Elk Rapids Almanac
Elk Rapids Almanac, January 2025- month of the Wolf Moon
January 10-This is a good time of year to keep an eye out for snowy owls and other Arctic tundra visitors in fields and forest edges as they arrive to forage for small rodents in open fields or enjoy the sounds of resident owls like great horned, northern saw-whet, and barred owls in woodlands. Although it is exciting to see a raptor in the wild, to lessen the effect we have on owls and other raptors, it’s good birding manners to view from a distance as each owl species has a different tolerance for how close people can be before our presence is detrimental. When visiting natural areas, keeping dogs on a leash and staying on hiking trails are helpful ways to minimize disturbance to birds in the winter months. Check in with your local Audubon club or read up on your favorite one on the Cornell Lab, All About Birds for more information on the amazing owl species in the north woods! _Angie Bouma, Senior Conservation Ecologist, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. [email protected]
Note: Owls and other night-time wonders are explored in the book; Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. In this glorious celebration of the night, author Henion encourages all ages to explore the dazzling wonders found in our own backyards and neighborhoods. _Night Magic: Leigh Ann Henion, 2024
(P.S. -Night Magic drew rave reviews from both Richard Louv and Dough Tallamy)
Note: What is the Nighttime Bird Surveillance Network? During an episode on August 18, 2023, Scientific American discusses the fact that 70 percent of North American birds migrate, and 80 percent of those migrate at night. Experience a new kind of bird watching!
January 10-This is a good time of year to keep an eye out for snowy owls and other Arctic tundra visitors in fields and forest edges as they arrive to forage for small rodents in open fields or enjoy the sounds of resident owls like great horned, northern saw-whet, and barred owls in woodlands. Although it is exciting to see a raptor in the wild, to lessen the effect we have on owls and other raptors, it’s good birding manners to view from a distance as each owl species has a different tolerance for how close people can be before our presence is detrimental. When visiting natural areas, keeping dogs on a leash and staying on hiking trails are helpful ways to minimize disturbance to birds in the winter months. Check in with your local Audubon club or read up on your favorite one on the Cornell Lab, All About Birds for more information on the amazing owl species in the north woods! _Angie Bouma, Senior Conservation Ecologist, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. [email protected]
Note: Owls and other night-time wonders are explored in the book; Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. In this glorious celebration of the night, author Henion encourages all ages to explore the dazzling wonders found in our own backyards and neighborhoods. _Night Magic: Leigh Ann Henion, 2024
(P.S. -Night Magic drew rave reviews from both Richard Louv and Dough Tallamy)
Note: What is the Nighttime Bird Surveillance Network? During an episode on August 18, 2023, Scientific American discusses the fact that 70 percent of North American birds migrate, and 80 percent of those migrate at night. Experience a new kind of bird watching!
Photo By: Ken Bloem |
January 13-Pileated Woodpeckers are a striking sight this time of year, especially when the woods are snowy. The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is North America’s largest woodpecker, and a year-round resident of Michigan, often seen in Elk Rapids neighborhoods. Reaching up to 20 inches long and with a 30-inch wingspan, these crow-sized birds are identified by their black body with white stripes down the neck. The male has a brilliant flame-red crest, whereas the female has a black patch in that same area. It is frequently seen foraging for carpenter ants by drilling rectangular holes in dead trees and fallen logs. These holes offer crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens. It has a whinnying call and makes a loud drumming sound as it drills away. They often visit local backyard bird feeders, especially for suet.
Note: The oldest known Pileated Woodpecker was a male, and at least 12 years, 11 months old when he was recaptured and re-released during banding operations in Maryland. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/overview Note: The Pileated Woodpecker is not to be confused with the Red-headed Woodpecker, a much smaller bird with head and neck completely covered in red feathers, and also found in the Elk Rapids area. |
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January 16-A juvenile bobcat was seen chasing a rabbit across our backyard-his brother came out shortly after! The rabbit got away---this time!
-Christine Petersen |
Photo by Christine Petersen |
January 17-Bobcats have been frequent visitors in Elk Rapids this winter. Although common in Northern Michigan, they are elusive and hard to see. They are most active at night, so are often unseen by humans. But there are exceptions to the norm: the bobcats that visited Jane Hamilton’s deck in the fall were curious to explore her deck and garden in daylight hours!
Where to find bobcats in Northern Michigan:
-woods: Bobcats are known to roam the woods, hunting small game like mice, rabbits, birds, and squirrels.
-Fresh snow or muddy areas: Bobcats leave tracks in fresh snow or muddy areas.
-Wildlife cameras: Bobcats can be captured on camera, but not as often as other Northwoods wildlife.
What bobcats look like:
-They are about twice the size of a house cat, weighing between 11 and 30 pounds.
-their fur color varies from brownish red to mostly brown with a white underbelly-their most distinctive physical feature is their “bobbed” tail -Cheryl Bachman
Where to find bobcats in Northern Michigan:
-woods: Bobcats are known to roam the woods, hunting small game like mice, rabbits, birds, and squirrels.
-Fresh snow or muddy areas: Bobcats leave tracks in fresh snow or muddy areas.
-Wildlife cameras: Bobcats can be captured on camera, but not as often as other Northwoods wildlife.
What bobcats look like:
-They are about twice the size of a house cat, weighing between 11 and 30 pounds.
-their fur color varies from brownish red to mostly brown with a white underbelly-their most distinctive physical feature is their “bobbed” tail -Cheryl Bachman
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Photos by Jane Hamilton
January 25_Snowy Owl release at Turtle Creek Casino, an awe-inspiring event attended by 300-400 people.
Details and photos: https://mailchi.mp/skegemograptorcenter/snowy-owl-release-thank-you
January 29-Should the robin be unseated as Michigan’s state bird? IPR’s State Bird CAWcus wants to hear what you think! Make your case and vote for a winner. Hear the results after January 29.
https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/ipr-news/2025-01-07/iprs-state-bird-cawcus
Details and photos: https://mailchi.mp/skegemograptorcenter/snowy-owl-release-thank-you
January 29-Should the robin be unseated as Michigan’s state bird? IPR’s State Bird CAWcus wants to hear what you think! Make your case and vote for a winner. Hear the results after January 29.
https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/ipr-news/2025-01-07/iprs-state-bird-cawcus