The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that mandatory ice shanty removal deadlines are approaching, and that regardless of date, shanties must be removed as soon as the ice is unable to safely hold them.
In Kent, Montcalm, and other southern Lower Peninsula counties, shanties must be removed from the ice by midnight on Friday, March 1.
For Newaygo, which is considered in the northern Lower Peninsula, the removal deadline is midnight on Friday, March 15. Other counties included in the northern Lower Peninsula are: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford.
On Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters, ice shanties must be removed by midnight of Friday, March 15. In the remainder of the Upper Peninsula, shanties must be removed by midnight on Sunday, March 31.
After the mandatory removal dates, ice shanties may be used but must be removed daily.
Shanty owners whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail, fines of $100 to $500, or both. If a shanty is removed by a government agency, the court can require the owner to reimburse that agency for an amount of up to three times the cost of removal.
To learn more about Michigan’s ice fishing regulations and shanty removal dates, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.

From the Michigan DNR

The state-record Great Lakes muskellunge caught by Joseph Seeberger of Portage, Mich., on Oct. 13, 2012, has now been listed as a world record by the International Committee of the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Program (MDMWRP).

MDMWRP is a committee of muskellunge scientists, industry leaders, anglers and outdoor media personalities that formed in 2006. The program facilitates the recording and verification of muskellunge world records, covering a current void of record availability to North American muskellunge anglers for fish in the 58 to 68-pound range. This range has been chosen because it is considered the maximum ultimate range of growth for this species. Prior to Seeberger’s submission, there had not been a MDMWRP world-record entry verified.

Joseph Seeberger (center) caught a state-record Great Lakes muskellunge on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, in Antrim County’s Lake Bellaire.

Seeberger caught the fish on Lake Bellaire in Antrim County. The DNR verified the record and documented that the fish weighed 58 pounds. Although the DNR did not measure the length (state records are determined by weight only), the angler measured the fish at a length of 59 inches with a flexible tape. Later in the day, a taxidermist reported the length at 58 inches.

MDMWRP is listing Seeberger’s fish at 58 pounds, 58 inches long, and a girth of 29 inches. It should be noted MDMWRP rules require a bump board-style length measurement, which explains the difference between their length and the length reported in the initial DNR press release.

The MDMWRP is one of many organizations that recognize world-record catches. Many of these organizations differ on their required criteria.

Over the past year, the DNR has made changes to muskellunge fishing regulations in an effort to improve fishing opportunities and to further protect the species. Starting April 1, the possession limit will change to allow anglers to keep only one muskellunge per season, instead of one per day. Anglers must also obtain a free harvest tag that must be attached to the muskellunge they intend to keep. These tags are available wherever fishing licenses are sold and will be available March 1.

“Mr. Seeberger’s fish is another example of the capacity of Michigan waters to produce enormous, world-record fish,” said acting Central Lake Michigan Management Unit manager Scott Heintzelman. “Added protection from recent regulation changes will allow more of these magnificent fish to reach their maximum potential and provide anglers the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime.”

For more information on Michigan’s state records, visit www.michigan.gov/masterangler.

By Ranger Steve Mueller

National Bird Feeding Month (Part 4)

Irruptive Species

Unseasonal March warming caused early flowering of fruit trees and was followed by killing cold in April that significantly reduced most of Michigan’s agricultural fruit harvest. To compound farmer sale losses and public’s fresh produce buying potential, a summer drought worsened 2012 production.

We are self-interested and focus on how environmental occurrences impact us. For the nature observer, it is apparent that wild neighbors are also impacted. Often they are more impacted than us because they cannot have produce shipped in from around the world to compensate for regional shortfalls. It is important for us to maintain native ecosystem plants in yards to help wildlife in stressful years.

Plants were greatly stressed in 2012 by the double whammy of weather events. Some stressed trees, shrubs, and non-woody plants died and others were weakened. In the north country, plant seed and fruit production was reduced much like it was here. I predicted this should be a great winter for an irruptive occurrence of northern species coming south in search of food. So far, my prediction is only partly correct but people that maintain native nature niches in their yards are seeing northern species.

Redbreasted nuthatch.

