Palmer Park has the largest ancient woodland in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties, according to the People for Palmer Park. But until recently, the area was relatively unexplored in terms of the birds that lived there.
“There really were no records of what birds had been seen there,” says 17-year-old Jessica Decker, a guide for Detroit Audubon.
That’s changed since the organization started hosting walks at the park for young birders ages 12-18. The monthly event lasts about 2 hours and is led by teen guides like Decker. The next one is July 3.
Since the series launched, Decker says they’ve spotted a plethora of birds, including a hermit thrush, which had never been reported in the area before.
“It’s shaped very much like a robin and behaves very much like a robin,” says Decker of the bird. “They’re really cute actually. They just forage on the ground and they have a really pretty song that they sing.”
Listen: A 17-year-old on her love of birding and a monthly bird walk for young people in Palmer Park.
Beginner’s Birding Guide to Palmer Park
If you can’t make one of Detroit Audubon’s monthly bird walks in Palmer Park (or if you’re too old to go), fear not. With Decker’s input, we’ve put together this Beginner’s Birding Guide to Palmer Park that lists some birds you’re likely to see.
Black-throated green warbler
Both males and females are bright yellow on top and black and white on the bottom. Adult males have black throats. Learn more here.
Decker says she’s seen several flycatchers in Palmer Park. Pictured here is the alder flycatcher. It has an olive/gray head, brown and cream wings, a creamy/yellow belly and wears thin white eyeliner. Learn more here.
Great Horned Owl
Known for its distinctive ears, the males wear dark brown, tan and white camouflage while the females wear the Desert Storm version. Learn more here.
Red Winged Blackbird
These birds have pointy, isosceles triangle-shaped beaks. The males are all black except for a red and orange splash of color on their shoulders. The females are mostly brown and look like sparrows. Learn more here.
Decker says she’s seen multiple woodpeckers in Palmer Park. Pictured here is the downy woodpecker. It’s a small woodpecker with black wings with white dots. The bird looks like it’s wearing a black ninja mask. The males have a red dot on the back of their head. Learn more here.
Females (pictured here) have a light brown/gray head with a mullet and white eyeliner. Their wings are mostly brown with a little blue patch of color. The males are super fancy. They wear green Sparty helmets or have green slicked-back hair with red/orange eyes and red eyeshadow. They have brown necks and chests with little white speckles. Learn more here.