CAAS Call Note - March 2023

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 OUR PRESIDENT Join Us

ATOUR MARCH MEETING!

Thursday, March 2nd 7:00pmFoster Community Center, Room 213 200 N. Foster Ave, Lansing MI

Red-tailed Hawk Research and Migration

Speaker - Nick Alioto

Do Red-tailed Hawks migrate Strait?

Unraveling the mystery of a soaring migrant in the Great lakes region.

Join our speaker, Nick Alioto to learn about his current research, project background and why he was interested in studying Red-tailed Hawk migration Learn about migration routes and characteristics and wintering and breeding distributions

Nick is originally from Ontario, Canada and obtained his BS in 2016 from Bishops’ University in Quebec Over the past 6 years he has worked throughout the US and Canada on avian projects relating to movement ecology and banding. These projects include banding migratory owls in Northern Michigan, Eastern Whip-poor-will tagging in Illinois, passerine and owl banding in the boreal forest of Northern Ontario and diurnal raptor banding in Idaho and Michigan.

Nick is a member of Dr. Jennifer Owens’ lab and focuses on the movement ecology of Red-tailed Hawks migrating through the Straits region of Michigan. This project is a collaboration between MSU, Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch and The Red-tailed Hawk project. When he’s not calling out every Red-tail he sees on the roadside he enjoys birding, hiking, cross country skiing, and being decent at cooking.

on how this project started and why he was interested in studying Red-tailed

Thank you all for participating in the Capital Area Audubon Society and for supporting us with your membership. If I have learned anything this past month, it is the value, support and beauty of our local community.

On February 13th, our Spartan community faced a senseless act of violence and loss of life. In processing the events that unfolded at Michigan State, I found myself seeking nature and spending time with loved ones, grieved that the students at our schools and universities could be spending more time in fear and planning for a violent encounter than time on a field trip or nature hike.

I reached out to students and staff to offer my support and our family volunteered to help welcome students back to campus on Sunday the 19th. The show of support, love, generosity, creativity and encouragement was stunning. It brought tears to my eyes. Our students feel loved. But ultimately, they need to feel safe.

I know this is a birding and nature club, but as members of our community and advocates for a healthy environment, we can lend our voices and our support to programs that make the Lansing area stronger and safer. Our students and children deserve better and they need us to help support them This month, our guest speaker Nick Alioto is a Fisheries and Wildlife master's student at Michigan State University. Nick studies Red-tailed Hawk migration and will share all about his work, but I want to share a little about the type of person he is.

I had the chance to get to know Nick over the last few seasons at the Michigan State Bird Observatory Each migration season, the MSBO trains new student interns and operates with a number of volunteers who are just learning about bird banding, migration, aging birds and the techniques used to safely handle wild birds. Nick volunteered his time and expertise to share with visitors and to help new crew members learn more about many of the birds they study.

He is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and would help wherever needed. He even offered specialized training during his free time. He and I also connected over our interest in wild foraged fungi!

This is the type of passionate Spartan student that I get to work with year after year at the Michigan State Bird Observatory and my heart goes out to all the students, staff and first responders healing from tragedy.

Hugs to all of you.

Kristy Taylor CAAS Board President

CAAS EVENTS

Monthly meetings are held the first Thursday of the month September - June All meetings are open to the public.

Meetings will begin at 7pm in Room 213 at Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster Ave. Lansing, MI (unless otherwise listed)

WEBSITE UPDATE - Our website was recently updated to a new server. Online dues payments may not be available. We will be collecting dues in person at the monthly meetings, or you can mail a check to our PO Box. (Details on Page 4.)

A big Thank You to Sandra Conn for taking on the management and migration of our website!

Thursday April 6 - Member Travel Showcase

Speaker - Patricia Deventer

Hear about CAAS Board Member's recent travels to Antarctica!

Spring Bird Walks - Saturday Mornings in April and May at Fenner Nature Center Walks begin at the parking lot at 8am. Learn about the spring migrants moving through the area. Beginners and birders of all ages are welcome.

