tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12323015908159055232024-02-02T00:21:58.750-08:00Michigan Important Bird Areas ProgramA supplement to http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/index.htmlMichigan IBA Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05818478908686295646noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-91035204876326354462010-04-27T17:34:00.000-07:002010-04-27T17:39:19.925-07:00Galien River IBA survey- May 1One of the goals of the IBA program is to keep track of population trends of IBA "trigger" species. The <a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=1609&navSite=state">Galien River</a> in Berrien County is home to the state's largest known population of nesting Yellow-throated Warblers, but has never been systematically surveyed. Last April we decided to start doing such a survey. We floated several sections of this downfall-choked river by kayak in the early morning hours, counting at least 15 singing males in less than half of the available habitat. We are continuing this work on Saturday May 1 to get a complete count.<br /><br />Currently we have only 2 people so we would like to get an additional person to help. Let us know if you are interested in helping!Michigan IBA Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05818478908686295646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-28561089813990703842010-04-05T10:49:00.000-07:002010-04-05T11:29:36.460-07:00IBA Presentations in Upper Peninsula (April 13-15)I will be presenting on the Michigan IBA program all next week at Audubon chapters across the upper peninsula as follows:<br /><br />1) Tuesday April 13 at 7:30PM in Sault Ste. Marie (<a href="http://soonats.pbworks.com/">Sault Naturalist's Club</a>, at Central United Methodist Church at 111 East Spruce Street in Sault Ste Marie, MI)<br /><br />2) Wednesday April 14 at 7PM at Marquette (Laughing Whitefish Audubon, Peter White Public Library Community Room at 217 North Front Street Marquette, MI)<br /><br />3) Thursday April 15 at 7PM in Houghton (Copper Country Audubon, Michigan Tech school of forestry lecture hall)<br /><br />Hope to see you at one of these presentations!Michigan IBA Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05818478908686295646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-6342576145182408872010-02-28T13:09:00.001-08:002010-02-28T13:09:17.713-08:00Michigan's IBAs are online<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="UIStory_Message">Michigan has 96 IBAs, all of which can be seen at :<a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/stateIndex.do?state=US-MI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "fe8f8182a0e0ed04cdc8864dae4963ef", event)" style="cursor: pointer; color: rgb(59, 89, 152); text-decoration: none; "><span>http://iba.audubon.org/iba/stateIndex.do</span><wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></span>?state=US-MI</a></span></h3></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-82825092265930181792010-01-20T07:38:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:11:44.461-08:00HUGE Detroit River waterfowl flock & estimating numbersOne or Michigan's most important IBAs is the Detroit River and its adjacent open water IBAs: Lake St. Clair, and western Lake Erie basin. Up to 10% of the world's Canvasbacks have been counted within this ecosystem during fall migration and early winter, and thousands of other diving ducks, Tundra Swans, and American Coots use this area as a migration stopover each year. It is usually very difficult to photograph these huge associations, but Jerry Jourdan has produced a fine panoramic <a href="http://www.pbase.com/jourdaj/image/121243816/original">here</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/jourdaj/image/121243816/original">http://www.pbase.com/jourdaj/image/121243816/original<br /></a><br />In spending just 60 seconds estimating the number of individuals in the photo by groups of 100 I estimate there are at least 4,500 individuals present in this photo. This is very good practice for obtaining numerical estimates of large flocks of birds. I also recommend this very helpful <a href="http://www.stigc.dk/projects/countinggame/">counting utility</a> and <a href="http://ebird.org/plone/ebird/news/bird-counting-201">eBird's estimation tips</a>. And as always, be sure to report your counts of all species to <a href="http://ebird.org/content/ebird/">eBird</a>, where the information will instantly become available to the IBA program and all conservation agencies, with the click of one button.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-34966496125809966642009-05-06T04:30:00.001-07:002009-05-06T04:34:25.529-07:00Looking for help counting Yellow-throated Warblers by kayakThis Saturday (9 May) we will be surveying the Galien river's main and south branches for Yellow-throated Warblers and other species, by kayak. On 25 April the survey began with coverage of New Troy to Flynn Rd (Main branch) and Indiana state line to Lakeside Rd (south branch), and the discovery of at least 9 YTWAs. The IBA threshold for this species is only 5 pairs. We currently have 2 people, but could use 2 more to help us finish the remaining stretches.<br /><br />There is a lot of downfall in the river, so participants should be very comfortable portaging their kayaks repeatedly and in controlling their boat in difficult conditions. GPS units are helpful but not required. If you or someone you know would like to help please contact me immediately at cputnam@audubon.org or 616-774-3000.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-51322821654616147502009-03-18T13:36:00.000-07:002009-03-20T11:25:54.818-07:00Michigan Audubon seeks volunteers to find Kirtland's Warblers in UP<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);font-family:Arial;" ><div>The following message has just come across from Tom Funke, Michigan Audubon's Director of Conservation:</div><div><br /></div><div>The Kirtland Warbler Management Group, comprised of various government agencies tasked to conserving the Kirtland Warbler, has asked Michigan Audubon for help.