Skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are all common winter recreation activities. But birding – or birdwatching – is also a popular winter pastime in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Snowy owls had a slow start this January, but reports of the bird have since picked up. Birders say bald eagles are the most common raptor in the area. And for a dash of color, reports of different winter finches are varied, but grosbeaks and goldfinches are plentiful.
Elliot Nelson is with Michigan Sea Grant and the MSU Extension Service. He said winter birding is a great way to engage with nature when it’s cold outside, and can even be done from inside your home or car.
“The eastern UP is well-known as a winter birding hotspot, although it’s a great four-seasons hotspot and is gaining in popularity,” Nelson said. “This winter, we’ve had dozens and dozens, probably hundreds of individuals come up to the UP already.”
Nelson said for people who want to try out birding, they should make sure to give birds plenty of space and avoid scaring or baiting them.
For Nelson’s full birding report, visit the MSU website here.
