Detroit River Christmas Bird Count - 01 Jan 2026
Happy New Year! 2025 was an effort on so many levels. As 2026 arrived the hope for a better year was on everyone's mind. My year would start with an alarm at 4 am and a drive to Belle Isle State Park for the Detroit River Christmas Bird Count. Skies were clear and temperatures were hovering around 12ªF with a wind that put real-feels near 0ºF. Two inches of snow were on the ground and another fresh 1.5" fell overnight. Luckily the freeway was clear and traffic nonexistent as I arrived on Belle Isle shortly before 5 am. I was to meet with Allen Chartier, Leah Stafford, and Robert Moll at 5:30 am at the Nature Center to start the year w/ some owling. I arrived at 4:50 am and found barrels across the bridge leading to Belle Isle. They would be removed at 5 am but Security allowed my drive around them and continue on toward the Nature Center. I stopped at the NE side of the island to try for some owls under a full moon and a bone-chilling breeze that rattled the flag pole nearb...
