March 16

The early morning sky is overcast with temperatures in the low 40’s as I begin my hike in a section of the Maple River State Game Area, west of US 127. The entire area covers about 9,000–10,000 acres of public land stretching across Gratiot and Clinton counties. It forms the largest contiguous wetland complex in mid-Michigan, composed of floodplains, marshes, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields along the Maple River corridor. Because of these varied habitats, the area serves as both a breeding ground and migratory stopover for thousands of birds each year. After noticing a Robin perched on a nearby tree branch, my ears perk up to the call of distant geese as well as the long, repetitious song of a Song Sparrow. These short-to-medium distance migrants (stock photo) have returned to nest and provide us with their lovely serenade. Up ahead, I pause to see and hear another migrant, a male Redwing blackbird that arrived to establish a breeding territory (about 0.5 acres). Redwing males are polygamous, actively defending their territories to host 2–5 females who will arrive in a week or two. On the shore, I come upon an 18-inch carcass of a Common Carp. This non-native fish was introduced in the USA in the 1800s as a food and game fish. By 1885, the U.S. Fish Commission was actively stocking lakes and rivers throughout the country. Since they can tolerate cold winters and low-oxygen water, their population thrives in this habitat. Soon, these wetlands will be churning with splashing carp as their annual spawning ritual takes place. Carp are a popular food source in Europe and Asia. Not so in the US, since they require specific preparation to manage numerous small bones and a potentially "muddy" taste. Overhead, I see and hear a pair of noisy Sandhill Cranes that are likely returning from their winter grounds in Florida and the Gulf Coast to nest in these wetlands or nearby agricultural areas. Out on the water, I watch a Muskrat swim north on the placid surface. Before turning around, my attention is drawn to the low hum of distant highway traffic drifting across the wetlands, a reminder that even here, in the middle of this marshy refuge, civilization lies just beyond the trees. Nearing the car, I spot a mating pair of Canada geese likely establishing their nesting area. These waterfowl are intensely territorial and protective during nesting season with the male (gander) actively defending the nest and female from threats. He will exhibit aggressive behaviors like standing tall, hissing, honking, and charging, and will attack humans or predators that approach too closely. 

From stillness of winter

To sounds of spring

Mother nature wakes

To birds that sing

Redwings shrill

Robins serenade

From Sandhill Cranes

Calls are made

From open water

Mallards quack

Noisy geese

Are welcomed back

 

D. DeGraaf