April 22, 2026: Earth Day Nature Hike
In honor of Earth Day 2026, Birds with Seth, along with Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC), led a guided birding + botany hike through a local nature preserve. An at-capacity crowd of nature lovers met at Bow in the Clouds Preserve for a gorgeous spring hike to learn all about the birds and plants of this special piece of land, and they ways in which we can support this delicate ecosystem.
Seth Chapman, founder of Birds with Seth, focused on the birds of Bow in the Clouds, while Abbie Bristol, Stewardship Specialist at SWMLC, identified the plants along our hike. Before we hit the trails, Seth provided an overview (including taxidermy!) of the birds we might encounter on the trail, highlighting recent migrants to the area. Since migration is underway, many new and exciting species are returning from their wintering grounds. We saw examples of the Blue-headed Viero, Gray Catbird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and more.
With the sun high in the sky, binoculars strapped on, and hiking boots laced, we ventured off. Many of us experienced great views of the habitat of Bow in the Clouds from a viewing platform situated on high ground overlooking the habitat below. Abbie explained the importance of this special habitat, called a Prairie Fen, and the role it plays in the areas drinking water. This particular Prairie Fen is spring fed, and supports a diverse range of plant species, which in turn support a variety of birds.
Abbie speaking to the group of Earth Day hikers.
Seth speaking to group of Earth Day hikers.
We weaved our way down the trail, looking and listening for interesting plant and bird species. Abbie pointed out many unique species along the trails, including Sandbar Willow, Celandine Poppy (an invasive), Mountain Mint, and Nannyberry. Many observant hikers pointed out various bird calls they could identify along the way; Northern Flicker, Red-winged Blackbird, and Song Sparrow. We noticed Turkey Vultures soaring overhead, as well as a Cooper’s Hawk.
Once down in the Prairie Fen, we traversed the sensitive wetland soils via a boardwalk, offering up close and personal views of the flora and fauna. American Goldfinches flew overhead, as well as Common Grackles, and a few Cedar Waxwings.
Hiking along the trail towards the Prairie Fen.
Earth Day hikers hiking through the Prairie Fen.
Perhaps the highlight of the bird observations that day were a pair of amorous Hairy Woodpeckers. Hikers had identified a male Hairy Woodpecker excavating a hole in a tree high overhead in which to nest, when all of a sudden a female arrived. Moments later, they had flown to a branch close by and copulated, with many onlookers! It was quite the sight to behold!
Along the boardwalk folks also saw Marsh Marigold, Duckweed, and Poison Sumac.
On the last leg of the trail, we witnessed a Sandhill Crane flyby, as well as vocalizations from a Northern Yellow Warbler and a Common Yellowthroat, two recent arrivals! All in all it was a great way to spend Earth Day 2026.
This event was made possible by the efforts of the Kalamazoo Earth Day Committee, and took place in the larger context of a month’s-long calendar of events that connects and supports community groups that are actively working to create a higher quality of life for all with participatory action, environmental health, justice, and sustainability as common elements. Thank you so much for helping make this event a reality!
Thank you to Abbie Bristol of Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, and you, the community, who showed up. It is with our combined efforts that we keep the spirit of Earth Day alive everyday.
To view our full birding checklist from this event, click here.
