April 25, 2026: The Nesting Birds of Kleinstuck
On the morning of Saturday, April 25, a group of curious local birders joined Seth on a special bird hike to learn more about the nesting birds of Kleinstuck Preserve!
Situated a few miles southeast of downtown Kalamazoo, Kleinstuck Preserve is a 48-acre nature preserve well-known for unique ecosystem, which includes upland forest, swamp forest, shrub carr, and marshland. This variety of habitat means that a great variety of birds call this land home. One of the ways we know this is that during the spring and summer months, many species of birds build nests and raise their young.
You might be surprised at the variety of nest types, sizes, nesting materials used, and techniques to build them. That’s why before venturing out on a nesting tour, Seth elaborated on the different nest types. We discussed the various styles of nests; scrape, platform, cup, domed, globular, retort, mound, cavity, burrow, and cavity adapters. We also got to look at the eggs from various birds to get a sense of shape, color pattern and size.
Did you know that the smallest cup nest in southwest is built by the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and that the largest is built by the American Crow?
A Chimney Swift nest, held together by Chimney Swift saliva. An example of an adherent cup nest.
Various bird eggs on display.
Seth displaying a nest from an American Robin, Michigan’s state bird.
With our senses attuned, we headed out on a bird nest tour with many stops. Seth set up his spotting scope at each stop, so that birders were afforded excellent, sharp, closeup views. Birders also took turns reading alond from a bird nest book at each stop along the way, detailing each species’ nesting habits for all to hear. First up, just as we entered the preserve, was the Eastern Phoebe.
These birds nest in niches or under overhangs, like under a patio deck, where the young will be protected from the elements and fairly safe from predators. The nest was constructed by the female, with the male accompanying her. She builds her cup nest from mud, moss, and leaves mixed with grass stems and animal hair. This particular nest was built atop a gutter, under an overhand, on the side of a building. We even got to see the female sitting on her eggs!
Eastern Phoebe female sitting on her eggs.
Shortly after the Phoebe, on our way to our next nest, we encountered a dramatic scene! Numerous hawks in the skies above were interacting; a pair Red-shouldered Hawks were defending their territory against a pair of Broad-winged Hawks. Also present was a Cooper’s Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk. This corner of the preserve was bustling! One birder’s highlight of the entire hike was witnessing the Broad-winged Hawks circling above in unison. What a sight!
On to the main event; a female Red-shouldered Hawk incubating her eggs! Until two years ago, Red-shouldered Hawks hadn’t been observed breeding in Kleinstuck for quite some time. In 2024, their nesting attempt was unsuccessful. It was a delight to see them return again this year and try again. Thank you to John Brenneman from the Kalamazoo Nature Center for pinpointing this nest.
Both male and female share building responsibilities, and typically place the nest in a broad leaved tree below the forest canopy but toward the tree top, usually in the crotch of the main trunk. The nests are typically about 2 feet in diameter and lined with bark, moss, lichens, and conifer sprigs. The parents continue to add fresh green leaves throughout the nesting season.
The well-camouflaged nest of the Red-shouldered Hawk, with the female’s head and beak visible.
A birder reading to hikers about the Red-shouldered Hawk nesting habits.
Further along the trail we encountered the nest of a Canada Goose with the female sitting on her eggs, an active Eastern Bluebird nestbox, the beginning of a Blue Jay nest, and nestbox that a male House Wren had began stuffing twigs in. A female Mourning Dove was observed sitting on her flimsy nest made of twigs, and we also got wonderful looks at a female Red-winged Blackbird sitting in her cup nest, attached to vertical shoots of vegetation above the marsh. Upon first glance, the nest looked empty, but after patient observation, birders got to witness her peek her head up. What a delight!
Looking for an Eastern Bluebird near the nestbox.
Hikers along the trail.
Enjoying the nice weather on the trail!
Watching the Red-winged Blackbirds in the swamp.
Other highlights included some exciting warblers; Nashville, Black and White, Black-throated Green, and Blue-winged. We also got excellent views of a Northern Flicker in the scope, which many thoroughly enjoyed!
It was a great morning to go birding, and what a special event this was! I am looking forward to hiking with you again soon. You can view my upcoming events here, which includes a monthly hike through Kleinstuck Preserve.
To view our full birding checklist from this event, click here.
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