QUIZ: ARE YOU A TRUE BIRDER?

ARE YOU A TRUE BIRDER?

Ox-Bow is home to a plethora of birds. You can often see them out on the meadow, in the lagoon, and they’ll often be the first voices chattering around campus each morning. Local data suggests nearly 200 species pass through or make their home in our neighboring dunes, wetland, and forest. Use our guide to familiarize yourself with your avian neighbors! Who knows, by the end of your time here you might be able to call yourself a True Birder.

UNSPLASH: GAURAVDEEP SINGH BANSAL; BARRED OWL , PILEATED WOODPECKER, AND NORTHERN FLICKER BY PATRICE BOUCHARD; SCARLET TANAGER, BELTED KINGFISHER, AND MALLARD DUCK BY JOSHUA J. COTTEN; BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE BY DEREK OTWAY; ROBIN BY KIERAN MANION

MALLARD DUCK

This species belongs to a subgroup of ducks called dabbling ducks. These dabblers can often be spotted on the lagoon as they dip their head to collect the abundance of algae that grows in its water. Males have an iridescent green head with a white ring at the base of the neck, while females sport mottledbrown plumage.

ROBIN

The American Robin might seem commonplace to Midwesterners, but its markings are still quite striking. These red-breasted birds love hunting for worms with their orange beaks and they’re one of the first voices you’ll hear singing on campus each morning.

SCARLET TANAGER

You can recognize these birds by their scarlet red bodies and black wings. They look similar to their southern relatives, the summer tanager.

BARRED OWL

Barred owls are a common player in the forest’s ecosystem. Though their buffy feathers and white mottling are rarely seen, these birds are often heard. You can recognize them by their call, which sounds like they’re asking, “Who cooks for you all?”

BELTED KINGFISHER

Look for these blue-gray birds as you take a canoe out on the lagoon. They can be seen diving from the treeline to the water in an attempt to catch fish. Males and females can be distinguished by the female’s chestnut band that splits their white chests.

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE

These brave little birds hang around Michigan all winter to hunt for insects, berries, and seeds. You can recognize them by their white cheek that sticks out against their black cap and bib. Their oat colored chest (often described by birders as buffy) distinguishes them from the look-alike Carolina Chickadee.

NORTHERN FLICKER

If you see a flash of gray and yellow jet by, you may have just spotted your first Northern Flicker, a member of the woodpecker family. These birds boast a grayish brown body with black stripes on their back and freckles on the chest. Red and blue-gray markings can be seen on their peachtoned face.

HOW MANY SPECIES CAN YOU SPOT DURING YOUR TIME ON CAMPUS?

Check your score below to claim your title!

1/8 - THE HATCHLING You must only have eyes for the robins!

3/8 - THE CLASSICIST After your time at Ox-Bow, you can spot mallards, robins, and chickadees from a mile away.

5/8 - THE FLEDGLING This birder is about to leave the nest. You really know your stuff and your skills are ready to take flight!

7/8 - A TRUE BIRDER The elusive tanangers and pileated woodpecker are no match for your skills. You leave Ox-Bow no longer just an Artist… but a True Birder as well!

PILEATED WOODPECKER

The Pileated Woodpecker is a crowd favorite. This bird has a loud cry that sounds truly prehistoric. Equally as striking is their red-tufted cap of feathers and yellow eye.