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…

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…

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…

Have you ever been standing in your yard or going on a hike at your local Metropark and heard a “peter, peter, peter” sound blaring out from the shrubs and trees around you?  If so, you heard the song of…

“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.…

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.…

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…

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…

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"…

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…