Many people are seeing Red-breasted Nuthatches they do not recall seeing previously. January and February produced more Bohemian Waxwings at fruit bearing plants than most people recall occurring in the area. Common Redpolls are unusually abundant and are showing up in unexpected places. I do not recall them visiting the small open area in my yard. Usually they prefer larger open expanses. More unusual is the presence of Hoary Redpolls in our area that normally are far south when they reach the Upper Peninsula from Canada.

I expected to see Pine Grosbeaks but so far there have been no visits. March may bring them to berry trees. A few Evening Grosbeaks have been reported but none have come my way.

High in the trees, Bohemian Waxwings have flooded the area while other species I expected have not shown irruptive numbers. Snowy Owls are being seen but in not large numbers. Last year was an irruptive year for the snowys. Irruptive means being present in numbers more abundant than usual. It is different from the term invasive that refers to species that enter ecosystems and replace native species.

Invasive species tend to arrive, replace native species and reduce species diversity by crowding out native populations. They establish a long-term presence and alter habitats that animals depend on. During winter, irruptive species move into the area temporarily in search of food to help them survive a period when adequate food is lacking in their usual winter habitats.

Red and White-winged Crossbills are searching spruce and pinecones for seeds in our area because northern seed production was reduced by weather conditions. Larger numbers of Northern Saw-whet Owls moved through our area this fall presumably due to reduced rodent populations in the north.

It is helpful when people plant native species of trees, shrubs, and non-woody plants that produce food suitable for helping irruptive wildlife survive difficult years. Non-native invasive species tend to be poor for helping native resident wildlife or irruptive species that are forced south in search of food. Consider allowing more native plants to grow in your yard that support wildlife instead of maintaining large sterile lawns. The coming Nature Niche article will address landscaping for wildlife.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at the odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433, 616-696-1753.

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that 2013 will mark the 18th year of the annual statewide Frog and Toad Survey coordinated by the DNR Wildlife Division. This year, the DNR hopes to get valuable survey assistance from both veteran and first-time volunteers.

Declining populations of frogs, toads and other amphibians have been documented worldwide since the 1980s. Studies suggest amphibians are disappearing due to habitat loss, pollution, disease and collection.

Michigan’s annual survey efforts help biologists keep tabs on frog and toad abundance and distribution in the state.

“We have collected a large, valuable data set to help us evaluate the condition of Michigan’s frog and toad populations,” said Lori Sargent, the DNR’s survey coordinator.

The surveys are conducted by volunteer observers along a statewide system of permanent survey routes, each consisting of 10 wetland sites. Observers visit the sites three times during spring –when frogs and toads are actively breeding—and listen for calling frogs and toads at each site, identify the species present, and make an estimate of abundance.

“We could still use some new volunteers in all parts of the state. Please consider joining us for a fun, educational time every spring and run a route,” said Sargent. “The continued success of the program is dependent on strong volunteer support.”

Sargent asked those interested in helping with the survey to contact her at SargentL@michigan.gov or 517-373-9418, and to leave their name and address.

More information on the Frog and Toad Survey and other projects supported by the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund is available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/wildlife, under Research Projects in the left-side navigation bar.

National Bird Feeding Month (Part 3)

Water is available in Little Cedar Creek within one hundred feet of feeders at Ody Brook. I do not provide additional water near the feeding area. Heat probes are sold to keep birdbath water from freezing and available for wildlife. It is a nice benefit for people to have liquid water viewable from the house as an added opportunity for bird watching.

Principle food choices were described in the last Nature Niche article but a broader variety is available and offers valuable options to benefit birds and you. I suggest people focus on benefits for birds but some friends contend bird feeding is to bring birds into view for our pleasure. Whatever your motivation, it can be beneficial for birds and humans.

Finches in particular like thistle seeds so placement of a feeder in close view is desirable. You may not have a good tree or sturdy eve for hanging a feeder, but steel shepherd’s hooks can be placed in the ground and come with varying numbers of hooks. In winter we hang feeders and in summer hang flowerpots on them for year round enjoyment.

Peanut butter is favorable for birds like cardinals and woodpeckers but squirrels find it great. Place peanut butter in a two-foot long two-inch wide log with recessed notches that have been drilled about a half-inch deep. It is good to have a rough surface for birds to grip or even better to place dowels below the feed cavities for easy perching.

