Washtenaw County holding two birding programs in the Leonard Preserve

One of Michigan’s migratory birds, a white-crowned sparrow. Photo credit: Andeansolitaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.

by Sara Swanson

The birds are back in town! Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation (WCPARC) will be holding two birding programs in the Leonard Preserve located at 375 N Union St in Manchester on Saturday, May 10, led by Kelsey Dehring.

The first is a Migratory Bird Day program from 8am until 10am. As WCPARC states, “The birds are back in town! Spring migration is an exciting time to see the return of old favorites and perhaps add a new bird to your life list.” All levels of birders are welcome. Please bring binoculars.

In the afternoon of May 10, Dehring will also lead an in-person presentation on Birding Basics from 1pm until 3pm; this program is intended for people brand-new to birding! WCPARC states, “The magic of birds is they seem to be everywhere you go. Local parks, backyards, apartment balcony railings, quiet forests, and city streets. Birding can be enjoyed just about anywhere, but with so many species it can seem like a daunting hobby. Join Kelsey to learn tricks to identifying birds based on habitat, markings, and sounds.” No equipment needed. They provide binoculars for you to use and discuss what to look for in binoculars. Space is limited to 15 birders.

Pre-registration is required for both. Register at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org, click on “831009 Spring Adult Nature Hikes” and select “Migratory Bird Day” or “Birding Basics (Leonard Preserve)”. Email Kelsey at dehringk@washtenaw.org with questions.

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by Sara Swanson

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