Rough Legged Hawk in Mason County

caption (photo by Dave Dister)

received from Dave Dister

Dave Dister is working on becoming the man who "wrote the book" on birding in Mason County, Michigan. This was received from him yesterday:

Today while driving south on north Angling Road in Victory Township, I drove by a rough-legged hawk on a spruce tree near the road. I quickly turned around, drove back and got a few photos before it took off. I was only 35 feet or so away from the bird- how cool ! Also, note that as a rule RLHAs [rough-legged hawks] perch on the tips of trees vs. the similar sized RTHAs [red-tailed hawks] which perch on major branches. This is even noticeable from a great distance.

If you want to be on Dave's birder e-list and receive updates directly, contact him at Dave Dister
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Great American Backyard Campout 2011

a news release of Great American Backyard Campout

It's a terrible fact: Due to the inactive, indoor nature of their childhood, today’s kids may be the first generation in U.S. history to live shorter life-spans than their parents.

What if you could help reverse this alarming trend by having a great time in the great outdoors? Register now for NWF's Great American Backyard Campout at www.backyardcampout.org and spend June 25th catching fireflies, taking nature walks and singing campfire songs—while making a significant difference in the health of our nation's children.

Great American Backyard Campout raises much-needed funds for NWF's programs that connect kids and families with the benefits of nature, helping them lead active, happy, longer lives.

As soon as you register at www.backyardcampout.org, you’ll receive a link to your personal online Participant Center so you can start planning your campout and have the opportunity to support our mission and fundraise. You’ll also gain access to recipes, activities and crafts to make your night under the stars one-of-a-kind.

One night can make a big difference for our nation's kids. Camp out this June 25th to help American kids get outside and get healthy!

See Great American Backyard Campout
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Wilson Hill Park Added to GOTC

Wilson Hill Park (photo by jhy)

by JHY

I've been working on the Get Off the Couch web site this week, trying to get several pages up to date. One of my accomplishments was to add Wilson Hill Park, in Hamlin Township, to the site.

Wilson Hill Park is located about nine miles north of Ludington, Michigan on the south shore of the north arm of Hamlin Lake. Hamlin is a popular lake for boating and fishing.

Wilson Hill seems to have no hill, but it features a boat dock and launch ramp, picnic gazebo, and a ball field. Although small, it could be a nice place for a summer family outing. Facilities include a latrine and water from a pump. There are picnic tables and a grill.

For complete information, visit Wilson Hill Park
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PM Township Could Buld Multi-Use Path on Ludington Ave

Ludington Avenue east- no place to walk (photo by jhy)

based on a news item in the Ludington Daily News, Feb 17, 2011

Trying to walk from downtown Ludington to the stores and services along the mall-like strip on east Ludington Avenue is a dangerous and uncomfortable project. Finally, there is a serious proposal to extend a walkway beyond Memorial Medical Center at the City boundary, into Pere Marquette Township.

Currently, in the winter, one can walk in the 5-lane road or wade through deep snow. In other months there is an intermittent muddy path, no fun to walk, and nearly impossible to navigate with a baby stroller or shopping cart.

Tanya Avery and Joe Maloney would like to see that change. Avery is the building/zoning/assessing assistant for Pere Marquette Township, and Maloney is a concerned citizen, retired from the Ludington Planning Commission. The proposed walkway would be entirely within Pere Marquette Township.

The first step, Avery said, is to get approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Then property owners will need to agree to the pathway, funding raised, and maintenance responsibilities assigned.

Ludington mayor, John Henderson, supports the idea. He sees it as a way to encourage wellness, and allow connections for everyone to the east side of town.

Many people do walk from town, at least as far as the Fairgrounds, on a regular basis. It seems like an easy assumption that if the experience were pleasant, many people would use the options of walking or biking to reach these destinations.

Contact Joe Maloney
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Search and Rescue Courses for the Public

from Fortune Bay Company, used with permission

Kent County Search and Rescue is putting on their SAR School 2011 (with the help of Fortune Bay Expedition Team). They have opened four courses for the public as a fundraising effort.

