We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.
20485 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 881-1410
Fax: (313) 881-2008
Email: Send Message
Store Hours:
Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Comments:
Free parking available at rear of store.
The threat of rain held off and we were able to enjoy 33 species of birds as well as the out-of-doors on our September 26th Bird Walk at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House. We had first time birdwatchers again, allowing us to share the pleasures of the hobby of watching birds.
Although the peak of warbler migration had passed, we had a few species that were still passing through the area including American Redstart and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Eastern Phoebe tends to migrate later than other flycatchers so it was no surprise that we found one on this walk. We were surprised to catch a glimpse of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, another neo-tropical migrant making its way south.
The number of Chimney Swifts that we observed had been reduced drastically in response to less flying insects being available. Other signs of migration included the Blue Jays that were abundant around the estate and the high numbers of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers that we found. One in particular gave us good looks as we viewed it through the scope, although it was prone to playing hide and seek from the back of the tree trunk that it was perched on, as woodpeckers do!
Ford’s cove always provides interesting opportunities and this day was no exception. A Black-crowned Night Heron flew along the shoreline as we were observing gulls, and a few participants were able to see it before it settled into the willow trees, never to be relocated. The gulls did give us an opportunity to make comparisons of the body and wing sizes of Herring Gull and Ring-billed Gull. We also had the opportunity to study a Hairy Woodpecker. Sarah Ponder, one of the new birders who joined us, was able to point out the differences between it and the smaller Downy Woodpecker, having had Hairy Woodpeckers come to her feeding station on a somewhat regular basis.
It’s always bittersweet to get the last glimpses of the season of birds that we may not see again until spring. This walk was no exception as we observed Spotted Sandpiper, Pied-billed Grebe, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Northern Flicker, undoubtedly all on their way to a habitat that would provide a more reliable food source.
Our tally after the walk was most enjoyable with breakfast again sponsored by Pointe Vision. Many of the birders promised that they would be signing up again - another successful morning of bringing People and Nature together!
Enjoy Your Birds!
Rosann Kovalcik, Owner
Birds Tallied:
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Mallard
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Spotted Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Rock Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Redstart
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Common Grackle
House Sparrow