</div><div> </div><div>We are seeking interested birders that would volunteer a day or two of their time to look for Kirtland Warblers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.</div><div> </div><div>We are asking that you explore an area suspected of having Kirtland Warblers at least once during June 6 – 15<span style="line-height: normal;font-size:78%;" ><sup>th</sup></span>, 2009. </div><div> </div><div>Skye Haas has graciously volunteered his time to coordinate volunteer birders in this endeavor. Kirtland’s are suspected throughout the UP, from the Baraga Plains all the way to Sault Ste. Marie. <a href="mailto:theowlranch@aol.com" style="font-weight: inherit; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 104, 207);"><span style="line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>theowlranch@aol.com</u></span></a></div><div><span style="line-height: normal;font-family:Times New Roman,serif;" > </span></div><div>If you are interested in participating, please send Skye and myself an email indicating your interest. Skye will be attending a training to get the details then be in email contact with you.</div><div> </div><div>Having seen KW in habitat is beneficial, but not necessary. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span style="line-height: normal;font-family:Times New Roman,serif;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Comic Sans MS';">Yours in conservation,</span></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="line-height: normal;font-family:Comic Sans MS,cursive;" >Thomas Funke</span></div><div><span style="line-height: normal;font-family:Comic Sans MS,cursive;" >Director of Conservation</span></div><div><span style="line-height: normal;font-family:Comic Sans MS,cursive;" >Michigan Audubon Society</span></div><div><span style="line-height: normal;font-family:Times New Roman,serif;" ><a href="http://www.michiganaudubon.org/" target="_blank" style="font-weight: inherit; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 104, 207);"><span style="line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Comic Sans MS,cursive;" ><u>www.michiganaudubon.org</u></span></a></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-90089779389477603172009-03-16T17:50:00.000-07:002009-03-16T17:51:12.699-07:00Washtenaw Audubon Safe Passage articlePlease see <a href="http://www.mlive.com/opinion/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/03/other_voices_dim_the_lights_to.html">this direct link </a>to an article detailing Washtenaw Audubon's effort to protect night-migrating passerines, written by Will Weber.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-27025918564632754422009-03-13T06:35:00.000-07:002009-03-13T06:47:26.053-07:00Detroit River cleanup date annouced<table style="background-position: right bottom; background-image: url(http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101093164665/cardsspring_bg1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="100%" background="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101093164665/cardsspring_bg1.gif" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5"><tbody> <tr> <td width="100%" align="left"><table id="content_LETTER.BLOCK3" hidefocus="" style="margin-bottom: 6px;" tabindex="0" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(255, 130, 162); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" valign="top" align="left"><span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(255, 130, 162); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:180%;color:#ff82a2;" ><b>Early Riser Open House</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%" align="left" height="100"> <table id="content_LETTER.BLOCK4" hidefocus="" style="margin-bottom: 6px;" tabindex="0" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#666666;" > <div><strong>On April 11th, 2009 Humbug Marsh will be open at 6 AM and close at 3 PM. </strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Whether you would like to take photos, an early walk, or just sit on the deck and enjoy the morning-the marsh will be open. </div></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <table id="content_LETTER.BLOCK5" hidefocus="" style="margin-bottom: 6px;" tabindex="0" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" valign="top" align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#666666;" > <div style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(21, 133, 121); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" align="left"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(21, 133, 121); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#158579;" ><strong>DETROIT RIVER CLEAN-UP<br />Sponsored by Friends of the Detroit River<br />SATURDAY,April 18th<br />9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.<br /></strong></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"> <div style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(21, 133, 121); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" align="left"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(21, 133, 121); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#158579;" > </span></div> <div style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(21, 133, 121); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" align="left"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(21, 133, 121); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#158579;" ><strong>Many hands make light work- so instead of having a garlic mustard pull, we will be assisting the Friends of the Detroit River with their clean-up. </strong></span></div> <p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Who?</span></strong> <strong>Small craft boat owners, volunteers, families, & friends - Anyone interested in helping to cleanup litter along the waterfronts.<br /><span style="color:#000000;">Why?