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Michigan has some of the best wildlife-based recreation opportunities around. This newsletter will give you updates on the great work going on for wildlife conservation across the state.
 Juvenile red-tailed hawk. Photo by Trent Pearce/Audubon Photography Awards.
The red-tailed hawk is the most widespread and familiar large hawk in Michigan, known for its bulky build and broad wings, which make it well-suited for effortless soaring. Adult red-tailed hawks are best identified by their reddish tails, dark brown upper parts and pale undersides with a distinctive, streaked belly band. However, their plumage can vary significantly, with both dark and light variants of the species. Juvenile red-tailed hawks are heavily streaked and barred, featuring a mix of brown and white feathers, and their tails are typically brown with dark bars. These hawks primarily hunt small mammals, but they also prey on medium to large birds like pheasants and starlings, as well as the occasional snake and carrion.
Read more about Michigan's most common hawk ►
 Explore the Portage Marsh Wildlife Management Area, an Audubon Important Bird Area and one of Michigan's Wetland Wonders, near Escanaba with a guided birding tour Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. Led by Department of Natural Resources experts and Lake Superior State University Audubon Campus Chapter members, the free tour covers a 1-mile loop trail, including unpaved paths and a beach walk along Lake Michigan, with binoculars available to borrow. All ages are welcome, and participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring binoculars or a scope, and download birding apps like eBird, iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID or the Audubon Bird Guide.
More event details ►
This birding tour is presented in partnership with MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.
 Year-round, hundreds of bird species draw us outdoors as they flit in the treetops, hop through shrubs or run along Michigan’s Great Lakes shorelines. But whether it is a rare vagrant, irruptive northern breeder, or a common backyard bird, it’s important for all of us to use the best birding practices to protect Michigan’s birds and visitors. Here are our top tips and some helpful resources to help guide your next birding trip.
 Michigan is host to plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, but one species stands tall: the elk. September is the best time to catch a glimpse of one of the state's most sought-after viewing experiences.
Elk are massive animals that dwell within the rolling hills and hardwoods of northeast Michigan. Despite weighing between 400 and 900 pounds and standing 5 feet tall at the shoulder, they can be quite elusive throughout much of the year. However, during the fall breeding season, elk are more active while competing for mates. Elk congregate in open fields and bugle loudly this time of year, making for the perfect opportunity to view (and hear!) the wild herd.
Visit the DNR wildlife viewing page to learn more about this unique Michigan tradition and where to do it.
While you’re in the area – visit the 40th annual Elk Festival
Check out the annual Elk Festival, Sept. 27-29 in Atlanta (Montmorency County), a celebration of the region's connection to wildlife in the heart of Michigan's elk capital. This fun-filled weekend offers something for everyone, with family-friendly activities for all ages. Hosted by the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, this festival is an excellent way to experience the community spirit and natural beauty that make Atlanta a special place. Don’t miss out on the good times!
Learn more about the Elk Festival ►
 Hunting and Fishing Night returns to Comerica Park! Join us to watch the Detroit Tigers take on the Colorado Rockies Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6:40 p.m. Share your support for hunting and fishing groups that connect Michiganders to the outdoors when you buy your special ticket to the game, which includes a collectible Detroit Tigers tackle box. A portion of every ticket sold through this link will be donated to National Wildlife Turkey Federation.
Get your tickets and tackle box ►
 What makes for a successful food plot? Come learn from the experts! Join us for a hands-on field day to learn about crops, planting techniques, soil testing and equipment:
Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Michigan State University Forestry Innovation Center
6005 J Rd., Escanaba, MI 49829
Registration required. The event and lunch are free to attend, thanks to generous host sponsor Michigan State University Forestry Innovation Center and to our partners: Delta Conservation District, Hiawathaland Farm Bureau, Rays Feed Mill, Inc., Rollin’ Smoke Barbeque, U.P. Whitetails Association, Inc., USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County Michigan, Inc., and Yogi’s Bear Bait.
Learn more and register:
MSU Forestry Innovation Center Wildlife Food Plot Field Day ►
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Wildlife biologist Heather Shaw is going on her fourth year with the DNR Wildlife Division. She is based out of the Cusino Wildlife Research Station and covers the stretch of land from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan in eastern Alger, southern Delta and Schoolcraft counties. Her favorite part of working for the division is spying on wildlife.
“From grouse drumming surveys to moose flights, waterfowl flights and bear den checks, I really enjoy interacting hands-on with wildlife in their various habitats and learning more about local population dynamics.”
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Don Brown, wildlife technician, has been with the division 14 years and spreads his time between the Cusino Wildlife Research Center and the Shingleton Field Office.
Don covers over 400,000 acres of state land across eastern Alger, eastern Delta and Schoolcraft counties. His favorite part of working for the Wildlife Division is enhancing wildlife habitat for the benefit of both the wildlife and those people who seek them.
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 Join hosts Rachel Lincoln and Eric Hilliard for the latest episode of the "Wildtalk" podcast.
We talk with DNR experts about GEMS – grouse enhanced management sites – in the Upper Peninsula and the iconic ruffed grouse and wrap up the episode with a chat about the eastern and least chipmunk.
Pete Kailing, senior wildlife biologist in the southwestern Lower Peninsula, also stops in to talk about hunting and trapping opportunities available in August.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Michigan's threatened and endangered species law, every person who donates to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund will have their name read on the "Wildtalk" podcast. Donate now under your name, and we'll read it aloud on an upcoming episode!
Visit the "Wildtalk" webpage for the latest episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov.
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