Grassland Nesting Birds Hike at Watkins Lake

Henslow’s sparrow. Photo by Chuck Mekbel, courtesy of Legacy Land Conservancy.

Grasslands are no longer a common habitat in our area and many birds depend on it. Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is prime habitat for grassland birds.

On June 23 from 9 to 11 am, a Legacy Land Conservancy expert will help you identify the grassland birds of Watkins Lake during their nesting season. Grassland birds observed at Watkins Lake include: Henslow’s Sparrow which is endangered in Michigan, Grasshopper Sparrow and Dickcissel--both species of special concern, meaning they are rare or declining in number--Bobolink, and Northern Mockingbird.

For more information or to register, email rsvp@legacylandconservancy.org or call 734-302-5263. Park for the hike at the main parking lot off of Arnold Road.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.