</span> A large-scale cleanup of the shores and small islands in the Lower Detroit River is being planned for this day. The goal is to pick up as much litter as possible that resides along the shores of the many dikes, islands, and bays in the lower river.<br /><span style="color:#000000;">What is needed?</span> Volunteers with/or without small outboard boats<br />Glove & boots - Dress for the weather and protection<br />Extra lifejackets (if you have them)<br /><span style="color:#000000;">Where?</span> Trenton Rotary Park - Foot of Harrison St., just off West Jefferson. Orientation meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. Trenton boat launch may be used for boats on trailers.<br />Boats will be launched after orientation. A picnic lunch will be provided for all who participate.<br />Anyone needing additional information or those who plan on bringing his/her boat to the event, please call 1-734-676-4626 after 4 PM. See our site at: www.detroitriver.org<br /></strong></p></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td width="100%" align="left"> <table id="content_LETTER.BLOCK6" hidefocus="" style="margin-bottom: 6px;" tabindex="0" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#666666;" > <div><b>Sincerely,</b></div><span> <div>Kristi Thiel</div> <div>Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge </div></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-51371396800801186252009-02-24T18:23:00.001-08:002009-02-24T18:25:22.212-08:00DNR stewardship at an IBA and several other sites<pre style="font-family: georgia;">The purpose of the IBA program is to identify and protect those sites most<br />critical to bird conservation. This includes many sites owned and managed<br />by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). MDNR is currently<br />soliciting help removing invasive species from one current IBA, Waterloo<br />Recreation Area, as well as several other sites. Please consider helping<br />in this effort! If you can spare some time in the month of March here is<br />the information:<br /><br />What:<br />Join the DNR, Parks and Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit in a<br />hands-on approach to removing invasive shrubs (glossy buckthorn, autumn<br />olive)from high-quality native ecosystems within the parks. This is a<br />great opportunity to get outside with your kids or to relieve some of your<br />winter blues.<br /><br />Where & When:<br />Sunday, March 1, 2009, Algonac State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.<br />Saturday, March 7, 2009, Island Lake Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.<br />Sunday, March 8, 2009, Highland Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.<br />Saturday, March 14, 2009, Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to noon<br />Saturday, March 21, 2009, Waterloo Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.<br />Sunday, March 22, 2009, Pinckney Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.<br />Saturday, March 28, 2009, Brighton Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.<br />Saturday, March 28, 2009, Highland Recreation Area, Barn Course Field<br />Trial Area, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.<br /><br />How:<br />For workday details, additional dates, to get directions, and to register:<br /><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_10871-162412--,00.html" target="_blank" onclick="onClickUnsafeLink(event);">http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_10871-162412--,00.html</a><br />or<br />www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers; click on "Calendar of Volunteer<br />Stewardship Workdays" under "Current Volunteer Opportunities".<br /><br />Getting connected with the DNR Stewardship Network:<br />If you would like to receive an email from the DNR Stewardship Network<br />with information on up coming workdays or have questions, please email or<br />call Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov<br /><br />Hope you can join us!<br />Laurel Malvitz-Draper<br />Natural Resource Steward<br />Stewardship Unit, Parks and Recreation Division<br />Michigan Department of Natural Resources</pre>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-89133939203138673692009-02-09T20:38:00.000-08:002009-02-09T20:49:35.462-08:00Satellite tagged Osprey journeys to MichiganIn November I received an email from N.C. Osprey researcher Rob Bierregaard (U.N.C. Charlotte) who is conducting satellite telemetry research on at least seven of these fascinating highly-migratory raptors. He informed me that one of his birds, a young male originally tagged in the nest at Martha's Vineyard, MA, had spent the summer of 2008 wandering the northeast, including the U.P. He was especially fond of <span class="style2" lang="en-us">Pellissier Lake near Marquette,</span> and was on its way to his neotropical wintering grounds via N.C. as of November 2008. <br /><br />You can track the incredible journeys of this bird, named Meadow, <a href="http://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/bierregaard/maps08/Meadow%20%2881057%29.htm">here</a>. This is yet another example of the astounding, often unpredictable journeys made by migratory birds.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-29620718463510665542009-01-12T13:35:00.000-08:002009-01-12T13:47:14.085-08:009 Michigan IBAs prioritized as globally significant!We are proud to announce that the National IBA Technical Committee has approved nine Michigan IBAs as globally-significant sites! This means that each site plays a very important role globally in supporting one or more species recognized as globally vulnerable or threatened by the <a href="http://www.iucn.org/about/index.cfm">IUCN</a>. The sites are [species triggering the designation in brackets]:<br /><br />1) Kirtland's Warbler Management Units and Guide's Rest [Kirtland's Warbler]<br />2) Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (inc. N. Manitou Id.) [Piping Plover]<br />3) coastal Saginaw Bay (Nayanquing Pt. to Wildfowl Bay) [Tundra Swan]<br />4) lower Detroit River [Canvasback]<br />5) Allegan State Game Area & Kalamazoo River [Cerulean