Thursday May 4 - Migration in MidMichigan at Capital City Bird Sanctuary

Enjoy a walk at this local Michigan Audubon managed property and see what birds are moving through! If you are new to eBird, helpers will be available during this walk to help get you started. Please download eBird and complete your registration prior to the walk.

Thursday, June 1 - Member Walk and Ice Cream Social at Fenner Nature Center

Join CAAS members and guests for a quick annual meeting followed by ice cream and a walk around Fenner.

MSRW website -

The Straits of Mackinac in Michigan forms a unique convergence of land and water. The tapering shape of the lower peninsula concentrates migrating birds at its northern tip in the spring as they await appropriate conditions to cross the Straits. To a lesser extent, Lakes Michigan and Huron tend to funnel migrants to fly south over the Straits in the fall. Hawks and owls are of particular concern to conservationists because of their position at the top of the food web.

Their numbers and migration timing provide valuable insights into ecosystem conditions. Because of its geography, the Straits is one of the best places in the country for studying raptors in both the spring and fall migration seasons. Because of this national significance and the region’s significant visitation by tourists, it is an ideal place to educate the general public about this natural resource.

Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch conducts scientific research on migrating birds of prey in the Straits of Mackinac area of Michigan. They monitor and count migrating raptors and band owls, both in Spring and Fall.

This research aims to support raptor conservation and inform and inspire the residents and visitors of northern Michigan about these magnificent birds. They record and report data on hawks, eagles, kites, falcons, and owls and share them with professionals and the public.

Researchers also observe the numbers and timing of associated non-raptor migrants in the same region if funding is available. For example, in the fall of 2020, Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch also counted waterbirds migrating over the Straits and measured and tagged southbound migrating Monarch butterflies (aka “Super Monarchs,” or “super generation Monarchs”).

MSRW’s raptor research has proven useful in identifying changes over time at the Straits of Mackinac. What local trends mean in the broader context of raptor populations and their movements is not yet clear. Fluctuations in counts may reflect changes in population size or may result from other factors such as year-to-year differences in wind and

weather patterns, which are known to affect migration routes and timing. MSRW will continue counts, and will examine data together with the counts recorded at other hawk watches across the Great Lakes and Midwest region. Their aim is to build a better understanding of raptor migration patterns, and to use that understanding to inform policy, raptor habitat conservation, and raptor research priorities.

Hawks move or migrate during the middle of the day when the sun has warmed the ground to form thermal currents, or updrafts. These are general guidelines, and depending on weather conditions, movements may occur earlier or later in the day.

A typical season will operate as follows:

In March, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In early-April, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In mid-April, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In late-April & May, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In March and early-April, most raptors fly between the canopy height and 500 feet high, so they are visible to the naked eye.

From mid-April through May, some raptors will be riding much higher thermals when approaching the Straits, and will not be visible with the naked eye. The use of binoculars will help detect these high kettles of migrating raptors.

If you would like to visit one of the MSRW sites, Hawk watch begins March 5th and wraps up on June 5th.

Depending on conditions, the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch operates on one of two sites near Mackinaw City, MI that are about a mile apart from each other. They are both directly off of W. Central Avenue. The below map shows the two sites in relation to each other in Mackinaw City.

The site that is used most often early in the spring is behind the Mackinaw City Recreation Complex

The secondary site is a gravel pit/field about 1 mile west of the Recreation Complex on the south side if Central Ave. Look for a Hawk Watch sign near the location to turn off West Central Ave

Both locations and additional information about visiting is available at www.mackinacraptorwatch.org

AREA EVENTS

Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/capitalareaaudubon for events around the state and much more!

