It’s the first Monday of a new month, so today’s calendar page is the header image. I agree with John Burroughs – I do the same thing every time I set out on a walk in a park setting. The locale for June’s calendar page is Mount St. Helens, an active volcano in Washington State.
Saturday, April 15th was my first 2023 visit to Lake Erie Metropark. As I drove through the park to get to the area where they scan my Metropark pass, the marquis advertised the “Birds in Your Binoculars” interpretive walk at 10:00 a.m. I remembered seeing that event as I follow the Metroparks on social media. After parking by the Marshlands Museum …
… I headed over to say “hey” and wish “Happy New Year” to Luc, the park’s resident Bald Eagle.
Luc has lived in this wooden aviary since 2009, after sustaining injuries the prior year which left him blind in one eye and a damaged wing rendering him unable to fly. After recuperating from those injuries, Luc was deemed unfit for release in the wild, so this enclosure which measures 20 feet long, 20 feet wide and 16 feet high is his permanent home. Luc is almost 20 years old with a life expectancy of about 30 years.
Luc is not always keen on small talk, although sometimes he’ll give me a sign of life with a chirp or two. I was pleased to find his breakfast had not been served – admittedly it is not pleasant to approach the cage and see a dead white rabbit or a rat slung across the tree stump which serves as his breakfast table. This morning was not one for chatting as Luc kept his back toward me.
Since I could not coax any conversation from my feathered friend, I stepped away from Luc to pause at the boathouse and wooden overlook to see the progress at the nearby lagoon and was disappointed to discover that since my last visit in late Summer 2022, the small dredging operation nearby had morphed and now encompassed the entire lagoon. It was a mess and not a critter was in sight, but who could blame them? The water level was low, an airboat was parked near a platform with equipment and there were tubes, hoses, plus plywood placed over some areas where water seeped up and over the walkways. I understood from conversations with park personnel back in the Fall, that once the dredging was complete, the water level would rise and aquatic plants would flourish, eventually providing a better habitat for turtles, frogs, fish and waterfowl. From the looks of this operation, however, the end result would take a while.
I told Luc “see ya” then headed up the hill, just as a group of folks led by interpretive guide Paul Cypher, streamed out of the Marshland Museum to begin their bird walk and talk. The tree they are standing near was just one of many that were damaged, likely during our February 22nd ice storm.
From my perch at the top of the hill I watched and waited until the group paused at Luc’s enclosure, then watched as Paul pointed to the lagoon, (of course still devoid of any waterfowl to see in their binoculars … or otherwise).
But, there was a missed opportunity for those birders because they likely didn’t see the Robin on the pathway, a feathered being that might have enjoyed being included in “show-n-tell” but I saw him/her and, if you squint a little, you can see that Robin too.
As I passed the Museum, I stopped to take a photo of the list of migrating birds that passed through the boat launch area at Lake Erie Metropark in Autumn 2022, dutifully counted by volunteers, so yes, there are raptors aplenty in the Fall migration months and maybe a better time to conduct a bird hike.
So, what birds would they see and, what about me? Could I continue my wonderful birding streak I had in 2022 with all the new and unusual birds that helped fulfill my 2023 Birdie Bucket List?
I decided to venture along Trapper’s Run.
Although we had a rainy Spring, it had not rained in ten days, so I decided to venture along Trapper’s Run, a one-mile trail that I only tried out for the first time last year. The reeds were still drab and lifeless looking …
… as were the trees and bushes along the trail.
But at the Riley Creek Overlook …
… I was able to see a few Egrets …
… Mute Swans …
… and a Tree Swallow that perched on a vertical hunk of dead wood like a king and decided I passed muster and didn’t have to leave its kingdom.
Speaking of “dead” I whirled around when I heard the unmistakable shrieking of a Great Blue Heron, ready to get a shot as it landed in Riley Creek, but instead I noticed the eyeball of this ol’ dead fish inches from the wooden walkway where I stood.
Ugh! Well, it sure wasn’t going to rise out of the water and “get me” but nevertheless it took me aback and I missed the Heron shot. Oh well, there will be others.
Since the Trapper’s Run Nature Trail was not muddy, I took my chances that the Cherry Island Trail would be mud-and-puddle free but my luck ran out there, so I double-backed and cut clear across this 1,607-acre park, enjoying the coolish morning, perfect for walking.
I don’t know what paths the birding group took as I never saw them again, but perhaps they should have followed me, as I not only saw the above-mentioned feathered friends, sans binoculars, but I also encountered this Robin singing its heart out.
It eventually stopped and took a much-needed breath.
There were lots of Red-winged Blackbirds.
Over by the pool and concession area, there was earth-moving machinery, which hopefully will not affect enjoying the park this Summer as the critters will likely scatter to the wind to avoid the noise and commotion.
