Michigan Conservation Trail - 1st Stop! - 03 Sep 2007
On Saturday morning, 01 Sep 2007, the Detroit River Rescue sign was unveiled to officially mark the beginning of the Michigan Conservation Trail. Dr. John H. Hartig, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Manager, along with Congressman John Dingell, Wayne Co. Executive Robert Ficano, and other dignitaries, unveiled the sign in front of the new Refuge Gateway in Trenton, MI. The sign is located adjacent to DTE's Trenton Power Plant and the 410-acre Humbug Marsh Unit, where a new visitor center will be erected for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The Detroit River has been honored with the 1st Historical Marker for the Michigan Conservation Trail, which will also include the Kirtland Warbler's nesting grounds in Mio Michigan, and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in Grand Traverse County.
Will Weber and I attended the event after we were so rudely interrupted from a bird outing at Pt. Mouillee by the start of Michigan Goose Hunting Season.
John Hartig opened the ceremony with a short introductory speech, and introduced Hugh McDiarmod (Michigan Environmental Council), Jack Dempsey, Robert Ficano, and Congressman Dingell. The sign was then unveiled, and other state and local representatives and dignitaries gathered for photos around the sign.
We were then treated to a guided tour of the Humbug Marsh nature trail down to the river where a new observation deck is located with views of the Detroit River and Humbug Island. While enjoying the scenery I managed several flight shots of a Great Blue Heron, (2), (3), a Great Egret, and fly-by flocks of Mallard.
We were then treated to a guided tour of the Humbug Marsh nature trail down to the river where a new observation deck is located with views of the Detroit River and Humbug Island. While enjoying the scenery I managed several flight shots of a Great Blue Heron, (2), (3), a Great Egret, and fly-by flocks of Mallard.
Will and I then headed back toward the entrance, where a smaller trail led us through some mature forest down to the river where we could see more of the marsh and the old duck hunting blind. Along the way we were treated to views of an Olive-sided Flycatcher, a very good bird for the start of a new Refuge! The bird was severely back-lit for the first 10 minutes, while it flew out from an open snag, and returned time and time again to roost. I moved up the trail and managed to get a better view of its diagnostics dusky sides and white wing feather patches that were only revealed when it stopped to preen. An Ovenbird also made a brief appearance on a nearby branch. Also heard were Red-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Eastern Pewee, Black-capped Chickadees, and Northern Cardinal.
Leaving Will at the river with Dave Howell, Chairman of the Friends of Detroit River, I headed back to the car and took a few last pics of the future Visitor Center, (2), (3).
Congratulations Detroit, State of Michigan, and Humbug Marsh!
More information about the event, and the Friends of the Detroit River.
