peninsula, prefer fruiting trees such as mountain-ash and crabapples and can often be found in large flocks. Check ebird.org species maps for up-to-date sighting information on all of Michigan’s birds.
If snow cover is to be found, tracking is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the unseen critters lurking in your woods and fields. Figuring out which species produced the tracks you find is like solving a puzzle and can be done readily with the right book or tracks chart. Raccoons show “fingers” not dissimilar from those of people. Beavers have webbed feet. Deer have a familiar two-hooved print, while most birds have three toes forward and one back. Hopping and walking patterns can help distinguish squirrels from rabbits, and cats (such as bobcat) lack the claw marks shown by dogs (such as wolves and coyotes).
Get out there and explore Michigan’s great public lands before winter is out! Opportunities for exploration span the seasons and all the habitats our great state has to offer. As always, Michigan’s public lands offer 24/7 wildlife viewing opportunities at state wildlife/game areas or local recreation areas in your neck of the woods.
Don’t forget to like and follow the DNR’s shared Facebook page with Audubon Great Lakes: MI Birds.
It features real-time bird observations from the field and brings together the hunting and birding communities in conservation.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.