These courses are packed with information and meet the standards of various SAR and Emergency Service Agencies. If you are a SAR member or if you would just like to learn more about the subjects, then these may be for you. These will be evening courses held at the Kent County Sheriff's Department or a Kent County Location. You don't necessarily have to have the equipment and you DON'T have to be part of a SAR Agency to take them.

Courses are:
1. Land Navigation & Orienteering (fulfills many Boy Scout Merit Badge requirements) - March 22, 23
2. Survival & Improvisation - April 5
3. Human Tracking and Search Technology - March 17
4. Technical Rescue/ Ropework - April 19

Fees are cheap, $20 for each class ($30 for Technical Rescue)

See Fortune Bay
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Lake Michigan Fisheries Advisory - Isaac Walton League Participation

composite photo from Michigan Ikes

excerpted from The Ike's Newsletter, Feb 2011, used with permission
by John Stegmeier

I attended the Lake Michigan Fisheries Citizens Advisory Board meeting on October 25th, representing the DLC/IWLA. At the meeting, the DNRE discussed low numbers of steelhead returning to the Little Manistee River, which is our only source of eggs for hatchery-reared steelhead. They plan to stock the Platte River with steelhead in order to establish a run on that river, since there is a weir in place for collecting salmon eggs. This would allow the state to have two sources of spawning fish in case the run on the Little Manistee falls below levels needed to support our hatchery program. They expect to plant 20,000 smolts in the Platte River to achieve this goal.

Since each great lake receives a portion of the smolts from the hatchers, the DNRE asked our [Michigan Issac Walton League] opinion as to how many the individual lakes should contribute. There were several scenarios they presented, including: all from Lake Michigan, all lakes contribute but heavily supported by Lake Michigan, or, all contribute in levels which represent the percentage that are stocked in that lake. I suggested that we recommend the option where all basins contribute but Lake Michigan contributes a greater proportion. The Lake Michigan basin receives the most steelhead so our contribution will be greatest, and 20,000 fish spread out over several streams will not be a substantial loss.

These fish will also be planted into the Platte River which is in the Lake Michigan basin so if the other lakes contribute any smolts there will be a net gain for Lake Michigan. Following this piece of logic one could argue that Lake Michigan should provide all of the smolts. However I would contend that all of the lakes benefit from a more robust hatchery system and that the other lake basins could make a more modest contribution.

We did not come to a consensus on this decision, which left the recommendation up to our chairman, Denny Grinold. He decided that the recommendation would be Option 2 (inequitable allocation with the Lake Michigan Basin responsible for 15,000 steelhead (75%) of the request. The remaining 5,000 fish would come from Lake Huron (2,800), Lake Erie (1,200) and Lake Superior (5%). The Lake Huron Citizen Fishery Advisory Committee also supported Option 2 in an earlier meeting. The Lake Erie and Lake Superior Committees will also be engaged in this discussion and then the Division will make a decision.

See Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Issac Walton League
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Michigan Free Winter Fishing Weekend Feb 19-20

a successful day on the ice (photo by Blake of Illinois Wisconsin Fishing)

a news release of Michigan DNR

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds everyone that Winter Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, Feb 19, and Sunday, Feb. 20. On that weekend, everyone - residents and non-residents alike - can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations apply.

Michigan has been celebrating Winter Free Fishing Weekend annually since 2000 as a way to promote awareness of the state's aquatic resources. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of rivers and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a natural match.

"Fishing is a perfect way for families to spend time together while enjoying the beautiful scenery Michigan has to offer in the wintertime," said DNRE Director Rodney Stokes. "It is a low-cost and interactive outdoor activity ? perfect for engaging children in the great outdoors."

A number of activities at state parks have been scheduled to coincide with the weekend, while clubs, local communities and conservation organizations are also staging events. Many provide bait and free use of equipment. The events often include experienced anglers willing to introduce novices into the joy of fishing.

