Date sent: Thu, 04 Nov 1999 21:41:11 -0500 To: birders@umich.edu From: David Sing Subject: Sylvan Springs location/directions/report (longish) Y'all; I've received quite a few requests for the location of the sylvan springs, so here's a general set of directions. The sylvan springs are located on either side of Mclure rd. west of the Waterloo Rec Area Headquarters. Specifically, as one travels along Mclure west of the HQ you'll climb and descend the moraines, winding around until the road makes a long descent, and the woods open on either side around a wetland and stream bed. There are two parking spots, one right at the stream crossing and another ~20yds further west, both on the north side of Mclure. To get there from Ann Arbor, take 1-94 west to Pierce Rd. (1st exit west of Chelsea). Take Pierce north to its terminus at Bush Rd. Go left (west) on Bush, take Bush to Mclure. Begin exploring. The woods around Mclure, especially further west to Loveland rd., are chock full of natural goodness. At the Headquarters there is a loop trail that passes through most of the varied forest ecosystems of the area (and is just east by one ridge from the s.springs). Other trails bisect the woods all along Mclure. A must stop is Mill lake (east of the HQ on Mclure) - waterfowl can be excellent and there are still more trails that run from the parking lot. Trails at the Geology Center (along Bush east of Mclure) are also top notch, though the center itself is closed for renovation until spring. I've conducted a 'study' of cerulean warblers for Cornell U. the past few years out that way, and in the process have discovered the nests of many forest species (a list would be indulgent) and have encountered a plethora of other wildlife and flora. I can say without hesitation that I've seen more species of birds standing in the middle of the road right at the Sylvan Springs stream crossing than any other place in the area (this is one spot, nothing seems to beat the Arb in general on a warm misty May morning). Today (11/4) I located a likely roost tree for the Pileateds - on the short ridge just west and north of the second parking spot. It's easily found, as are other pileated sign in these woods. A regiment of g.c. kinglets gave me a very close inspection, actively foraging in the shrubs beneath the cedars and cherry along the ridge up to an arms length away. Robins, waxwings, bluebirds, nuthatches, parus sps., kinglets and woodpeckers make up the noisy feeding flocks. Woodpeckers are the most obvious birds out that way these days - there's at least a pair each of downies, hairies, flicker, red-bellied and pileated in this woods. Ruffed grouse are fairly easy to locate, especially downstream along the sylvan creek. Watch for hunters, and orienteering folks, who use the heavily ravined area for their activities. So, good luck, and tread softly in these very special woods. DBS Chelsea ------- Date sent: Sun, 07 Nov 1999 10:25:04 -0500 To: birders@umich.edu From: David Sing Subject: Further Sylvan spring notes (longish unsolicited advice) Folks; A few things to add about the Sylvan Springs, and other places within our region's State Rec Areas. First, be aware of the Hunting Seasons! Right now it's bow season for deer hunting, and I beleive it's small game season (rabbit, grouse, squirrel) as well. If you wear orange and are aware of hunters in the area you should be o.k. Remember, hunting interests have insured the protection of these state lands, and also be aware that MOST hunters are generally wise about nature and conservation. (Just like the general population with regards to any activity,) there are SOME folks who will fit a 'bad sportsman' archetype, but these folks, I've found, are the exception. Usually, weekends are a high activity time for hunting out Waterloo way. The best times these days are during the week, especially early morning. As a rule, if the parking places are full along Mclure I'll just pass for that day (as I did yesterday afternoon, when every possible parking spot west of the Headquarters had a parked vehicle). I have friends who are life-long hunters, and these folks are among the most knowledgeable and caring naturalists I've ever known. I may not completely agree with every ethic hunting proffers, but it's important to know that hunters are not all (in fact, very rarely) bone-headed forest trashers. As the trash scattered among the state lands indicates, it only takes one bone-head with an empty Wendy's bag to mess things up. There are and always will be people who think State Land is their own personal garbage dump - recently, I've removed car batteries, an engine block, drywall scraps, rusted metal and slimy plastic from the woods. My point? I'm not really sure, other than, don't automatically blame hunters, be aware of hunting, and don't let a few brain-rotten bone heads spoil your excursion into the Washtenaw Wilderness. Another note: Firearms Deer Season begins every year at dawn on November 15th. Sorry for the polemic Dave Sing Chelsea