Much Ado in Winter

Cattail

As the weather begins to cool and visions of snow covered landscapes are only a dream so far this year, there is much to experience in West Michigan out of doors this time of year. With the warm fall, things like Skunk Cabbage and other spring ephemerals that begin their growth in the fall are exposed for the viewing with the lack of snow this year. The warm weather has been good for a comfortable walk in the woods, but even when it is cold it’s a good time of year to be out. Chances are you’ll be alone or one of the few who venture out and many times in winter, the place to be to enjoy the view around you is to be where everyone else isn’t   As you pass by the wetlands or ditches along the road, check out the cattails and other vegetation. As the snow and ice comes this dead vegetation can become very photogenic.

Winter birds are more friendly and easier to observe since they are not so territorial or protecting young at this time of year. Many species also come down from the more northern areas to the Great Lakes for the winter in search of food and milder weather.

Bald Eagle at Palomita Preserve

As the cold comes and ice begins to form on the local lakes and waterways, water fowl and eagles will congregate at the open water in the ice to feed. This is also a good time to find birds we don’t often see in our area. A few weeks ago a White-winged Crossbill was sighted at Hemlock Crossings Park in Ottawa County. The lakeshore areas are some of the best for birding this time of year. Even though Eagles are becoming more and more common in West Michigan, they are still a welcome sight. Eagles can be seen around the Palomita Preserve along Lakeshore drive south of Grand Haven. They will be by the open water in Grand Haven and Holland areas when it finally freezes things up. The next month or so will be great times to view these majestic birds if we get the ice to consolidate them into easier to find areas.

Rare or uncommon birds can also show up at the bird feeders through the winter months. There are already reports of Redpolls in the area and these birds will show up at feeders when the weather turns cold and the natural seeds are under the snow.