Winter birding round up - where to go and what to see in the Eastern U.P. - January 2021
Extension educator Elliot Nelson dishes on the best places to see winter birds in the Eastern U.P.
Pine Grosbeaks are being found at almost every bird feeder in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and area with fruit trees or conifers this winter. Photo: Elliot Nelson | Michigan Sea Grant
Welcome to this edition of the Eastern UP Winter Birding Round Up. I’ve been busy between work and home life, but still have had a chance to get out and bird this winter as well as glean what’s happening in the area from personal conversations, Facebook, eBird, emails and more. Birding is both a personal interest of mine, and a service I provide on behalf of Michigan Sea Grant, and as an Extension educator with Michigan State University. A reminder, most locations mentioned are found on the EUP Winter Birding Map at www.northhuronbirding.com.
Best Upper Peninsula Michigan Snowmobiling Trails
Snow transforms Michigan into a winter playground and people just love it. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are all on the list of winter activities here in beautiful Michigan.
Let s add another fun winter activity to our list, Snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula. Talk about an unforgettable experience that will have you coming back again and again.
According to freshwatervacationrentals.com, a network of over 3,000 maintained snowmobile trails in the UP fuels this unique and engaging activity.
Let s take a look at the best Upper Peninsula Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Networks:
1. Marquette. The six well groomed trails feature some of the best snowfall for Upper Peninsula Michigan snowmobiling. There are plenty of places to stop and eat or just take a break.
9 Michigan birding trails for seeing rare winter birds
Updated Jan 25, 2021;
Don’t put down your birdwatching binoculars just because winter has arrived.
While many of our summer birds have flown south to warmer places this time of year, Michigan is, in fact, a balmy winter destination for birds who usually spend their summers much father north.
So when winter wraps its chilly arms around our state, it ushers in its own special season for birdwatching, starring birds like the enchanting snowy owl and boisterous winter finches who arrive from the boreal forests in search of food and fairer weather.
Depending on the bird, don’t necessarily expect to see these beauties at your backyard feeder. Rarities might require a special trip to the kind of places they prefer but in that way, birding can become a sort of treasure hunt, and a wonderful reason to plan a winter escape.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The colder, shorter days of winter–the time of year many Michiganders struggle with cabin fever and the “winter blues”–are now upon us. This year, with the need to avoid social gatherings and many indoor activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, winter may seem bluer than ever.
Many may be thinking about taking on new hobbies to get them outdoors and their minds off what is going on in the world, including activities that could involve family or friends while still maintaining social distancing and a healthy lifestyle.
Fortunately, Michigan offers ample antidotes to the winter blues in the form of outdoor recreation opportunities, with a variety of options for those of all abilities.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The colder, shorter days of winter the time of year many Michiganders struggle with cabin fever and the “winter blues” are now upon us.
This year, with the need to avoid social gatherings and many indoor activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, winter may seem bluer than ever.
Many may be thinking about taking on new hobbies to get them outdoors and their minds off what is going on in the world, including activities that could involve family or friends while still maintaining social distancing and a healthy lifestyle.
Fortunately, Michigan offers ample antidotes to the winter blues in the form of outdoor recreation opportunities, with a variety of options for those of all abilities.