SK Birding Adventures

03/07/2026

We want to share an update on one of the most severe lead poisoning cases we have treated this winter—one of two severe cases severe cases this season.

This Bald Eagle was admitted to our care after being rescued by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Natural Resources Department. After several days of treatment, the eagle initially rallied and showed encouraging signs of improvement. Unfortunately, about a week into care her condition began to decline rapidly, and she was ultimately provided a humane end to prevent further suffering.

Blood testing revealed lead levels that were astronomical. In fact, this eagle had enough lead circulating in her blood to be lethal to approximately 20 eagles.

Lead poisoning remains one of the leading causes of death for Bald Eagles in our region. Eagles are often exposed when they scavenge on animals left in the field after hunting or ingest fragments from carcasses and gut piles, as well as from lost fishing tackle.

At the Skegemog Raptor Center, we strongly support the hunting and fishing community. Many hunters and anglers are dedicated conservationists who care deeply about wildlife and healthy ecosystems. Our goal is education and awareness so that together we can reduce these preventable losses.

We encourage everyone to learn more about non-lead alternatives for ammunition and fishing tackle through our partners at Sporting Lead-Free : https://sportingleadfree.org

Please consider sharing this information with friends, family, and others in the hunting and fishing community. Small changes can make a significant difference for eagles and other wildlife.

03/04/2026

Only 4 days left until the first day of counting! Come out and visit us whenever you can, but specifically on these important migration weekends, when the specialty bird is normally at it's highest count of crossing the Straits!

https://www.mackinacraptorwatch.org/events/ -naturalist-weekends

03/03/2026

Traveling to northern Michigan to see a Kirtland's Warbler? Here's where to stay, where to eat, and what to do to complete your trip.

02/13/2026

The U.S. Senate is considering legislation this week, possibly as soon as tomorrow, that could overturn long-standing protections and open the door to copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most intact boreal ecosystems in the Lower 48 and popular wilderness birding areas in the U.S.

The Boundary Waters wilderness supports iconic birds like Common Loon, the ABA's 2025 Bird of the Year, and depends on clean, interconnected waters. Additionally, the Boundary Waters supports local communities through sustainable ecotourism.

Birders and conservation supporters can contact senators and urge them to oppose H.J. Res. 140, which has already passed the House, and protect this irreplaceable landscape.

Common Loon, by Ralph Katieb

02/09/2026

Heres a chance to answer a poll re our State Bird! I’m rooting for Kirtland’s Warbler!

The history of a 1929 statewide poll that determined Michigan’s state bird, and why not everyone is happy with the results.

01/30/2026

Petoskey Audubon hosted a virtual presentation about birds that winter in the Eastern UP from avid birder, Elliott Nelson, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Nels...

01/11/2026

01/08/2026

The "Bird Grammys" are back! Vote for your favorite bird songs from the people's choice nominations in the following categories: Best Song, Funniest Song, Best Cover Album (Best Mimic), Most Unique, and Best "Owlbum."🦉 Voting is open now until Jan. 29th.Winners will be shared with voters first in early February. Click here to vote now: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CU8tzAxppqZeJg?Source=facebook

Votes will only be counted through the survey linked in bio—so leave comments here if you like, but don't forget to enter your votes on the form so they're sure to be counted!

12/22/2025

Have you spotted this little bird at your bird feeder lately? Most people in Michigan only see redpolls during the winter, as these small birds primarily inhabit boreal forests and arctic tundra.

Despite their size, redpolls are remarkably resilient and can survive temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to their insulating feathers. Research has shown that some redpolls will even tunnel up to a foot into the snow to keep warm at night.

Think your students would like to learn even more about birds? Check out our Birds are my Peeps session over at Michigan.gov/NatureAtSchool to introduce your students to the world of birdwatching!

12/09/2025

‼️ Defend Birds, Wildlife & Public Participation!

The House is rapidly advancing the SPEED Act (H.R. 4776), a bill that would weaken the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA has safeguarded our lands, wildlife, and communities for over 50 years by ensuring federal projects consider their environmental impact.

If passed, the SPEED Act would create sweeping exemptions from environmental reviews and limit judicial oversight, leaving birds like Golden Eagles, Greater Sage-Grouse, and Marbled Murrelets — and the habitats they depend on — more vulnerable than ever.
🚨 Speak up for nature, for communities, and for your right to influence decisions that affect the environment.

‼️ Tell your legislators to oppose the SPEED Act today:
https://bit.ly/4pvnkoI

12/02/2025

11/09/2025

Northern Cardinal on a cloudy fall day.