People asked when should hummingbird feeders be taken down. The best response is before they freeze. Hummingbirds migrate and people suggest that some will stay too long and die if feeders are kept available. Experts suggest this is not true. Keeping hummingbird feeders available to December may help late or misdirected migrators. Unexpected hummers show up during migration season. We observed a western Rufous Hummingbird at a feeder on the last day of December during a Christmas Bird Count. It was visiting the feeder for a couple weeks prior to our viewing.

Locally, Penny Folsom raises mealworms and places them on a platform feeder for Eastern Bluebirds. The bluebirds appreciate the special gift of protein. There are those that think animals cannot be appreciative or experience emotion. After observing feathered neighbors many of us have learned that they have greater depth than some may be willing to accept. Pet owners know the animals they live with experience joy and sadness. Birds also have greater capacity for feelings and learning than some people are willing to accept.

Cracked corn is a favored ground feed. Choose finely cracked corn and add white proso millet. This will attract more ground feeding birds but may draw European Starlings and House Sparrows as well. I try to discourage non-native species by not using ground feed and am quite successful with our yard landscape and choice of feed. Enough sunflower and suet fall to the ground to satisfy ground-feeding birds. Milo seed is used as inexpensive filler in some mixed seed bags but it is largely thrown to the side and wasted. Bread is a poor food with bulk but little nutrition and should be avoided.

Some people report towhees at their feed this winter but none have come to mine. One reason might be that I do not provide ground feed. The best advice is to experiment with various feed types and then use what attracts the species you want to encourage in your landscape. A coming Nature Niche will address landscaping for wildlife.

Of course, budget is always a critical factor. Make sure your kids are fed but be benevolent and help wild neighbors when possible.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at the odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433, 616-696-1753.

This is the second in a four part series. 

By Ranger Steve Mueller

This little guy was seen at a feeder after the blizzard last year, at Bob and Mary Lou Fuller’s home, south of the Cedar Springs city limits.

Bird feeder variety will attract more birds. It is not necessary to become elaborate but some features may cost more upfront and will save money over time. A coming article will discuss feeder options.

Cost and value (energy content) of seed is important for you and the birds. Days of free suet are gone. When I began using suet, meat markets gave animal fat away. It was a waste product. About 40 years ago, they learned to market the high-energy food and began charging. Their cost was the wrapping paper and of course the butcher’s time. Since then, processed suet cakes have become popular and some have seeds encased.

Your preference might be for simple suet cakes that fit easily into a rectangular wire basket or possibly a larger basket that holds chunks of suet from the meat counter. Baskets are better than bag holders. Hang the suet from tree branches. Rubber coated wire baskets look sharp and last longer. It was rumored that a bird’s eye may freeze to bare wire and blind it in the manner a person’s tongue will stick to frozen metal. I have never heard of a case where an eye was damaged. A real danger is suet holding onion bags made of string or plastic. While I was a ranger at Traverse City State Park, I came home to a dead Downy Woodpecker hanging by the head from my string suet bag. It got caught and could not free itself. That was 1969 and the last time I used the bags.

Woodpeckers especially find suet favorable but chickadees, nuthatches, and even crows come to the hanging baskets. Pieces fall to the ground when birds peck at it where ground-feeding birds like juncos and cardinals clean up.

Cost of feed is important and birdseed has doubled in price since sunflowers and corn are now used to make bio-fuel. Other agricultural products are better for that purpose but a shift has not occurred yet.

I consider black oil sunflower seed the biggest bang for the buck. Local feed mills are great and often are more cost effective than chain stores. Locally owned feed mills keep money in the community and provide personal service with a hometown feeling. The black oil seed has a better ratio of seed “meat” to hull compared with striped sunflower seed. One can buy hulled seed but it is prohibitively expensive so I let the birds hull the seeds themselves. If you live in an apartment, the landlord may allow hulled seeds but not seeds with hulls.

