Owlets Find Woodcocks at Haven Hill In Highland State Recreation Area

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Woodcock: Photo courtesy Audubon Society.

Woodcock: Photo courtesy Audubon Society.

A terrific group of Oakland County Audubon Society members, guests, and Friends of Highland Recreation Area members joined up to enjoy a wonderful evening in the spring forests and fields of the Haven Hill Natural Area in Highland State Recreation Area yesterday. At the Goose Meadow shelter the FOHRA volunteers gave everyone a short Haven Hill presentation, informing them of the amazing history of the area and reminding them that 2019 is the 100th Anniversary year of the Michigan State Parks.

Bluebirds, hawks, geese, sandhill cranes, and the sought-after woodcocks were enjoyed by everyone. After a great hike, the group rejoined at Goose Meadow for a snack and an educational message, and then all listened quietly to the amazing sounds of the woodcocks in the nearby fields.

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The spring courtship ritual of the male woodcock includes a distinctive evening “peent” sound. Kind of like a short but loud buzzing of an insect repeating every 2 seconds or so. Click HERE to hear the sound. If you’ve been outdoors as the evening arrives in the park I’m sure you’ve heard this sound. Now we know it’s the male woodcock preparing for flight!

Audubon and FOHRA Members enjoying the evening woods of Haven Hill searching for birds of all species…

Audubon and FOHRA Members enjoying the evening woods of Haven Hill searching for birds of all species…

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Folks interested in attending future gatherings are encouraged to visit the Oakland Audubon society’s Facebook page, check out the FOHRA website for events, and join the Young Birders program at the Society.

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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

Dine with Edsel or Picnic with Henry Fundraiser This Weekend!

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Reminder to everyone that this weekend is our newest fundraiser. Sunday, Sunday, November 3, at the Hibbard Tavern, 115 E. Summit Street,  in Milford. The Ladies of FOHRA (Friends of Highland Recreation Area) are sponsoring a table settings FUNDRAISER entitled Dine with Edsel or Picnic with Henry, in the Historic Hibbard Tavern Sunday Nov. 3 noon-5.  $6 Tickets at the door ($5 seniors) 115 E. Summit St.   Milford.  Special gifts to the first 50 visitors.  Sketches of the Edsel Ford family will be on display, so come meet the local artist.  Help us raise funds for the refurbishing/re-use of the former Edsel Ford buildings in Highland Recreation Area.   Questions call 248-698-2737.

Dine with Edsel