Our overall goal is to integrate avian research, professional training opportunities, and public engagement in the mid-Michigan region while showcasing the diversity of wildlife inhabiting one of mid-Michigan’s most diverse wildlife research areas. Specifically, we will (1) collect long-term data on the health of the landbird community of the Rose Lake State Wildlife Research Area during breeding and migratory seasons, (2) support training opportunities for current and future wildlife professionals through collaborative research and internship experiences, (3) provide educational opportunities for visitors to learn about birds, wildlife research, and conservation, and (4) provide a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts in the Great Lakes region on state-managed land.
The Michigan State Bird Observatory (MSBO) currently operates one fall bird banding station—the Burke Lake Banding Station (2011–present). Historically (2019 – 2025) we also operated a station at Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center.
Research Goals:
• Assess diversity and abundance of landbird species using the Rose Lake State Wildlife Research Area (RLSWRA) during migratory and breeding seasons.
• Assess physiological and immunological health of landbirds in relation to habitat use, food and nutrient availability, and exposure to parasites and pathogens.
• Assess long-term temporal changes in the abundance and diversity of birds using the RLSWRA, which may provide insight into population-level changes associated with environmental change.
• Facilitate research opportunities by providing long-term datasets, access to study sites, and opportunities for collaboration among agency professionals, research scientists, and conservation organizations.
• Provide opportunities for data sharing and collaborative research focused on the ecology and conservation of landbirds.
Training Goals:
• Support hands-on training opportunities for current and future wildlife professionals through collaborative internships, research experiences, and partnerships with universities, agencies, and conservation organizations.
• Provide opportunities for participants to learn field techniques associated with avian research, including bird capture and handling and, depending on ongoing projects, bird banding, collection of biological samples, radio telemetry, habitat sampling, and related research methods.
Outreach & Engagement Goals:
• Provide opportunities for the public to observe avian research in action and learn about birds, migration, conservation, and wildlife research through visits to the banding stations.
• Connect with a growing community of bird enthusiasts to enhance appreciation for and visibility of state-owned lands beyond traditional consumptive uses (i.e., hunting and fishing).
• Provide a venue for community building and the exchange of local, historical, and scientific knowledge.
Michigan State Bird Observatory Staff
- Alex Johnson, MSBO Coordinator, MSBObirds@gmail.com
- Jen Owen, PhD, Founder & Scientific Director, current position is Executive Director and CEO of Archbold Biological Station, Florida; (jowen@archbold-station.org)
Field Season Crews
2025 Fall Field Crew: To be added
2024 Fall Field Crew: To be added
2023 Fall Field Crew: Ariana, Kelly, Trevor, Olivia, Sarah, Eric, Peyton, Finn, Richard; Front left to right: Kristy, Matt, Jonathan, Evan, Jen, Nicole, Rose
2022 Fall Field Crew: Natalie, Jonathan, Reina, McKenzie, Kristy, Cameron, Emma, Tucker, Clara, Alison, Sidney, Evan, Kelly C., Kelly B., Karly, and Jen
2022 Spring Field Crew: Kelly B., Kelly C., Kristy, Marie, Parks, Clara
2021 Fall Field Crew: Kristy, Hannah, Reina, Tucker, Evan, Finn, Erik, Kelly C., Kelly B., Jen, Amelia
2021 Spring Field Crew: Caroline, Kristy, Jen, Kelly, Tanya, Leah, Finn, Ricky and Nate
2020 Fall Field Crew: Hannah, Jen, Evan, Amy, Kristy, Caroline, Maria, Zac, Sarah, Olivia, Amelia and Eli
2019 Field Crew: Hannah, Jen, Parks, Kristy, Meredith, Carl, Christina, Mallory, Amy, David, Zack, Evan, Samantha, Kimberly, and RCY
2018 Field Crew: Hannah, Dave, Meredith, Zack, Audrey, Parks, Jen, Mia, Kim, RcY, Kaitlyn, Mallory, David, Zach, Amy, and Eli
2017 Field Crew: RcY, Callie, Bonnie, Logan, Hannah, Audrey, Aya, Jen, Dave
2016 Field Crew: RcY, Bonnie, Aya, Kaitlin, Kaitlyn, Jen, Quintin, Kim, Nick, Audrey
2015 Field Crew: Jen, Zak, Callie, Nick, RcY, Bill, Kaitlyn, Aya.
2014 Field Crew : Zach Emery, Callie Gesmundo, Zak Pohlen, Danielle Boston, Nate Martineau, RcY
2013 Field Crew: Yushi Oguchi, Carrie Gawne, Zak Pohlen, Callie Gesmundo, Kirsten Johnson, Kaitlin Clark, Kaitlyn Wilson, Danielle Boston
2012 Field Crew: Yushi Oguchi, Liz Theile, Carrie Gawne, Kirsten Johnson