For a list of Free Fishing Events scheduled across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing
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Need Fish? Fish Day is May 7- Place Orders Now

a news release of Mason-Lake Conservation District

Do you have a pond, large or small, you would like to stock with fish? We will be holding a Fish Sale through Harrietta Hills Trout Farm again this year. They will be taking the orders for fish prior to the distribution date of May 7th. Available fish include Rainbow Trout, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch & Fathead Minnows

Stocking of Michigan Public Waters will require a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is the responsibility of the customer. Some Private Ponds with a permanent inflow or outflow also require a permit. Determination of the necessity of a permit and obatining a permit are the responsibility of the customer.

Phone your orders to Harrietta Hills Toll Free 1-877-389-2514 at least 3 days before the Fish Day Event. Fish may be picked up at the Mason-Lake Conservation District, Scottville, MI, 10am-1 pm on May 7.

Minimum order: 25 for any species. We provide Oxygen Bags and Oxygen to transport your fish home. It helps if you bring one five-gallon bucket for every 25 fish that you order to set the bags in. Cash or checks only will be accepted at the Fish Day Event.

See Mason-Lake Conservation District
See Harrietta Hills Trout Farm
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Walk for Warmth

from 9&10 News, and other sources

For 20 years the Walk for Warmth program has raised money to help families pay heating costs during the harsh Michigan winters. It is operated regionally in Michigan by Community Action Programs. Walkers ask for sponsors of their walks and the money is donated to the Walk for Warmth fund.

9&10 News Helping Hands and Farm Bureau Insurance are supporting FiveCap’s Walk for Warmth on Saturday, February 19 in Lake, Manistee, Mason, and Newaygo counties. Call 231-757-3785 for more information.

Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph Counties are under South Central Michigan CAP. Mid-Michigan CAP oversees Midland, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta and Osceola Counties.

See Northwest Michigan CAA
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Bohemian Waxwings Spotted in Mason County

bohemian waxwings (photo by Dave Dister)

a guest post by Dave Dister

Jan 23, around 3 p.m. I came across a mixed flock of Cedar Waxwings and Bohemian Waxwings in southern Pere Marquette Township (Mason County, Michigan). Most birds were perched high up in some roadside trees, with small groups flying down into crabapple trees on the west side of Lenz Road, about 300 feet north of Chauvez Road (just west of the overpass for US 31).

In contrast to the overcast late afternoon sighting of Bohemians on 12/31/10 (not very satisfiying as a new "lifer"), the skies were mostly sunny and exposures were much improved (especially after some lightening, trimming, and sharpening). There were at least 110 waxwings, of which at least 30 were Bohemians (a few starlings and robins were also among the flock)

bohemian waxwing and cedar waxwing (photo by Dave Dister)

The rusty undertail coverts of Bohemians are obviously different than the whitish ones on Cedars. The strategy to drive along apple orchards that also have crabapples (with persistent fruit) worked beautifully. Enjoy these selected photos.

And Good Birding !

Dave Dister is an avid bird and wildlife watcher who is writing a book about birds of Mason County.
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Great Backyard Bird Count, 2011

bluebird overwintering (photo by jhy)

from birdsource.org

The 2011 GBBC will take place Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.

As a participant you can count birds anywhere for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period. You can tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report the counts, fill out an online checklist

Make sure the birds from your community are well represented in the count. It doesn't matter whether you report the 5 species coming to your backyard feeder or the 75 species you see during a day's outing to a wildlife refuge.

See Great Backyard Bird Count
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Walk the Dog, Get a Gift

from Subaru

On Super Bowl Sunday, instead of parking it on the couch for an 8-hour football marathon, do something good for you and your dog. Join us for the Subaru Game Day Dog Walk Event. It’s not only a great way for you and your pooch to get some exercise, but you just might meet some new friends as well.

Pledge to walk your four-legged friend on game day and receive a free doggy gift pack from Subaru, while supplies last. Go to the Subaru site to sign up and be counted in the dog-walking pledge, for Sunday, February 6.

Your full name and email will be required to sign up, and also the name of your dog(s). Subaru provides links to locate a dog park near you, if you are not sure where to walk.

See Subaru Dog Walk Event
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