PART VIII: SPECIES MANAGEMENT

SONGBIRDS

ird watching is among the some species are more particular most popular of all American about their habitat needs and tend Brecreational pursuits. Song- to be rare. For example, the birds in particular offer much plea- Kirtland's Warbler, which breeds sure to landowners who attempt to exclusively in Michigan, nests only attract them to habitats as small as where there are large stands of 8 backyard feeding stations and as to 20 ft tall jack pines. With prop- large as sweeping grasslands, large er management, and a clear under- wetlands or dense forests. Of the standing of what your land and the world's more than 8,000 species of surrounding landscape can do, you Kirtland’s warbler birds, a total of 233 are known to can create important habitat for breed in Michigan and more than songbirds. 1800's when the first European set- 360 spend at least some time in the tlers arrived. No longer are there state. The list includes many song- Habitat Components vast forests in southern Michigan, birds ranging from the common Even though all species need and we have lost over 35% of wet- American robin to the endangered the basic habitat components of lands statewide. New home devel- Kirtland's warbler. water, food, cover, and space, the opment continues to fragment the amount and kinds of each differs by state. Fragmentation occurs when Songbirds use many different individual species. Therefore, your roads, homes, pipeline corridors, types of habitat including forests, landscape determines the opportu- and other forms of development grasslands, wetlands, and shrub- nities you have for bird conserva- break up a landscape. lands. Therefore, birds that visit tion. The following describes some your property reflect the habitat of the basic habitat needs of song- Many songbirds are sensitive to available in your area. For exam- birds. size and shape of their habitat. ple, if you attract a bobolink, a "Area sensitive" species, such as grassland bird, to your property, we Space acadian flycatchers, wood thrush- can assume that there is a grass- Space and territorial needs vary es, and ovenbirds have low toler- land nearby. Birds, such as the with each wildlife species. By ance to fragmented habitat. For black-capped chickadee, are wide- understanding how much space is this reason area sensitive species spread and use a variety of habitat necessary for each species, you can tend to seek out grasslands, types. This is one reason why it is learn what wildlife is attracted to forests, or wetlands hundreds of common and does not need special your property. Bluebirds, for acres in size. Many of these protection. On the other hand, instance, are territorial and need about five acres per pair. In con- species are declining in number as trast, purple martins are not terri- they no longer have these large torial, and need only small areas. areas. However, other species such You can create a larger area for as cardinals, chipping sparrows, those species that are territorial by and chickadees can tolerate frag- working with neighbors. mentation and smaller areas. These species are most often seen Michigan's landscape has in urban areas, and are fairly com- greatly changed since the early mon. black-capped chickadee Water These plants can also provide areas Management Most songbirds need open to sing, court, nest, rest and hide, as well as pleasing landscapes. Considerations water of some kind. Luckily, Landowners interested in Michigan is home to wet- attracting songbirds should realize Providing bird feeders can also lands, lakes, rivers, streams, that any habitat manipulation will attract songbirds. There is no best and ponds. However, providing a benefit certain species, while dis- time to start feeding birds. Once water source on your property can couraging others. Even making a food is established, they will visit attract songbirds to your area. A decision not to change a habitat year round. When food supplies small pool with stones in the shal- will positively effect one group, are scarce, such as in the very early low edges draws them to bathe, while it negatively impacts another. drink and help control their body spring or during bouts of severe weather, birds will rely on your temperatures. They will use the After assessing what types of feeders the most. However, if you dry tops of the rocks as preening birds might frequent your land, it is have to stop feeding for a month or sites after bathing. then possible to make your land- so, the birds will find alternate more attractive to these species. sources, even during the winter. Providing a simple birdbath The following suggestions will help should meet their needs. You can you to increase songbirds on your Locating feeding stations in buy them commercially, or create property. For more information see several places reduces crowding one by simply flipping over the lid the individual chapters on and lessens the chance for avian to a garbage can . Remember to Woodland Birds, Grassland diseases that can kill certain small keep it shallow--an inch or so of Birds, and Wetland Birds in this songbirds such as house finches. water is plenty. In hot weather, section. especially, it is important to clean Clean the feeders periodically, daily. Make sure the water is shad- cleaning more often during humid Forests ed and cool during the hottest part summer months. If possible, pro- Due to the increase in urban- of the day, and place it near escape tect the feeders from the wind and ization and rural estates in south- cover such as an evergreen shrub. try to locate them in or near winter ern Lower Michigan, the variety of cover such as evergreen shrubs. bird species that live there has Birds are attracted to the noise For more information, refer to drastically changed. This area has of flowing water. Providing moving chapter on Bird and Other become highly fragmented. Thus it water through a fountain may Wildlife Feeders in the Backyard houses more edge-dependent increase songbird usage but is not Management section. species than edge-sensitive species mandatory. Misters and drippers Cover such as the wood thrush, red-eyed are other means to move water vireo, cerulean warbler, American Songbirds use cover and draw more birds. Songbirds redstart, ovenbird, and scarlet tan- for shelter, nest- will use water sources year round. ager. Nest predators such as ing, and brood rear- In winter consider providing water crows, bluejays, opossums and ing. Dependent on in a heated dog bowl or buy a bird- skunks, along with the brown- the type of species, bath heater. headed cowbird, a major nest par- required cover types asite, are most active along the for- could vary from Food est edge. woodlands to grasslands to wet- Natural foods, such as fruits, lands. After assessing what cover nuts and seeds provided Therefore, the following are types are available on your proper- by trees, shrubs, grasses, options to consider when manage- ty, you can determine what species and flowers will attract a ing forests in southern Michigan you will be able to attract. By variety of songbirds. (south of Clare, Newaygo, and planting trees, shrubs, grasses, and Planting highbush cranberry, dog- West Branch): woods, or other fruiting shrubs on flowers, you can enhance the cover and attract more species. your property may draw migrants •Maintain and enhance large as well as resident birds. blocks of contiguous forests for SONGBIRDS

