More signs of spring? Pay attention to trash pickup days

   That's right, those days when trash haulers cruise by to pick up yours and others discards. Garbage, recyclables-paper, cans, bottles-and those things you don't need or use up week to week.
  The way you can tell it's spring by the trash put outside is the amount and kinds of things that are being discarded.
   Amounts pick up because people are going through their basements, attics, and garages, attempting to  clear out those things that are no longer used.
   Come on. We all have them. I've got a bunch of miscellaneous fishing gear that I haven't used in years. It won't go to the trash but will end up in some kids possession who would like to fish but hasn't any means to get the equipment.
   That old child's crib. The one where the sides can be raised up and down. It's no longer of any use because all of your kids are grown, and maybe you don't have any grandchildren.
   And don't forget, the government has told you these beds are not safe for little ones because the side that moves can accidentally come down, hurting a child.
   And so the list grows. Some items like clothes and furniture are best donated to the Salvation Army, Purple Heart or some other worthwhile organization.
   Still, that trash grows out there by the curb. Everything that has been swept up is put into those large garbage bags for disposal. More of those appear this time of the due to a phenomenon we know as spring cleaning.
   So keep an eye on increasing amounts of trash but look for those robins and the buds on trees to begin to swell.
   With warmer weather predicted, we just might be out of the woods soon.

Birds singing-spring could be in the air

   The sounds of birds singing is for me, the first sign that spring is near. Even with cold, nighttime temperatures below freezing and snow still on the ground, the birds can be heard during the day.
   I don't know how active woodpeckers are during the winter. They come to my suet feeder to get a bite but I don't hear they rat-tat-tat like I do now. Maybe another sign of spring?
   These cold days with lots of sunshine seems to have an effect on birds. They move around more, chatter and make calls to any other bird in the area.
   Be sure and get those feeders full. This is a good time of year to see what shows up. While not the best bird habitat, our backyard has been crowded with birds flying in and out, from bush to bush.
   Incidentally, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada reports finches that normally spend much of their time in northern Canada have been seen farther south.
   What kind and how many may turn up in your yard are some of the questions Project Feeder Watch hopes to answer.

   The 26th season of FeederWatch is underway and lasts through early April. By watching feeders and submitting their observations, FeederWatchers make it possible for scientists to keep track of changing bird populations across the continent.
   New or returning participants can sign up anytime at www.FeederWatch.org in the U.S. and at www.birdscanada.org/pfw.html in Canada.
   “FeederWatch is easy to do, and the information is incredibly valuable in helping us better understand what’s going on in the environment and in the lives of the birds,” says project leader David Bonter.  
   So, who’s coming to dinner at feeders this winter? Common Redpolls, for one.
   This perky finch with the red cap and rosy vest typically drops into the U.S. in years when food is scarce up north—but usually only on one side of the continent, east or west.
   This year, however, redpolls are being reported across the continent and pushing as far south as North Carolina. There have been more redpolls reported in Colorado so far this year than in any year since Project FeederWatch began in 1989.
    In addition to redpolls, from the Great Lakes to the southern U.S.,  people are seeing Pine Siskins and Red-breasted Nuthatches.
   Siskins have even been turning up in South Florida. FeederWatchers in the Northeast are hosting more Evening Grosbeaks than in recent years. And keep an eye out for crossbills. Though they are rare visitors, White-winged Crossbills and Red Crossbills are seen more often at feeders between February and April when natural food supplies are depleted.
    Learn more about joining Project FeederWatch in the U.S. and to sign up, visit www.FeederWatch.org or call the Cornell Lab toll-free at (866) 989-2473. In return for the $15 fee ($12 for Cornell Lab members), participants receive the FeederWatcher Handbook and Instructions with tips on how to successfully attract birds to your feeders, an identification poster of the most common feeder birds, and a calendar.
    Participants also receive Winter Bird Highlights, an annual summary of FeederWatch findings, as well as the Cornell Lab's quarterly newsletter, Living Bird News. FeederWatch in Canada is $35 and includes Bird Studies Canada membership. Learn more and sign up at www.birdscanada.org/pfw.html.

Volunteering a new catch word in the outdoors

   You've no doubt heard all of the dire predictions about everything from seaports to national parks closing due to a lack of funding.
   Volunteering at a national, state, county or municipal park isn't something new. But it's something that is needed and involves more than pulling weeds and picking up trash.
  Volunteers might be assisting full-time staff by providing assistance in campgrounds to make finding a campsite, setting up and learning about the general area and the programs available, to campers, both seasoned and beginners.
   In many instances, trails aren't cleared of blow downs, encroaching vines, washed out trails and other things detrimental to a good trail system-markers are one such example-that volunteers can have a hand in and make a difference.
   Read more about it in Sunday's sport section of the Oakland Press. Learn what you can do to help out and where to go for more information.
   It's volunteering that in many instances, might just help in keeping these facilities open.