When comparing prices, check bag weight. Larger bags are less expensive per unit than 5 or 10-pound bags. Large bags weigh 40 or 50 pounds. I buy the larger ones to keep costs down. Some of you know I am challenged with multiple myeloma cancer that resulted in seven spontaneous spinal fractures. Doctor orders limit my lifting to 25 pounds to help prevent more fractures. That means I cannot move the large bag of seeds but the local mill loads them in my car and at home family members move them to the storage bin. Imposed on many of us are limitations that may require the purchase of lightweight bags. Check your local feed dealer in the yellow pages.

To prevent mice, shrew, and vole access, use a tightly sealed storage bin. Mine holds 100 pounds of seeds but I only buy 50 pounds at a time unless the price is excellent. Keep seed dry to avoid rot. I only feed during the winter and cold weather aids seed storage. Sometimes I feed birds during summer but mostly use yard landscaping to provide bird food. A coming Nature Niche will describe landscaping for wildlife.

Thistle seed is a bird favorite, but expensive. I put it on my Christmas wish list and use it sparingly. Other excellent protein sources are peanuts and live mealworms. More on feeding will be in the coming Nature Niche.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at the odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433 or call 616-696-1753.

Read part one in this series here: http://cedarspringspost.com/2013/01/31/ranger-steves-nature-niche-4/

By Art Smith, auctioneer and hunter

This story you are about to read is true, the names have not been changed, as there are no innocents in the hunting world!

It all began in the fall of 2003 when I complained to my sweet wife that I had had enough of crawling up tree pegs and balancing on a little tie-on tree stand to bow hunt. I was just getting a little too decrepit to do all that climbing. So what a pleasant surprise to find a brand new double seat ladder stand sitting in the living room when I awoke on our anniversary. It was a well-built “Old Man” tree stand that would work out just right for this Old Man. I had a moose hunt booked that fall and would be leaving the last week of September and returning home after the October 1 opener for Michigan bow season. I thought it might be a good idea to put up my new double ladder stand before I left, that way it would be ready to go upon my return from the moose hunt. My son Noah and I put it together and laid it on a farm wagon and brought it out to the back of our little farm in northern Kent County, just on the edge of my food plot, next to the boarder of the Rogue River State Game Area. We trimmed up the limbs and ratcheted it down good with the straps that came with the stand. It was solid as a rock when I climbed up to test it out. “All set for when I come back from Newfoundland,” I hollered down to Noah. Seeing that it was on my own property, and the fact that it weighed nearly 80 pounds, I did not think it was necessary to lock it up, besides I didn’t have any cable to use, so I left for Newfoundland a day or so later looking forward to my return and my new ladder stand all set up and waiting for me to use.

We had a good hunt in Newfoundland, taking three bull, one cow moose and two caribou for the four of us. The first day we were home, my wife and I hosted a hayride for the kids from church. That night after dark, with a big wagon load of kids, we headed out the trail to the back of the farm. One of the parents was riding with me on the tractor and when we got back to the food plot I asked him if he would like to see my new ladder stand. Being a hunter himself he says, “Sure.” I had a big flashlight and said, “It’s right here in this big oak tree.”

Shining my light up the tree to show him the nice set-up for bow hunting I had put up, yep you guessed it—it was nowhere to be seen. Some low-life had lifted my new ladder stand and I never even had a chance to use it! I was so disgusted,  I never even took my bow out of the case that year. In fact I had decided that it just was not worth the effort to go out any more with the bow.

Then the next year in January of 2004, my good friend Brian Braun of Braun & Helmer Auction Service out of Ann Arbor donated a 2-man free-range bow hunt on his farm in Washtenaw County to our fund raiser auction. We had been sharing photos of our hunts over the years at the Michigan State Auctioneers Association convention held each year. I had seen some of the monsters he and his dad had taken down there and I wanted one!

I had to have a new bow string put on my bow before the hunt in Oct. of 2004 and as usual I waited till a few days before we were to leave to take it in. In the process of having a new string put on, the archery pro had me pull back and then let up on the string many times to adjust the site and other things. The old Bear Polar LTD was and is a monster and by the time we had it all set my right shoulder was just about done for. I must have pulled the shoulder muscle bad, for after seeing two doctors, it took 3 months of therapy to relieve the pain. It didn’t matter on the hunt, as I never had a chance to draw the bow on a big one. I did pass up several smaller bucks and came home empty handed. I tried to pull back the bow every year since 2004 but just about half way to full draw I can feel the pulled muscle protesting and don’t have the courage to take it to full draw. Combined with the disappointment of the stolen ladder stand, I figured my bow hunting days were over and didn’t bow hunt again for 6 years.