those species that are edge- sider when managing grasslands: in wet areas, even those areas sensitive. Woodlots can be that are wet only temporarily. enhanced by planting trees and •Large patches of grassland are shrubs along their perimeter to recommended, and often trees •If possible, restore degraded increase their size and reduce within a grassland are discour- or drained wetlands. the harsh edge. aged. Hand remove trees and shrubs when necessary. Upland Backyard Areas •Creating forest openings is dis- sandpiper, Hen- Many kinds of songbirds are couraged as it fragments the slow's sparrows, attracted to balconies, decks, forest. However, selective log- grasshopper lawns, and ornamental shrubs and ging can be used, especially sparrows, and trees in both rural and urban set- where a continuous canopy is bobolinks, especially tings. You do not even need to maintained, and scat- benefit from this prac- own property to enjoy song- tered mature trees of tice. birds as they may visit your a variety of species condomini- are kept. scarlet tanager •Conduct prescribed um or burning to maintain the apartment Northern Michigan residents grasslands. If you complex. have far fewer limitations when decide to burn grass- For example, developing management plans. lands, do so only after robins, house The landscape is less developed, seeking professional advice. wrens, song spar- therefore less fragmented, and Refer to the Prescribed rows, mourning supports more species of birds than Burning chapter in the doves and eastern southern Michigan. Therefore, the Grassland Management section kingbirds are among following are options to consider for more information. at least 14 species bobolinks when managing forests in northern that nest in urban Michigan: •Plant areas of both warm sea- habitats. In urban and suburban son grasses with forbs, and areas, you may wish to focus on •Small clearings may be devel- areas of cool season grasses attracting spring and fall migrating oped to benefit certain species. with legumes to provide a birds along with the more familiar However, be careful to not cre- diverse habitat. birds. However, rural dwellers have ate fragmented conditions by more options, especially if the sur- cutting too much. Wetlands rounding area is largely grassland, The following are options to con- wetland or forest, as there are •Maintain and enhance ever- sider when managing wetlands: more breeding species that require greens, especially white and this type of landscape to survive. black spruce, balsam fir, hem- •If possible, keep a variety of lock, white cedar, and white wetlands (marshes, swamps, Regardless of where you pine, as they are preferred by bogs, fens, streams, etc.), live, it is helpful to main- many species of birds. Such because each attracts differ- tain a diverse yard with birds include the brown creep- ent birds at different an abundance of er, black-throated green war- times of year. trees and shrubs, as bler, blackburnian warbler, and well as areas with leaf Canada warbler. •Avoid building cover for ground-feed- over or draining ing birds. Consider plant- •As in southern Michigan, main- any wetlands pre- ing a variety of native tree tain a diversity of tree species sent on your prop- and shrub species such as and larger tracts of forest. erty, as they attract white spruce, hemlock, a wide variety of white pine, oaks, sugar Grasslands songbirds. Especially maple, flowering dogwood, The following are options to con- avoid con- and juneberry. Cardinals will structing roads brown creeper SONGBIRDS

40 acres thus reducing their impact as a n h o

a predator. T r r t d

W h w e o r n o

W d Feeding songbirds can be edu- s Existing features cational and fun. To enjoy the full benefit of songbirds, get a good Road LB field identification guide that con- House grassland T tains color pictures or paintings and River NWSG

W Wetland buy a quality pair of binoculars.

LB Lowland Brush You may even wish to keep a checklist of birds that visit your Habitat projects WR past ure land in order to determine the vari- Windbreak of Conifers hayland ety of birds that you have attracted and Shrubs to your area. Shrub Planting T northern hardwoods Bird Feeder Station LB P Backyard Pond woods NWSG Nat ive Warm Season P Grass Planting T Tree Planting WR Wetland Restoration

This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed throughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your goals, but the location, condition, and present use of your land. nest in dense shrubbery, chipping Alien species, such as purple sparrows in pines and spruces, and loosestrife, garlic mustard, house wrens in cavities of trees or autumn olive, and glossy buck- nest boxes. Even wood ducks and thorn, should be avoided and screech owls will nest in town if actively removed as they dis- tree cavities are present. Rufous- place native species used by sided towhees and white-throated birds as food sources and shel- sparrows will use leaf-covered tered sites. areas under trees and shrubs (and you won't have to mow these areas •House cats can be a major either). In winter, you may find predator of songbirds, especial- pine siskins feeding on cones of ly in southern Michigan. FOR ADDITIONAL your evergreens, especially in Keeping cats indoors is the best CHAPTERS CONTACT: northern Michigan. way to stop this problem. If this Michigan United is not possible, securing bells to Conservation Clubs Other Considerations their collars when outdoors can PO Box 30235 •Use native plant species for help warn birds and small Lansing, MI 48909 plantings whenerver possible. mammals of their presence, 517/371-1041

Private Land Partnerships: This partnership was formed between both private and public organizations in order to address private lands wildlife issues. Individuals share resources, information and expertise. This landowner’s guide has been a combined effort between these groups working towards one goal: Natural Resources Education. We hope this guide provides you with the knowledge and the motivation to make positive changes for our environment.

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT