Metroparks Blog

Welcome to bird of the week! This week’s featured bird is the majestic great blue heron. It is officially spring and with spring comes the return of great blue herons to Southeast Michigan. Right now, these tall, long-legged birds are engaging in courtship rituals and nest building. Great blue herons are colony nesters, meaning they nest with other herons, placing…

This week’s bird of the week is one of the 8 species of owls that live in Michigan, the Long-eared Owl. This owl is long-winged and slender and is named for the two long ear-tufts on top of its head, which also make this bird look constantly surprised. It’s dark streaked and barred feathers allow this bird to camouflage itself…

Your Metroparks have teamed up with The Library Network and the Suburban Library Cooperative to form an exciting new pilot partnership that aims to provide equitable access to wi-fi hotspot service for students in southeast Michigan. In the best of times, inequitable access to the internet is a major problem in the region. The Covid-19 pandemic shined a light on…

With its fully crimson red head, white body, black tail, and half white half deep black wings, the Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the more easily identifiable woodpeckers that live in Michigan. This bird is found throughout most of the lower 48 states in forests, orchards, farmland, grassland, and along roadsides. Since the woodpecker excavates a nest cavity in tree…

Found throughout the continental US and southern Canada, the Red-breasted Nuthatch’s nasal “yenk yenk” call can be heard year-round. This small songbird is smaller than the more common White-breasted Nuthatch and can be identified by its distinctive white throat, bluish back, black stripe through its eyes, and reddish orange breast. This bird is typically seen foraging for insects, like beetles,…

It’s Wildlife Wednesday and spring is right around the corner! March 14th is National Learn about Butterflies Day which brings us to this Wildlife Wednesday species. Soon warmer weather, sunshine, and rain showers will cause resting plants to sprout from the soil once again. The first new shoots of milkweed will tell us that monarch butterflies are not far behind.…

For a primarily grey and brown bird, Cedar Waxwings are a surprisingly showy resident of our parks. A black-mask across their eyes and a yellow tail tip give them the look of a comic book superhero, while characteristic red tips on their wings give them their name. Ornithologist’s best guess at the reason for these waxy red tips is as…

Welcome to another Wildlife Wednesday! Today we have one of the more predatory fish of the Great Lakes: the northern pike! This fish is found in all of Michigan’s Great Lakes as well as in inland waters. They have a high tolerance of a range of water temperatures, clarity, and oxygen levels making them extremely adaptable to many different water…

The melancholy, hollow, and mournful call is how this bird was named the Mourning Dove. This extremely adaptable bird has greatly benefited from the development of forests into fields and farms throughout the country. They can find habitat almost anywhere besides dense woodlands. You can often spot them resting on telephone wires and foraging for seeds on roadsides. This adaptability…

This week’s Wildlife Wednesday is dedicated to the Virginia Opossum! These backyard critters are North America’s only marsupial. But what does it mean to be a marsupial? This means that the female opossums have a pouch on their stomach (much like a kangaroo) where their young, or joeys, hang out after they are born. These animals have been given the…

This beautiful red bird is a year-round resident here in Michigan and a common and easily identified sight among our neighborhoods. The Northern Cardinal wasn’t always a back-yard songbird here in our state. In fact, it wasn’t a common bird in the Lower Peninsula until an increasing trend from the 1960s through the 1990s. Today this bird is plentiful in…

Your Huron-Clinton Metroparks have virtually cut the ribbon on a $60,000 renovation within the 4,500 square foot Nature Center at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Much needed upgrades were completed in part thanks to a $45,000 Recreation Passport grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We can not wait to share these new exhibits with all of our visitors, so…

Few birds inspire a sense of Americana the way Ring-necked pheasants do. Would it surprise you to know that these chicken-sized birds aren’t originally American at all? They instead come from Asia. The first birds came to the United State early on (George Washington is rumored to have released a flock), but their first successful introduction into the wild wasn’t…

Written by: Kim Sherwin, Metroparks Interpreter As I watch the recent falling snowflakes, I am brought back to childhood. The large fluffy snowflakes sashaying through the sky as I gazed up, sticking my tongue out and feeling the cold snowflakes dissolve on my warm tongue. The blanket of white snow dampened the sound of the neighborhood. Even now, as an…

Looking to make a career change, or maybe just a new environment? The Huron-Clinton Metroparks might be just the place you’re looking for.  The Metroparks currently have full-time, and part-time positions open in a variety of fields.  Join a team environment where you can be valued for who you are and help serve southeast Michigan in a unique working environment…

February 2nd is Groundhog Day but what is a groundhog? Also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, it is a member of the rodent family, and is actually a type of ground squirrel. The name woodchuck possibly comes from a mistranslation of the Algonquin word for the animal – wuchak - while the name whistle pig refers to the…

The longnose gar is a long and slender fish commonly found in all of Michigan’s Great Lakes, except Lake Superior. They are also found in some marshes. The longnose gar has an olive-brown body, white underbelly, and dark spots on their fins and body. The juvenile gar has a dark stripe along their side which they will lose when they…

In honor of Michigan’s statehood on January 26th, this week’s bird of the week is our state bird, the American Robin. This common backyard bird is often a sign of spring in northern states like ours, plucking worms from the thawing ground. However, they’re found year-round in nearly every part of the contiguous United States. Recognizable by their rusty orange…

Thursday January 21st is Squirrel Appreciation Day. So today’s Wildlife Wednesday species is the southern flying squirrel. Despite the name, the southern flying squirrel doesn’t actually fly, but glides from tree to tree using a thin membrane of skin stretching from the wrists to the ankles. This membrane is known is the patagium or more simply called the gliding membrane.…

The Snowy Owl is an exciting owl to spot during our Michigan winters. This white and tuft-less owl primarily lives and breeds in the arctic tundra of Canada. When migrating south for the winter, their southern range doesn’t extend much further than southern Michigan. In fact, typically only immature birds fly this far south. Adults tend to stay closer to…

The Tufted Titmouse is a bird you may have seen come and go from your bird feeder. During the warmer months its diet is mostly insects. This species’ range is moving further North and the titmouse can now be found year-round in Southern Michigan. What makes the Tufted Titmouse stand out is their pointed crest (like a Cardinal, but smaller)…

“Ank, ank, ank” The White-breasted Nuthatch can often be heard before they are seen. Their call is often to communicate with other birds. In essence, “I’m over here, where are you?” The best time to see these birds is winter. Nuthatches travel in mixed flocks of Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and Downy Woodpeckers. While everybody will be wearing their formal black…

This year, we are again offering the Trade Up Program… try it before you buy it. Here is how it works! You can keep your daily pass(es) and use them to trade up to an annual pass. That means, you can present your daily pass(es) for a full-face value discount off your annual pass. Two daily passes get you twice…

You can find the Black-capped Chickadee year-round in Michigan. It is identified by its large round head with a smaller body. The Chickadee is easily recognized by its coloration- a black bib (throat area), beak and head, with white cheeks. It’s wings and backside are gray in color while the chest is white. Chickadee calls are very identifiable since they…

Paul Cypher, Interpreter, C.I.G. Gift giving is basically the same, isn’t it?  It doesn’t matter if it is a holiday gift, a birthday gift, graduation gift or whatever. The mystery item is wrapped and given to an individual who often knows it’s coming but does not know what it is. Upon opening, they hopefully get excited and talk about it…

This petite bird with black wings and a white belly is not only the smallest woodpecker in North America, but also one of the most common at backyard birdfeeders. Males can be differentiated from females by looking for the red patch on the male’s head. To maintain “safety in numbers”, they often form mixed flocks in the winter with black-capped…

Winter is the perfect time for the cold-weather fans to get out to your Metroparks for an adventure.  But did you know, it also a great time for those who would rather avoid the cold, to get outside and make some new memories?  Here are 10 reasons why your Metroparks are a great place to visit this winter. Hike-Bike Trails:…

Look on the ground under any bird feeder this time of year and you are apt to spot a Dark-Eyed Junco. These members of the sparrow family are ground feeding seed eaters in the winter but eat insects during the breeding season. Juncos are “snowbirds” in our area, appearing as winter sets in and heading northward to nesting habitat in…

Written By: Kathleen Clinton, Metroparks C.I.G. Animal Care Specialist As winter approaches at Wolcott Metropark Farm Center we must prepare for the comfort and safety of our farm animals. Although you might think that keeping them inside and warm is the best for them, you are mistaken. Farm animals need shelter but not an airtight structure. A slightly drafty barn will…

Listen for the characteristic sound of gobbling and you may be led to a group of male turkeys performing impressive courtship displays. Completely different from the dull looking females, male turkeys have bright, colorful feathers as well as a "beard" of course feathers coming from its chest. The head and neck of a male turkey is colored red, white and…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is developing a brand new playground at Lower Huron Metropark near the Woods Creek South picnic shelter. The playground is slated for construction during the summer of 2021 and is currently in the pre-design stage. Just a 20-30 minute drive from the city of Detroit, this new playground will provide a unique and exciting play experience for…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks understands that their internal landscape currently lacks diversity. They are looking to cast a wider net and draw a diverse pool of highly qualified applicants for full time positions that are currently open. “While we are proud of the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and skills of our entire Metroparks family, we are also aware that we are…

There’s Golden Eagles in Michigan…? Yes! There are two times when Golden Eagles can be seen in the state. Now during the fall migration and again during the spring migration. Late October to mid-November is the best time to see Golden Eagles during the fall migration. These birds are one of the last raptor species to migrate over our area.…

Today, November, 12, 2020, The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Huron-Clinton Metroparks announced a multi-year, pilot partnership that focuses on widening access to new programs and recreation for city and suburban families, and leverages the world-class parks, greenways and public spaces managed by the two organizations. Through the partnership, Metroparks will establish a physical presence in Detroit and contribute $6 million over…

As you walk through a swampy forest, you may hear an odd question echoing through the trees. “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for y’aaaall?” Start thinking about that snack you’ve been carrying around or start looking for an owl that’s slightly smaller than a Great Horned Owl. If you listen carefully, the Barred Owl can be heard before the…

A flash of red, white and black may have you on the lookout among the trees. Red-bellied woodpeckers have red feathers atop their heads that run down the back of their neck, a white to tan chest, and zebra-like pattern on their wings and backsides. This woodpecker species is named not for its bright red head, but for the hard…

As Halloween approaches, our thoughts turn to the spookier animals around us and for some that includes the American Crow. Several things about crows make them one of the perfect Halloween animals. Crows are all black in color and their harsh grating caw is not known for its beauty. When driving, people often see crows eating roadkill, which adds to…

As election day draws near, there are several campaigns circulating to bring awareness to Proposal 1 on the Michigan ballot.  We have heard that many people might not understand what that means and what they are voting for. For more than 40 years, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has served as a key funding source for Michigan’s parks…

Imagine walking through the woods of the Metroparks…wind rustling the branches and leaves, birds singing and insects buzzing. As you look down the trail you see a hole in tree the size of a coke can. While some may think nothing of it, others hope it’s a sign of a bird that was once a rare sight in southeast Michigan…the…

With a 5-and-a-half-foot wingspan, it’s easy to mistake a turkey vulture for other, more regal raptors. While you may be disappointed when your eagle turns out to be a vulture, make no mistake that this balding buzzard is still a spectacular species. The best clues to knowing the bird you’re watching is a turkey vulture are the wobbly circles they…

This common woodland hawk can be found in the lower half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula year-round, and some may migrate farther north into the Upper Peninsula during the summer months. Cooper’s hawks are similar to sharp-shinned hawks in coloration with a grey back and dark bands on their tails but can be distinguished by their larger size and rounded tail…

At the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, September is known as Bird Migration Month and at Lake Erie Metropark it is known as Raptor Month. As the summer winds down and fall takes over animals start preparing for the winter and birds start their migration. Less than half the bird species in the United States are year-round residents of their home range. For…

The Belted Kingfisher is often first noticed by its rattling call as it flies over rivers or lakes. It may be seen perched on a high branch, or hovering over the water rapidly beating its wings, then plunging in headfirst to grab a fish. This bird can be found throughout the Metroparks near water. The Belted Kingfisher is one of…

Police officers looking for a change of pace while still making a positive community difference might find the Huron-Clinton Metroparks to be just be the place for them as the park system seeks to fill three full-time Police Department positions. “For those who want a rewarding career in law enforcement with an emphasis on helping people while protecting some of…

This stealthy predator is at the top of the food chain. The Great Horned Owl’s wing structure allows it to silently sneak up on prey and deal a deadly blow with the force of their talons. Their adaptability to different habitats and large range of prey makes them one of the most common owl species in North America. This explains…

Northern Harriers might be one of the more underrated raptor species in Michigan, but that doesn’t make them any less cool. These birds are easily recognized by their slim bodies, long tails and owl-like face. While they’re not related to owls, they share some characteristics with them, including a facial disk to help them hear their prey. These birds prefer…

When most people think of birds of prey, they envision large, powerful raptors ruling over the skies. With the preconception planted firmly in our minds, when the American Kestrel enters the scene it is often mistaken as something much more demurer. Once commonly referred to as “Sparrow Hawks”, this nickname reflects their small stature as well as one of their…

Lifting weights, burning calories, endorphins pumping. Monthly fees, stuffy rooms, people on the machine next to you, unsure if the previous user disinfected the equipment after they finished. What are we talking about? – gyms and they reopened this week across our region. If you’re not quite comfortable hitting the gym again yet, there’s another way to get healthy and…

The month of September marks the official beginning of one of the greatest natural phenomena to occur in southeast Michigan…hawk migration! Each year, from September to November, thousands of raptors are heading south for the winter. For the next three months, 16 different species of raptors will fly over our area. Interestingly, they do not all pass on the same…

What if much of what we need for our well-being could be found in a small patch of soil? Many people plant personal gardens in the summer and the most rewarding thing about planting one is harvesting in the fall! The harvesting time for each plant depends on several factors including length of maturity, temperature, precipitation, health of the soil,…

Our visitors often ask, “Do we have Canaries in Michigan?” The short answer is no, but right away our staff realizes the patron has just seen a male American Goldfinch. The male wears his bright yellow breeding color in the summer, accessorized with black wings and cap. He is dressed to impress! His mate will be wearing a much more…

If you see a flash of orange and black flitting through the trees, it just might be a Baltimore Oriole. Named in 1808, the colors of the male oriole resembled those on the coat of arms of George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, who was part of the Calvert family that established the Maryland colony in the 17th century. Even though they…

As their name suggests, the Black-crowned Night-Heron does most of its hunting at night. Although they are common in the wetlands of Michigan they are not seen as often as other herons such as the Great Blue Heron who hunts during the day. During the day, the Black-crowned Night-Heron roosts in group nests that may consist of other bird species…

It's hard not to be impressed by this bright beauty. The male indigo bunting demands attention with its striking blue color but, as with the blue jay and eastern bluebird, it isn't truly blue. The feathers of blue birds don’t actually contain any blue pigment, which is actually quite rare in the natural world. The blue hue is created by…

If you hear a raspy meowing from a tree along the nature trail, think “bird”, not “cat”! You’ve probably just heard the call of the Gray Catbird. Its feathers are a uniform slate gray, with a rust-colored patch under its tail, but it is most well-known for its “meowing” call. Lucky observers might see it bobbing its long tail while…

Written by: Jessica Getschman, C.I.G. – Indian Springs Metropark Interpreter Michigan is known for its fresh water, and that includes more than just the Great Lakes.  Swamps, fens, marshes, rivers, and so many more types of wetlands are found scattered throughout our state. This makes water quality a great place to start the conversation about a healthy environment in Michigan. …

Written by: Victoria Taylor Sluder, Western District Interpretive Services Supervisor D.I.Y. In my grandmother’s time self-sufficiency was more of a requirement than an option.  My generation hasn’t needed to know how to make bread when every grocery store always has racks of bagged loaves waiting for purchase whenever one wants a slice.  Why bother with yeast and flour? Sure, hobby baking…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks temporarily closed Kensington Metropark’s splash pad today and released the following information and statement from Director, Amy McMillan, following a positive COVID-19 test result received late Monday, July 27, from a seasonal employee working at the Kensington water facility – Splash ‘N’ Blast. “Ensuring the health and safety of park visitors and employees is always our top…

Planting tubular flowers or setting up feeders can attract these fast flitting birds to your yard. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird will feed from hummingbird feeders filled with a mixture of one quarter cup of table sugar per cup of water. As for flowers they prefer orange or red tubular flowers, but there is no need to color your sugar water these…

This beautiful singer and cousin to red-winged blackbirds shares its tune across the tops of fields and grasslands. This robin-sized songbird can be identified by a bold “V” of black on its yellow chest, and a brownish backside. Meadowlarks are ground-nesters, and camouflage well into the dirt and grasses. Females construct a cup nest using grasses, stems, and bark all…

Have you ever been grocery shopping with your baby in a stroller and had to use the ramp or curb cut to get into and out of the store?  What about using a ramp or elevator instead of stairs as you book-it through the airport with luggage? How about the verbal notices of stops on the airport train or the…

Accessible recreation is an important goal of the Metroparks. Removing barriers and increasing access are a top priority when looking at all new projects and infrastructure improvements. But how do we make the best decisions for possible improvements? One way is by working with partners and receiving public input. We been working with the Fun, Accessible, Inclusive, Recreation (FAIR) Play…

Watch for a small flash of black and yellow in short shrubs or low tree branches for a chance to see the Common Yellowthroat. This warbler species is commonly seen throughout Michigan marshes, prairies, forests, and backyards from May to the end of September, when it migrates to the southern United States and South America for the winter. Adult males…

Barn Swallows are the most abundant swallow species in the world, and you can see them in Michigan during the late spring and summer months. You’ll find these agile flyers over open water, fields and meadows feeding on insects. Their speed and maneuverability while in flight is both graceful and awesome. Colors of cobalt blue and copper flash and glisten…

Though classified as a shorebird, this lanky-legged bird makes its summer home in fields, lawns, on golf courses and even parking lots. This migrant species has adapted well to human environments. Killdeer are ground-nesters and a male will choose a nesting site by scraping the ground into a bowl shape with his feet. Once eggs are laid in this barren…