I saw a few trailers from the Saginaw Bay Walleye Club and men setting up near the concession area. I learned it was in conjunction with a walleye fishing tournament. Hmm, I must have missed that event on the marquis as I was driving in.
Lake Erie Metropark was definitely still wearing its drab colors …
… and not ready for prime time yet with picnic tables either surrounded by orange construction netting or still stacked like dominoes awaiting warmer weather.
Alas, there were no new bird encounters for me and, although the photographic aspect of this trek was marred by the dredging operation, this is still one of my favorite venues and I vowed to return at least once a month. My next visit on May 14, 2023 as well as my last visit of 2022 will be in upcoming posts. I am far behind in posting about some of my longer walks, as holidays and a few 5K events usurped those walks.
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
I am happy to see the birds you saw 🙂
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Thank you Anne. I am wondering how many new ones I’ll see this year? Almost six months into the new year and zero new birds?
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Nice you blog heading title ” Some days are diamond… Some days are Stone..!
Nice you sharing your metropark visit and Marshland Museum. Very nice your Migrat birds list. Excellent photography. Beautiful Red winged blackbird. Nice you sharing your last visit 2022.
Overall very interesting post. I like,Linda 👍
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Thank you Raj – I am glad you liked this visit to this park.
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Most welcome, Linda!
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I was surprised at how brown everything was. Then I realized the walk was in April, just as things were starting to wake up. Great bird shots although I could do without the dead fish! 🙂 circle of life!
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It was still pretty brown with the marsh reeds when I was there a couple of weeks ago. The water level has gone down in some of these parks I go to so the outlooks jut over nothing but dirt and weeds. I almost didn’t take that dead fish pic, then almost didn’t stick it in the post. 🙂 When I was here two weeks ago, I was standing on an overlook and I don’t know why I looked down, but a fish head was on the overlook. Thankfully I didn’t step in it, but I carry an old pair of shoes in the car just for that reason. I am guessing a bird dropped it. Aim better please!!
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Thank you for taking us along on your walk. It does look like it was a dreary day in some ways – and I hate that Luc has to live in such a small enclosure. We have an eagle with a similar story in the Wonders of Wildlife aquarium and museum. I have mixed feelings about zoos and animals like Luc and Riser spending their lives in captivity but they do provide an opportunity for people to see these majestic birds up close and to understand our role in preserving their habitat and lives. I ran into a quote while reading up on Riser this morning that I thought you would enjoy.
“In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.”
Baba Dioum, Senegalese conservationist
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I really like that quote Zazzy – thank you for passing it along to me. That is very true.
I am glad you liked the walk and the one taken in May had a little more color, but no new birds. I was very lucky to find so many new birds in 2022 and I doubt I can surpass that total again. Like you, I feel sorry for Luc and Riser. I would never have seen an eagle close up, if not for Luc. In the many times I’ve been to this park, I always stop to see him, yet have never seen the front of Luc. He is always facing the other way. He has a long wooden “walkway” which leads from his high perch to the ground, so he can eat from the stump and drink from a huge waterbowl, but I’ve never seen him on the walkway, nor on the ground. Another Metropark has a hawk and an owl. Both were injured and non-releasable. Thanks again for the quote.
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I like your blog heading too! It’s amazing how fast things get green and bloom. I bet your next visit it won’t look so brown! Poor Eagle, but at least he is being cared for
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Thank you Susan. It’s so very true as you and Clint both know – nothing like immersing yourself in a long walk in the woods. It was nicer when mosquitoes and ticks were not part of the hike though. Yes, I feel sorry for Luc too as he usually looks bored and listless, a shadow of his former self, bored to tears and he is an area that doesn’t get a lot of visitors either.
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Sometimes we miss the small things because we’re so busy looking at the big ones. I’m glad the robin was given a place in your post. Fun walk. 🙂
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Thanks Rebecca. I had to laugh from my perch up on the hill. It looked a little more colorful when I returned in mid-May, but the dredging operation was still in place.
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The red-winged blackbirds have a regal look, as if wearing a uniform. I like the look. And holy cow, that’s a lot of vulture and hawk sightings for a single season!
Thanks to your blog title I will now have John Denver running around in my head for the rest of the day 🙂
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I like the Red-winged Blackbirds too Dave. The males are regal looking, whereas the females are very blah which helps them stay hidden in the reeds where they build their nests down low in the reeds. Nothing says “Spring” to me more than the return of these birds and their song come March. Aren’t those amazing stats? The boat launch area is where the volunteers line up to count all raptors passing through from September through November. There are various count sites at other venues and they post all their findings on a hawk watch website. There are tons of turkey vultures coasting silently overhead right now. I like that song too – definitely an earworm kinda song for all day. 🙂
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I always like hearing about Luc Linda. I feel for him being captive like that.
