Unexpected spring birding opportunities can
be found throughout Michigan's urban environment.
Many birds have adapted to living and
thriving among the towering buildings, bridges, street signs, street lights, and
chimneys that create a city skyscape.
Here are just a few urban sites for you to
discover unlimited birding enjoyment. Downtown Detroit is fast becoming a prime
viewing location for peregrine falcons. These falcons can be spotted soaring
high above the moving traffic, then diving and turning at speeds of up to 200
miles through the wind tunnels created by Detroit buildings.
Listen
for the high peent, peent, nasal call of a nighthawk as it swoops
over the golden glow of street lights in many Michigan cities. Nighthawks are
sight hunters and need the lights of a city to aid in search for food. It flies
on long tapered wings and may consume hundreds of insects into its gaping mouth.
Bank swallows are easily spotted, with their
large colonies near riverbanks, highway cuts, or railroad embankments. Bat-like
in flight pattern, this swallow is a common sight in cities near bodies of
water.
Birds can be amazingly adaptable as they
survive in their city environments. You can help many birds by providing nest
boxes for their use.
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