Monday, January 5, 2015

Manistee County Audubon Society proudly presents . . .

The Hummingbirds of Michigan:
"The Great Lakes Hummer-Net Project"

Presented by
Allen Chartier

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.
Lake Bluff Audubon Center, 2890 Lakeshore Road, Manistee

Everyone loves hummingbirds, and we are fortunate to have the Ruby-throated Hummingbird as a summer resident in Michigan. Did you know that we have other rarities that surprise and thrill us at our feeders? The Rufous Hummingbird from the western U.S. has been appearing here more frequently in recent years during fall migration. In 2014, Michigan’s Upper Penninsula had the first State Record of the Berylline Hummingbird, the first sighting east of the Mississippi and north of Arizona. Manistee County’s 2014 Costa’s Hummingbird also had the distinction of being the first sighting and first State Record in the northeastern United States!

Mr. Chartier is one of only three hummingbird banders in Michigan. He will present a one-hour Power Point program describing his banding procedure, his hummingbird research and the excitement and significance of our local sightings.

He is also founder of Great Lakes HummerNet Research Project, co-author of “A Birder’s Guide to Michigan” and contributing author to various projects with National Geographic including “Complete Birds of North America.” This informative and educational program will be a “must-see” for birders and non-birders alike. There will be hand-outs and light refreshments. There is NO CHARGE for the program, and we welcome and encourage everyone to attend! 

Costa’s Hummingbird, Manistee County, November 1, 2014. State Record and first sighting in northeastern U.S.

Weather note: If hazardous weather conditions postpone the program on February 11th, Mr. Chartier has graciously agreed to reserve our next meeting date of Wednesday, March 11th to present his program. For updates on this program due to weather, please call 231 723-6193 on the morning of February 11. For other local birding news, please check the Manistee Audubon Society website, manisteeaudubon.blogspot.com/