Nice park tour and great shots!
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Thank you! I feel sorry for Luc too Wayne and I thought I’d try and get some shots of him again. I am hoping the noise from all the dredging and heavy earth-moving machines doesn’t scare all the critters. I was surprised I got the shots I did. I think the workers aren’t there on weekends. When I was there in the Fall, it was a weekday so lots of dirt flying around, noise as well.
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April 15 might be a tiny bit early for those birders to be looking for woodland migrants, but I see some of the summer residents were already in attendance at the Metropark. Great red-winged blackbird photos! They are so pretty.
Around here, the first spring migrants would be passing through by April 15, but the migration usually isn’t in full swing until the first week of May. I have been seeing lots of brightly colored birds right in my backyard and loving it!
I bet the post from your May trip will include many more spring-like photos.
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I agree Laurie and I’m always happy to see the Red-winged Blackbirds return in mid-to-late March. There are a lot of them here at this park but also at the park where I walk daily. I love hearing them trill. Our major migration days for Michigan were May 10th through 12th this year. You’re right, this large park had greened up immensely and there were some wildflowers as well when I returned in May.
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This walk had it’s rewards. Lovely!
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Thank you Anne and it was even better when I returned in May, despite the dredging noises, smells and sounds.
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You found a lot of interesting birds on your walk!! We have some Red winged blackbirds at a nearby park; the park where we found all the tadpoles.
Luc’s meals sound a bit frightful to see, but he must love them. I hope he has a long and happy life delighting visitors although this time he didn’t seem too jovial. lol
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I was happy to come home with a few shots of birds because when I first got there, with the exception of Luc, I didn’t see any. I have learned to never cast my eyes down when approaching Luc’s cage due to his unsavory-looking breakfast fare. 🙂
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Hahahaha, Linda, you expressed it perfectly: “unsavory-looking breakfast fare.” That’s a nice way of saying it. I can imagine how interested the kids would be in looking at it though, and then probably get mad at me later for showing them.
You never know what good pics you’ll take or which animals you’ll see until later! It’s a surprise when you’re out with the camera and keen observations.
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Yes, it is not the most-appetizing thing to see Esther – ugh! I understand Luc does not get fed every day. He is fed five or six days a week, since he gets no exercise. It is always fun to look at photos taken and see everything later. I am really behind in sorting out photos … I am not usually this far behind.
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I still can’t believe you need a pass to visit the Metroparks. Luc is looking good! I do love bald eagles. There is one near our house that is always eating in the field. What a variety of birds you see, so nice and your pictures are great Linda!
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Thanks Diane – glad you enjoyed the pictures. Lucky you seeing the bald eagle up close. We have to pay $10.00 a day to enter any Metropark or buy a $40.00 annual pass – being a senior has its perks though as being 62+ you get the pass for $29.00. 🙂
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I too love that quote, Linda. It does seem like the birder group should have followed you. You got some great pictures.
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Thank you Ruth – glad you liked the bird pictures. I’m still hopeful to get a few new ones for my Birdie Bucket List for 2023. I like the quote – we both had nice quotes on our calendar page for June.
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That’s an impressive raptor count! I liked the bench dedication. It makes me sad to see any wild animal living in a cage. It’s not a life.
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Yes, especially the Turkey Vultures! I always like to see the tally for the September thru November migration for the previous year. I liked that bench dedication too Eilene. There are some benches along the Detroit River with poignant messages: one says “they’re still watching the freighters but now from above” and another says “now polkaing with the angels” – nice tributes. I feel badly for Luc and he rarely interacts with visitors, likely since most of his time is spent alone in that wooden enclosure. It is not fair to him.
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Miss Linda…………………………..thank you so much for all of the stories and pictures…………I miss Erie Metro Park so much………………..I always feel good after reading your blog………………I really am impressed on the variety and amount of birds that were found
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Thank you Ann Marie – I wish the two of you could get there again. The only consolation is that with all the dredging work this year, it may not be easy getting around, so until it is fixed, it may not be clear sailing on the cement pathways. I am hoping the noises will not silence the birds or scare off the deer.
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I love the calendar quote. It is very fitting for you and your adventures. That park is one I’d go back to often too. You captured how it morphs over time well. I’m guessing that visitors that don’t go as often don’t realize how much work is done behind the scenes. I could hear Robin singing in that photo. 😊 That’s an impressive number of hawks seen there… Thanks for sharing your visit here, I look forward to the next update!
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Hi Shelley – yes, I liked that quote a lot too and it’s very true. When I was there in the Fall, I got the impression that the dredging, then raising the water level again would be done before Winter set in. Guess I was wrong but hopefully it is not like that all Summer. I am glad you could hear that Robin … I thought it was funny they were on a “bird walk” and completely ignored this little guy. 🙂 I thought showing that list of hawks traveling through during migration was pretty impressive. I hope my next update does not disappoint!