Then when they legalized cross bow hunting for the general population, I thought I would like to get back into it again. Taking a trip to the Huntin Time Expo in Grand Rapids Michigan in January of 2010, one of the best hunting shows in the Midwest, I ran into Matt Poliski from Grand Valley Sporting Goods. They had a booth set up there and Matt helped me shoot my first cross bow right there at the show. I was impressed with his knowledge of archery equipment and especially the cross bow. Needless to say when it came time to purchase a cross bow, a trip out to Grand Valley Sporting Goods in Allendale was in order. Matt was there and showed me many different cross bows and I had the opportunity to shoot several of them in their state of the art bow range.

I settled on the 10-point model complete with crank up cocking mechanism as the pull up model really put a strain on my bad shoulder.  Matt fixed me up with all the bells and whistles including the scope, hard case, bolts, field and hunting tips everything I would need.

The next year, January of 2011 at the MSAA convention I was able to once again outbid the competition and win the bow hunt with Brian again for that fall.  Here is where the unbelievable story begins.

The first evening of the first day down at Brian’s in Washtenaw County I was able to take a nice buck. My first with my new 10 point cross bow. When I shot the buck and he ran off it was nearly evening and the bolt was stuck in the ground and I thought I had missed him. Then upon retrieving my bolt I saw it was blood from tip to fletching. I reloaded my crossbow I headed down over the hill and found him not more than 80 yards from where the Rage tipped bolt had blown right through him. He had expired when I found him so before taking photos and field dressing him I thought I better unload the cross bow. As many of you know, the proper way to unload the 10 point crossbow is to put a field tipped bolt in the bow and shoot it into a bow target. Not having a target out in the field I decided to unload it into the ground. Well, that was not very smart for when I shot the bolt into the ground it broke the bolt right in half. Well, that was going to cost me a new bolt, but being happy with my first cross bow kill I never gave it much thought.

We continued the hunt for another 2 days and my son Noah was able to take a nice 6-point so we came home 2 for 2 and very happy.

After we were home for a few days I went out and set up a ground blind on the edge of my food plot at the back of the farm, not 10 feet from the tree where the ladder stand was stolen 6 years earlier. The next night, about 4 p.m., I went out to bow hunt in the blind. Just as I got settled in the blind I looked out over the food plot, about 2 acres of alfalfa and clover, and I see an arrow sticking up out of the ground about 60 yards from where I was sitting in the blind. I could not see if it was leaning to the east or west so could not figure out where the hunter might have been when he shot the arrow, but being close to State Land there are quite often hunters in the area. I sat until almost dark, not seeing any action and when I got up to leave I remembered the arrow and wanted to pick it up, as I would not want to get it in the baler the next year when the hay was cut. Here is where the story gets interesting!

I walked into the food plot to recover the arrow and as I’m walking out to it I’m still wondering which way it is leaning, indicating which way the archer was when he shot. As I walked up to the arrow I see to my surprise it is absolutely straight up and down. I mean it must have come straight down from the ski. Then I reach down to pull it out of the ground and you won’t believe it but I swear it’s true. It’s the same brand cross bow bolt I broke down in Ann Arbor earlier that month with the same weight field tip on it!  I stood out there in the middle of that hay field just at dusk and could not believe what I had discovered. Sometimes when things like this happen you just have to thank the good Lord for looking out for us and supplying our needs.

Good luck on the hunting trail and keep in touch.

Michigan’s world-class fisheries are known throughout the country, if not the world, with many anglers pursuing them at all times of the year. These fisheries are even on proud display during the state’s legendary winter months—a time of year many anglers proclaim as the best time to go fishing.

