W C Wetzel State Park/SRA Macomb county

[Allen Chartier]

Russ,

In early June I did MNFI grassland surveys at Wetzel State Park, as aerial photos had shown a large area of grassland in the center of the property. I arrived to find a large, apparently man-made lake instead. So, while the grassland birds were minimal, I did find a few interesting species on the lake, including a pair of Ruddy Ducks, and at least three Forster's Terns flying around, and possibly breeding locally. I too saw Northern Bobwhite along the road, but they were the all-chestnut variety with white throats, clearly released birds. I'd be interested to know if wild type bobwhites have actually been SEEN here rather than just being heard. I know that if I hadn't seen (and photographed) the one chestnut bird along the road, I might have concluded the three birds I heard were all wild, although they were all calling suspiciously close to the houses to the east of Werderman Road.

Allen Chartier
amazilia1 at comcast.net
1442 West River Park Drive
Inkster, MI  48141
Website: http://www.amazilia.net
Michigan HummerNet: http://www.amazilia.net/MIHummerNet
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Every day, the hummingbird eats its own weight in food. 
You may wonder how it weighs the food. It doesn't. 
It just eats another hummingbird.
---Steven Wright



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Russell Emmons 
  To: Mich-chat at envirolink.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 3:31 AM
  Subject: Fw: W C Wetzel State Park/SRA Macomb county



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Russell Emmons 
  Subject: W C Wetzel State Park/SRA (BWAS)


  Returning from south Macomb county (funeral) on Thursday the 20th, we decided to check on the new Walter C. Wetzel State Park/SRA  just west of  New Haven. This developing SRA (State Recreation Area) parcel is finally coming along and shows promise.  The main entrance/parking area is now paved with paved foot trails going way out onto the marsh area. There is now a entrance sign  with flower beds around it. Also Mens & Womans toilets. This entrance area is at the far NE corner on Werderman Rd. near New Haven Rd. It is adjacent to the huge flooded marsh. South along Werderman Rd. there are a few other pull-off parking areas with access to other primitive foot trails. The south edge of this SRA is adjacent to the urban sprawl but otherwise surrounded by old agricultural fields and woodlots.
     It must be noted this SRA is open to hunting so bird watchers, hikers etc. beware when hunting seasons are open! Wear Orange!
     While there we noted little activity that day but it was threatening rain, very hot, humid, & hazy. We did see Pied-billed Grebe, dozens of Red-wing Blackbirds, Turkey Vulture,  Brown Thrasher, Song Sparrows, Eastern Kingbirds.
  The few other times we've been there in the past we've seen Bob-White Quail, Ring-necked Pheasant, Swans, Great Blue Herons, Mallards, Goldfinch,  Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Blue Winged Warblers, Willow Flycatchers, Grey Catbirds, House Finch,  Red-Tail Hawks, House Wrens, Tree Swallows etc.

     Earlier that day while in the Cadillac Memorial Gardens Cemetary, Clinton Twp. we managed 16 species right in the cemetary grounds. 
  Don't know if one could really call that a noteworthy task or not, even considering it's surrounded by all urban area!   (?)

  Russ Emmons, Casco Twp. St. Clair county


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