Are you tired of being cooped up and ready to get back to racing? Well, the race is on at your Metroparks! The Metroparks have partnered with Epic Races for a Heart MI Virtual Series: Swim. Bike. Run. This year, we invite you to be your own race director and choose the event or events of your choice this summer. …

Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”  Your Metroparks are excited to partner with Detroit Parks and Recreation to make improvements to restored prairie habitats within Rouge Park. In March Huron-Clinton Metroparks signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Detroit Parks and Recreation on a three-year agreement to complete natural areas management…

July is Parks and Recreation month, and this year the focus is on showcasing the talented workers at parks. Your Metroparks have many skilled staff, performing a variety of tasks that keep the parks safe, maintained and ready for visitors. You might not be aware that we have a skilled Natural Resources Department that is hard at work all year…

The highly anticipated redevelopment of the Shelden Trails at Stony Creek Metropark is officially underway! The redevelopment was identified as a need during the master planning process for Stony Creek in 2016. In 2018, The Huron-Clinton Metroparks started the multi-year redevelopment with a goal to extend and develop the Shelden Trail system to create a premiere multi-use natural surface trail…

It’s no secret that this summer looks different than any other before it. This Fourth of July holiday weekend is sure to look different as well – but your Metroparks have what you need to make it just as memorable. The night sky above your Metroparks won’t lite up with color this year because we have canceled our annual fireworks…

We hear a lot about pollinators these days. So, who are these pollinators? With a few clicks of my mouse and some fast typing, I can pull up pictures of bees, wasps, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths (even hummingbird moths!), bats, beetles, wasps, and flies. I’ve been doing a lot of computer-based learning lately, and perhaps you have too. But the great…

On June 11, 2020 the Board of Commissioners of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks took action to endorse the following open letter statement. There is no question we are living in a time of profound challenge, hurt, anger and frustration. From the coronavirus health pandemic that hit Michigan, our region and communities of color hard, to the horrific incidents and images that…

  Each school year, the Metroparks Interpretive Department works to provide quality educational experiences to southeast Michigan students. Programs are designed to meet curriculum standards and inspire students through hands on applied learning in a way that can’t be done in the classroom. Although the end of this school year changed drastically, our goal did not. The Metroparks were fortunate…

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted and changed services and operations in all businesses, and even still we are continually monitoring and changing the way we operate to better serve our visitors. The Metroparks have worked hard to provide a safe place for our communities to enjoy outdoor recreation during the pandemic.  Although some amenities and activities were (and remain) temporarily…

In honor of the upcoming Independence Day we are featuring, you guessed it, the Bald Eagle!  This #BirdoftheWeek was chosen as the symbol of the United States in 1782 for its strength, longevity and majestic appearance, which represents the strength and freedom of our nation. Benjamin Franklin argued against our nation’s symbol, because the eagle steals food from more vulnerable…

The Green Heron is our featured #BirdoftheWeek.  With its squat posture, shaggy crest and glossy greenish back, this small heron is a sight to behold.  In April, the male Green Heron arrives to their northern breeding grounds and establishes nesting territory in a swampy patch or in a forest near water. A super cool fact about the Green Heron is…

At night at your Metroparks are active with many birds.  This week’s #BirdoftheWeek is the Eastern Screech Owl.  These small, stocky owls are most active at night.  They are not often seen but can be heard; listen for their distinct sound of a descending whinny and longer trill.  The Eastern Screech Owl has a large head and no neck and…

As you drive through your Metroparks, look for the iridescent blue head and upper body and all white underside of the Tree Swallow.  They are often found perching on roadside nest boxes. Although these nest boxes are intended to provide nesting habitat for the Eastern Bluebird, species like the Tree Swallow use nest boxes as well. The boxes are usually…

The Mute swan is often seen gliding gracefully on the waters throughout your Metroparks.  When swimming, these large white birds hold their wings above their back and curve their neck into a S-shape. Contrary to their name, these swans do grunt and hiss. Mute swans were introduced to North America from Europe in the 1800’s.  Considered an invaisive species, Mute…

In early spring a small, round, shorebird begins to call. It’s a shorebird you will not find along a lake or river shore. The male American Woodcock chooses grassy clearings, such as fields and forest openings. At dawn and dust, you can venture to these special habitats to witness the aerial displays and calls, or “peents”, of these unique birds.…

Everyone knows Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kickoff of summer fun. Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re committed to helping the people of Southeast Michigan welcome summertime while staying safe and healthy. With a near-perfect weather forecast in store for us this holiday weekend, we’ll be excited to welcome you back to the Metroparks for fresh air, green trees,…

