Huron-Clinton Metroparks ------------------------ Metropolitan Beach Metropark -- passerine migration and waterfowl (810) 463-4332 Kensington Metropark -- good general birding (810) 685-0603 Kensington Farm Center (800) 477-3178 Lake Erie Metropark -- raptor migration, waterfowl, songbirds (800) 477-3189 Stoney Creek Metropark -- good general birding (810) 781-4621 ----------------------------------------------- From: GrayJudith@aol.com Date sent: Fri, 30 Apr 1999 09:19:25 EDT Subject: Re: Metroparks To: bbowman@umich.edu Bruce --- Over lots of years, I've been to quite a few of the metroparks, but not always for birding, and not necessarily at the same time of year. Also, I haven't been keeping any records. So, it's really hard to say which is "best". If I had to pick one with my incomplete knowledge, I guess I'd pick Kensington. It has the heron rookery with owl nests, not to mention the friendly chickadees, titmice and nuthatches (which are REALLY a lot of fun even if not PC), the ospreys last year, and ususally some warbler species in spring and some interesting waterfowl in winter. Of course, Lake Erie Metropark is famous for is hawk counts in the fall, though I've always found it rather disappointing. I went to Indian Springs a few years ago, but I was by myself and (in those days) more interested in wildflowers than birds, so I can't really judge its birding potential. The local metroparks (Hudson Mills, Dexter-Huron, Delhi) are more recreational than "birdy", I've found. So is Metro Beach. In truth, I enjoy the Metroparks, but can't remember a terrific birding outing at any of them. For birding, I think Crosswinds Marsh is probably better than the metroparks. If you'd like to try some of these (or other) places out sometime, and want some company, let me know. --- Judy In a message dated 4/30/99 12:33:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time, bbowman@umich.edu writes: << Judy, How many of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have you been to? Which is/are best for birding? Bruce >>