Hofma Preserve Saturday

Walking the woods and boardwalk at Hofma Preserve south of Grand Haven this morning I found 21 bird species.  Three were Year Birds: Trumpeter Swan (at least 1, probably 2, northeast of the boardwalk), Swamp Sparrow (several sprinkled around the marsh) and Sora (giving its whinny call).  Noteworthy were the many Sandhill Cranes, Wood Ducks, and dead bluegills.

Black Lake Park Friday

I walked Black Lake Park again this morning.  It was quite cool, but the birds were out like spring.  I found 33 species including two Year Birds: Winter Wren and Ring-necked Duck. 

Two of the Four Ring-necked Ducks

Others of note included Wood Duck, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, Belted Kingfisher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Thrasher, Hermit Thrush, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee and Pine Warbler.  Still no catbird yet this year.

Purple Finch (Female or Immature)

We had this Purple Finch on our back feeder early this afternoon.  As usual, it's here during migration season and it's not a raspberry-colored adult male.

- Ric

Black Lake Park

Pine Warbler

I birded Black Lake Park this morning.  I got there at 6:15 hoping to hear an owl, but no luck.  I just birded the parking lot until 8:00 picking up 18 species.  This Pine Warbler was my best find!

- Charlie DeWitt

(The club's monthly field trip was here the next day.  See a report on our home page.)