Elk Rapids Almanac - October 2023
October 10
Fall color was spectacular in northern Michigan. Factors that influence leaf color are mainly temperature and moisture. A moist spring and dry and sunny late summer/early fall promote the most intense red and purple leaf colors. A succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays. As night length increases in the autumn, chlorophyll production slows down and then stops and eventually all the chlorophyll is destroyed. The carotenoids and anthocyanin present in the leaf are then unmasked and show their colors. _US Forest Service. www.fs.usda.gov
Fall color was spectacular in northern Michigan. Factors that influence leaf color are mainly temperature and moisture. A moist spring and dry and sunny late summer/early fall promote the most intense red and purple leaf colors. A succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays. As night length increases in the autumn, chlorophyll production slows down and then stops and eventually all the chlorophyll is destroyed. The carotenoids and anthocyanin present in the leaf are then unmasked and show their colors. _US Forest Service. www.fs.usda.gov
Brilliant Fall leaves in the Superior National Forest. (Forest Service photo)
October 14
A partial solar eclipse occurred Saturday October 14, viewable in our area from11:46-2:25 p.m. Although it was mostly overcast, the clouds parted at 1:12 p.m. A helpful Elk Rapids librarian had earlier found a stash of the necessary protective sunglasses, so with glasses in the car, I was prepared when the clouds parted at 1:12 and the sun appeared. With a few quick stops, those glasses were shared with several neighbors. It was a thrilling sight for all, and a reminder of how large the universe is and how small is our Planet Earth. _Royce Ragland and neighbors
A partial solar eclipse occurred Saturday October 14, viewable in our area from11:46-2:25 p.m. Although it was mostly overcast, the clouds parted at 1:12 p.m. A helpful Elk Rapids librarian had earlier found a stash of the necessary protective sunglasses, so with glasses in the car, I was prepared when the clouds parted at 1:12 and the sun appeared. With a few quick stops, those glasses were shared with several neighbors. It was a thrilling sight for all, and a reminder of how large the universe is and how small is our Planet Earth. _Royce Ragland and neighbors
October 20-Fall migration presents unique opportunities to see diurnal( daylight visible) raptors, sometimes in very large numbers. Large groups or flocks of raptors, called 'kettles,' can be spotted along migration routes. Recently, a record 29,000 Turkey Vultures were counted in one day at Lake Erie Metropark. But what about owl migration?
Most owls are sedentary, staying year-round on their territories, but some do migrate.
Northern Saw-whet owls, due to their diminutive size, silent flight, and camouflaging feathers, present a challenge in the study of this species. In the 1990s, researchers began Project Owlnet, a collaboration that now consists of more than 100 owl migration banding sites. Thousands of these tiny owls are banded every fall, helping gain insight into this reclusive species.
Snowy owls are common visitors to Michigan in the winter, providing a thrilling chance to see them in the wild. Winter numbers of Snowy Owls in the U.S. peak periodically, known as irruptions. Snowy owls are diurnal and regularly hunt from the ground. This unique behavior can lead people to think the owl is in distress. You should consult with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before deciding to intervene. Always view Snowy owls at a distance to avoid disturbing them.
Migration can be a perilous journey. The risk of vehicle and structural collisions can increase in unfamiliar areas. Avoiding distractions while driving and taking steps to protect windows from bird strikes help not only raptors but many other migratory species as well. Habitat protection helps preserve stopover points and wintering grounds. Discontinuing the use of rodenticides decreases the risk of secondary poisonings. Thankfully, when we take action to protect raptors, those positive steps reverberate throughout our environment. _James Manley. www.skegemograptorcenter.org
Note: Children’s book Maggie the One Eyed Peregrine Falcon: A True Story of Rescue and Rehabilitation, is a heartwarming true story about a young peregrine falcon that suffers a tragic accident but is rescued and rehabilitated at a wildlife center. Christie Gove-Berg, 2016.
Note: BirdCast Migration Dashboard provides summaries of radar-based measurements of nocturnal bird migration, estimates of the total number of birds migrating, their directions, speeds, and altitudes, complementing our existing forecast and live migration maps.( See Antrim County)
Most owls are sedentary, staying year-round on their territories, but some do migrate.
Northern Saw-whet owls, due to their diminutive size, silent flight, and camouflaging feathers, present a challenge in the study of this species. In the 1990s, researchers began Project Owlnet, a collaboration that now consists of more than 100 owl migration banding sites. Thousands of these tiny owls are banded every fall, helping gain insight into this reclusive species.
Snowy owls are common visitors to Michigan in the winter, providing a thrilling chance to see them in the wild. Winter numbers of Snowy Owls in the U.S. peak periodically, known as irruptions. Snowy owls are diurnal and regularly hunt from the ground. This unique behavior can lead people to think the owl is in distress. You should consult with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before deciding to intervene. Always view Snowy owls at a distance to avoid disturbing them.
Migration can be a perilous journey. The risk of vehicle and structural collisions can increase in unfamiliar areas. Avoiding distractions while driving and taking steps to protect windows from bird strikes help not only raptors but many other migratory species as well. Habitat protection helps preserve stopover points and wintering grounds. Discontinuing the use of rodenticides decreases the risk of secondary poisonings. Thankfully, when we take action to protect raptors, those positive steps reverberate throughout our environment. _James Manley. www.skegemograptorcenter.org
Note: Children’s book Maggie the One Eyed Peregrine Falcon: A True Story of Rescue and Rehabilitation, is a heartwarming true story about a young peregrine falcon that suffers a tragic accident but is rescued and rehabilitated at a wildlife center. Christie Gove-Berg, 2016.
Note: BirdCast Migration Dashboard provides summaries of radar-based measurements of nocturnal bird migration, estimates of the total number of birds migrating, their directions, speeds, and altitudes, complementing our existing forecast and live migration maps.( See Antrim County)
October 25
This great horned owl was involved in a vehicle collision and got stuck in the grill of a car. Thanks to the efforts of the Ludington police department, she was carefully freed from the grill. The police chief met me at around midnight, halfway between our clinic and Ludington. We are excited with the progress she has made in her recovery _ James Manley
This great horned owl was involved in a vehicle collision and got stuck in the grill of a car. Thanks to the efforts of the Ludington police department, she was carefully freed from the grill. The police chief met me at around midnight, halfway between our clinic and Ludington. We are excited with the progress she has made in her recovery _ James Manley
