Throughout the season, sandhill cranes migrate farther south for the winter but take respite in Michigan’s lower counties before the next leg of their journey to southern states. Standing 5 feet tall with 6-foot wingspans and unmistakable bright red heads, they are a stunning sight. Sandhill cranes can be found feeding on seeds and grains in agricultural fields or browsing on wetland plants, insects and amphibians in marshlands throughout Jackson and Washtenaw counties. For more on these birds and where to view them, visit this Michigan Audubon webpage.

In the depths of the Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord resides Michigan’s wild elk herd. As the breeding season approaches, elk are more active and can be seen in forest openings, the males bugling for attention from females and working to establish dominance over other suitors. There are 13 elk viewing areas throughout the Pigeon, providing optimal opportunities to watch the herd. To find viewing areas and plan your trip, check out the elk viewing guide.

Fall is breeding and migration season for many wildlife species, so animals are on the move. Make the most of it by visiting Michigan.gov/Wildlife for information on trails, times and areas to improve your chances for a successful viewing experience.

Downloads of two of the most popular bird identification apps spiked and – like most outdoor gear and equipment – things like binoculars, bird feeders and birdseed were harder to find as they were snagged by these newly minted ornithologists. Google searches for “birds” reached an all-time high in the U.S. in early May and searches for “the best binoculars for birdwatching” increased 550%, according to USA Today.

Now, with the migration season upon us, previously unseen birds are starting to show up in many of Michigan’s communities, enjoying layovers on their way to winter destinations. While many of us are spending more time at home, why not explore these beautiful species that add pops of color and interest to our yards and communities?

To encourage novice birders, the DNR is providing Winged Wednesday text updates on birds being spotted in state parks. With a new bird and new park highlighted each week, the team behind the effort hopes to help birders make meaningful connections to this lifelong pursuit.

Ready to get started? Text BIRD to 80888 or register online to sign up for Winged Wednesday weekly text updates.

Questions? Contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.

• Wear a full body harness that is properly attached above your head.
• Always maintain three points of contact when climbing up to or down from the stand.
• Ensure your tree stand is securely attached and stable before using it.

Watch this short video about tree stand safety for more good ideas.

No matter how you choose to hunt, make safety your top priority. The Michigan DNR teaches tree stand safety, safe firearm handling, first aid and other important skills as part of our hunter education program. Read more hunting safety tips or earn your online hunter safety certificate at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation.

Questions? Contact Lt. Tom Wanless at 517-284-6026.

In fact, more than 6,000 participants traveled a collective 83,069 miles over a span of eight days on Michigan’s local, county, state and federally managed trails.

It was all part of the inaugural Michigan Trails Week Challenge. Over eight days during Michigan Trails Week (Sept. 20-27), the DNR and the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance invited Michiganders to pay tribute to trails and – together –walk, run, ride, hike, bike or paddle 100,000 miles.

“We want to thank the more than 6,000 participants who took part in the first-ever Michigan Trails Week Challenge,” said Michelle Coss, DNR Parks and Recreation Division volunteer and donor coordinator. “Not only did we come close to our collective 100,000-mile goal, but we were thrilled with the 1,800-some photos that were submitted. These photos told the story about how Michiganders connect to nature and are proud to live in the Trails State.”

Participants generously raised more than $11,000 to fund various trail projects across the state.

Additionally, Peninsulas created a commemorative Michigan Trails Week Challenge pin and sticker for the event. For just $10 (including shipping with code MICHIGANTRAILS2020), you can show your Michigan trails pride and feel good knowing 10% of the proceeds goes toward supporting trail programs.

Coss also said that the weather for the 2020 challenge could not have been more beautiful, and plans are already in the works for next year.

Each hourlong webinar will feature people on the front lines of invasive species response sharing what they are doing to prevent and control non-native species that pose a threat to Michigan’s environment, economy and, sometimes, human health. A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation.

The series kicks off at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, with a look at how science and technology are fueling a multijurisdictional response to grass carp in Lake Erie.

“Delicious but Dangerous” at 9 a.m. Nov. 17 examines the hazards caused by thousands of burrowing invasive red swamp crayfish and how this species’ habits complicate removal efforts.

The series takes a break for the holidays and returns Jan. 22 with “Hemlock Rescue” – a look at the labor-intensive effort to inventory and treat eastern hemlock trees infested with hemlock woolly adelgid. Topics for future sessions will be added throughout the year.

Each webinar will be presented live, with recordings available for viewing approximately one week after the live event. For more information on each NotMISpecies webinar, including registration links, visit Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents.