BestNest’s Coveside Wood Duck House has all the options these beautiful birds require in a big nest box.

It’s getting down to crunch time to prepare for cavity nesting birds, and we’ve been emphasizing that aspect of birding recently in advance of this year’s nesting season. The downward curve in our continental bird populations means we all need to make an extra effort this year to make sure our surviving birds prosper and increase for years to come. Some of our favorite backyard birds are cavity nesters, including bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, and screech owls. For a given nest box to be most effective and safe for birds to use, there are a few things to look for when buying a nest box or birdhouse.

In essence, a nest box is an artificial cavity, suitable for cavity nesting birds to build a nest in, or in the case of owls or kestrels, lay eggs in (they don’t build nests). But an appropriate nest box has some very important features that even a natural cavity may not provide. Hence, you can improve on nature by providing the right nest boxes for our birds.

Below, we provide a quick list of what to look for before you buy, or build, a nest box. An extremely useful, simply stated collection of information about each cavity nesting species and the nest box size and habitat requirements is succinctly provided at the Cornell Lab’s NestWatch website; see https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/features-of-a-good-birdhouse/ Read more

Enjoy getting outside, but be ‘COVID-19 smart, safe and solo’

We know there’s been a steady stream of “closure” information and messaging about self-isolating to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s true, we are in uncharted territory, and such steps are critical in protecting Michigan residents from coronavirus risk. Safeguarding mental health is just as important, and spending time outdoors – whether in your backyard, on your balcony or in big, open spaces – can boost mind, body and spirit.

Although the public contact areas (restroom buildings, shooting ranges, visitor centers) at many DNR-managed facilities are temporarily closed, people are still welcome to enjoy the public outdoor areas at state parks and recreation areas, state game and wildlife areas, state forests, state trails and, of course, our lakes, rivers and streams. For the duration of the COVID-19 situation, we’re waiving the need for the Recreation Passport for entry at state parks and other destinations.

Whether you want to hike or bike a new trail, scout your next hunt, paddle the open water or find a favorite fishing spot … Michigan’s outdoors are here. Explore things to do on our website for inspiration; check out our YouTube channel for how-to videos; and get hunting and fishing licenses at our new license system website. Closer to home, you could soak up some sun on the back deck, walk around the block or jog the nearest local trail. Read more

Contacts:
Aislinn Maestas, USFWS, 505-248-6599, aislinn_maestas@fws.gov

Tom Cadden, AZGFD, (623) 236-7392, tcadden@azgfd.gov

2019 survey numbers show a 24 percent increase in minimum population

PHOENIX — The wild population of Mexican wolves continues to grow at a healthy pace. The recent Mexican wolf count shows the population of Mexican wolves has increased by 24 percent since last year, raising the total number of wolves in the wild to a minimum of 163 animals.

That number is among the findings of the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT), a task force comprising federal, state, tribal and international partners. From November 2019 through January 2020, the team conducted ground counts in Arizona and New Mexico that concluded with aerial counts of Mexican wolves in January and February.

According to the IFT, the 163 wolves are distributed with 76 in Arizona and 87 in New Mexico. Last year, the team documented 131 wolves at the end of 2018, which was a 12 percent increase from 2017. This population has increased an average of 15 percent annually in the last 10 years. Read more

Regional Director – Michigan

Job Announcement:

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a non-profit, wildlife habitat conservation organization seeks a performance-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills to engage and manage volunteer activities, event fundraising and major gift fundraising in Michigan. BS/equivalent degree and five years of experience in business, fundraising and volunteer management required. Pro-hunting background is critical. Extensive weekday and weekend travel required. Email letter of interest and resume to jobs@rmef.org by April 4th. Read more

They’re back! The infamous pair of Barred Owls is back nesting in their big nest box in Indiana, and you can monitor their progress as often as you wish through the spring on the Wild Birds Unlimited live cam. The female began incubating after laying her first egg March 9th, followed by the second egg last Wednesday, and the third last Saturday the 14th. You can see the female incubating inside, and there’s even a second camera that permits you to view the occasional action outside the extra-large nest box too.

Although the incubation period may not always be action-packed, it’s great fun to wait for moments of interaction between the owls. As we let the live cam run a while yesterday, the pair began calling and answering one another, which is always exciting. Although the male was out of sight, the incubating female rose up to “duet” for a few moments – sharing another wonderful sound of the wild.

Through the dedication of Jim Carpenter, Founder & CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, the WBU Barred Owl Cam has introduced generations of people to Barred Owls in his wooded backyard over almost 20 years. You too can watch the entire nesting process as it happens at https://www.wbu.com/owl-cam/ Read more

As North American birds begin their spring migrations northward from wintering areas, stopping at traditional resting and feeding areas for periods of time as they make their way to nesting ranges, our interest in bird migration is piqued. As we see the first migrants appearing and as we anticipate the waves of migrants that will soon follow, let’s examine some simple information about bird migration, especially spring migration, and what triggers birds to make these impressive and dangerous journeys from wintering areas to nesting sites.

Migrating birds can be divided into two groups: obligate migrants and facultative migrants, although these are not black and white divisions – many birds migrate using some aspects of both obligate and facultative migration strategies – but the two definitions are helpful in understanding what triggers a species’ migration.

For obligate migrants, the timing of travel is dictated by instinct. They begin migrating at about the same time each year, regardless of weather. An unusually warm or cool season won’t make them suddenly decide to change their departure dates.

Facultative migrants are more tuned in to the conditions of the moment. They have a standard time period for their migration, but they might alter the timing by days or weeks if the season is warmer than usual, or colder with snow cover later than usual. In short, they are more flexible. Read more

If you’re searching for signs of spring, how about a birding trail program in Woodhaven, a black tern nest platform-building workshop in Harrison Township or a guided bird walk at Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve in Harvey? These are just a few of the upcoming MI Birds eventson the calendar; all are sure to leave you with great information and tips for learning even more about our feathered friends.

Michigan’s birds are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures to observe outdoors. With the MI Birds program, residents easily can get involved in local events like bird talks, bird walks, volunteer stewardship days or community science programs.

Founded by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR, MI Birds seeks to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands important for birds and local communities. Keep up with all things MI Birds by following the group’s Facebook or Twitter or visiting GL.Audubon.org/MIBirds.

Questions? Contact Erin Rowan at 313-820-0809.