Contact: Cameron Dole, 906-226-1352 or Matt O’Neill, 989-865-6211Michiganders can still explore wild wetland habitats with two birding tours at Nayanquing Point and Portage Marsh state wildlife areas
A birding tour planned for Saturday, April 11, has been canceled due to floodwater making the Shiawassee River State Game Area in St. Charles inaccessible, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports.
Flooding began last weekend, coinciding with the regional flood event. However, water has continued to rise at the Shiawassee River State Game Area, where the managed wetlands are designed to hold water in a massive floodplain at the confluence of five rivers flowing to the Saginaw Bay: the Bad, Cass, Flint, Shiawassee and Tittabawassee rivers.
Although surrounding communities still experience flooding, much of Saginaw County would be underwater without the vast wetland complex made up of the Shiawassee River State Game Area and the adjacent Shiawassee River National Wildlife Refuge, said DNR wildlife biologist Cameron Dole. One acre of wetland can store 1.5 million gallons of water, and the Shiawassee SGA alone provides 10,000 acres of wetlands.
With additional rain expected late this week, roads around the area are likely to remain impassable due to flooding. In addition, the floodwater has covered the wetland dikes that usually provide paths for walking, making the birding route impassable. Until the floodwaters recede, officials won’t be able to determine if dikes have been damaged — another safety concern for visitors.
Two spring birding tours still scheduled
Michiganders can still explore wild wetland habitats during spring migration with two birding tours scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.-noon at Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Pinconning and Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.-noon at Portage Marsh State Wildlife Area in Escanaba. Like the Shiawassee River State Game Area, these managed areas are part of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders.
Led by DNR Wildlife Division staff, these tours offer a unique opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including diving and dabbling ducks in full breeding plumage, as well as trumpeter and tundra swans, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, songbirds and more.
All spring birding tours are FREE, and entry to state wildlife areas is also free. These areas are funded by hunting licenses and cared for to preserve wildlife habitat.
What to expect at the Wetland Wonders
While the Wetland Wonders are free and open for anyone to visit and enjoy most of the year, they do not have groomed trails or other improvements found in parks. Instead, these areas often have dikes and water control structures that allow DNR staff to manage water flow, both for wildlife benefits and to hold floodwaters.
The dikes are usually topped with gravel, providing pathways for walking. In general, visitors should be prepared for a slightly wilder experience than they’re used to — with the reward of seeing more birds and wildlife than on the average park excursion.
Michigan’s wetlands are essential for migratory waterfowl, providing critical food, shelter and breeding habitat. Wetlands also support biodiversity, hosting a greater variety of species than many other habitats, so visitors might see beavers, muskrats, deer, amphibians or reptiles on these tours.
Know before you go
Dress for the weather — rain or shine — and wear boots or sturdy shoes.
Participants should be prepared to navigate muddy, uneven ground and gravel-covered dikes. Please be aware that the trails are not considered accessible under Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
Restrooms and trash receptables are available on-site.
Bring binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them.
For help identifying birds, download one or more free smartphone apps: Merlin Bird ID, eBird, iNaturalist or Audubon Bird Guide.
