Eliza Howell Nature Walk

Sixty years ago, in 1962, Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, a book that awakened many Americans to the often harmful effects of the use of pesticides. Carson’s writings reveal a respect for and love of nature that continue to inspire me. One quotation from Silent Spring seems particularly relevant at this time of the year:…

In the woods of Eliza Howell Park in late December, the leaves are on the ground, the insects are mostly inactive, the number of bird species is lower than it has been in months. The quiet season has begun. This is a good time to learn more about a quietly active member of the park…

The sun was shining this morning, December 21, when I started my walk in Eliza Howell Park. The temperature was near 30 degrees F and the conditions were perfect for the formation of frost crystals. As usual at this time of the year, I first looked for seed-eating birds among the plants in the wildflower…

This week I have been focusing on Goldenrod Ball Galls, the home of the insect known as the Goldenrod Gall Fly. When I walk among the goldenrods in Eliza Howell Park in December, it is not to admire the flowers or to observe pollinators and preying insects, as it was in September. Now it is…

It was gray and blustery as I began my walk in Detroit’s Eliza Howell Park on the morning of December 6. Since the mixed rain and snow precipitation the day before had ended with a period of steady rain, I headed to the river to check the water level. The water was quite high, though…

In checklists prepared for participants on Eliza Howell Park bird walks, I use these descriptions of the seasonal presence of different bird species in the park: Year-round (present in all seasons) Summer (Spring to Fall, breeding season) Migrating Through (present for short times twice a year) Winter (Fall to Spring) One of the Summer birds…

Winter Creeper vines have climbed a few trees in the woods near the river in Eliza Howell Park, 7 or 8 trees fairly close together. The capsules of the late-ripening fruit are just now opening, revealing the bright seeds. This year the fruit seems to be especially plentiful, with large hanging clusters. Winter Creeper is…