The Bird of Fire and Jack Pines
Photo from USFWS
No, not the mythological Phoenix of Egypt, but perhaps the “Phoenix of songbirds.” The Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii), a diminutive songbird with a Pavarotti-powerful voice, has specific nesting habitat requirements, and some of Michigan’s Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) forests meet those requirements. However, these specific needs were difficult to provide decades ago, and this bird became a federally endangered species in 1973.
Kirtland’s warblers were among the first animals in the United States identified as being at risk of extinction. The species nests only in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario, overwintering in the Bahamas. Efforts to restore breeding habitat began in 1957 with attempts to set aside forest in central Michigan and rotate timber harvests so that there would always be some habitat of the appropriate age for the warblers. Populations dipped to a low of 167 pairs in 1974 and again in 1987 before starting a steady climb toward recovery.
Like the mythological Phoenix, there is an association with nesting, “aromatic boughs,” and fire. Kirtland’s Warblers build ground nests, concealed in grass and low vegetation under the boughs of very young stands of jack pine created by wildfires. Jack pine cones depend on the intense heat of fire to open and spread their well-protected seeds. Fire suppression in the twentieth century led to a decline in suitable habitat, as jack pine stands quickly grew too old for the warblers to use. (Photo courtesy Iowa State University Extension)
“Historically, wildfires were the most important factor for establishing the natural jack pine forests that Kirtland’s warblers need for breeding habitat. Modern wildfire suppression greatly diminished the natural disturbance that once generated Kirtland’s warbler breeding habitat. In the absence of wildfire, land managers had to take an active role in mimicking natural processes that regularly occurred within the jack pine ecosystem.” (USFWS) In addition to periodical prescribed burns, controlling populations of nest parasites, such as Brown-headed Cowbirds, helped increase nesting success. (Photo Cornell)
This year, Michigan drivers have the opportunity to celebrate and support the Kirtland’s remarkable recovery through the purchase of a specialty license plate through the Michigan Secretary of State for $35, with $25 of that fee designated to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund. 
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has developed an online lesson about the Kirtland's recovery, Birds of Fire: The Kirtland's Warbler Story. If you are interested in visiting the Huron-Manistee National Forest, one nesting area in the Great Lakes region, guided and self-guided tours are offered. Restrictions apply, so please be mindful for the protection of the birds.
Did You Know...?
As a follow up to our last issue, we want to make you aware that, even though there is much to celebrate about Bald Eagle recovery, they are still a protected species. Those who wish to watch eagles must do so from a safe distance, so as not to disturb the birds. (Photo by Brian Kaufman-Detroit Free Press)

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, "Bald Eagles are no longer an endangered species, but bald and golden eagles are still protected by multiple federal laws, such as the Eagle Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Lacey Act, and other state and municipal protections. Eagles, their feathers and parts, nests, nest trees, and winter/nighttime roosts are all protected by federal laws.
 
The Eagle Act prohibits anyone from taking, possessing, or transporting any eagle or eagle parts (including nests, eggs, feathers, etc) without prior authorization. This includes inactive nests as well as active nests. Activities that directly or indirectly lead to take are prohibited without a permit." 
(Photo by news.cornell.edu)
Tales from the Trails
Put Your Best Foot Forward and Follow the Story!
Now that we have some snow on the ground, we may be able to read the stories told by footprints and other clues that require a clean page of white. Sure, we can find scat (animal poop) along the trails during much of the year, but trail marking with a yellow “highlighter pen” shows up much better in the snow. 

Depending on the type of snow, the details of these stories are easier to read in good packing snow. Tiny toes and, sometimes, even claws (like the red squirrel tracks above) make a good impression in this compactible substrate. You can learn a lot about who and what your neighbors are by following in their footsteps—or to the side of their footsteps, so you don’t erase their story with your own! 
Can you read this story (right) in the snow? Who are the characters? What are some questions you could ask to help you?

Learn more about what is happening all around us by what's left behind...
Resources


In this unusual time, venturing outdoors and encountering nature is even more important. Our trails are accessible, so please visit our Environmental Study Area. Check out our Remote Learning Activities & Resources page for ideas to create a “Neighborhood Nature Journal” and “Family Nature Walk” activities!
Please stay safe, stay tuned, and stay engaged in learning activities while we eagerly wait for the opportunities to share experiences together. In the meantime, watch for our new online activities to satisfy your curiosity about the natural world.