Despite that claim, there are many other anglers who will have no part in winter fishing opportunities—either on or off the ice. But those anglers who actually prefer fishing through the ice to open-water fishing have two arguments to back up their inclination: anglers can get just about anywhere on the lake during ice-fishing season, something they can’t do without a boat during the open-water season; and virtually every fish that’s available to anglers in the summer can be caught through the ice. In fact, some are even caught more frequently in the winter.

Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR


Two youngsters eagerly await a big bite while ice fishing on Higgins Lake.

So winter can be a great time to partake in Michigan’s water wonderland, as many of the state’s 11,000 lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, and even the Great Lakes can offer lots of cold-weather fishing fun.

Venturing out this time of year can be rewarding to anglers willing to pursue it – especially for families. Ice fishing offers something for kids that open-water fishing doesn’t: space to run around while they wait for the fish to bite.
While children often find sitting in a boat during the summer months a squirm-worthy activity, heading out on the ice to fish lends itself to all kinds of kid-friendly activities, like skiing, skating and snowball fights. Creating a fun atmosphere and memorable experience just might spark a family ice-fishing tradition.

A young angler proudly shows off his recently caught bluegill while ice fishing in Michigan.

If you’re new to ice fishing, don’t be intimated by the idea of heading out! Learn about the kind of equipment you need and the safety precautions to take. The DNR offers plenty of online information about the ins and outs of ice fishing.

If you already go ice fishing regularly, consider taking on a new challenge by targeting a different species. Popular winter species include bluegill, crappie, smelt, walleyes and yellow perch, among others.

It’s helpful to know some simple tips when targeting these species. For instance, did you know the best time to target crappie is during the first and last hours of the day? Or that Michigan has an unusual smelt fishery, and in the winter anglers often use a hook-and-line to catch them while during other times of the year they are typically netted? Did you know that during colder months, bluegill—a popular species no matter the time of year—suspend in the water column? As a result, avid ice fishermen use depth finders to find out where the fish are swimming. Ice fisherman also love targeting walleyes, typically by jigging (which means moving the fishing rod tip up and down while the bait is in the water) or with tip-ups. And avid anglers know yellow perch—quite possibly the most popular fish to eat—can often be found in shallow water towards the end of the ice-fishing season but at a wide range of depths earlier on.

Learn about these fishes and even more tips on how to catch them in the winter by checking out the “Michigan Fishes and How to Catch Them” section of the DNR’s website.

Still not convinced this winter is a great time to head outdoors to go fishing? What if you didn’t have to purchase a Michigan fishing license to test the waters?

That’s the case this February as the 2013 Winter Free Fishing Weekend arrives Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17. During those two days anyone—residents and non-residents alike—can fish all waters without purchasing a license, although all regulations still apply at that time.

The DNR coordinates the Winter Free Fishing Weekend each year as an opportunity to showcase the great angling opportunities available in Michigan, but alleviating some of the financial investment needed to get involved. It’s the perfect time to discover the state’s winter water wonderland. 
If you’re still nervous about heading out on your own, check out one of the official 2013 Winter Free Fishing Weekend events taking place throughout the state. Many of these events generously offer fishing instruction and free use of equipment and bait to help participants enjoy the experience.

Consider exploring the wealth of fishing opportunities Michigan offers this winter. Start planning your next fishing trip at www.michigan.gov/fishing.

By Ranger Steve Mueller

National Bird Feeding Month (part 1)

The Tufted Titmouse has a white belly, appearing gray when not well lighted, but its sides brighten to white in good light. Gray wings largely hide a burnt orange just above its white sides. A black nosepiece and erect head crest add beauty that people to the north do not witness. Our latitude is just south of the bird’s northern distribution.

Black-capped Chickadees crowd my feeder. This diminutive bird has broad shoulders, and a black nape, head crown, and chin. It flashes white cheeks when it flies in for a seed and quickly departs. One would think each would burn too much precious energy coming and going.

American Goldfinches take a turn at the feeder while chickadees quickly return and depart. The finches hold fast at the feeder lunch table rather than carry their meal to a picnic location like chickadees. They wear winter camouflage but vivid black and white wings draw attention. Less noticeable is dark around their eyes. Their olive winter plumage is already showing flecks of bright emerging yellow. Much of winter is still ahead but lengthening daylight is perceived through their eyes causing hormone changes that generate growth of spring’s fresh feathers.

