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Talons Over MackinacMackinac Straits Raptor Watch NewsletterAugust 2020 In the spring of 2020, although people weren’t moving around very much, raptors certainly were, flying to reach their summer nesting areas.  The Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch recorded more raptors flying through Mackinaw City than in any previous year.  In addition, three species had their highest daily counts … Read more

It’s now or never! The Stewards of Kleinstuck are thrilled to announce that we’ve entered an agreement to buy the 12 acres of woods next to Kleinstuck.  WE NEED YOUR DONATION NOW for this one chance to protect the landfor our community, for nature, forever. You can protect a piece of what makes Kalamazoo so special. Every donation makes an … Read more

Where to Find Basic Information on Choosing Binoculars and Spotting Scopes Where to Find Basic Information on Choosing Binoculars and Spotting Scopes Below are several articles from very reliable sources to help you choose which binoculars or scope to buy. Before Buying Binoculars https://featheredgeoptics.org/buyers-guide/things-to-consider-before-buying-optics Finding the Best Binoculars for Birding 6 Steps to Choosing a … Read more

Birders, The letter below is from a birder who is also a physician and contains good information and reminders about birding while maintaining social distancing. Stay safe out there! Hi everyone, So I know this is somewhat off-topic (and you are probably all sick of reading about COVID-19), so admin please delete if inappropriate. But … Read more

Illegal wildlife trade is a booming billion-dollar business, ranking third among illegal activities after drug and human trafficking. Many millions of live and dead animals across the globe are sold every year for traditional medicines, jewelry, and personal collections. Among animals trafficked for the pet trade, birds are the most exploited group. Every year millions … Read more

The Stewards of Kleinstuck invite you to an informational meeting about the forested land for sale at 2000 Hudson Street on Wednesday evening, October 30th. This privately held parcel of 11 acres was recently listed for sale and presents a singular opportunity to protect the undeveloped wooded acreage that adjoins the eastern border of Kleinstuck … Read more

CLIMATE CHANGE FILM JUNE 10The National Geographic documentary “Paris to Pittsburgh” will be shown Monday, June 10 at 7:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, 321 W. South St. This film examines the stunning effects climate change is already having across the U.S., as well as actions that individuals, businesses, cities, counties, and states … Read more

Please sign the petition to stop the proposed hunting of Sandhill Cranes in Michgan. Stop the Sandhill Crane hunt in Michigan

A Bird’s Eye View Avian Mortality from Window Collisions Tuesday November 13, 5:30 – 8 pm Kirsch Auditorium, Fetzer Center, WMU Reception Provided; Open to all Birds don’t see glass. They perceive windows as passageways to fly through or as habitat to fly into when windows mirror the sky and trees behind them. Birds typically … Read more

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/07/31/why-many-bird-seed-mixes-are-filled-with-stuff-birds-wont-eat/      

Prairie Planting Party

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) plays an important role in America’s proud conservation legacy. LWCF has supported efforts to protect habitat in every state and provided funding to nearly every National Park, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Denali.            The National Audubon Society’s study on Birds & Climate Change in our National Parks … Read more

See the trailer here    

Contact your Legislators By Donna Keller Did you know that 2018 is officially recognized as the Year of the Bird? We at Audubon Society of Kalamazoo think every year should be the Year of the Bird, of course, but we acknowledge, along with some national conservation organizations, that 2018 is an especially good year to … Read more

If you missed NPR’s coverage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act on Joshua Johnson’s 1A program, you can listen to it here. https://the1a.org/shows/2018-03-13/put-a-bird-on-it      

Land and Water Conservaton Fund  

By Russ Schipper While the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty was announced and celebrated in 2016, 100 years after it was first signed, the Treaty was only ratified by the US Senate in January 1918, making this the 100th year that the Migratory Bird Treaty ACT (MBTA) has been in effect. The good … Read more

By Russ Schipper Neonicotinoid pesticides are very effective at killing insect pests. They are also very effective at harming or killing birds that eat the fruit, seeds, or insects that have fed on a “protected” plant. Some companies, such as The Scotts Company, are phasing them out, but as you can see from this comprehensive … Read more

ASK has its yearly membership renewal drive in August, just before our new season of activities starts in September. Since one bulk mailing is so much cheaper than mailing individual first class notices each month, all members except those who joined April to July will need to renew this fall. This means that some of … Read more

http://mailchi.mp/michiganaudubon/michigan-audubon-opposed-to-sandhill-crane-and-mourning-dove-hunt-proposals?e=9c4e6877c7

Update: Just prior to the April 4th Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting, Chairman Dale Shugars removed the resolution descibed below from the agenda. Six people spoke at the meeting in support of a resolution against Line 5. It appears the resolution will be introduced at the next board meeting which is on April 18th. … Read more

Don’t forget the 20th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) For more information, visit www.birdcount.org. See our calendar for our GBBC field trip.