With the arrival of Spring and nesting birds, HazardID has partnered with the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary volunteering to monitor nesting boxes used by a variety of bird species. Building upon a lifetime of birding obsession by our owner Bill Bennett, this volunteer opportunity supports the community and wildlife conservation. Perhaps most importantly, nest box monitoring requires our staff to get out of the lab and out into nature!
The Bird Sanctuary located near Augusta Michigan was created by W.K. Kellogg in 1927 as a refuge for the Canada Goose, and other migratory birds, and was an important part of Trumpeter Swan restoration efforts in Michigan in the 1980s. The area remains an important stopover location for migrating birds and waterfowl. The Sanctuary offers 180-acres of diverse wildlife habitats situated around 40-acre Wintergreen Lake. Today, the Sanctuary continues its commitment to conservation through citizen science projects, internship opportunities, research, and education for families, schools and organized groups.
Beginning in late Winter and early Spring birds begin nesting. Biologists from Michigan State University monitor the progress and success of nesting by several species’ birds at the Bird Sanctuary. Twice weekly, a HazardID staff member hikes the two-mile Bluebird Trail at the Bird Sanctuary to briefly check the status of 30 bird nesting boxes placed along the trail. Specific data captured on each of the 30 nest boxes includes: species, completed nest (y/n), number of eggs or young, status of young, signs of predation (y/n).
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and through research, education, and outreach help people gain environmental awareness about our past, present and future. HazardID is proud to partner with the sanctuary to both promote wildlife conservation and to serve our community.
