Latest news with #MackinacStraitsRaptorWatch
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Little Traverse Conservancy plans mix of outdoor events: See what's scheduled this spring
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — There may still be snow on the ground, but soon enough trees will sprout new leaves, flowers will bud and temperatures will get warmer. The Little Traverse Conservancy — with a five-county service area covering Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet and Mackinac counties — has a full slate of events coming up this season. Where: Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve, south of Charlevoix When: 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 4 What: Participants will join Nate Dionne for this hands-on seminar exploring various techniques that can help revitalize trees in a way that also supports the ecosystem and landscape around them. Participants will put these principles and objectives to use on the trees at the preserve. There will be a limited supply of tools to use, and participants are asked to bring their own pruners and loppers. Where: Sally & Art Hailand, Jr./Helstrom Family Nature Preserve in Oden When: 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 What: Brad Von Blon will lead this walk where participants can listen and watch for woodcocks. The walk is described as 'easygoing' and suitable for all to enjoy. Where: Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve, southeast of Petoskey When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 What: The conservancy is co-hosting a trail maintenance workday with the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association to get the Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve mountain bike trails ready for the new season. Volunteers should meet at the reserve at 9 a.m. Activities will include walking trail segments, removing downed limbs and trees, trimming brush, clearing natural drains and attending to any areas of erosion. Tools will be provided. Where: Offield Family Viewlands Reserve in Harbor Springs When: 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 What: Celebrate Earth Day by helping the conservancy with trail maintenance on the mountain bike trails at the Offield Family Viewlands Reserve. Volunteers should meet in the parking area at 9 a.m. for the morning session or at 1 p.m. for the afternoon session. There will also be a group ride led by a conservancy staff member at 4 p.m. Tools will be provided. This is a family-friendly work bee, so kids are welcome. Where: Cheboygan State Park When: 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 What: This partnership event with Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch will allow participants to interact with and learn about owls. Along with observing the banding, the group will enjoy conversations by the campfire with snacks and drinks. This event is limited to 12 people. If you are interested in any of these events, registration is available at (231) 347-0991 or — Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@ This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Conservancy plans events for spring 2025
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Yahoo
Raptors to migrate over Straits of Mackinac this spring: Witness a natural phenomenon
MACKINAW CITY — Bird enthusiasts can witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon in Mackinaw City as raptors migrate north, according to a community announcement. The Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch (MSRW) is hosting several events to celebrate the migration of these birds of prey, which include hawks, eagles, owls and vultures. The migration typically occurs from early March to early June. MSRW conducts research to support raptor conservation and aims to inspire people about these majestic creatures. The group comprises scientists, birders and conservationists in the Straits region. Scott Davis, executive director of MSRW, said migrating raptors often fly along the east or west side of Michigan's Lower Peninsula to reach northern breeding grounds. The Straits serve as a choke point, as these birds prefer to see land on the other side of a body of water. Their crossing is weather-dependent, with sunny weather creating rising thermals over the land that the birds ride across the Straits. 'It's a natural phenomenon that gives you goosebumps,' Davis said. 'When you see this, it's a repeat of what has happened for thousands of years.' MSRW has hired a professional bird counter to collect data that is fed into a national database. The birds are identified by species and number. A raptor naturalist, Sarah Reding, has also been hired to help people identify birds and answer questions. She will be available at count sites during nice weekends from the end of March through May. There are two count sites, both off Central Avenue in Mackinaw City. The primary site is behind the Mackinaw City Recreation Complex, near the baseball field. The secondary site is a gravel pit/field about one mile west of the Recreation Complex on the south side of Central Avenue. A Hawk Watch sign marks the location to turn off West Central Avenue. Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you MSRW has organized several specialty weekends to celebrate the migration of different species. Golden Eagle Weekend is set for March 15-16, with the optimum watch time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MSRW holds the nationwide record for the largest seasonal count of golden eagles seen east of the Mississippi, with 381 counted in 2024. Red-Tailed Hawk Weekend is scheduled for April 12-13, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In 2019, MSRW set the nationwide record for the largest seasonal count of red-tailed hawks, with 22,420 migrating through the Straits. Broad-winged Bonanza Weekend will take place April 26-27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can learn more from Reding. MSRW is a program endorsed by Earth Week Plus. All programs are appropriate for all ages, free and open to the public. For more information, go to or This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch events to highlight spring migration
