As the snow begins to melt and temperatures rise, signs of spring migration have started showing themselves here in Southeast Michigan. For example, this past weekend, I spotted my first Red-winged Blackbird of the year while leading Detroit Audubon’s monthly Young Birders Walk at Palmer Park. Hearing the familiar scree sound they so often make reassured us that spring is indeed on its way, and the pops of color on their wings added a cheerful touch to the otherwise brown and leafless forest.
While the birding was otherwise a bit slow at the beginning of the excursion, other types of wildlife made themselves known on the walk, including a coyote that pounced on its morning meal as we watched from a comfortable distance. It never ceases to amaze me how relatively large predators have adapted and thrive right in the heart of the largest city in the state. Their help maintaining the area’s small rodent problem is much needed and appreciated.
The first record of a Hermit Thrush at Palmer Park was made by MYBN member Brant Georgia in early March. Photo by Jessica Decker
The Mallards and Canada Geese floating about the park’s pond, on the other hand, seemed far more concerned with collecting any handouts we might have than providing any pest-control services or otherwise to the city. Their presence is pretty much a guarantee on our walks there, and they’re some of the very few birds who seek us out as opposed to us seeking them.
This month’s walk came to an exciting conclusion when fellow MYBN member Brant Georgia spotted the first Hermit Thrush ever recorded within the park. Located by the side of a trail, it gave us quite a challenge to track it through the brush. Still, the identification was clear, and we were able to celebrate discovering more species diversity within the largest old-growth forest in the tri-county area.
Hopefully, next month’s walk will bring even more migrants that have yet to be recorded in Palmer Park, as April showers breathe life into the plants and insects that make themselves at home there.
~ by Jessica Decker, Michigan Young Birders Network contributor
Jessica leads monthly Young Birders Walks at Palmer Park in Detroit. The next walk is on April 3 at 8 a.m. For more information and to register, click here.
The Michigan Young Birders Network, a program of Michigan Audubon, aims to connect young birders (13–18 years old) and offer a space for them to share their enthusiasm for the avian world.
Featured photo: Jessica and Brant during the young birders walk at Palmer Park.
Ways To Participate in the MYBN
Check out a monthly meeting!
Our virtual meetings gather on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m., offering a space for us to delve into a variety of topics surrounding birds and the conservation they depend on. Join us on Feb. 3 to discuss window collisions, woodpecker ID tips, and ideas for future MYBN topics and projects. Zoom login information can be found here.
Join the conversation!
MYBN utilizes a Discord server as a chatroom. Young birders from around the state send instant messages back and forth to discuss bird sightings, upcoming meetings, and fun facts. The server is also a great place to ask questions about birding hotspots, find help in identifying a bird, and more. Click here to join.