Stalking the shallow waters of the Metroparks, the Great Blue Heron is an expert fisher. Standing statue-like they will look for aquatic prey in the water, on a sunny day you may see one spread out their large wings to block the sun's reflection on the water. The s-shape and special vertebrae in their neck allow them to quickly strike…

When I mention "field of bees," what image comes to mind? Do you see a spring field bursting with clover and daisies, the hum of fuzzy, industrious honey bees filling the air? It's a beautiful image, but it's decidedly… new. All of these wonderful flowers and honeybees, though mostly naturalized now, came to North America in the last several hundred…

May is an exciting time in Michigan. Harsh cold snaps have finally given way to sunnier days and lush green backdrops have replaced the emptiness left after months of cold snow. For birders though, the wonder of May lies in the fact that it is peak migration season for many songbirds. Among those is the Black-throated Green Warbler, a small…

Prothonotary Warbler, hard to pronounce, hard to find! The Pro-tho-notary or pro-thon-otary warbler is a bright yellow warbler with blueish-gray wings. It makes its home in wooded wetlands, with a strong preference for river flood plains. It competes for nesting cavities with house wrens and is a favorite host for cowbird eggs. Tough luck! If they can find a home,…

When I think of Mothers' Day, I'll admit that Canada geese aren't the first thing that pops to mind. Around my house they're affectionately known as "the Poopers." As in, when you spot Canada geese in the yard, you call out, "Hey, look, the Poopers are in the yard!" Later on, when you're running across the same yard to grab…

For birders in southeast Michigan, the beginning of May is an exciting time of the year as it’s the start of the great spring warbler migration in North America. 54 species are found throughout the continent, 35 of which have been spotted in one of your 13 Metroparks. One of the most common and widespread warbler species in the United…

One of the most common warblers in North America, the conspicuously bright Yellow Warbler begins its northward spring migration during the first weeks of April, which is earlier that most other warblers. Like many of the over 50 warbler species found in North America, the Yellow Warbler overwinters in South America and is known to fly nearly 800 miles across…

As through my window daylight spread and birds broke out in song, I forced my eyes to open and thought, I’ve been inside too long. I cannot go to work today, T.V. has no fascination, I cannot endure this solitude, I need some recreation. Alas! I cry where shall I go? What place has what I seek? It’s over there…

“Hello Fence, (hello)(hello) How’d things go for you today? Don’t you miss them Since they had to go home and stay? And I’ll bet you dread to spend Another lonely day with me But lonely fence, I’ll keep you company” I may not have the good looks and silvery voice of Faron Young, (ok, maybe not the most relevant reference…

I can never decide which I like more in the spring, the dawn chorus of songbirds or the twilight symphony of frogs. We’ve been hearing the trill of American toads these last few days and the spring peepers, eastern chorus frogs and wood frogs are still going strong. And as beautiful as they sound to my ears, they must sound…

Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re proud that so many people across Southeast Michigan have chosen to visit their favorite Metroparks these past weeks. Keeping everyone healthy – physically and mentally – is a critical part of the state’s recovery plan and our commitment to the region. Your Metroparks regulation golf courses are opening Friday, March 26, 2021.  Lake St.…

One of the birds that many people look for to signal the return of spring is the Eastern Bluebird. However, many Bluebirds over-winter in our area, which gives them the first pick of the best nesting areas come spring. At one time Bluebird numbers were declining across North America, but with the help of conservation efforts such as habitat protection…

When your job involves exploring a trail through the woods with a group of elementary school students, a day when you catch a snake is a good day. As a park Interpreter, sharing the right story or insight about trees or squirrels brings a gleam to the eyes or a giggle to the lips of many a kid. But find…

When you’re out for a walk and discover a flower that looks like a violet… and smells like a violet… and even tastes like a violet… but isn’t, well, violet-colored… can it still be a violet? Why, of course! We have seventy-seven species of violets growing in North America, with closer to 900 species across the globe. Most people recognize…

My 7-year-old daughter and I crept beneath a stand of massive willow trees, trying to spot a fox squirrel that scampered to the other side of the trunk at our approach. As I scanned the deep-cleft bark for our fuzzy quarry, my daughter surprised me by asking, "Daddy, this is a big history time, isn’t it?" I stopped, squirrel momentarily…

Once referred to as a "glowing gem" by Henry David Thoreau, the male wood duck is a most magnificent sight, and each wood duck's life starts with an equally magnificent journey. Female wood ducks nest in tree cavities about 25 feet high. She will lay 6-15 eggs, though she may have to raise up to 30 hatchlings due to intraspecific…

