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Just in time for springtime, new birdwatching website, map available

Bird watcher Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Photo courtesy of DNR. Bird watchers in Michigan have a new resource to get the latest information on birding opportunities in St. Clair and Macomb counties. The new website and paper maps for the St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail are now available, just in time for springtime birding, thanks to a coastal management grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

St. Clair and Macomb counties are home to a wide variety of resident and migrating birds thanks to a diverse habitat and access to large lakes, rivers and streams. The area also sits below multiple migratory routes, the Atlantic and the Mississippi flyways, providing birders with chances to observe different birds at different times of the year. Expect to see waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds and more at trail sites.

“This grant supports protection of coastal natural resources, encourages coastal-dependent recreation, and promotes assets and activities that contribute to the community’s senses of place,” says Weston Hillier, EGLE environmental quality analyst.  “The St. Clair/Macomb Coastal Birding Trail will encourage outdoor recreation and tourism on the coast of southern Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, and St. Clair River.”

Established in 1978, the Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP) is committed to providing substantial technical assistance and strategic grant funding to assist in coastal communities’ ability to understand risks and options to mitigate coastal hazards; create healthy habitats that provide for human use and enjoyment; support coastal eco-tourism opportunities while ensuring for safe public access; and support resilient and sustainable coastal economies.

Interested in learning about birding? Check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s birding webpage, and the Michigan Sea Grant's free online video series, Michigan Birding 101.

Caption: Bird watcher at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Photo courtesy of DNR.


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