Kinsington Metro Park Oakland County MI
A trip to Kinsington Metro Park
A small group from the Flint fLensmen Camera Club, including myself took a day trip last April.
We hiked the Loop Trail that circles Wild Wing Lake and passes by the Heron Rookery Tree.
These are some of what I thought were the more interesting photos.
Enjoy!!
First photo opportunity was just a slight distance from the parking area. I came across what appeared to be a 3 legged Sandhill Crane. But with further observation it was 2 birds standing close together with the closest one tucking its head behind its far side and the farthest standing on 1 leg.
Next before reaching the boardwalk that passes over some of the marsh area and along the lake. I came across this juvenile male Redwing Black bird. He set perfectly still for the photo. I really think he was hoping that I might feed him!
From the boardwalk you can see the rookery tree (or should I say trees since there are several together) on a small island maybe a 100 yds out in the lake. This is just a small portion typical of what the trees looked like.
While walking along the boardwalk which crosses a cattail area you will see several Redwing Blackbirds. This is a typical female. Could get pretty close. I'm sure she is waiting for someone to give her some bird seed. They don't look anything like the males. This allows them to hide better when on the nest.
The boardwalk goes on for quite a ways, with much to see along both sides. This is a male Wood Duck that happened by.
This Canadian or Canada Goose was out for lunch away from its mate. When he noticed another getting to close to her, he suddenly took off after the other male making lots of noise and some pretty mean jesters.
Because the Rookery is just a slight ways from the boardwalk Heron's are continually flying overhead to and from their nest.
Just before leaving the boardwald we were visited by this Mute Swan just seeing if we were handing out anything to eat.
Last but not least before leaving the boardwalk for the dirt path that continues around the lake was this adult Redwing Blackbird enjoying some lunch that someone had left for him.
Opposite side of the trail from the lake is a lily pad pond with this Heron. He was standing perfectly still so that he was invisible to the word. So He thought!!!
Just ahaead aways was a pair of Blue Jays. One hiding in the bush watching for someone to toss out some food and another on the trail finishing what someone else had already left.
Just beyond the Blue Jays was a Nuthatch enjoying some cracked corn for lunch.
A little bit farther and we happen upon a yellow and brown Palm Warbler keeping an eye on us ready to take to flight if we get to close.
And a little farther up the trail we come across a Sandhill Crane feeding on what is left from what someone thru down. He continued without fear as we approached, only to look up as to say
"Well Do You Have Somemore?"
There are other things to look at and appreciate along the trip around the lake. These Marsh Martigolds are quite thick in the wet areas. Notice the small flies on the flowers in the photo below. Luckily it was a bit chilly out and they didn't fly around bothering us.
In the water on the edge of the lake we come across another lone Mute Swan. This one is showing off its bright white feathers.
Not far from the Swan was a mother Canadian with her little ones. When we got closer dad came charging from the lake to protect mom and babies.
Once on shore with the family, he continued to tell us to stay away. Below
Mom with the little ones above.
Blue Haron framed between 2 trees.
We saw many other critters along the hike but once into the woods the most plentiful would have to be the Squirrels. Some of them had no fear. Approaching to see if they could get a free handout.
And some kept a watchfull eye from a distance ready to come if food could be seen or scat if we got to close.
Probably equal part Chipmunks to Squirrels. Most keeping a distance hoping for a handout.
Finally but not lastly of the small 4 legged type was the Black Squirrel.
We saw many Cardinals along the way, but this one had to be my favorite. The crest on top of this guys head stuck up more than any I think I've ever seen.
In the higher wooded areas there were plenty of flowering Dogwoods in bloom.
Trillium's were also out in full force.
Last of the birds that I would like to share are the Tufted Titmouse (below), and the Black caped Chickadee. (right)
