June 18, 2002

For the birds

Northern Michigan couple takes conservation dedication to a higher level

   And that’s just fine with Kay.

   “Now I get to watch her mate sitting out there talking to her,” she says. “He’s right outside my window on the shepherd’s crook that holds the feeder.”

   If the phoebes “double-clutch” — raise another set of youngsters, that is — the door may very well be closed off for the next few months. Not only that, since phoebes return to the same nesting place year after year, the Charters might just as well cut a new door on the other side of the house.

   You might be familiar with Kay Charter for her regular birding column in the Record-Eagle, or perhaps her book, “For the Love of Birds.”

   Or maybe you’ve visited the Charters’ 47-acre Charter Sanctuary in Leelanau County, established nine years ago to thwart the decline of some of their favorite birds — Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Red-Headed Woodpeckers and Flickers among them.

   According to David Allen Sibley, author of “The Sibley Guide to Birds” and other books, the decline of many migrating and nesting birds can be traced to loss of habitat and predators. That’s why the Charters have invested so much time creating a safe haven for them.

   But because 47 acres is the proverbial drop in the bucket — “We couldn’t save enough birds to make a real difference in the long run,” said Kay — they decided to take it one step further. Along with several other devoted conservationists, the Charters recently formed a non-profit organization called “Saving Birds Thru Habitat,” focused on educating people of all ages about the value of native birds and their diverse habitat requirements.

   Their goal is to introduce children to birds, encourage homeowners to establish native plantings and persuade businesses and property owners to maintain existing habitat.

   Charter says many of the species that pass back and forth between North America and South America are in decline. Some are approaching a downright free-fall.

   “One of the problems with these birds is that they run out of food when there aren’t enough native plants,” she noted. “Many of them are insectivores, and non-native plants don’t support the insects these birds need to live on. So if you restore your backyard to native plantings, the birds may not nest there, but they’ll certainly migrate through and use your yard as a stopover for resting and foraging. That’s really the sum and substance of our message.”

   To expand on that message, the Charters recently started a fund to construct a “Habitat Discovery Center.” The 1,000-square-foot building will have a native plants garden featuring feeding stations, nesting boxes and a water feature. It will serve as a starting point for guided hikes, bird workshops



and children’s events.

   “This will be a wonderful place to bring your kids, your grandkids or your friends or relatives for a Sunday afternoon visit,” she said. “It’ll have nice little trails with benches, and we intend to have it up by next year.”

   Charter wasn’t always this passionate about birds. Growing up in southern Illinois, she knew about robins, seagulls, mallard ducks and geese. And that’s about it.

   Then in 1982 while living in San Diego, the Charters were waiting with birder friends to see Queen Elizabeth sail by on the Royal Yacht Brittanica. That’s when Charter’s life changed forever.

   “As we sat there, this beautiful little bufflehead swam up in the water,” she recalls. “Until that moment, I thought all ducks were mallards. And once I saw this duck, I could have cared less about the Queen. I was just captivated by this little duck.”

   Bird lovers all over northern Michigan can thank that bufflehead for sparking an enthusiasm in Charter that would eventually lead to opening the sanctuary and now the non-profit organization.

   “I just felt like I had to do something to turn this decline around,” she says. “It’s just heartbreaking to think that my granddaughter may not be able to watch an American Redstart like I do.”

   For more information about Charter Sanctuary or Saving Birds Through Habitat, contact Kay and Jim Charter at 271-3738. The cost to tour the sanctuary is $10 per person, and reservations are required.

   Individuals, families, school classes, camp and church groups and scout troops are all welcome. The tour is appropriate for children age 5 and up.