Share your latest bird sightings and learn more about some of the bird species commonly found during winter in southwest Michigan, and related topics, during monthly Birds and Coffee chats, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. All events begin at 10 a.m. on Zoom. 

 The first chat of 2024, set for Wednesday, Jan. 10, will feature guest Seth Chapman, who will discuss combining birding and nature discovery with mindfulness practices. Seth has a lifelong passion for birds and loves sharing his enthusiasm for the bird world with those around him. He volunteers at the Kalamazoo Nature Center where he helps at the banding station during migration, and assists in various bird counts and studies throughout southwest Michigan. 

 The February chat, set for Wednesday, Feb. 14, will delve into how birds “fall in love.” Avian partnerships can take many forms. Birds court one another with dances, songs, and building nests. Some form lifelong bonds that can last decades, while other species stick together for only one or two seasons. And for some species, pair bonds don’t even exist. Regardless, male and female birds need to attract and select suitable mates, and they need to know when the time is right—a harder task for birds than one might think. 

 The March chat will take place Wednesday, March 13. Michigan DNR wildlife pathologist Julie Melotti will highlight the majestic Bald Eagle, discussing its recovery and the numerous threats it still faces.  

 Birds and Coffee chats are free and open to the public, but registration is required to access information on how to join the events. 

 Questions? Contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.