Michigan Native Plant Conference

March 5, 9am - 5:30pm

Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI

Hear from Keynote Speaker Dr. Meredith Ann Zettlemoyer about “Extinction in our Backyards: Human Effects on Michigan Prairies.” Dr. Zettlemoyer presents an indepth study of the decline of native tallgrass prairies in southwest Michigan. She examines the conditions and traits that may influence species vulnerability to local extinctions. There will also be opportunities to network, learn and ask questions A delicious lunch will be served. In addition, there will be five webinars presented throughout the year featuring an array of exciting topics. Registration and full conference details are available atwildflowersmich.org/wam-conference

Spring Bluebird Festival

Saturday, March 25

Prince Conference Center

Grand Rapids, MI

This all-day educational event will include programs on bluebirds and other bird topics, a Bluebird Expo, children's activities, and a nature hike at the Bunker Interpretive Center. The keynote program will feature naturalist and filmmaker Charles St. Charles who has been working with MBS on a fascinating film highlighting bluebirds nesting cycle. General Admission is Free! For more information on the event, go to: www.michiganbluebirds.org/springfestival

MI Audubon Spring Tour Registration

Spring Birding Tour Registrations open soon, and will see out quickly. View the dates and registration details on their calendar atwww.michiganaudubon.org/calendar/

Gardening with Native Plants Class

March 21, 7-9pm

Harris Nature Center

Taught by Vern Stephens of Designs by Nature will provide participants an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the importance of native plants. Participants will also learn which species will be most successful on their property. For registration information, visitwww.meridian.mi.us/community/explore -meridian/harris-nature-center

MI DNR BIRDWATCHER EXPLORER PACKS

MI DNRWith spring migration right around the corner and winter birding in full swing, eight Michigan state parks have all the tools you need to enjoy this lifelong recreational pursuit. "Explorer packs," stuffed with tools and activities for outdoor learning, are now available to borrow at several state parks and recreation areas, including Bay City, Sleepy Hollow, Pinckney, Port Crescent, Wilderness, Warren Dunes, Tawas Point and Waterloo.

Sponsored by Project Learning Tree, these packs come with a compass, binoculars, Michigan species ID pamphlets, an activities guide and more.

To check out a pack, call the park to make arrangements or visit park headquarters (offseason) or the park contact station (summer season) when you arrive.

INDIANA DUNES BIRDING FESTIVAL

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is an annual event hosted by the Indiana Audubon Society that showcases the abundance of migratory birds in the Indiana Dunes. This year's event will take place May 11-14th.

Birding in the Indiana Dunes is the best the state has to offer. With its rich biodiversity, varying habitats and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Indiana Dunes is a hotspot for migrant birds. The

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival celebrates the dunes area's rich biodiversity and bird watching opportunities with the goal of positively impacting visitors and local residents through environmental education, conservation initiatives, and support of the local economy.

If you would like to register, visit indunesbirdingfestival.com

BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

The Biggest Week in American Birding happens in May just hours away from Lansing in Oak Harbor, Ohio. This year's festival will take place May 5-14th and includes walks, keynote speakers, workshops, field trips, trivia nights and much more.

This week is for new and experienced birders and offers something for everyone.

Full details and registration are available atwww.biggestweekinamerican birding.com

TAWAS POINT MIGRATION DAYS

Plan a trip to visit one of the best spots for spring migration in Michigan. Tawas State Park and AuSable Valley Audubon will host information near the lighthouse each day and additional activities for birders May 12-14th

Birding locations also include local area sites such as Tuttle Marsh, Largo Springs, Lumberman's Monument and the Scenic River Road Byway

WARBLER HOT SPOTS CLOSE TO HOME

CAAS MEMBERSHIP

Support community programs with your CAAS Membership. Your membership supports programs in our community and monthly meetings Sept through June.

Memberships run the length of the program year, September to August.

SEPTEMBER 2023 - AUGUST 2024

Membership Categories

Individual $15.00

Family $20.00

Contributing $30.00

Sustaining $50.00

Donor $100.00

To sign up and pay online, visitcapitalareaaudubon.org

If you would like to mail your membership form and payment, please mail toCAAS, PO Box 22065, Lansing, MI 48910

CALL NOTE

Published monthly

September through June by the Capital Area Audubon Society PO Box 22065, Lansing MI 48909. Deadline for submissions: 20th of the month.

