07 May Field Trip Report – Oden Fish Hatchery May 6, 2025
Petoskey Audubon Field Trip Report for May 6, 2025 at Oden Fish Hatchery. 9 participants identified 36 species and tallied 111 individual birds.
Conditions were warm enough – and no wind. Visibility was challenging with 100% cloud cover. The birds we could see looked like silhouettes – not that many were even that cooperative. We did get good views of a pair of Wood Ducks in the Big Fish Pond. Here we heard a Belted Kingfisher and Sue spotted it high up in the sky. A Black-capped Chickadee was checking out a nest cavity in the stump of a white birch tree.
There was a cooperative Dark-eyed Junco; but its gray plumage blended into the overall gray sky. No ospreys today, although a friendly dog-walker volunteered that she saw a bald eagle yesterday.
As we wrapped up our walk, a Song Sparrow sang and posed on the solar panel array.
On our walk Merlin also picked up a Palm Warbler and a Northern Parula. Since no one on the group could confirm by ear or eye, these were not included in the trip list.
See our full list here https://ebird.org/checklist/S233952869
We will return to Oden Fish Hatchery on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 8:00 am. (Photo shows how the S. Ayr Rd entrance is marked).
Meet at 8258 S Ayr Rd, Alanson, MI 49706.
Please join us! The event is free and open to the public. Beginner birders welcome. Loaner binoculars provided. No dogs. Children welcome with adult supervision.