One of the most common (and loudest) visitors at Kensington is the red-winged blackbird. Found all across the country in wet and marshy habitats, this migrator returns toward the end of February, beating out the Robin as the true harbinger of spring. Listen for the distinctive "look-at-me" call of the male red-winged blackbird as he displays his bright red shoulder…

Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re proud that so many people across Southeast Michigan have chosen to visit their favorite Metroparks these past weeks. Keeping everyone healthy – physically and mentally – is a critical part of the state’s recovery plan and our commitment to the region. All 13 Metroparks will continue to stay open, in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s…

If you're stuck at home like most of us, you might find yourself absentmindedly staring out the window and gazing at the birds. And if you're like me, you might make an amazing discovery: with its stunning white head, is that a bald eagle at the bird feeder? Nope, just the genetic oddball that is a leucistic grackle. Which, in…

As we transition from winter to spring, many migratory birds are flying north to call Michigan their summer home, among these birds are Osprey. During the last two weeks of March, telephone poles, cell phone towers and light posts will begin to serve as perching spots for these unique birds of prey (right). Travelling from as far as South America,…

The Northern Flicker is only one of eight species of woodpecker in Michigan, and its looks and behavior are unique among the rest. From the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail, the Northern Flicker measures at 12 inches, falling second behind the Pileated Woodpecker, who reaches a length of 19 inches! Their light brown bodies are…

Now that the snow's gone and we've been teased with 50-degree weather, do you find yourself hungering for something green? Something lush? Something… alive? We'll have spring buds-a-bursting any day now, but… why wait? Find the green now! Visit Oakwoods Metropark, saunter down our Longbark Trail and enjoy what I like to call our "Sittable Forest." This sittable forest isn't…

“Are there normally stars there?” I wondered aloud. Have you ever caught something weird out of the corner of your eye and wondered, what did I just see? Even stranger, have you ever stared right at something and still wondered, what the heck am I looking at? This happened to me at 5:37 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020, while…

“Social distancing” has become the best policy for fighting the spread of coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself in your homes for the duration of the outbreak. Instead, one of your best options is making your way to the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. After all, the experts tell us it’s okay to be outdoors while social distancing. And…

Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re proud that so many people across Southeast Michigan have chosen to visit their favorite Metroparks these past months. Keeping everyone healthy – physically and mentally – is a critical part of the state’s recovery plan and our commitment to the region. First and foremost, the Governor’s orders allow us to keep all 13 Metroparks…

By Jessica Getschman, CIG The month of March is upon us, and everyone will soon be keeping an eye out for the first robin and green spikes of daffodils poking through newly exposed soil (unless you’re a park interpreter – we’re watching for skunk cabbage and red-winged black birds, but they’re somewhat of a different story).   Even before these first…

Patrick Bigelow, Kensington Metropark Farm Center Supervisor The first snows of winter have now blanketed farm fields and pastures of southeast Michigan. With fields gleaming white, what do farmers do until spring? While it is true that winter is a slower season for agriculture, it is far from vacation time for farmers. For farms with livestock, winter is business as…

Adventure, explore, education and free go perfectly together at your Metroparks. Our Interpretive Services Department provides opportunities for schools to expand their classroom learning through field trips. Classes can come out to a Metropark for various adventures to explore different and unique ways to learn new things and best of all they can do it for free. In 2020, we…

Did you know your Metroparks offer opportunities to volunteer throughout the year? Volunteers support the parks on a wide variety of initiatives from event support and trail maintenance to invasive species removal and seed collection. In 2019, nearly 5,000 volunteers donated over 27,000 of hours of time and talent. Because of dedicated and generous individuals, families, and companies, several large…

Skip the stores on Black Friday and instead #OptOutside BRIGHTON, Mich. — The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is proud to partner with REI Co-Op as a destination to #optoutside on Friday, November 29. Five years ago, REI made a made the decision to close its doors on Black Friday and instead encourage employees, members and the public to spend the day with…

All funds raised will support the new accessible playground at Kensington Metropark Maple Beach DETROIT, Mich. – Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks looks to focus their fundraising efforts for the Kensington Metropark Maple Beach Playground. The play area is utilizing universal design standards to be accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. Metroparks…

Kevin Arnold, Southern District Interpretive Services Supervisor As the deep “hoot” of the male Great Horned Owl reverberated through the woods, the crowd caught their first glimpse of the magnificent bird sitting high atop the large Bur Oak. His form, silhouetted against the evening sky, was surprisingly easy to see in the bright cast of moonlight from the full moon.…

Leah Harrison, Natural Resources Volunteer Coordinator As everything else winds down for Fall, many plants are hard at work producing seeds to grow the next generation. During this time, the Metroparks Natural Resources Department, along with the help of volunteers, begin to harvest seed from native plants for use in degraded areas. To restore these degraded areas and expand healthy…

