As stewards of this area of Northwest Michigan, we have been called upon
to support the efforts of those attempting to ensure that the biodiversity
supporting capacity of this special wetland remains intact, and that another
beautiful place that defines our area will be preserved, while providing
opportunities for quality, quiet recreation for present and future
generations.
In an attempt to assess the wildlife supporting potential of this parcel,
Grand Traverse Audubon Club members, from September 7, 2007 through
June 12, 2008, made 18 survey trips the result of which was the observation
of 60 avian and 12 non-avian species on this small wetland parcel. (List of
species is on page 2)
In addition to supporting the above named species, this wetland parcel is
essential to maintaining area groundwater quality, the water quality of
Silver Lake, and the viability of this lake’s fish supporting potential.
The stated objectives of the Grand Traverse Audubon Club, founded by
Ford Kellum, retired Michigan DNR biologist, are: “The welfare and
preservation of the bird life and other fauna, the flora, the resources and the
beauty of our environment, especially in the Grand Traverse area. We shall
cooperate with any individual, organization, or governmental unit that
shares these objectives.” Accordingly, the Board of the Grand Traverse
Audubon Club, without reservation, supports the efforts of Garfield
Township to preserve this essential wetland parcel.
_________________________________
Robert Carstens
July 15, 2008
Grand Traverse Audubon Club
Vice President for Environment
———————————-page 2————————————————-
NORTH SILVER LAKE
WETLAND AREA
AVIAN SPECIES LIST:
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Hooded Merganser
Imm. Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Wild Turkey
Sandhill Crane
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Wilson’s Snipe
Ring-billed Gulls
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood Peewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted
Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Bohemian Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Chipping Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
House Finch
60 Species
NON-AVIAN SPECIES:
Red Fox
Opossum
White-tail Deer
Muskrat
Northern River Otter
Painted Turtle
Spring Peepers
Chorus Frogs
Leopard Frogs
American Toads
Eastern Gray Tree Frog
Green frogs
This survey is the result
of the work of Grand
Traverse Audubon Club
members Gerri Erickson
and Margaret Platner
(14 site visits) and Bob
Carstens (4 site visits)
from 9-7-07 to 6-12-08.
_____________________
Bob Carstens
Environmental Chair