A Couple of February Rarities - 12 Feb 2026
I took a drive to the Humbug Marsh Unit of the DRIWR this morning. Skies were clear, and temperature was hovering around 30ºF. The Detroit River was open so waterfowl were scattered enough to discourage me from a walk to the fishing pier. So, I decided to take a walk through the woods next to the Visitor Center. Walking the short loop trail revealed an "OPEN" view of the woods. Alexa Blankenship (FWS) and Crew cleared the underbrush and some of the trees with brush hogs and chainsaws. The result is lots of open views "THROUGH" the woods. Birds were relatively quiet, though. It was nice to hear Northern Cardinals and Tufted Titmouse singing. Detroit River IWR--Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh), Wayne, Michigan, US Feb 12, 2026 8:22 AM - 8:50 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.921 mile(s) Checklist Comments: 32F, Pt sunny, calm. Refuge understory cleared out (maintenance); looks more open. 14 species Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 36 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 120...
