Experience Birding with RHPL
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
What's the difference between a fly and a bird?
A bird can fly, but a fly can't bird!
This spring, RHPL brings you programming made possible by a Flight Path grant from STAR Library Network and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios. The grant provides materials and resources for libraries to provide programming about the science of birds, bird migration, community involvement, and nature conservation.
Supporting the library's goals to provide access to information, connection to the community, and entertainment for all, this award allows RHPL to supply high-quality materials for engaging hands-on learning experiences, benefiting both the experts and novices in the RHPL community. Holly Clarke, the Adult Services Librarian who pursued the grant, shared, “With the abundance of walking paths and nature areas in our community, and the interest in birding, we knew the resources offered would allow us to connect with our patrons in their local environment. At the same time, we can partner with organizations that already work in these areas, which allows us to connect with people who might not use the library yet.”
Clarke also mentioned the grant enables RHPL to help on a global scale, “Our region sits in the middle of the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways, where the Great Lakes funnel millions of birds on the migration journey, including species like hawks, hummingbirds, and sandhill cranes, so there are plenty of birds in our area! Flight Path resources and this series of programming can help translate conservation into everyday action.”
Birding programming began in February with the Great Backyard Bird Count, and with materials from Flight Path, RHPL librarians assembled bird watching kits equipped with binoculars, regional bird ID cards, and books. These kits, along with scavenger hunts, games, and more, will be available to patrons in the upcoming seasons.
Together with Flight Path, RHPL empowers residents to participate in data gathering and learn simple, effective ways to protect and enhance the local environment, turning community interest into lasting, meaningful steps that help protect our natural world, now and for the future.
Birding Resources
Which bird is always out of breath?
A puffin!
Birding Events this Spring
Birding Through the Seasons
Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room
The Macomb Audubon Society discusses birding through the seasons in Southwest Michigan. Registration is required.
Birding by Ear with OTBS
Monday, March 16, 1 p.m., Dial 888-916-5522 to join the program
Oakland Talking Book Service invites blind and visually impaired patrons to a call-in program with Birding By Ear and Beyond. Host Donna Posont will teach how to identify birds by their songs and experience nature with all available senses. No registration required.
Owl Prowl
Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. Ages 10-Adult. Dinosaur Hill
Explore the fascinating world of these nocturnal hunters, and learn about the various owl species commonly and uncommonly found in Michigan. Registration is required.
Bird Bookmarks
Monday, May 11, 9 a.m. Take & Make
Let your reading soar with bird-themed bookmarks. Register to pick up your kit at the library. Some kits will be available at the Bookmobile while supplies last. Registration is required.
Birding 101 Walk
Saturday, May 16, 8:30 a.m. Ages 10-Adult. Dinosaur Hill
Get an introduction to fun mnemonics that help you remember bird songs and calls, and free and easy-to-use birding apps that help with visual and song identification Registration is required.
Michigan Activity Pass
MAP provides cardholders the opportunity to discover and explore participating cultural destinations, parks, campgrounds and recreation areas in the state at a discounted rate. See if your favorite birding spot is on the list!
What's an owl's favorite genre?
A hoot-dunnit!
