Charity Island Bed & Breakfast & Birding for 2012
Charity Island was host to about 50 birders during the 2011 TawasBirdfest and although we had some rain during the early part of morning the sun came out before noon and the day turned out pretty good.
For Lunch, we served a hearty corn chowder and a fresh baked crusty French bread on the porch of the lightkeepers home. A multitude of Baltimore orioles and hummingbirds came into the yard to use the feeders we had out and they entertained everyone while they dined.
It was such a big hit with our visitors that day we decided fpr the 2012 Tawas bird fest we will be offering birdwatching from our new Deck/Dining that will have a number of oriole & hummingbird feeders around the perimeter. We are hoping this will appeal to birders with mobility issues and will provide a sheltered viewing area in the event of rain.
The deck sits right on a transition zone between a mature hardwood forest and a shoreline/ dune habitat that will provide the opportunity to view a wide spectrum of bird species from this location.
And there will be an ample supply of complimentary hot coffee and danish available there for our guests.
In addition, the Charity Island Lightkeepers home will be operating as a Bed & Breakfast in 2012 with four bedrooms available on the second floor for birders who want to spend more than a day on the Island.
Mershon Expedition of 1910 - Bird Watching Window to the Past
I recently came across a very interesting report from a 1910 University of Michigan bird watching expedition to Charity Island. (see PDF file “Mershon expedition” ).
The members of this Expedition arrived on Charity Island August 16th 1910 and stayed until October 11th.
The report states they relied on the Lightkeeper, Captain Charles C. McDonald because he had been on the Island for 29 years. Being the lightkeeper on Charity Island since 1882, he was on duty the night the Oconto wrecked on Charity Island in that winter gale December 5th 1885. (see Charity Island History)
Of particular interest is the discussion of the birds observed in the fall migration and the number of Fatalities from bird collisions with the lighthouse at night.
Captain McDonald recalls one morning in May of 1910 finding 174 small brightly colored dead birds at the base of the light tower, most probably warblers.
The report goes on in great detail regarding various species of birds observed and In what numbers.
We are happy to provide the report here for those interested.
Robert G. & Karen R. Wiltse
Avid bird watchers throughout the State of Michigan are anxiously watching the calendar, as the spring migration of birds will soon begin signaling the end of a long winter and the beginning of spring.
One of the very best bird watching sites in all of Saginaw Bay has also been one of the most difficult to get to, until now.
Located in the middle of Saginaw Bay, Charity Island lies directly on a line between two of the best Known bird watching sites in Lower Michigan, Tawas Point State Park 14 miles to the north of Charity Island and the Fish Point Federal Wildlife Refuge 22 miles to the south.
With nearly 300 acres of forest, an 11 acre inland lake and 3 miles of shoreline, Charity Island is an important stopover for over 200 species of migratory birds. Most of the Island is now managed By the Federal Fish & Wildlife Service as an Island Wildlife Refuge.
Charity Island Excursions has announced it is again offering their Bird watching Cruise excursions this spring.
These Bird Watching Cruises will be offered every Saturday beginning May 8th through May 22nd. Ferryboat departures will be from the East Tawas State dock in East Tawas Michigan 8:00 am and returning to the dock at 2:00 pm.
Tickets are $50.00 per person.
Complimentary Coffee is served on the forty five minute trip to the Island and a hearty bowl of Corn Chowder and fresh baked French bread is served at noon at the lightkeepers home.
For reservations call 1-989-254-7710