Warbler]<br />6) Barry State Game Area, Yankee Springs Recereation Area & Perry Trust [Cerulean Warbler]<br />7) Fort Custer Training Center and Recreation Area [Cerulean Warbler]<br />8) Watrerloo Recreation Area [Cerulean Warbler]<br />9) White River (Manistee National Forest) [Cerulean Warbler]<br /><br />For more information on any of these sites please see our <a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/stateIndex.do?state=US-MI">online database</a> of Michigan's IBAs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-29034134748856628042008-05-06T11:34:00.000-07:002008-05-06T11:48:29.983-07:00Whitefish Point IBA Recognition Ceremony HeldOn Saturday April 26 <a href="http://www.wpbo.org/">Whitefish Point</a> was ceremonially-recognized as an <a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=1653&navSite=state">IBA</a> at the annual Spring Fling banquet. This site and the surrounding waters of Whitefish Bay are home to a vast number of migrant waterbirds, including approximately 25-45% of the North American population of Red-necked Grebes annually. Common Terns, and many species of waterfowl and waterbirds depend on this corridor for successfully completing their annual cycles, and for these reasons the site was named an IBA.<br /><br />Thanks to Mike Sefton for sending us the following photos (and giving us permission to post them here!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUfulqVN7nd7GgJgEv7c4iWdALTQ4oZH0EYPBJutkWVXhvMYEwa2_7tgyuFea2c8K0S0gYzeBA6MVf6iZsoL_l9lqkc_GmzyfXE2B9H_ilQRA30aAfKFH12gw-19GqJIuni99M_P9ijQ/s1600-h/AA++Apr08++WPBO++Ian32+034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUfulqVN7nd7GgJgEv7c4iWdALTQ4oZH0EYPBJutkWVXhvMYEwa2_7tgyuFea2c8K0S0gYzeBA6MVf6iZsoL_l9lqkc_GmzyfXE2B9H_ilQRA30aAfKFH12gw-19GqJIuni99M_P9ijQ/s400/AA++Apr08++WPBO++Ian32+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197336641512579570" border="0" /></a>IBA Coordinator Caleb Putnam addresses the crowd. <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">©</span>Mike Sefton 2008 <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlWBm3ep2O1mNuqUhdqhmkOPPk5aHkcUMlW_LqFvm2Jkusg5IEJKvr4ow-2mmD1U9BJrTW7Ep_EjqSk5zSh741nmzEJj313QaBj4jO7sScLhcdtIp1wI4QiFK2zJ30A-9Sr1rwXm4esE/s1600-h/AA++Apr08++WPBO++Ian32+035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlWBm3ep2O1mNuqUhdqhmkOPPk5aHkcUMlW_LqFvm2Jkusg5IEJKvr4ow-2mmD1U9BJrTW7Ep_EjqSk5zSh741nmzEJj313QaBj4jO7sScLhcdtIp1wI4QiFK2zJ30A-9Sr1rwXm4esE/s400/AA++Apr08++WPBO++Ian32+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197336770361598482" border="0" /></a>Left to right: Tracy Casselman (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), Terry Begnoche (Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society), Caleb Putnam, Marc Snyder (WPBO board), Jack Lapinski (MI Audubon president), Les Homan (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">©</span>Mike Sefton 2008Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-90204004824942499682008-04-11T10:06:00.000-07:002008-04-11T10:08:17.755-07:0026 April Whitefish Point IBA Recognition Ceremony<p class="MsoNormal" style="">On <st1:date year="2008" day="26" month="4">Saturday April 26, 2008</st1:date>, Whitefish Point will be recognized as an Important Bird Area for its significant concentrations of migrant waterbirds.<span style=""> </span>This event will take place at the annual <a href="http://www.wpbo.org/Trips.html#springfling">Spring Fling</a> banquet at <st1:time minute="45" hour="16">4:45 PM</st1:time> at the <st1:place><st1:placename>Paradise</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype>Community Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Tickets, which cost $35/adult and $15/child, are required and limited in number, so please sign up soon.<span style=""> </span>Visit <a href="http://www.wpbo.org">wpbo.org</a> for the sign up form.<span style=""><span style=""> </span>Several dignitaries have been invited, and there will be a short ceremony highlighting the </span><st1:stockticker><span style="">IBA</span></st1:stockticker><span style=""> and its birds, followed by a ribbon-cutting and photo op.</span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Huge numbers of Red-necked Grebes fly by the point into <st1:place><st1:placename>Whitefish</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype>Bay</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> each fall, using the open waters of <st1:place>Lake Superior</st1:place> as a migration corridor during this part of their journey.<span style=""> </span>This represents as much as 25-45% of the estimated North American population, a huge concentration by any measure.<span style=""> </span>Other significant species include Common Tern, loons, waterfowl of many species, and Bonaparte’s Gulls.<span style=""> </span>Whitefish Point is not currently recognized as an <st1:stockticker>IBA</st1:stockticker> for its migrant songbirds and raptors, because these criteria have not yet been finalized.<span style=""> </span>Whether the point meets thresholds for any of these species will be announced at a later date.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-60270491209439952692008-04-01T18:07:00.001-07:002008-04-01T18:41:04.205-07:00Wind power is up and running in Michigan!As I have stated before, Audubon wholeheartedly <a href="http://www.audubon.org/globalwarming/">supports</a> alternative energy as a means of preventing the long-term effects of global warming on birds and other wildlife. That said, one promising form of alternative energy, wind energy, is not without its harmful effects, particularly bird and bat mortality.