A larger White-breasted Nuthatch darts to the feeder startling goldfinches into flight. The nuthatch’s almost woodpecker-like bill intimidates birds within close reach. Its white breast with crimson undertail coverts contrasts with gray wings rich with white dashes.

Goldfinches draw attention with the appearance of yellow patches, but chickadees two-note whistles appeal to our ears on bright sunny days foretelling spring will come. Visiting Red-breasted Nuthatches indicate winter is here and we should not heed the hasty spring song of chickadees. The red-breasted visitors will let us know spring is near when they depart for their North Country conifer nesting grounds.

Common Redpolls do not appreciate the restricted tightness of trees surrounding our small yard but seven occasionally come. They prefer open space, so I walk the White Pine State Park trail to enjoy them and wintering Eastern Bluebirds. Instead of the appealing blue back and orange breast seen on bluebirds, Northern Cardinals offer bright cheery red in the yard. Male House Finches offer a more subdued red. Occasionally Blue Jays create colorful commotion. The mostly black and white yard abounds with moving color at feeders all winter.

Red-bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers depart forest stands to visit our small yard opening but the suet feeder hangs on a large sugar maple and offers security. Dark-eyed Juncos hop under the suet and sunflower feeders gathering bits of food scattered by the maelstrom of birds above. Ground walking Mourning Doves join among the hopping juncos.

Keeping feeders and feed simple, inexpensive, and easy can entice many species of birds into close view. The nature niche you might call yours is probably more theirs than yours. Birds are present all day and night and do not leave your surroundings for work and recreation. February is “National Bird Feeding Month” so consider feeding them. February’s Nature Niche articles will elaborate on feed, feeders, and yard landscapes that create and enrich pleasant encounters with resident wild neighbors.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at the odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433, or call 616-696-1753.

Only one in 10 drivers keep emergency supplies in their vehicle

Finding yourself stranded in your car due to treacherous conditions like snow, ice, poor visibility and slick roads only to discover you have junk in the trunk, rather than the necessary roadside emergency supplies, can place you and your family in jeopardy.

According to a new survey by State Farm® and KRC Research, more than 60 percent of drivers had some sort of “junk” (non-emergency supplies) in their trunk ranging from extra clothes and shoes to used food or drink containers. While 99 percent of drivers had at least one emergency supply in their vehicle, such as spare tire or jumper cables, a mere nine percent carried all the essential emergency roadside supplies, including:

• Jumper cables

• Spare tire

• Hazard triangle/road flares

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Water

• Blanket

“Even on a relatively short trip, you can find yourself stranded for several hours. From icy waters splashing up on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago to fog covering the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, it’s important to be prepared,” said Robert Medved, safety expert, State Farm. “These new findings highlight the importance of having the right emergency equipment so people can safely get back on the road faster.”

Medved also recommends drivers check at least twice a year to ensure the equipment is in working order. This means spare tires are properly inflated, first-aid supplies are current, all other supplies are fully stocked, and the cell phone charger is compatible with either a power outlet or an USB port in your car. Communication capability can be the number one lifeline in some roadside emergency cases.

How your junk stacks up:

New survey findings also revealed that sedan drivers (63 percent) are less likely to carry emergency supplies compared to SUV and truck owners (75 percent and 73 percent respectively). Also, only two in five drivers said they check that the emergency supplies in their vehicle are working at least twice a year, in line with what State Farm recommends.

State Farm encourages responsible driving every day of the year, and especially during cold weather months when inclement weather is more common. If you are stranded on the road, follow these tips:

• Pull off the highway (if possible), turn on your hazard lights and use a road flare or reflectors to signal attention.

• If you have a cell phone, call 911 and describe your location as precisely as possible. Follow any instructions from the dispatcher.

• Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.

• Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.

• Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Don’t waste your vehicle’s battery power. Balance electrical energy needs—lights, heat and radio—with supply.

• At night, turn on an inside light when you run the engine so help can see you.

• Keep emergency supplies like road flares, a flashlight, blanket, windshield scraper, jumper cables, spare tire and a first aid kit in your vehicle or trunk at all times.

• Keep your fuel tank at least 1/2 full at all times during bad weather.