Get Out and Learn program supports schools with hands-on field trips to local Metroparks  The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is now accepting scholarship applications from local schools for its Get Out and Learn program to support field trips that must be completed by Dec. 31, 2019. The program gives teachers and students the opportunity to participate in engaging, nature-connected field trips to…

If you have visited Kensington Metropark Nature Center recently you might have noticed a new outside addition on the northeast side. The Metroparks received a grant from Ford Motor Company Fund for $7,500 to create an outdoor amphitheater at the nature center. With the help of 18 volunteers from Ford, and 108 volunteer hours later, the Kensington Metropark Nature Center…

Jason Smith, Wolcott Mill Metropark, Supervising Interpreter Farm and Historic Center The days are getting noticeable shorter, the average temperatures are dropping by the week, and the leaves on the trees are fewer and fewer with each passing day. Many of us are winding down from our summer adventures and preparing ourselves for the upcoming winter ahead, but farmers throughout…

Explore Southeast Michigan with hike-bike, fitness, rustic and water trails Michigan Trails Week was held September 22 through September 29 and your Metroparks provided unique opportunities to get out and explore, but it doesn't have to stop after that week is over! The Huron-Clinton Metroparks have several trails throughout southeast Michigan, including hiking, biking, equestrian and even water trails that…

When the temperatures begin to cool and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to create your fall bucket list. “Fall is an exciting and special season around the Metroparks,” said Amy McMillan, Director at the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. “It’s a great time to visit the parks and experience the fun activities they have to offer, not to mention the…

By Stephanie Kozak, Interpreter As the days grow shorter and the weather cools down, excitement for fall festivities grows and visions of cider, donuts, pumpkins, and hayrides start dancing in our heads. When the months get colder around the Metroparks, the human visitors start to bundle up, but the animals that call the Metropark habitats home have different plans. As…

Sara Scussell, Chris Becher and Julie Champion - Metroparks Interpreters  There’s a delicate insect living right here in Michigan that makes an incredible 2,500 mile journey every year just to survive. This species at risk of  becoming an “endangered species” but quietly pollinates our native plants every year. Do you know what it is? It’s the Monarch Butterfly! The beloved…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Foundation is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic, slated for Friday, September 27th at Kensington Metropark golf course. The foursome golf scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. and end with an awards reception, featuring keynote speaker and Detroit Tiger legend, Willie Horton. Trevor Thompson, reporter/host of Fox Sports Net Detroit…

Improvements empowered by grant partners include trail redevelopment and new hand-cycle BRIGHTON, Mich. — The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Planning and Development Department is making parks more accessible, creating new recreation opportunities, and expanding trail connectivity to serve everyone in the local community. Multiple grants support these ongoing initiatives. “A main focus for us is making sure the parks serve everyone,” said…

Southeast Michigan’s osprey population was once in doubt. Today 50-60 nests are in the region. MILFORD, Mich. – More than 20 years ago, the future of ospreys was unclear in southeast Michigan, but a lot has changed in that time. This year, southeast Michigan’s oldest known osprey, C09, turns 20. C09 was originally brought to Kensington Metropark as a chick…

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority today released the following information and statements from Chief of Police Michael Reese and Director Amy McMillan following a thorough internal investigation of a recent alleged discrimination incident at Lake Erie Metropark on June 30: Michael Reese, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Chief of Police: “We moved swiftly to ensure a thorough and timely internal investigation, following up…

As with anything related to the park experience, this is an issue we take very seriously at the Metroparks. The cited report misrepresents the facts. The Macomb County Department of Health performs regular, rigorous testing per the Environmental Protection Agency’s approved method to ensure our beaches are safe for visitors. Throughout 2018, the Lake St. Clair Metropark Beach was closed…

This year your Huron-Clinton Metroparks have committed to working harder towards “going green.” As stewards of the environment, we know it is our duty to create a more sustainable future. Multiple projects are underway to reduce waste, increase recycling and grow the Metroparks green footprint. Projects are as small as fishing line recycling bins at our fishing sites or larger…

Large grant project will improve natural habitats and create new experiences for visitors The Huron-Clinton Metroparks will soon start work on a new collaborative restoration project at Lake Erie Metropark to improve shoreline and coastal wetland in the park. The project is possible thanks to a $1.5 million grant from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Great…

Mike Broughton, Kensington Nature Center Interpreter It was late in the day July 20, 1969, and a little eight-year-old boy was sitting on his living room floor, eagerly waiting for astronauts to land on the moon. Apollo 11, NASA’s mission to land the first person on the moon had just launched on July 16. That little boy was absolutely fascinated…