Many locals might not know it, but it was the sudden appearance of dead robins across the Michigan State University campus that helped launch the modern environmental movement.
The problem alerted Rachel Carson and other scientists that something was amiss in the environment and
her groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, followed in 1962. Carson died two years
later, so she did not see the resulting restrictions placed on the
indiscriminant use of pesticides. But her work at MSU helped put her into the Ecology Hall of Fame.
Two books available in the Capital region are geared to enhancing winter bird watching and helping locals follow in Carson's footsteps. They are the “Birds of Michigan Field Guide” by Ted Black and Greg Kenney, and Stan Tekiela’s “Birds of Michigan” which includes a CD set.
The book recommendations come from the Wild Birds Unlimited blog, and both books may be found at Wild Birds Unlimited stores in Okemos and East Lansing. The stores offer wild bird supplies as well as staff advice on building backyard habitats and other bird issues.
The “Birds of Michigan Field Guide” has illustrations of 302 bird species with specifications of their size and any unique markings. It includes descriptions of the birds’ habitat, nesting, feeding, and voice. It also lists Michigan birding groups and tells which local nature center or park will have a particular species of bird.
Source: Wild Birds Unlimited
Gretchen Cochran, Innovations & Jobs editor, may be contacted here.
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