Mike Bishop shows MYBC campers a female Cedar Waxwing he banded.

With the help of Mike Bishop, director of the Alma College Bird Observatory, campers observed real-time banding of 68 individual birds. Some of these individuals were recaptures, including a House Sparrow that was initially banded during the inaugural MYBC in 2018. Campers enjoyed being able to see species such as Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Cedar Waxwing “up close,” getting a good look at feather details and more.

Campers spent roughly two hours outside each day, birding independently and completing other assignments. They captured photos and videos of what they were seeing, the habitat they were birding, and even some birding selfies. They were also tasked with completing point counts, assessing habitat, and identifying invasive species.

Between bird banding and the campers spanning geographically from the Upper Peninsula to mid-Ohio, 65 to 80 bird species were observed each day. I’m astounded by how well our campers were able to see, hear, and identify birds of Michigan. Collectively, the group experienced 115 different species throughout the week.

For independent birding time, each MYBC camper received a birding journal to write, draw, and record their sightings and observations. This year’s cohort included several talented artists who sketched and drew beautiful birds. Daily prompts inspired thoughtful explorations with open-ended questions such as, “If you were a bird, what would you be and why?” Other topics included what birding meant to them, how they felt about and participated in conservation, and how they would have a conversation with someone about making better choices for birds.

Throughout the week, campers were able to speak to experts who work in bird conservation, learn identification tips and techniques, and experience the joy and importance of bird research and banding. A huge thank you to Mike Bishop, Heather Good, Josh Haas, Laura Kearns, Katie O’Brien, Linnea Rowse, Matt Shumar, and Alison Vilag, who all shared their expertise and heaps of gratitude to our camp counsellors Lauren Gonzales and Emma Kurtz.

Camper Emma presents their “birdtopia.”

As a final project, the campers split into two groups and worked together to design a “birdtopia” — an entirely bird-friendly island. Each group took different approaches, discussing how policies, education, conservation, research, and human dimensions should influence their designs. They addressed bird-friendly building design, implemented pet policies, limited human disturbance of habitat, and more. It was great to see how each camper played a role in creating a blueprint of their island, allowing each camper’s interests and priorities to help birds shine through.

A Black-billed Magpie sketch by MYBC camper Jaspreet.

Campers also completed an individual project which focused on a North American bird species of their choice. Throughout the week, they discussed how the topic of the day related to their particular species and brought it together for individual presentations on the last day of camp. Each camper was inspired to produce something different — some focussed on art, others offered a comprehensive conservation history, and some shared videos highlighting what makes their species special (think problem-solving skills of American Crow).

Our virtual camp experience was different from those of the in-person camps in the last two years. However, when all was said and done, it was a great opportunity full of fun, learning, and birds. These young birders already have a wealth of knowledge about the avian world and are hard-working conservationists who care deeply about protecting habitat. It gives me immense hope for the future of birds and bird conservation!

~ By Lindsay Cain, Michigan Audubon Education Coordinator