Stories

As fall stretches across Michigan, ospreys embark on their annual journey south. The osprey, scientifically known as Pandion haliaetus,...

Michigan is blessed with a diverse range of wildlife, and among its avian residents, the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) stands out...

The scientific name for stick insects is Phasmatodea, from the Greek word phasma (“phantom”), which refers to this insect’s ability to...

Praying mantises belong to the insect family of Mantidae ("mantids"). All mantids have enlarged forelegs (“raptorial legs”) adapted for...

Monarch butterflies have bright orange wings covered with black veins and rimmed with a black border and white dots. This brilliant...

Dragonflies belong to an order of insects known as Odonata, which means “toothed one” in Greek and refers to the dragonfly’s serrated...

Gray tree frogs live in forested areas throughout the eastern United States and southern Ontario. They are about two inches long and have...

Wood frogs are found only in the United States and Canada. They are about three inches long and have bumpy skin that comes in several...

Most green frogs are green, but some are brownish green, yellowish green, or olive. Their legs have dark bands across them, and their...

The killdeer is a familiar species across North America, thanks to its preference for open habitats and its loud calls, which give it its...

The Kirtland’s warbler is a small gray-and-yellow bird and one of the rarest songbirds in North America. It was named after Jared...

Eastern Bluebirds spend the winter in the southeastern United States and return to the upper midwest to breed in early March. Immediately...

Brook trout are native to Michigan's waters, and they were designated the state fish of Michigan in 1988. They have long, streamlined...

Grayling were once abundant in Michigan rivers and found nowhere else on earth. They were easy to catch, good eating, and beautiful, with...

They were first imported into the United States from Germany in 1884 and dispersed in the Baldwin River, a tributary of the Pere Marquette

Steelhead are rainbow trout that hatch in gravel-bottomed, fast-flowing, well- oxygenated rivers, migrate to the ocean or large lake for...

Bald Eagles are a symbol of freedom and power, and have been depicted in American art for centuries. These majestic birds have made a...

Goldfinches are a welcome addition to anyone's birdfeeders.. They are known for their bright yellow and black coloring, which is most...

White-breasted nuthatches are small, energetic birds native to much of North America. We love watching them at our feeders. They are...

Blue jays are a common songbird that are known for their striking blue and white plumage and one of our favorite feeder visitors. They...