January on the Marsh
January, the start of a new year, a time to take stock of where we have been and plan for where we are hoping to go. What goals do we want to achieve in the future? A
fresh start for the calendar and a time when many people make New Year’s resolutions
planning for self-improvement. Here’s an idea, if you need a place to start, how about a
resolution to appreciate, learn about and take action to benefit the environment. There
are many ways to keep this resolution including being well informed about our local
natural areas including Collins Marsh. Take time to appreciate the beautiful place we
call home, the state-owned lands that provide everyone a place to recreate. How about
becoming a volunteer in your community, all good ideas.
CEI, the friends group of Collins Marsh, has been busy planning monthly
educational speakers that are free to the public. Our January speaker will be Annie
Mueller. She will speak about American kestrel banding, a citizen science project.
American kestrels are the smallest falcon that is found in our area. They are cavity
nesters and will occupy wooden nest boxes if given the opportunity. Years ago, people
often referred to them as sparrow hawks and some occasionally do feed on small birds,
but their diet varies, mostly rodents and even may include large insects. Sadly,
according to Audubon, their populations are declining across North America, along with
many others of our beloved songbirds. It is only through research that we hope to find
out why this decline is happening and reverse the trend.
American kestrels are often seen sitting on power poles or power lines in rural
areas. They hunt the farm fields and ditches in search of mice and voles. Why should
we care? American kestrels are very important predators that feed on mice and other
rodents. It is estimated that an American Kestrel can eat more than two each day and
may capture even more during their breeding season, a very beneficial bird. Join us
Saturday, January 17 th at 1:00 PM in the nature center to learn more.
Make a new year’s resolution to get out in nature, The CEI Bird Club always
welcomes new members. We meet once a month at the Neustadter Nature Center at
Collins Marsh, all abilities are welcome. Our next meeting will be Tuesday January 13 th
at 10 AM. No experience is required, just the desire to learn more about nature and the
birds that reside in or visit our area. Bring your curiosity and a pair of binoculars if you
have them. If not, we have some you can borrow. The CEI bird club is also active in the
Adopt a Highway program and does a spring and fall clean-up of Hwy JJ and parking
areas located at Collins Marsh. Notice the signs as you drive past the nature center.
We can all try to make a difference. What a wonderful resolution that would be. I
don’t know where the quote is from but I have heard it said, “Many hands make light
work” and joining an organization and volunteering your time can bring new friends, new
knowledge and progress toward a better future for the next generation. What a greatway to start out in 2026. Happy New Year from Collins Marsh! And a big thank you to
our Caretakers, Dale & Mel, the CEI board members and all the volunteers that
continue to make Collins Marsh a great place to visit for both humans and the creatures that call it home.
