We had a great birding paddle on the Galien River Marsh yesterday with the Berrien Birding Club! Check out the comments for a list of the birds we observed. Want to join us for a paddle? Our Kayak & Brews series kicks off next Friday with the Pride Paddle! Learn more and sign-up for one of our paddle events here: www.chikamingopenlands.org/events Learn more about COL’s Galien River Marsh properties: www.chikamingopenlands.org/our-preserves/louis-j.-sima-great-lakes-marsh (fb)

🌿 FIELD NOTES FRIDAY 🌿 This week’s snapshots feature some adorable, striking—and delightfully quirky—wildlife sightings! Your weekly glimpse into the world of our preserves, Field Notes Friday includes observations, wildlife encounters, and other behind-the-scenes moments captured by COL's stewardship team and staff. 🦌 Photo 1-2: Two fawns, spotted by Field Supervisor Mandy Allred at Dayton Wet Prairie and Leonard Wildflife Preserve. These babies are not abandoned; they have been hidden by their mother for their own safety until she returns. 🦅 Photo 3: A red-headed woodpecker and a green heron share a view of the Galien River Marsh during a paddle with the Berrien Birding Club earlier this week. Captured by COL Communications Specialist Bethany Ballard. 🐢 Photo 4-5: A very large softshell turtle spotted on the Galien River Marsh during a paddle with the Berrien Birding Club earlier this week. Captured by Bethany Ballard. 🐸 Photo 6: Despite doing his best to blend in, COL Education & Outreach Coordinator Grace Fredenburg spotted this frog at Myron Perlman Nature Preserve. 🦐 Photo 7-8: Crayfish (possibly a Paintedhand Mudbug) at Sugarwood Forest Preserve, captured by Mandy Allred. (fb)