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I hope the work is done before the end of summer too.
That is strange the group didn’t look at the Robin – they could’ve used him to practice seeing other birds.
Who counts all the hawks? It’s an impressive list.
I’m sure your update won’t disappoint!!
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This was the park where I got most of my “bird finds” last year. I did see a pair of Sandhill Cranes when I returned in May, but they were far away and I couldn’t get too close as it was a field separating us … tick issues so I thought better of traipsing across the field. I’m thinking the heavy machinery folks may not work on weekends, but it will still mess up the lagoon area.
The hawks are counted by different people: some are from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife who work in shifts at the boat launch area of this park; some are professional counters – others are volunteers. They have lots of volunteers who sit with the professional counters to ensure an accurate count. I have a photo or two I took from my September trip – it was just as the migration was beginning and it was “Hawkfest” weekend. The “watchers” already had an area cordoned off and had their binoculars and were watching the sky. That is where the photographers go with their long lenses and tripods right in the same area as the “watchers”. The Turkey Vulture count was amazing. They have an official website that they post their totals there and it includes any other migration viewing spots the raptors will pass over the Detroit River during migration.
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Ah, those cranes are hard to get close to. We see them in our fields every year and I’ve yet to get a good photo of them. The turkeys and geese are easier.
Thanks for elaborating on how the counting works. That’s fascinating!
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I wondered if there was a nest as the one crane was sitting, but the grass was long and they were near the water. I thought it was unusual that I saw those three last year … a first-time event for me and I’ve walked there five years, so maybe not so odd all. It is amazing how they do the count – they are all about being precise too.
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There probably was a nest. I think it’s all the wildlife you have seen is amazing. You catch great action shots.
Gotta love folks that want to do quality counting!
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Thank you Shelley! I got some funny squirrels shots coming up next week for Wordless Wednesday. I didn’t think they were all that funny when I took them, then I saw them on the screen. In looking at some of the photos on the card I’ve sorted through already, I found the pics I took last year around “Hawkfest” of some of the people counting or photographing hawks and what hawks are expected to migrate and when (they have a display). They must be afraid to blink, which is why they likely have apprentices helping them. I think I may do that post in early July – I am truly behind generating pics and posts.
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I’m smiling thinking about you sorting the photos and imagining the captions to go with them! 😉😁
I’m guessing you’ll catch up soon and find many more photos and tales to share! 🥰
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Funny you say that because that’s just what I do Shelley – I sort and send from one e-mail address to another. I haven’t tried using Google Photos yet (but should – I think you said one of your daughters uses it) … anyway, yes, I come up with the caption right then and there.
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Yes, Google Photos is what she uses. It seems to work well for her to share them with us.
You’re so clever with your titles!!!
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I have to try it out – I have to have a spot where I can load pics for later, not necessarily a whole post, but I take pics of signs sometimes with the intent of compiling them into one WW post down the line. I’m going to shut down soon. We have a bad storm rolling in around 6:10 – ugh.
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I hope the storm wasn’t too bad!
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It was a one-two punch and the second storm was the most worrisome … that was a tornado that touched down in Frenchtown, near Monroe, 30 miles from me. I saw the photos of the rotation and I think 90 mph winds. Lots of damage but no deaths. It was not even hot and humid to spike such severe weather.
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Oh, my, that’s close again, Linda! I’m so glad to read you’re okay and that no lives were lost.
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Thank you Shelley. I was listening to a homeowner in the Monroe (Michigan) area where the tornado went five miles and did the damage and he said this is not the first tornado and they also had an earthquake a few years ago. I remember when it happened and he said it was a 3.2 magnitude quake. I felt it here and I’m 30 miles away – a rolling sensation under my feet. Yikes!
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Wow! That’s SO close!!!!
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Yes, too close for comfort! A few years ago, a minor tornado went through Heritage Park where I go all the time (the place with the Little Red Schoolhouse and covered bridge and Coan Lake). Heritage Park is only five miles away – yikes
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Yikes, way too close! I’m glad you’re okay!!
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It is so easy to forget how brown and drab things were just a couple of months ago. But even then you made some compelling photos. I hope the marsh area has made progress. It has been quite dry in my area, however.
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Thank you JP – I am glad you liked the photos. At least I found some birds to brighten the post up a little bit. When I was in most of the shoreline parks last Fall, there was drought in some of the smaller ponds to the extent that the wooden overlooks were now jutting over wasteland. It takes almost all Summer for all the reeds to turn green and look normal again.
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I love red-winged blackbirds but don’t get to see them often.
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I like them too Linda. We have them in all the marshy areas. They return in late March and it’s great to hear their voice as I think Spring is on the way then!
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