American Tree Sparrows are not really associated with trees at all and are actually ground birds. The name comes from European settlers that thought that these birds looked like the Tree Sparrows they were used to seeing back home. American Tree Sparrows have a rusty…

The quintessential duck, the Mallard, is spread far and wide across the northern hemisphere with populations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Its name is even a word that used to be for any wild drake. This duck is so loved by people that it…

Native American culture is deeply ingrained in the history of Southeastern Michigan, including the land the Metroparks now occupy. This Native American Heritage Month we encourage you to learn more about the heritage, culture and history of Indigenous peoples. To start, we compiled a list…

Had Edgar Allen Poe lived in Europe his famous poem, “The Raven”, might have been “The Starling.” The European Starling is a destructive pest. They are harmful to native species of birds, harmful to crops and livestock, and were even implicated in a plane crash…

Michigan is home to 9 bat species, and none I might add are interested in drinking blood.  All are small and unassuming connoisseurs of insects. Almost all are dark colored to allow them to hunt freely in the night, finding prey by echolocation. One exception…

Most Michigan owls can be found hidden among the trees in our forests, but this week’s feature, the Short-eared Owl, prefers wide-open spaces. Grasslands and wet meadows are the habitat of choice for this short, round owl.  Look out for their amber eyes set into…

The Eastern Garter Snake is on average 18 – 26 inches long and an identifying feature is its head. The head will be wider than the neck on the Eastern Garter Snake. Down the length of the body of a Garter Snake there will be…

It is hard to believe when driving through your Metroparks that the Giant Canada Goose was thought to be extinct 100 years ago! The birds return from the brink had several causes. Hunting regulations, particularly the banning of lead shot for waterfowl hunting saved many.…

While many birds are leaving Michigan in the fall to head for warmer wintering grounds down south, two of our most handsomely marked sparrows are moving in from even farther north. White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows are both relatively large songbirds with boldly black-and-white patterned heads that…

Often referred to by park visitors as a prehistoric bird, the Sandhill Crane is an exciting bird to spot while visiting the Metroparks. With their characteristic red marking on the crown of their head and stilt-like walking they are certainly a majestic bird to encounter.…