2022-2023 CAAS Officers

President Kristy Taylor

Vice President Patricia Deventer

Secretary Nick Segerson

Treasurer Michael Caterino

Membership Richard Yarsevich

Editor & Facebook Kristy Taylor

Publicity & Hospitality

Field Trip Coordinator

Sandra Conn

Program Coordinator Patricia Deventer

Historian Barb Andersen

Website Sandra Conn

2022-2023 CAAS Board of Directors

Michael Caterino

Sandra Conn

Patricia Deventer

Susan Elbin

Barb Andersen

Nick Segerson

Kristy Taylor

Richard Yarsevich

OPEN SEAT

caaudubon@gmail.com

capitalareaaudubon.org

facebook.com/capitalareaaudubon

Enjoy exploring local birding hotspots right here in Michigan this spring.

If you would like to join a CAAS group birding this spring, we will offer site signups starting in April. Let us know where you are headed, and if you would like to meet up! Information will be emailed to CAAS Members.

2017 - National Audubon Society

Migrant warblers are among the most difficult of avian subjects. The tiny birds hide in the leaves, often in dark shadows, and they chase insects at a frenetic pace rarely sitting still for more than a second or two. As photographers, we need to do what we can to stack the deck in our favor.

Location, location, location (and weather) are the most important determining factors of any successful photo shoot with migrant warblers. While we can’t do anything to change the weather, we can put ourselves in the best locations to take advantage of the most birds in the most favorable settings.

But if traveling isn’t an option, don’t fret. A city park surrounded by concrete jungle, a wooded swale in the midst of agricultural land, sky islands of the desert southwest, or any riparian corridor through less than favorable habitat can all be very productive sites to photograph migrant warblers.

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio

The lakefront wood lot at Magee is arguably the best place in North America to photograph northbound migrant warblers, especially during the first week of May. After falling out, they may wait days for favorable conditions before making the journey across Lake Erie. As at any migrant hot spot, the leeward or most protected part of the woods generally holds the greatest concentrations of warblers. Magee’s boardwalk and parking lot areas provide easy (though crowded) access. The Black Swamp Bird Observatory, located at the entrance to the marsh, has extensive information on local birding hotspots, including downloadable maps.

Point Pelee National Park, Ontario

Across Lake Erie from Magee Marsh is the famed Point Pelee. Migration peaks there in mid-May, and the birds are spread out over a larger area

so there is more habitat to explore. Most photographers opt to start near the tip at sunrise and work their way north, following the various trails that spread out as the land mass widens. A tram will help shuttle you and your gear from the main parking area to the point, but it doesn’t run early enough to get you there for sunrise. Ojibway Nature Center offers great insights on birding Point Pelee and the surrounding areas.

Tawas Point State Park, Michigan

Flocks of nocturnal migrating warblers greeting sunrise high over Lake Huron will seek the closest available habitat to rest and refuel for the day. Tawas Point juts well into the lake and attracts the warblers and other songbirds like a magnet. The soft sand of the point will make short trails seem exceedingly long.

The best times to visit will most likely be during the second or third week of May, but as with all migrant hotspots the best days are truly weatherdependent. Cold days with north or east winds are likely to be unproductive even during the peak migration period. If weather is not on your side, be sure to drive through nearby Tuttle Marsh to see what photographic subjects might be available.

Whitefish Point, Michigan

In late May and early June, when spring migration is winding down or is a distant memory over much of the rest of North America, Whitefish Point on Lake Superior is just reaching its stride. The habitat is largely jack-pine woodlands with pockets of alder and other shrubs. This means the birds are rarely too high to photograph.

In the event of heavy rain you can check out the museum and lighthouse at the point and explore nearby boreal forest for Spruce Grouse, crossbills, and Gray Jays. The website for the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory is the clearinghouse for information on birding the point.

For the full article and additional US spring birding locations, visitwww.audubon.org/news/seven-springhotspots-warbler-photography