December Nature Happenings
Sumac, Bittersweet, Poison Ivy and other berries remain throughout the winter, providing food for many species of birds. As you walk through the woods, look for berries and you may just find birds.
Winter raptors may show up, including Snowy Owls and so far, this is looking like it may be a good year for them. Snowy Owls are often seen at the DNR boat launch in Harrison Township. Grab your binoculars and go for a look for this diurnal predator along the rock pier. Snowy Owls can also be found in open fields as they hunt for rodents.
Red-breasted Nuthatches have been reported in good numbers this year throughout Michigan. They readily come to peanuts out of the shell, our No-Mess blends and suet.
This year there have been a number of reports of Evening Grosbeaks, an irruptive species. Evening Grosbeaks prefer a platform feeder to accommodate their body size. Keep your eyes on those feeders and share your sightings with us!
Bald Eagles arrive from the North to overwinter where our lakes are open. Watch for them as they sit on the ice to search for ducks to hunt. They may be seen from Belle Isle and also from the lake front at the foot of Alter Road in Detroit, right at the border of Grosse Pointe Park. This is a great time to teach Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Tufted Titmice to feed from your hand. It takes patience but it can be done! One trick is to set out a glove or mitten with seed in the palm, placing it on a porch or deck rail or perhaps a bench that you have out. After a few days of the birds getting used to feeding from the glove or mitten, place it on yourself and put it in the same spot. You may be surprised at how quickly this can work.
Long-tailed Ducks have been seen on the St. Clair River, a well-known place to find them throughout the winter. They vary greatly in plumage and are so much fun to watch as they quickly flip and dive under the water.
Project Feeder Watch continues through April, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw
