GW: This may seem like no big deal; however, after hosting a senior citizens group on a bus tour of the island years ago, it was a total disgrace. Graffiti all over the place so badly vandalized, it was just a shadow of its former attractiveness. Now, since the Michigan DNR has taken the island over and renovated it, new rules apply for entry, and the once adored island has returned to respectability. Hats off to the DNR staff that has made it happen.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites wildlife watchers to join a guided caravan birding tour of Belle Isle Park Thursday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m.
The Detroit River, in which Belle Isle is situated, is part of a major waterfowl stopover and winter location for tens of thousands of birds, including up to 10 percent of the world’s canvasbacks each fall, as well as thousands of tundra swans, redheads and other ducks.
The tour will circumnavigate the island in a caravan, with stops at key viewing points. Many species of waterfowl, bald eagles and a very rare king eider have been seen in recent weeks, and an attempt will be made to view whichever species are present that day.
Michigan bird conservation coordinator Caleb Putnam (Audubon Great Lakes and Michigan DNR) and Michigan DNR staff members will be on hand to answer questions about wildlife management and recreation opportunities.
The tour will meet at the intersection of Fountain Drive and Sunset Drive, at the northwest corner of the island, at 10 a.m. This is the first roundabout after crossing the bridge to the island, situated directly north of the James Scott Memorial Fountain. Participants should dress for the possibility of very cold temperatures, snow/rain and high winds. Those who have binoculars and spotting scopes are encouraged to bring them. The trip leaders will have a small number of scopes available for those who don’t.
Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, is rich with natural beauty and historical and cultural resources. The park – managed as Michigan’s 102nd state park – is home to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, a golf course, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and many more attractions popular with all ages and interests. Learn more about Belle Isle Park at www.belleislepark.org.
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Belle Isle Park.