Maple sugaring means spring is near

   Huron-Clinton Metroparks is gearing up for the annual run on sap from maple trees that is made into maple syrup. It takes approximately 50 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup.
   You can see "maple sugaring" at Kensington Metropark and Indian Springs Metropark. It's an interesting visit.
   You'll see how trees are tapped and sap is collected. Make the trip to the nearby shed where all of the boiling of raw sap takes place.
   On your way out be sure and pick up a bottle of syrup. You can't beat it on pancakes, French toast or waffles. There are probably other foods to use it with as well.
   If you visit one of these sugar bushes; the place where several maples grow near to each other, you'll find knowledgeable staff willing to explain the process of collection to the end product, the syrup you pour from the bottle.
   It's a worthwhile trip, doesn't take much time and about the only expense to you would be a permit to enter either of these parks. A daily permit is $5 and a yearly costs $15.
   For more information call Indian Springs Metropark at (248) 625-7280 or Kensington Metropark, (810) 494-6035.

Snow isn't going away

   Just when you may think the spring thaw is right around the corner, bam, we get hit with another covering of the white stuff.
   The ski resorts and cross country ski set are no doubt enjoying it. A good friend, Bill Semion, is making the most of the winter's decent snowfall by hitting the trails in the Mason Tract just outside of Roscommon.
   This is an in and out trail. There is no loop and back to the car. In fact, you part in a small lot next to the south branch of the AuSable River, then carry your skis along the road, over the bridge to the beginning of the trails.
   I've skied it once or twice. It's not difficult going. It probably would land on the low side of intermediate skiing.
   You're in the woods most of the way, skiing along a trail with the AuSable River visible for much of the way.
   But with options for cross country close by, you may want to stay here with those soaring gas prices.
If so give Independence Oaks or Kensington Metropark a try.
   This may be your last chance for the season.

Campground hosts-great way to camp; help beginning campers

    Camping opportunities are many and varied throughout the state of Michigan. From very rustic; pit toilets, hand pumps and no hook ups to more modern camping with showers, running water and electrical connections.
   If you enjoy camping and helping others, the DNR has a place for you. Each year they look for campers to participate in the Campground Host program.
   Hosts camp free in exchange for helping campers coming into the park find their site, answer  questions pertaining to activities and programs available and generally, be available to answer questions and to help in any way.
   People new to camping rely on hosts to help them set up camp, get organized and enjoy their trip enough so to make it a more regular outing after experiencing a good first-time in a tent.
   This year the DNR is looking for volunteer hosts for its Lime Island State Recreation Area. The 980-acre island, one of the newest recreation areas in Michigan’s state park system, is situated in the St. Mary’s River Navigation Channel some three miles offshore of the eastern end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
   The island offers rental cabins, platform tent sites, a small harbor of refuge, historical structures and boating access. Hosts for Lime Island must use their own boat to travel to and from the island.

Contacts: Miguel Rodriguez, 517-241-4129 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
   Hosts are expected to provide 30 hours of service per week (including weekends and holidays) and are required to live on the island a minimum of four consecutive weeks at a time during the summer season, running from the end of May to early September. During their weeks of service, hosts can choose to live in the island’s host cabin or have their camping fees waived.
   Lime Island hosts greet arriving visitors and answer questions about the island that once housed a small settlement. In addition, they are required to arrange campground activities and possibly perform some light maintenance.
   For more information about serving as a host at Lime Island State Recreation Area, contact Straits State Park, 906-643-8620, or Miguel Rodriguez, 517-241-4129.
   Information for other campground hosts opportunities should be made to the park or recreation area potential hosts are interested in.
   Happy camping!

Predator hunting-targeting coyotes

   Hunters around Custer and the Fountain area in Northwest Michigan are finding a new hunting experience once deer season is over.
   A group and probably others, chases coyotes. From all reports, it's a fun time outdoors whether they take anything or not.
   Weapon of choice is a 12-gauge shotgun, at least for JW McCormick. "I used to use a rifle but couldn't hit anything," he said. "Then I changed to a shotgun with buckshot and have had more success."
   This coming from a hunter who annually takes nice bucks with a bow and in the firearms season, with rifle.
   It sounds like there isn't a lot of scouting involved. Snow is a good thing to look for sign such as footprints.
   Then it's a matter of figuring out where the elusive critters are crossing roads, get an idea of the surrounding area, and get hunters in position when the animal shows itself.
   That's one way of hunting. Others prefer to take a stand but not longer than 30 minutes. These hunters will "call in" coyotes using a wounded game call.
   One thing for certain is knowing the direction of the wind. Coyotes will stay upwind to get a sent then circle around to find what's giving it off.

JW McCormick with coyote taken a few weeks ago.

   There's even a group that baits with expired meat products along with calling. Whichever method you try be ready for some fast action once a coyote is sighted. They aren't going to stand still to offer much of a target.JW McCormick with recently taken coyote.