This month I enjoyed adding some birds to my Fantasy Birding list that I know a little bit about but have yet to see in person. It’s been an inspiration in planning some future birding opportunities in the “real world.” I’ve learned a few more facts and field marks about species while also plotting out the best places to see them with my own binoculars.
Migrants have started to pick up this month, but I’m excited about what I’ll be able to see in May when the neotropical migrants begin to fly through. I’m looking forward to checking out some great hotspots and sharing in your birding experiences virtually while I add species to my list.
Featured photo: Sora by Claudio Contreras Koob | APA
Species Highlight:
Sora
I added Sora to my list on April 11 at the Maple State Game Area. I’ve never seen a Sora in person, but they intrigue me as a species. Although they are the most common rail species in North America, seeing one takes effort. These marsh birds hide deep among the cattails and reeds and often are heard more than seen. I look forward to the day I finally get to see one in person!
Photo: Sora by Roberta Blair Lakeland | Aud GBBC
Biggest Day
My biggest day of the month was April 28 at Lake Lansing Park North. I was able to see 77 species, 12 of which were new to my list! This is my biggest day yet for the year. Of the birds I saw on April 28, the Green Heron was one of my favorites. I was also finally able to add some warblers to my list, along with two swallows I was missing!
You Can Help My Virtual Big Year!
I’m always up for suggestions on places to go on certain days, especially if people are going out birding. I don’t get to add any species if no one is reporting to eBird in the location I pick on that given day. You can email me your birding plans at lcain@michiganaudubon.org.
Hotspot Highlight
This month I’d like to highlight the Maple River State Game Area. The Maple River State Game Area spreads through Clinton, Gratiot, and Ionia Counties and covers 9,948 acres of land. On Sunday, April 11, I was able to see a total of 72 species, including two new species, making it my second biggest day of the year so far. The two new species I added include the Sora and Savannah Sparrow. A large variety of birds are seen at this site throughout the year.
Lindsay Cain is Michigan Audubon’s education coordinator. If you are interested in learning more about our events, workshops, presentations, or event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lindsay at 517.580.7364 or lcain@michiganaudubon.org.
You can follow Lindsay’s virtual big year journey through her monthly blog posts or start your Fantasy Birding adventure and look for her on the scoreboards. You can find her under the username “lcain” with a Turkey Vulture as her avatar.