Detroit River, Lake Erie Metropark Recognized as IBAs

Left to right: Richard Quick (President, Detroit Audubon), Caleb Putnam (Michigan IBA Program coordinator), U.S. Congressman John Dingell, Dr. John Hartig (Manager, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge), Gerry Wykes (Naturalist, Lake Erie Metropark) holding a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Copyright, Lake Erie Metropark 2007.

On Saturday 15 Sept, we held a recognition ceremony for the lower Detroit River and Lake Erie Metropark IBAs, at HawkFest in Brownstown. U.S. Congressman John Dingell attended, as well as representatives of Detroit Audubon, Lake Erie Metropark, and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The value of these sites to bird conservation was discussed by Caleb Putnam, and each speaker gave his perspective on the IBA designation and what it means to each organization. In addition, over 12,000 Broad-winged Hawks winged their way south overhead throughout the day, mesmerizing attendees.