<br /><br />Audubon was recently contacted by the clerk of <a href="http://www.laketownship.net/mainpage.htm">Lake Township</a>, Huron County, to advise its planning commission on how to write a good ordinance for the siting of wind turbines. On March 26, 2008, Tom Funke (director of conservation for <a href="http://www.michiganaudubon.org/">Michigan Audubon Society</a>) and I presented at a publicly-attended planning commission meeting which was attended by DTE Energy officials and elected officials of the township. On the way, we decided to stop at Michigan's first large wind farm, the Harvest Wind Farm, operated by John Deere, Inc. This windfarm, we had heard, was located between the small towns of Pigeon and Elkton in Huron County near the tip of the thumb:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fOmmnmJQkGK8xjHUCIlkgdePFpDoKysRM7VosZ6DO-aIWrqNvKUkkbLC27_WZbM3UQaZefj4B-Q9WhzEqPfwf29v2Yeksry3rd6MkCGdPdkCB0IxKCqnMg9I2smTRIYvUbGsUNBvU8U/s1600-h/Harvest+Map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fOmmnmJQkGK8xjHUCIlkgdePFpDoKysRM7VosZ6DO-aIWrqNvKUkkbLC27_WZbM3UQaZefj4B-Q9WhzEqPfwf29v2Yeksry3rd6MkCGdPdkCB0IxKCqnMg9I2smTRIYvUbGsUNBvU8U/s400/Harvest+Map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184448894384893826" border="0" /></a>We had asked for directions for finding the windfarm, so imagine our surprise when we saw this from a distance of 8 miles:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1Vwa7btLj1IOhNBdAbiqQlL8SR87AcQVgzl9cCgOM53Bbur3cTZvVp3cSj2jhqccLj1QQAQom3a28bMm9pc9snQP-_z5HPlSWjoQo2EEgxSuJkVcCRtRvorS9QIu9IKnAb9rHIzVQIY/s1600-h/Wind8miles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1Vwa7btLj1IOhNBdAbiqQlL8SR87AcQVgzl9cCgOM53Bbur3cTZvVp3cSj2jhqccLj1QQAQom3a28bMm9pc9snQP-_z5HPlSWjoQo2EEgxSuJkVcCRtRvorS9QIu9IKnAb9rHIzVQIY/s400/Wind8miles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184448808485547890" border="0" /></a>There would be no problem locating this windfarm. From 3 miles away it was becoming apparent how large these turbines were:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJzkPwEGogDdH3PJtjy_hjaIqVggialI63rxvtbe-mensPuULuiCs5lbEtH8T2EgTEQFZWfn0JGmzKjb0Z_b-2_weOLMKadTTksrNvHF4Kb2hS4ReRvj-b_AycGKVEdde1DddktMnbJU/s1600-h/3miles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJzkPwEGogDdH3PJtjy_hjaIqVggialI63rxvtbe-mensPuULuiCs5lbEtH8T2EgTEQFZWfn0JGmzKjb0Z_b-2_weOLMKadTTksrNvHF4Kb2hS4ReRvj-b_AycGKVEdde1DddktMnbJU/s400/3miles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184448756945940322" border="0" /></a>Up close, these machines were huge and impressive. There was a strange sensation of near awe at the spectacle of it. There are 32 turbines spread out over an area of perhaps 10 square miles, each approximately 350-400 feet tall at the highest, with deceivingly fast blades which appeared to be spinning rather slowly at first glance.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkrVHTx6u6JWWDtnsL0yjIz3xTfNUDHTHYSuXtLTdFfxE4aI_g04ITyKooRswqx1Sv2fbCjleBAVMjlZVHKzBe2ytupHMfUJyUPtVDrJZGsP6E1I-J9JCJhIqNsLdqFdSuE2TT1S59Os/s1600-h/Upclose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkrVHTx6u6JWWDtnsL0yjIz3xTfNUDHTHYSuXtLTdFfxE4aI_g04ITyKooRswqx1Sv2fbCjleBAVMjlZVHKzBe2ytupHMfUJyUPtVDrJZGsP6E1I-J9JCJhIqNsLdqFdSuE2TT1S59Os/s400/Upclose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184448692521430866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxzlbZWJETcN_ofSWdAzYpBUAEKhUaTnoQ8eU4O8Y3fFB6UvsFRBP3sCWQclqW3YYDbNSJ_0pUaUBB7FEYrSjyGD1VoeX302_TkdNTfvNAodJ-a-EgexgLAgQJTrgSkkJzl9f5QzMNKI/s1600-h/One.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxzlbZWJETcN_ofSWdAzYpBUAEKhUaTnoQ8eU4O8Y3fFB6UvsFRBP3sCWQclqW3YYDbNSJ_0pUaUBB7FEYrSjyGD1VoeX302_TkdNTfvNAodJ-a-EgexgLAgQJTrgSkkJzl9f5QzMNKI/s400/One.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184448636686856002" border="0" /></a>The size of the housing was nearly that of a small bus:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXJsnXpUS8PCOowUJISw4u6DbnXPsCXYtEK0eYWy_hBIr5y6v5uYx-XAxIG0Hn_X0xyJFj3g8HQBqXjtdRGX3PPQXVDmBo5My8e2b-9mTAKNttwmcRGvWV6az9ibu7MiYqU-SyKEK3uo/s1600-h/Housing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXJsnXpUS8PCOowUJISw4u6DbnXPsCXYtEK0eYWy_hBIr5y6v5uYx-XAxIG0Hn_X0xyJFj3g8HQBqXjtdRGX3PPQXVDmBo5My8e2b-9mTAKNttwmcRGvWV6az9ibu7MiYqU-SyKEK3uo/s400/Housing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184448563672411954" border="0" /></a>It may not yet be widely known, but wind power is no longer a thing of the future. It is a force of the present. Indeed, Governor Granholm's <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29940-175808--,00.html">strong push</a> for increased alternative energy in Michigan is well underway, with several more projects in the planning stages. The challenge as we move forward, including potential projects such as <a href="http://www.michigansthumb.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19046167&BRD=2292&PAG=461&dept_id=476228&rfi=6">this one</a> by DTE Energy in the thumb, is to do our best to prevent large mortality events at all wind farm sites. There are very few data to tell us how many birds will be affected by any given windfarm, so it is essential that sites be monitored for at least 3 years in advance of construction, and several years following construction. If large mortality events are noted, some effort must be put forth to mitigate the problem. The details of such mitigation are, in part, what local officials can consider as part of their ordinance.<br /><br />Existing voluntary guidelines have already been put forth by the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/wind.htm">US Fish and Wildlife Service</a>, the <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Wind_and_Solar_Siting_Guidlines_Draft_5_96872_7.pdf">Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth</a>, the <a href="http://www.awea.org/sitinghandbook/">American Wind Energy Association</a>, and the <a href="http://www.nationalwind.org/publications/wildlife.htm">National Wind Coordinating Collaborative</a>. The Fish and Wildlife Service calls for no turbines within 3 miles of the lakeshore and at least 5 miles from any known active Bald Eagle nest. Although the numbers may be somewhat arbitrary, we do agree that shorelines often attract large concentrations of migrant and wintering waterbirds, raptors, songbirds, and other species, and should be avoided where possible.