Royal Oak Nature Society December Programs

December speaker program

“The Kirtland’s Warbler: Michigan’s Special Bird” is being held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 beginning 7:30 p.m.  at the Royal Oak Middle School (709 N. Washington between 11 Mile Rd. and Catalpa). 

At a time when the world is seeing its species rapidly go extinct, the Kirtland's warbler is not just a survivor, it's a rock star.  People from all over the world come to northern Michigan every year to view this endangered species in its jack pine habitat.  They come to see because it is rare, yes, but the Kirtland’s warbler has a continuing storyline unlike any other animal.  When its total population fell below 400 birds only 25 years ago, a small group of dedicated biologists, researchers and volunteers vowed to save the Kirtland's warbler from extinction, despite long odds.  William Rapai is president of Grosse Pointe Audubon Society and has traveled across North America and to Cuba, Iceland, and Thailand to view and research birds.  He is also an award winning reporter and editor for the Grand Forks Herald, the Detroit Free Press, and the Boston Globe.  Join William who begins with an account of the warbler's discovery in the mid-nineteenth century and tells us about ornithologists' desperate hunt for information about this elusive new species.  His presentation goes on to examine the dramatic events that led to its precarious status, its emergence as a lightning rod for controversy, and how strong leadership, vision, commitment, sustained effort, and cooperation came together to conserve a beautiful and unusual bird. 

December nature walks

"Mammals of Tenhave” is being held at Tenhave Woods on Sunday, Dec. 8 beginning at 2 p.m.  Park at the Lexington and Marais lot and meet at the Lexington entrance.  Come and learn about the mammals that live in Tenhave Woods.  Participants will look for signs of these mammals. Skulls and skins will be available to help describe them and how they live.

"Owl Hoot” is being held at Cummingston Park on Thursday, Dec. 19 beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Park and meet at Leafdale and Torquay.  Participants will walk into Cummingston and attempt to lure in the great horned owls and have them answer tape recordings of their calls.

For more information on the Royal Oak Nature Society and its programs, please call 248-246-3380, e-mail naturesociety@ci.royal-oak-mi.us or check out http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/nature.  You can write the Royal Oak Nature Society at 1600 N. Campbell, Royal Oak, MI  48067.

Source: Royal Oak Nature Society