In this issue...

Reflections from the President

Nature Area Update

The Turtle

GINLC Involves Local Citizens in Water Monitoring

Happy Gardening

New Members Join the GINLC Board

Fundraiser Consultant Helps Steer Efforts

14th Annual Meeting Saturday, November 4 10AM

Did You Know?

Upcoming Events...

November 4
Annual Meeting
10:00AM - Noon
Centennial Farm

Nature Area Open
Saturday 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Thursday 6PM - 8PM
through end of August then
Thursday 5PM - 7PM

Closed during inclement weather
Last Day Open - October 28

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Did you Know …?
Items borrowed from Birds of Michigan Field Guide by Stan Tekiela
and A Field Guide to Birds East of the Rockies by R. T. Peterson

Size: 5-6" (13-15 cm)

Male: Blue green in the spring and greener in fall. Appears to change color in direct sunlight. A white belly, a notched tail and pointed wing tips
Female: similar to male, only duller
Juvenile: gray brown with a white belly and grayish breast band

Nest: cavity; female and male line former woodpecker cavity or nest box; 1 brood per year

Eggs: 4-6; white without markings

Incubation: 13-16 days; female incubates

Fledgling: 20-24 days; female and male feed young

Migration: complete; to Mexico and Central America

Food: insects

Compare: Similar color as Purple Martin, but smaller with a white breast and belly The Barn Swallow has a rust belly, and deeply forked tail.

Stans's Notes: The first swallow species to return each spring. Most common along ponds, lakes and agricultural fields. Is attracted to your yard with nesting boxes. Travels great distances to find dropped feathers to line its grass nest. Sometimes seen playing, chasing after dropped feathers. Often seen flying back and forth across fields, feeding on insects. Gathers in large flocks to migrate.