<br /><br />In the case of Lake Township, the entire township is located within 3 miles of the shoreline, which borders the <a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=2760&navSite=state">Coastal Saginaw Bay</a> IBA. This IBA supports up to 4% of the known population of the Tundra Swan during spring and fall migration, as well as large numbers of ducks and migrating raptors. We simply do not yet know how vulnerable these groups of birds would be to wind development at this location. To follow this developing story check the Lake Township <a href="http://www.laketownship.net/wind_newpage.htm">wind page</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-17443480716081830232008-02-15T12:03:00.000-08:002008-02-15T12:59:27.547-08:00On bird data and the DNRMost birders collect data, at least at a basic level. It may be limited to a daily checklist, or it may consists of counts of each species organized by location, weather, viewing conditions, other observers, and other details. This information, particularly that in the latter category, has great value beyond just calculating life lists, and many of us don't fully appreciate this fact.<br /><br />The IBA program requires solid bird data for the identification of all IBAs, for example. This information comes from all kinds of sources (scientific literature, publications, birder data, <a href="http://ebird.org/content/ebird/">eBird</a>, etc.) and requires lots of time and effort to locate and compile. This time commitment is a limiting feature for many conservation organizations, including government agencies.<br /><br />The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for example, relies on the Natural Heritage Database maintained by the <a href="http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/">Michigan Natural Features Inventory </a>(MNFI) for guiding its management decisions. If they are going to know about a rare species they need to protect, this is where they'll find out about it. As it turns out, they just do not have time to query other sources of information. You may assume that because you entered your observations into eBird and the Michigan Audubon <a href="http://www.michiganaudubon.org/docs/download_forms.html">Seasonal Survey</a> compiler that the DNR would have full access to it, but it's not currently true!<br /><br />There are many reasons why these and other biological databases do not share data freely. But my point here is that we really need to make sure our observations of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species (and not just birds!) are submitted to the right places and are thus utilized to the fullest extent. In the case of the DNR, please download the appropriate <a href="http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/contact/surveyforms.cfm">MNFI form</a> and see to it that it is submitted. It may be extra work on our part, but this will go a long way to guiding good conservation in our state!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-92006322415753929972008-01-03T07:44:00.000-08:002008-01-03T11:07:48.688-08:00Lake Michigan IBA?The process of defining an IBA requires solid data and approval by the Michigan IBA Technical Committee. There are many examples of suspected IBAs for which we don't have enough data to make a decision. One example is of the massive concentrations of Long-tailed Ducks seen by birders during late winter and spring along the lower peninsula's Lake Michigan shoreline. Usually, these birds are one mile or more out from shore, and form dark clouds of birds when they take flight.<br /><br />This Saturday Jan 5, a committed group of birders will attempt the first-ever organized count of these birds, standing guard at six locations including Manistee, Ludington, Little Sable Pt (Oceana County), Muskegon, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, and South Haven. Coordinated by Chip Francke (Grand Haven Parks) and Kip Miller (leader of the Berrien Birding Club), the January 5 count will involve the first known attempt at quantifying these large flocks. If enough birds are found, this information could be used to help delineate an Important Bird Area.<br /><br />We plan to attempt a second, follow-up, count in March. If you would like to join the efforts, or start a similar effort at a local site, please email the Michigan IBA Coordinator, <a href="http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/michigan/">Caleb Putnam</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-48522161123918671462007-11-14T10:33:00.000-08:002007-11-14T10:49:10.551-08:00Wind Power and IBAsA major tool in the fight to curb <a href="http://www.audubon.org/globalWarming/">global warming</a> and its requisite effects on birds is wind power. The issue is fast-growing in our society, and Audubon is actively pursuing a definitive policy stance on the subject. One staff member from the Washington, D.C. office, Michael Daulton, has been appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to the national <a href="http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2007/March/Day-13/i4545.htm">Wind Turbines Guidelines Advisory Committee</a>.<br /><br />The issue is also at the forefront in Michigan, including in Lake Township in Huron County, where a proposal to erect <a href="http://www.mlive.com/saginaw/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-24/1194283204325380.xml&coll=9">several turbines</a> within close proximity to the <a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=2760&navSite=state">coastal Saginaw Bay IBA</a> has been announced. The article includes comments from Caleb Putnam, Michigan IBA Program Coordinator.