1/9/13 - An annual count of birds at the Kensington Metropark this weekend revealed pretty much what officials had expected to find, with one songbird as an exception. The 37th annual count brought out about 50 volunteers on Saturday as they combed through the park trying to get a broad estimate of the bird population and its relation to the overall health of the parkâs ecosystem. Michael Tucker is a naturalist/interpreter at the parkâs Nature Center and tells WHMI that while Canadian Geese appeared to be the most prevalent, with more than 550 estimated, it was a lone, single bird that cause the most excitement. Volunteers watched a palm warbler as it bounced around on the ice for several hours. The bird, which is distinguished by the bright yellow feathers on its underside, should normally be in northern Florida by this time of year. Tucker says they arenât sure why it has remained for the winter, but it appeared to be healthy. Tucker says they plan to add a nesting count this June to their annual bird surveys so they can get a better grasp on the populations. (JK)
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