CADILLAC NEWS RELEASE -
July 16, 2008: 

Backyard Joys       By Matt Whetstone

CADILLAC - Name a bird and there’s a good chance Dave Newhouse can mimic its call.   For much of his life, the Cadillac man has been interested in birds. The passion he had as a child translated into something much deeper as he moved around Michigan and began studying the feathered creatures.  While in high school, one of Newhouse’s teachers took them on a field trip where they were able to catch some yellow warblers and observe them up close.  "That probably sunk the hook as deep as it was going to go," Newhouse said.

Today, Newhouse is president of the Pine River Chapter of the National Audubon Society and continues to have daily interactions with bird species both for fun and professionally through his position at the Manistee National Forest Service.

About two years ago, the organization existed only in a few minds.  Newhouse began making birding contacts in May 2006. He eventually met Lowell Corbin, a past board member of the National Audubon Society.  One thing led to another and the organization was up and running. Gaining momentum proved easier than expected.  "It was mostly word of mouth," Newhouse said. "Just like that, we had 14 people show up to our first meeting."

Beginning in September each year, the group meets the third Tuesday of each month at the First Congregational Church on Harris Street. Members and guests are treated to a variety of informational speakers and locations for field trips. Topics have included backyard bird feeding, artists, photography and more.

"I’ve been flabbergasted really by the number of people that have joined the organization," Corbin said. "We have 67 members."  The cost is $10 per year or $15 for a family.

A Passion for Birding
There’s plenty of reasons why Newhouse loves bird watching so much.  "It’s got to be the beauty," Newhouse said. "You’re sharing the planet with just a gorgeous creature and, in a way, it’s dependant on us not to mess it up."   Feeding and watching birds is one thing. Immersing yourself into their lives, their personalities and their habits is another all together.

Since moving to Cadillac a few years ago, Newhouse has logged 26 different species on his deck. His log book - which any aspiring birder should consider keeping - tracks the species, its actions, why it visited (to feed for example) and, if the opportunity presents itself, a photograph.   With his experience, Newhouse has learned many calls, too. Often, a birder might recognize a call before setting eyes on a bird species.

As a benefit to amateur or expert birders in northern Michigan, Newhouse said the area is rich with birds.   Cadillac is just north of oak and maple pine forests. To the east are sandy areas that support the Kirtland warbler. The sand prairies in Newaygo County support rare butterfly species.

Getting Started
The best two tools to begin with are a good field guide and good optics.

Even trumping those is having access to an experienced birder who can serve as a mentor, Newhouse said.

"It’s nice to have someone who says, ˜yup, that’s how to tell what it is - flight, its call, group of colors, relative size and actions,’" Newhouse said.

Some common species are easy to spot and great to watch. Chickadees for example, or bluebirds, grosbeaks or chipping sparrows.

Depending on the variety of birds you’re seeking, there’s a variety of feed options out there to do the job, said Brandon Kraszewski of Backyard Buddies in downtown Cadillac.

The family business has been up and running for about a year and Kraszewski said they are constantly working to provide unique seed options and blends along with all the necessities to be a successful bird feeder and watcher.

Certain species come for their own types of food.

Hummingbirds are drawn to sweet nectar, which can be purchased or made with four parts water to one part sugar.

Orioles, likewise, are attracted to oriole nectar, jelly or fruit feeders.

The black-oil sunflower seeds, while a bit more expensive, draw a large variety of birds. Smaller birds are drawn to whole-heart, or medium chip sunflower pieces.

Nyjer seed draws gold finches, Kraszewski said.

Backyard Buddies also offers a variety of custom blends to draw in songbirds. There are special options for cardinals and other birds as well.

Safflower seeds draw species like cardinals, blue jays and bluebirds. Kraszewski said the bitter taste keeps the squirrels away. There also is a fruit and nut blend for grosbeaks, nuthatches and other songbirds.

Beyond seeds, suet cakes offer a nutritious option for birds. Suet cakes can draw species ranging from cardinals to woodpeckers, Kraszewski said.

Newhouse said he likes to provide meal worms for the bluebirds, which are nesting in his yard this year.

There’s a way to save money on seed, too. Kraszewski said Backyard Buddies will fill a milk jug for free with certain seeds if you bring in 10 empty milk jugs.