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-73098656464087786062007-09-20T08:10:00.000-07:002007-09-24T08:15:28.248-07:00Detroit River, Lake Erie Metropark Recognized as IBAs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h6Zx6PiSvaavPqpr-Zn1Nidi1Zm3mfIDnk4a8cuJsEzvPYGQ4W55SlWxieNew29NWcEReQU5lr-7dYykSRdTyOgIcSl2uuXRdWrHG7r_kw1Z-dDBbovgVpEotXzcMhJYbqY0H7ztcow/s1600-h/Wykes1+V2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h6Zx6PiSvaavPqpr-Zn1Nidi1Zm3mfIDnk4a8cuJsEzvPYGQ4W55SlWxieNew29NWcEReQU5lr-7dYykSRdTyOgIcSl2uuXRdWrHG7r_kw1Z-dDBbovgVpEotXzcMhJYbqY0H7ztcow/s400/Wykes1+V2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113789535665228402" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />On Saturday 15 Sept, we held a recognition ceremony for the<a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=2899&navSite=state"> lower Detroit River</a> and <a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=1622&navSite=state">Lake Erie Metropark</a> IBAs, at HawkFest in Brownstown. U.S. Congressman <a href="http://www.house.gov/dingell/">John Dingell</a> 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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-64445072849692778552007-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:002007-09-07T07:44:31.026-07:00*Time change* for 15 Sept recognition ceremonyThe recognition ceremony on 15 Sept 2007 to recognize the lower Detroit River and Lake Erie Metropark as IBAs has been *CHANGED* to 4 PM, rather than 1PM as initially scheduled. Here is the official announcement:<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" >Public Invited to Sept 15 Ceremony Recognizing the </span></b><st1:place><st1:placename><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" >Lower</span></b></st1:placename><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" > </span></b><st1:placename><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" >Detroit</span></b></st1:placename><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" > </span></b><st1:placetype><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" >River</span></b></st1:placetype></st1:place><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" > and </span></b><st1:place><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" >Lake Erie</span></b></st1:place><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:14;" > Metropark as Important Bird Areas (IBAs)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>BROWNSTOWN MI, The Michigan Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program, Detroit Audubon Society, and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge will hold a formal ceremony to recognize the lower <st1:place><st1:placename>Detroit</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>River</st1:placetype></st1:place> and Lake Erie Metropark as IBAs that provide essential habitat for breeding, wintering, and/or migrating birds.<span style=""> </span>The IBA Program is a global effort to conserve habitats for birds and other biodiversity.<span style=""> </span>The ceremony will take place Saturday September 15 at <st1:time hour="16" minute="0">4:00 PM</st1:time> as part of the Hawkfest at Lake Erie Metropark.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lower Detroit River, one of the region’s key waterbird stopover sites, is home to large numbers of migrating and wintering Canvasback ducks (representing up to 10% of the estimated global population some years) and Tundra Swans (up to 1,900 individuals), and has supported approximately 275 Common Tern nests in recent years.<span style=""> </span>Lake Erie Metropark is a key bottleneck point for migrating raptors (such as hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures), annually averaging over 150,000 Broad-winged Hawks and from 7,000 to 9,000 Sharp-shinned Hawks, as they pass southward around <st1:place>Lake Erie</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Both sites are considered crucial to the long-term survival of these and other bird species.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The ceremony will be held at Hawkfest that is held during the peak of the autumn raptor migration, and visitors can expect to see many migrating hawks and to observe and photograph up close many live raptors.<span style=""> </span>Speaking at the ceremony will be<span style="font-family:Times;"> U.S. Congressman John Dingell, </span>Michigan State Representative Kathleen Law, Lake Erie Metropark staff, and John Hartig, Refuge Manager of the International Wildlife Refuge.<span style=""> </span>There will also be a formal ribbon-cutting, and a sign unveiling.<span style=""> </span>No RSVP is required for these activities.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“This IBA recognition is an excellent example of the partnerships we are establishing to build, monitor, and manage <st1:place>North America</st1:place>’s only international wildlife Refuge,” notes Congressman John Dingell.<span style=""> </span>“This IBA Program will help us set science-based priorities for habitat conservation and provides unique opportunities for participation by volunteers and citizen scientists.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“This IBA recognition for the lower <st1:place><st1:placename>Detroit</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>River</st1:placetype></st1:place> and Lake Erie Metropark provides further evidence of the uniqueness of our Downriver wildlife and habitats,” notes Michigan State Representative Kathleen Law.<span style=""> </span>“We are so fortunate to have these natural resources right in our backyard that provide the foundation for our growing ecotourism economy.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The IBA Program is a global initiative of BirdLife International. It is administered in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> by Audubon and in <st1:state><st1:place>Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> by a consortium of conservation organizations: <st1:place><st1:city>Audubon</st1:city>, <st1:state>Michigan</st1:state></st1:place> Audubon, Detroit Audubon, and the <st1:place><st1:placename>Kalamazoo</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Nature</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>The program seeks to identify and conserve the world’s most crucial sites for bird conservation.