After a winter of following a pretty static regimen of filling feeders – mostly seed and suet feeders north of the Sunbelt – the new spring reminds us to stay versatile as the birds that visit your yard begin to change with some species leaving for more northern climes, and others arriving from the south. This early changing of the guard is just the beginning of what will be a growing need to change of elements at your feeding station. Soon, orioles and hummingbirds will begin arriving, along with grosbeaks and other songbirds – it’s time to prepare for these exciting species and others.

Neotropical migrants like hummingbirds and orioles may not arrive in your neighborhood for a few more weeks, but just in case, it’s time to take a look at your feeders, clean them if necessary; check to see if you have plenty of sugar or nectar syrup; stock up on grape jelly, and put oranges back on your shopping list. Hummingbirds and orioles appreciate sugar-water nectar, which many people prefer to mix themselves, using the traditional one cup of sugar to four cups water. Some birders buy a prepared sugar-based syrup that they mix with water in similar fashion. Many birders provide two different nectar feeders – one for hummingbirds and one for orioles, and this is a good plan so there is less competition at the feeders, plus the oriole feeders provide more substantial perches than hummingbird feeders.

Actually, though, orioles haven’t shown much interest in our nectar feeders. Therefore, we emphasize providing sliced orange halves and, most important, grape jelly at our feeding station. You can simply place the orange halves and a small bowl of grape jelly on a platform feeder, but with so many attractive hanging oriole feeders on the market, consider buying a specially designed and orange-colored oriole feeder. Read more

As robins arrive and establish nesting territories across the continent, consider trying to attract a nesting pair of American Robins by adding a Duncraft Robin Nest Shelf. Install the robin nest shelf away from human activity areas and out of reach of cats and other predators, say in the corner eave of your garage, shed, or house. The corner nesting platform is made from black recycled plastic, it’s easy to clean, and it comes with all mounting attachments. The Duncraft Robin Nest Shelf measures 14 x 11 x 1 inch. Robins and phoebes will utilize these simple nest shelves, providing an opportunity to enjoy their nesting activities.

For more information about this and other quality Duncraft birding products, see https://www.duncraft.com/Under-Deck-Robins-Nesting-Platform

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