<br /><o:p></o:p><br />For more information about the IBA Program:<o:p></o:p><br />Caleb G. Putnam<br /><st1:state><st1:place>Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> Important Bird Areas Coordinator<o:p></o:p><br />cputnam@audubon.org<o:p></o:p><br />http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/<o:p></o:p><br /><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://www.birdlife.org/"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >www.birdlife.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span>For more information about HawkFest:<br /><o:p></o:p><span style="color:black;">Paul Cypher<br />President, </span><st1:place><span style="color:black;">Southeast Michigan</span></st1:place><span style="color:black;"> Raptor Research<br />paulcypher@comcast.net<br /><a href="http://www.smrr.net/events.shtml"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:black;" >http://www.smrr.net/events.shtml</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span>For more information about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge:<br /><span style="color:black;">http://www.fws.gov/midwest/DetroitRiver/<o:p></o:p></span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-54512409076835907352007-09-04T07:19:00.000-07:002007-09-04T07:21:17.067-07:00Congressman Dingell to speak at 15 Sept IBA Ceremony!Exciting news- we have received word that Congressman <a href="http://www.house.gov/dingell/index.shtml">John Dingell</a><a href="http://www.house.gov/dingell/index.shtml"> </a>of the U.S. House will be speaking at our 15 Sept Recognition Ceremony for the Detroit River and Lake Erie Metropark IBAs! Michigan State Representative <a href="http://www.house.michigan.gov/rep.asp?DIST=023">Kathleen Law</a> will also be speaking. Many thanks to both for their participation and commitments to wildlife conservation!<a href="http://www.house.michigan.gov/rep.asp?DIST=023"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-8923875964666443812007-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:002007-08-17T12:26:05.454-07:00New Michigan IBA website launched!We are proud to announce several new web resources for those looking for information and resources specific to the MIchigan IBA Program. The pages are viewable at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/michigan/">http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/michigan/</a><br /><br />and provide a variety of materials for Support Group Leaders from the April 2007 workshops in Lansing and Germfask, a site assessment form for all Support Groups, a summary of Michigan state-level IBA Criteria, and other documents. These pages are in the process of being built, and there will be many additions to come. So please check back often, and contact Caleb (cputnam@audubon.org) with any questions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-49281605410872611132007-08-17T11:53:00.000-07:002007-09-07T07:43:31.801-07:00Public Invited to attend Sept 15 Recognition Ceremony for Detroit River IBAThe lower Detroit River and Lake Erie Metropark will be publicly recognized as Important Bird Areas on 15 Sep 2007 at the renowned <a href="http://www.smrr.net/events.shtml">HawkFest </a>festival at Lake Erie Metropark. The ceremony, which will take place at 4 PM, will include speeches by area dignitaries and leaders, and a ribbon-cutting. Hawk migration will be in full swing, and attendees can expect to see large numbers of migrating raptors (weather permitting, of course) before and after the ceremony. We hope to see you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-38382986978788202592007-08-17T11:35:00.002-07:002007-09-07T10:10:43.598-07:00Recognition Ceremony Held on May 19thOn 19 May 2007, as part of the Tawas Point Birding Festival, Tawas Point State Park & Tawas Bay were recognized as an IBA. The site was recognized not for its significance to birding, but to bird conservation. In particular, the site is a valuable concentration point for thousands of migrating waterbirds, shorebirds, and landbirds. Detailed site accounts (for this and the other 21 IBAs) are available at Audubon's <a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/stateIndex.do?state=US-MI">IBA Program website.</a><br /><br />Representatives in attendance of the ceremony included State Representative Joel Sheltrown (103rd District), Beverly Bodem (representing State Senator Tony Stamas), Michigan DNR staff Charles Allen and Anna Sylvester, and former Michigan Audubon Society President Peg Ridgway. An IBA sign was erected near the Tawas Point lighthouse during the ribbon-cutting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHL5p7eQ_QMUG9OhfjIZcLjHLT8b424x2USwI4yg9kbcA83StyJ_Zfqcup3iFwlObYkJRdI4_58Ayl5gUSY_KdyerRmf59R4A5Y5B7iXxOY68DhETLFCPf75Z-K7sy-ZaH3mtyoW-pUI/s1600-h/TawasDedicationWEBSITE.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHL5p7eQ_QMUG9OhfjIZcLjHLT8b424x2USwI4yg9kbcA83StyJ_Zfqcup3iFwlObYkJRdI4_58Ayl5gUSY_KdyerRmf59R4A5Y5B7iXxOY68DhETLFCPf75Z-K7sy-ZaH3mtyoW-pUI/s400/TawasDedicationWEBSITE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099743251440588546" border="0" /></a>From left to right: Charles Allen, Beverly Bodem (assistant to State Senator Tony Stamas), Caleb Putnam, Peg Ridgway, State Representative Joel Sheltrown, and Anna Sylvester.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232301590815905523.post-29191635502494702552007-08-07T13:46:00.000-07:002007-08-17T12:26:24.020-07:00Michigan Important Bird Areas Program Blog Launched!Welcome to the Michigan Important Bird Area Program blog! This program is here to identify and protect the places of highest importance to wild bird conservation, and we need your help. The program is headed by a coalition of Audubon, Michigan Audubon Society, Detroit Audubon Society, and Kalamazoo Nature Center.<br /><br />Please visit often as there will be frequent updates. While you're at it, please visit our official website at Audubon:<br /><br /><a href="http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewState.do?state=US-MI">http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewState.do?state=US-MI</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0